cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A prospective study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the risk for mild cognitive impairment.

Importance Previous studies suggest cross-sectional associations between a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, few studies have assessed whether COPD, a potentially modifiable factor, is associated with an increased risk for MCI and whether the relation is specific to the type of MCI. Objective To investigate whether a diagnosis of COPD and duration of COPD are associated with an increased risk for incident MCI and MCI subtypes (amnestic MCI [A-MCI] and nonamnestic MCI [NA-MCI]). Design, Setting, and Participants A prospective population-based cohort from the Mayo Clinic Study on Aging. We included 1425 cognitively normal individuals aged 70 to 89 years who were randomly selected from Olmsted County, Minnesota, on October 1, 2004, using the medical records linkage system. At baseline and every 15 months thereafter, participants underwent assessment with a nurse interview, neurologic examination, and neuropsychological testing. A diagnosis of COPD was confirmed via medical record review. A baseline diagnosis of COPD and duration of COPD were examined as risk factors for MCI and MCI subtypes using Cox proportional hazards models and adjusting for demographic variables and medical comorbidities, with age as the time scale. Exposure A baseline diagnosis of COPD and duration of COPD. Main Outcomes and Measures Incident MCI, A-MCI, and NA-MCI. Results Of the 1425 participants with normal cognition at baseline, 370 developed incident MCI. The median duration of follow-up was 5.1 years (interquartile range, 3.8-5.4 years). A diagnosis of COPD significantly increased the risk for NA-MCI by 83% (hazard ratio, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.04-3.23]), but not of any MCI or A-MCI in multivariate analyses. We found a dose-response relationship such that individuals with COPD duration of longer than 5 years at baseline had the greatest risk for any MCI (hazard ratio, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.04-2.40]) and NA-MCI (2.58 [1.32-5.06]). Conclusions and Relevance A diagnosis of COPD is associated with an increased risk for MCI, particularly NA-MCI. We have found a dose-response relationship between COPD duration and risk for MCI. These findings highlight the importance of COPD as a risk factor for MCI and may provide a substrate for early intervention to prevent or delay the onset and progression of MCI, particularly NA-MCI.
Humans make efficient use of natural image statistics when performing spatial interpolation

Visual systems learn through evolution and experience over the lifespan to exploit the statistical structure of natural images when performing visual tasks. Understanding which aspects of this statistical structure are incorporated into the human nervous system is a fundamental goal in vision science. To address this goal, we measured human ability to estimate the intensity of missing image pixels in natural images. Human estimation accuracy is compared with various simple heuristics (e.g., local mean) and with optimal observers that have nearly complete knowledge of the local statistical structure of natural images. Human estimates are more accurate than those of simple heuristics, and they match the performance of an optimal observer that knows the local statistical structure of relative intensities (contrasts). This optimal observer predicts the detailed pattern of human estimation errors and hence the results place strong constraints on the underlying neural mechanisms. However, humans do not reach the performance of an optimal observer that knows the local statistical structure of the absolute intensities, which reflect both local relative intensities and local mean intensity. As predicted from a statistical analysis of natural images, human estimation accuracy is negligibly improved by expanding the context from a local patch to the whole image. Our results demonstrate that the human visual system exploits efficiently the statistical structure of natural images.
Systems Thinking: An Experimental Course for College Freshmen.

An experimental interdisciplinary freshman course called “The Systems Approach to the Universe” was taught at North Carolina State University in the Spring of 1986. The goals of the course were to introduce principles of general systems theory; to provide examples through lectures and readings of applications of these principles in a wide variety of fields and disciplines; and to introduce and provide practice in critical questioning and evaluation. This paper outlines what was done, how it worked, and how the instructors and the students assessed the experience afterwards.
Multivariate statistical analysis of the factors controlling the distribution of scaled chrysophytes

A total of 332 collections from 62 water bodies was analyzed for scaled chrysophytes with electron microscopy and correlated with limnological characteristics. The pH and specific conductance were the most important factors controlling the distribution of scaled chrysophytes; temperature and total phosphorus were of lesser importance. A mean of nine and seven taxa per collection were recorded at a pH of 5.5-6.0 and a specific conductance ~40 $S, respectively. Significantly fewer taxa per collection were found as the pH lowered below 5.5 or raised above 6.0 or as the specific conductance increased above 40 $S. Similar distributional patterns were found for the genera Mallomonas, Synura, and Spiniferomonas. A two-factor principal component model explained 70% of the total variance within the data set (n = 1,355). The first principal component explained 80 and 83% of the total variance within the pH and specific conductance variables. The pH and specific conductance also dominated the first principal component for each genus and for 23 of the 25 species tested. A cluster analysis, using within-group linkages, produced five groups of organisms that differed primarily with respect to their distribution along a pH gradient.
L-N-Acetylcysteine treatment is associated with improved hearing outcome in sudden idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss.

Abstract Conclusion: Combination therapy corticosteroids plus an oral antioxidant L-N-acetylcysteine (LNAC) was associated with improved hearing over corticosteroids alone, particularly at the 6-month follow-up and at high frequencies (i.e. 4000 Hz). This is the first report of a beneficial effect of LNAC in sudden idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss (SISNHL). Objective: To determine the association between antioxidant treatment and functional outcomes in SISNHL. Methods: This was a case-control study of adult patients with SISNHL, treated with oral prednisone plus intratympanic dexamethasone either alone or in combination with LNAC. The outcome measure was change in pure-tone thresholds at 500–4000 Hz. Hearing recovery was also recorded as the percentage of subjects with final pure-tone threshold average (PTA) within 50% of the difference between the initial value of the affected ear and the value of the unaffected ear. Comparisons were made between combination (corticosteroids plus LNAC) and single (n...
Foam-reinforced elderly human tibia approximates young human tibia better than porcine tibia: a study of the structural properties of three soft tissue fixation devices.

BackgroundBecause there is an insufficient supply of young human knees, an alternative is needed for evaluating anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. The authors determined whether an elderly human tibia reinforced with foam is a better substitute for a young human tibia than a porcine tibia in this study of the tibial fixation of a soft tissue anterior cruciate ligament graft using 3 devices.HypothesisA foam-reinforced elderly human tibia more closely approximates the performance of a young human tibia than a porcine tibia.Study DesignBiomechanical study.MethodsFailure mode, stiffness, yield, and slippage were determined for a double-looped tendon graft fixed with either an interference screw, WasherLoc, or tandem washers in young human tibiae, foam-reinforced tibiae from elderly humans, and porcine tibiae.ResultsThe stiffness and yield of interference screw and WasherLoc fixation in foam-reinforced tibiae more closely approximate those in young human tibiae than in porcine tibiae. Slippage of all ...
Autonomic modulation of aminophylline influence on the electrophysiological effects of adenosine and adenosine triphosphate in the canine heart

The influence of aminophylline, a competitive antagonist of adenosine, on the chronotropic and dromotropic effects of adenosine and adenosine triphosphate was studied in pentobarbital anaesthetised dogs under various modifications of the autonomic nervous tone. Adenosine and adenosine triphosphate (3 mumol.kg-1 each) were rapidly (greater than or equal to 1 s) injected into the right atrium during both sinus rhythm and right atrial pacing (cycle length 300 ms) before and after infusion of aminophylline (5 mg.kg-1) (n = 21) as well as after increasing doses of aminophylline (n = 10). Some dogs underwent either muscarinic blockade with atropine (0.2 mg.kg-1) (n = 10), or beta adrenergic blockade with propranolol (1 mg.kg-1) (n = 10), or complete autonomic blockade with atropine and propranolol (n = 10). Aminophylline (5 mg.kg-1) antagonised the negative chronotropic and dromotropic effects of adenosine triphosphate and adenosine in dogs pretreated with atropine or atropine plus propranolol but did not affect them in autonomically intact dogs. In addition, the electrophysiological effects of adenosine were antagonised by only the highest doses of aminophylline in autonomically intact dogs and by aminophylline (5 mg X kg-1) in dogs pretreated with propranolol. It was concluded that (a) alteration of the electrophysiological effects of adenosine triphosphate and adenosine by aminophylline is appreciably influenced by the autonomic nervous tone and (b) autonomic blockade is required for the manifestation of the antagonism by aminophylline of the electrophysiological action of adenosine and adenosine triphosphate.
Forecasting losses on a liquidating long-term loan portfolio

Abstract Assessing the condition of financial institutions and valuation of loan portfolios in secondary markets require the estimation of exposure to losses on existing portfolios of long-term loans. Data from a major U.S. financial institution were used to construct a forecasting model with Markovian structure and nonstationary transition probabilities. The model proved to be effective in representing changes in probability of default that occur as individual loans mature and accurate in forecasting aggregate defaults and losses on a nationwide portfolio of long-term loans.
Statistical ranking of sensor observations for centralized detection with distributed sensors

This paper investigates data reduction strategies from signal processing perspective for centralized detection with distributed sensors. We consider a deterministic source observed by a network of sensors and develop an analytical strategy for ranking sensor transmissions based on their test statistics. The benefit of the proposed strategy is that in certain scenarios, the decision to transmit or not to transmit to the fusion center can be made at the sensor level, resulting in significant savings in transmission costs. We derive a theoretical bound on the number of sensor transmissions saved. Our results complement existing results in the literature. We simulate the proposed strategy and demonstrate its benefits over the unconstrained energy approach.
Dicyandiamide analysis and solubility in epoxy resins

A simple procedure is described for the rapid, quantitative analysis of dicyandiamide in epoxy resins and epoxy resin prepregs. High performance liquid chromatography is used to analyze for dicyandiamide and to investigate the solubility behavior of dicyandiamide and 3-(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (Monuron) in liquid epoxy resins. Solubility expressions and differential heats of solution are determined. The formation of soluble amine-epoxy reaction products and epoxy resin additives such as Monuron are found to enhance the solubility of dicyandiamide.
A Comparison of Computer Simulation Predictions to Experimental Data Taken From Side-by-Side Residential Homes Configured With a Radiant Barrier

Numerical results of a computer simulation using the RESHEAT code are made with experimental data obtained from side by side testing of a Radiant Barrier (RB) technology on a set of residential houses in the Southern MidWest. The code is a dynamic one dimensional heat transfer model which incorporates all the effects of heat through attics and building structures. The code also models the effect of radiant heat gain in supply air ducts placed in the attic. The code solves for temperature histories of over 90 nodal points around the structure and uses the hourly weather information already available in the open literature as its input. It was found that in a majority of cases where the experimental data was deemed reasonably accurate and without problem the code predicted the temperature profiles in the different attic layers reasonably well. In some of the experimental data, obtained by others, the validity of the data was somewhat in question.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Relationships between selected organizational factors and systems development

Three organizational variables influence the quality of the system development process: available resources (both human and financial), external influences on the development process, and the project team's exposure to information systems. Public information and interviews with systems managers from 28 large private firms yielded data about the organizational variables. Systems project group members completed questionnaires concerning the system development process. The results indicate that human resources affect the development process positively, but increased financial resources are related to team disagreement. The degree of external influence on the system development effort needs to be carefully monitored and controlled. Systems exposure in the firm allows an increase in the degree of awareness among project group members about the different problems encountered by users and systems staff.
IL-11 expression in retinal and corneal cells is regulated by interferon-γ

Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is an anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory cytokine with hematopoietic potential. The expression and protective actions of IL-11 have not been explored in the eye. The expression of IL-11 in primary cultures of human retinal pigment epithelial (HRPE) and human corneal fibroblast (HCRF) cells were evaluated in these studies. Constitutive secretion of IL-11 was not observed in either HRPE or HCRF. TNF-α + IL-1 induced IL-11 secretion and this production was inhibited by NFκB pathway inhibitors. IFN-γ significantly inhibited TNF-α and IL-1 induced IL-11 secretion and inhibitors of JAK-STAT pathway reversed this inhibition. TGF-β induced IL-11 secretion that was blocked by TGF-β receptor 1 inhibitor but not by IFN-γ. RT-PCR analysis confirmed the effects of IL-1, TNF-α, IFN-γ and TGF-β on IL-11 secretion at mRNA levels. Our results demonstrate that IL-11 is dramatically up regulated in retina and cornea cells and that IFN-γ is a physiological inhibitor of IL-11 expression.
C(3)-azido cephem II

Abstract The major product from the thermolysis and photolysis of C(3)-azido cephem 2 is the ring expanded 1,4,6-thiadiazepine azetidinone.
The Effects of Drinking Carbonated Water on the Egg Shell Quality of Single Comb White Leghorn Hens Exposed to High Environmental Temperature

Abstract Hens receiving carbonated water as their water source had higher egg production when averaged across the experimental periods, and in Period 1 (23 C) this increase in egg production was significant (P
Conjugation to albumin-binding molecule tags as a strategy to improve both efficacy and pharmacokinetic properties of the complement inhibitor compstatin.

The compstatin family of complement inhibitors has shown promise in various immuno-inflammatory disorders. Although recent analogues show beneficial pharmacokinetics, further extension of the plasma half-life is expected to benefit systemic application of these peptidic inhibitors. We therefore synthesized conjugates of compstatin analogues and albumin-binding molecules (ABM) to increase circulatory residence. Equilibrium dialysis in complement-depleted serum showed a marked increase in plasma protein binding from 99 % for a resulting chimera (ABM2-Cp20). Further analysis confirmed interaction with albumin from different species, primarily via site II. Importantly, ABM2-Cp20 bound 20-fold stronger to its target protein C3b (KD =150 pM) than the parent peptide. Kinetic and in silico analysis suggested that ABM2 occupies a secondary site on C3b and improves the dissociation rate via additional contacts. Addition of an ABM modifier thereby not only improved plasma protein binding but also produced the most potent compstatin analogue to date with potential implications for the treatment of systemic complement-related diseases.
A 25-year experience with postresection short-bowel syndrome secondary to radiation therapy.

Abstract Background Short-bowel syndrome (SBS) can be caused by abdominal and pelvic malignancies treated by radiation therapy (XRT). The management and long-term outcome of these patients is poorly defined. Methods This was a retrospective observational study. We reviewed 48 adults developing postresection SBS after XRT over a 25-year period. There were 36 women and 12 men ranging from 19 to 78 years. Follow-up evaluation ranged from 1 to 360 months. Results The underlying cancer in women included rectum (n = 13), ovary (n = 8), uterus (n = 7), and cervix (n = 6). In men, rectal cancer (n = 4) was most common. The interval to SBS was 1 to 234 months, with 16 (33%) patients developing SBS within 12 months. The indication for surgery was intestinal obstruction in 35, fistula in 9, perforation in 5, and ischemia in 2. Thirty-four (71%) patients underwent multiple resections and residual radiation enteritis was present in 34 (71%). Thirty-six (75%) patients also underwent colectomy and 28 (58%) had an ostomy. Intestinal remnant length was 60 cm or less in 11 patients, 60 to 120 cm in 16 patients, and 120 to 180 cm in 21 patients. Parenteral nutrition was weaned in 9 (19%) patients, and 30 (62%) patients remain on parenteral nutrition. Up to half (48%) of the patients had further intestinal procedures, including 2 liver–small-bowel transplants. Mortality during the follow-up period was 35%, with 8 patients dying within 12 months. Conclusions Postresection SBS develops within months to years after XRT for mainly gynecologic and rectal malignancies. Intestinal obstruction is the most common reason for surgery. Multiple resections, colectomy, and ostomy are performed frequently. Long-term survival is possible in many patients although further surgical intervention, including transplantation, can be performed safely.
Mapping Point Mutations in the Drosophila Rosy Locus Using Denaturing Gradient Gel Blots

Mutations within the rosy locus of Drosophila were mapped using blots of genomic DNA fragments separated on denaturing gradient gels. DNA sequence differences between otherwise identical small rosy DNA fragments were detected among the mutants as mobility shifts on the blots. Mutations were mapped to within a few hundred base pairs of rosy sequence in 100 of 130 mutants tested--a 77% detection rate. The sequence changes in 43 rosy mutations are presented; all but six of these were single base changes. Thirty-four of 36 sequenced mutations induced by the alkylating agents N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea and ethyl methanesulfonate were transitions. All of the mutations mapped in the rosy transcription unit. Twenty-three of the 43 sequenced mutations change the predicted rosy gene polypeptide sequence; the remainder would interrupt protein translation (17), or disrupt mRNA processing (3).
Effect of replacing neutral detergent fiber of forage with soyhulls and corn gluten feed for dairy heifers

Abstract Five duodenally and ruminally cannulated Holstein heifers were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design to determine the potential of substituting NDF of soyhulls or corn gluten feed for forage NDF, and effects on site of nutrient digestion. All diets were formulated to contain 31% NDF, and diets had 85% (control), 65 or 45% (low or high corn gluten feed), and 65 or 45% (low or high soyhulls) of total NDF from corn silage and alfalfa hay (1: 1). Ruminal pH was lower at 3 h postfeeding in heifers fed high versus low substitution diets. Ruminal disappearance in situ of NDF of alfalfa hay was higher when heifers were fed control diet and lower when they were fed high soyhulls, possibly mediated by ruminal pH. Total tract NDF digestibility was lower in heifers fed control than other diets, perhaps due to its higher proportion of less degradable forage NDF. Heifers fed low corn gluten feed or high soyhulls had reduced ruminal NDF digestibilities but greater total tract (and hindgut) NDF digestibilities than those fed high corn gluten feed or low soyhulls; heifers fed low corn gluten feed had faster ruminal fluid outflow, which may have increased passage of small, soluble particles. Low ruminal pH may have depressed ruminal digestibility of NDF by heifers fed high soyhulls. Duodenal N flow and efficiency of bacterial growth in the rumen were not affected by treatment. Apparent ruminal escape of soyhull protein was greater than for corn gluten feed protein. Results are interpreted to suggest that, in dairy rations containing by-products, 65% of dietary NDF as forage may be sufficient.
Simplified calculation of wave-coupling between lines in high-speed integrated circuits

The construction of time-domain solutions by the superposition of modes is explained for the general case, which may not have any symmetry in the lines or terminations. This simplified method requires that the logic-gate terminal impedances be approximated by linear effective resistances that can be adequately determined by SPICE analysis of the actual logic gates. Several examples of results of crosstalk calculations made by the simplified method are presented and compared with corresponding results obtained using the SPICE transmission-line methods of Tripathi and Rettig (IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Tech., vol. MTT-33, no.12, p.1513-18, 1985) along with full SPICE models of the logic gates. The simplified approach is shown to give satisfactory agreement for most purposes. >
K-Band wafer level antenna

This prototype design shows that a compact, efficient, and affordable wafer level antenna can be realized and processed along with MEMs technology on the same material. This prototype high resistivity Si wafer level antenna at K-band has demonstrated its proof of concept and performance. In addition, HFSS will help evaluate new antenna designs on materials, such as GaAs. A full 3-D simulator will continue to be needed to obtain more accurate solutions. Future work will entail simulating the SMA connector effects and comparing the accuracy of the resulting data.
Microwave performance of optically injection-locked VCSELs

The optical injection-locking technique has been demonstrated to enhance the microwave performance of fiber-optic links based on vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). We report recent advances of a comprehensive study on VCSELs under ultrahigh injection-locking conditions. The performance improvements include /spl sim/20-dB increase of both spur-free dynamic range and RF link gain, a factor of 5-10 increase in resonance frequency, as well as /spl sim/20-dB reduction in laser noise.
Hyperextended call note repertoire of the endemic Madagascar treefrog Boophis madagascariensis (Rhacophoridae)

Vocalizations of Boophis madagascariensis (Rhacophoridae) males were recorded in a mid-elevation rain forest in eastern Madagascar. Call notes made by males of this species were classified into 28 types. This represents the largest known call repertoire of any amphibian. The calls range widely in spectral characteristics from a narrowband, nearly pure-tone to broadband ‘rip’ notes, to even broader band, pulsatile ‘iambic’ notes consisting of up to 23 pulses. Even considering all ‘iambic’ notes as variants of one type, there remain eight distinct call notes produced by this species. Morphological analysis of the vocal musculature of B. madagascariensis revealed no obvious adaptations for unusual glottal flexibility or function. Playback studies using a subset of the call notes as stimuli were carried out in the animals’ natural habitat to determine the functional significance of several of the call notes. At the lowest playback levels, there was a significant tendency for males to produce rip notes in immediate response to either rip or iambic note stimuli. At the higher playback levels, we identified one sequence of iambic notes that consistently evoked a significant iambic note response from males. A permutation test on call note transitions during spontaneous calling revealed that call note pairs occurred inconsistently and unpredictably. The evolutionary significance of an extended vocal repertoire, matched counter-calling and a random call note production scheme is discussed.
Differential contribution of necrosis and apoptosis in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Necrosis and apoptosis differentially contribute to myocardial injury. Determination of the contribution of these processes in ischemia-reperfusion injury would allow for the preservation of myocardial tissue. Necrosis and apoptosis were investigated in Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts (n = 47) subjected to 0 (Control group), 5 (GI-5), 10 (GI-10), 15 (GI-15), 20 (GI-20), 25 (GI-25), and 30 min (GI-30) of global ischemia (GI) and 120 min of reperfusion. Myocardial injury was determined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), bax, bcl2, poly(ADP)ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage, caspase-3, -8, and -9 cleavage and activity, Fas ligand (FasL), and Fas-activated death domain (FADD). The contribution of apoptosis was determined separately (n = 42) using irreversible caspase-3, -8, and -9 inhibitors. Left ventricular peak developed pressure (LVPDP) and systolic shortening (SS) were significantly decreased and infarct size and TUNEL-positive cells were significantly increased (P < 0.05 vs. Control group) at GI-20, GI-25, and GI-30. Proapoptotic bax, PARP cleavage, and caspase-3 and -9 cleavage and activity were apparent at GI-5 to GI-30. Fas, FADD, and caspase-8 cleavage and activity were unaltered. Irreversible inhibition of caspase-3 and -9 activity significantly decreased (P < 0.05) infarct size at GI-25 and GI-30 but had no effect on LVPDP or SS. Myocardial injury results from a significant increase in both necrosis and apoptosis (P < 0.05 vs. Control group) evident by TUNEL, TTC staining, and caspase activity at GI-20. Intrinsic proapoptotic activation is evident early during ischemia but does not significantly contribute to infarct size before GI-25. The contribution of necrosis to infarct size at GI-20, GI-25, and GI-30 is significantly greater than that of apoptosis. Apoptosis is significantly decreased by caspase inhibition during early reperfusion, but this protection does not improve immediate postischemic functional recovery.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure Among Urban Children

Background. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure is a well-known health hazard for children. Poor urban children may be at increased risk of exposure from nonparental sources of tobacco smoke. The unique problems of ETS exposure in urban children have previously not been well-defined. Objectives. This study was conducted: 1) to identify the sources of ETS exposure for children attending a hospital-based pediatric resident practice; and 2) to examine caregivers9 perceptions of the pediatrician9s role and action in addressing ETS exposure. Design. Questionnaires were administered to a convenience sample of 174 caregivers of children visiting a children9s hospital-based resident practice. A structured face-to-face interview was used. Results. All caregivers agreed to participate in the study. Most of the caregivers interviewed were mothers (87.9%). Although only 14% of caregivers were smokers, 49.4% reported caring for at least 1 smoke-exposed child. Most smoke exposure occurred in the home; smoking is allowed in the home of 75% of the children who live with a smoker (48/64). Thirty-four percent of the caregivers who reported no smoking in the home reported having a child who spends time in homes where other people smoke. Most exposure outside the home occurred at a grandparent9s home. A ban on smoking in the home did not eliminate a child9s risk of residential smoke exposure but did predict whether smoking occurred in the same room as the child. All caregivers reported believing that tobacco smoke is harmful. Approximately one half of caregivers who smoke (54.2%) would like smoking cessation advice from the child9s pediatrician. Interest in receiving advice on helping others quit smoking was also high (51.3%) among nonsmoking caregivers who cared for a smoke-exposed child. Conclusions. Nonparental sources of ETS exposure are reported to be common in urban children. Children may be exposed to tobacco smoke even in homes where smoking is banned. Many caregivers would like help from pediatricians in reducing children9s exposure to tobacco smoke.
Epigenetic perspective on behavior development, personality, and personality disorders.

SUMMARY After 30 years of clinical work and research based on categorical criteria for personality disorders (Diagnostic and Statistical manual of Mental Disorders – DSM IV TR) and (International Classification of Diseases - ICD 10 th revision), a solid conceptual understanding and treatment of these disorders have not been established. For the field to move forward, it is imperative that future classifications introduce major revisions of the concept, diagnosis, and classification of personality disorders. This paper proposes one such revision. Based on recent advances in molecular biology and epigenetics, we define personality disorders as maladaptive syndromes developed trough person-environment interaction. We conceptualize maladaptation as a failure of integrative functions of personality (i.e., those that carry out adaptive processes) caused by strong biogenetic dispositions or by pathological environmental effects, or both. Hence, accurate diagnosis of personality disorder depends upon neurobiological (innate) and adaptive (interactive) etiological factors. We propose a 2-step diagnostic algorithm for personality disorders: adaptive processes (i.e., character) are used to diagnose maladaptation, whereas biological aspects (i.e., temperament) are used to specify dominant clinical presentation and for differential diagnosis. We suggest that the term “Personality Disorder” be replaced by a more appropriate term "Adaptation Disorder” as the latter reflects more accurately the real nature of the disorder and distributes the causality of maladaptive syndromes more evenly, between the person and the environment. Diagnostic, research, and treatment advantages of the proposed solution are discussed in some detail.
Sensitivity of elastic properties to measurement uncertainties in laryngeal muscles with implications for voice fundamental frequency prediction.

Summary This paper discusses the effects of measurement uncertainties when calculating elastic moduli of laryngeal tissue. Small dimensions coupled with highly nonlinear elastic properties exacerbate the uncertainties. The sensitivity of both tangent and secant Young's Modulus was quantified in terms of the coefficient of variation, which depended on measurement of reference length and cross-sectional area. Uncertainties in the measurement of mass, used to calculate cross-sectional area of a small tissue sample, affected Young's Modulus calculations when tissue absorption of the hydrating solution was not accounted for. Uncertainty in reference length had twice the effect on elasticity than other measures. The implication of these measurement errors on predicted fundamental frequency of vocalization is discussed. Refinements on isolated muscle experimental protocols are proposed that pay greatest attention to measures of highest sensitivity.
Associations of leg fat accumulation with adiposity-related biological factors and risk of metabolic syndrome.

The association between regional fat mass distribution and cardiometabolic risk factors has been inconsistent in the literature, and data for ethnic minority groups, such as non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics, are lacking. We aimed to examine this association among 8802 US residents who participated in the 1999-2004 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Leg fat indices included leg fat mass (FM), leg fat mass percent (FM%), leg to whole body FM ratio (leg/whole) and leg to trunk FM ratio (leg/trunk). We evaluated the correlation between leg fat indices and adiposity-related risk factors, as well as the association of these indices with metabolic syndrome (MetS). After adjusting for covariates including age, gender, and trunk FM or trunk FM%, higher leg FM and leg FM% were, in general, correlated favorably with adiposity-related risk factors and associated with lower odds of MetS in all ethnicities, including non-Hispanic whites and blacks and Hispanic groups. In addition, in all multivariate-adjusted models, leg/whole and leg/trunk ratios were strongly associated with lower levels of most risk factors and decreased odds of MetS in these ethnicities (all odds ratios comparing extreme quintiles < 0.1). Our results show that leg fat accumulation is inversely associated with adiposity-related biological factors and risk of MetS in both whites and ethnic groups, suggesting that regional fat distribution plays an important role in the etiology of adiposity-related diseases in these populations.
A Comprehensive Definition of Plagiarism

Abstract Plagiarism is a slippery subject and one that has the attention of college faculty in these days of Internet ‘term paper mills’ and easy access to text which may be re-used in a variety of ways. This article provides some definitions of plagiarism from literature and works toward a definition, which may be useful for academic librarians in the digital age.
Intake: On Models and Methods for Discovering Learners' Processing of Input

Models of the second language acquisition process have not specifically elaborated on the nature of the learner's perception and processing of target language input, a process known as intake. They have typically failed to specify the mechanisms or variables involved in the intake process or to distinguish between the stages of processing input from perception, to comprehension, to assimilation into an interlanguage grammar. Research and theoretical models from L1 psycholinguistic literature have been neglected. Recent L1 and L2 research on language processing are compared, and experimental methods for eliciting data to confirm them are discussed.
Prevalence of Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Infections in Diabetic versus Nondiabetic Wounds

Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects 23.6 million people in the USA and approximately 20–25% of diabetic patients will develop foot ulceration during the course of their disease. Up to a quarter of these patients will develop infections that will necessitate amputation. Although many studies report that the rates of antibiotic resistant infections have increased dramatically in the DM population over the last decade, to our knowledge there have been no reports directly comparing the rates of antibiotic resistant infections in DM versus non-DM wounds. We performed a retrospective study comparing the wound infections of 41 DM patients to those of 74 non-DM patients to test the hypothesis that infections with multidrug resistant organisms (MDRO) were more prevalent in the DM population. We found that 63.4% of DM and 50% of non-DM patients had MDRO infections, which was not statistically different. However, 61% of the DM patients had Pseudomonas infections compared to only 18.9% of non-DM patients. Furthermore, DM patients had significantly more coinfections with both Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus aureus. Though our initial hypothesis was incorrect, we demonstrated a significant correlation between Pseudomonas and Pseudomonas/S. aureus coinfections within DM wounds.
Regulation of Transforming Growth Factor-β1-Dependent Integrin β6 Expression by p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase in Bile Duct Epithelial Cells

Bile duct epithelial cells (BDECs) contribute to liver fibrosis by expressing αVβ6 integrin, a critical activator of latent transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). β6 integrin (Itgβ6) mRNA induction and αVβ6 integrin expression in BDECs are partially TGF-β-dependent. However, the signaling pathways required for TGF-β-dependent Itgβ6 mRNA induction in BDECs are not known. We tested the hypothesis that the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway contributes to TGF-β1 induction of Itgβ6 mRNA by activating SMAD and activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factors. Pretreatment of transformed human BDECs (MMNK-1 cells) with two different p38 MAPK inhibitors, but not a control compound, inhibited TGF-β1 induction of Itgβ6 mRNA. Inhibition of p38 also reduced TGF-β1 activation of a SMAD-dependent reporter construct. Expression of a dominant-negative SMAD3 (SMAD3ΔC) significantly reduced TGF-β1-induced Itgβ6 mRNA expression. Expression of JunB mRNA, but not other AP-1 proteins, increased in TGF-β1-treated MMNK-1 cells, and induction of JunB expression was p38-dependent. Consistent with a requirement for de novo induction of JunB protein, cycloheximide pretreatment inhibited TGF-β1 induction of Itgβ6 mRNA. Expression of a dominant-negative AP-1 mutant (TAM67) also inhibited TGF-β1 induction of Itgβ6 mRNA. Overall, the results suggest that p38 contributes to TGF-β1-induced Itgβ6 mRNA expression in MMNK-1 cells by regulating activation of both SMAD and AP-1 transcription factors.
Malignant Mesothelioma Diagnosis.

Context.— Malignant mesothelioma is a relatively rare pleural tumor that may mimic benign mesothelial lesions and various other tumors including carcinomas and sarcomas. This makes the diagnosis challenging for the pathologist. Objective.— To provide a brief but useful update on the immunohistochemical, cytogenetic, and molecular markers that are currently available for the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. Data Sources.— Reference materials including peer-reviewed publications, text books, and consensus opinion reports among pathologists. Conclusions.— It is important to correlate histologic findings on adequate biopsy samples with clinical and radiologic features. Useful diagnostic mesothelial markers include calretinin, WT-1, cytokeratin 5/6, and D2-40 (podoplanin). It is recommended that at least 2 mesothelial and 2 carcinoma markers with greater than 80% sensitivity and specificity be used for the diagnosis of mesothelioma when all clinical, radiologic, and histologic features are concordant. p16 ...
Xanthine oxidase activity in rat pulmonary artery endothelial cells and its alteration by activated neutrophils.

Abstract The possibility that endothelial cell-derived oxidants could contribute to neutrophil-mediated endothelial cell injury and cytotoxicity has been a subject of speculation. Rat pulmonary artery endothelial cells (RPAECs) were examined for the presence of xanthine oxidase (XO) activity, a well-known source of O2-. Using a sensitive assay based on measurements of radioactive xanthine conversion to uric acid by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), RPAEC extracts were found to contain both XO and xanthine dehydrogenase (XD) activities. Extracts from early passage cells have 55.3 +/- 11.7 (mean +/- SE) units/10(6) cells of total (XO + XD) activity, one unit of activity being defined as the conversion of 1% of substrate to product in 30 minutes of incubation. XO comprised 31.6 +/- 3.1% of this total activity. Addition of human neutrophils stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) caused a rapid and dose-dependent increase in RPAEC XO activity from 31.6 +/- 3.1% to 71.7 +/- 4.8% of total without altering total (XO + XD) activity. The neutrophil dose-response curve for increase in XO paralleled closely the curve for neutrophil-mediated RPAEC cytotoxicity. The basal XO and XD activities and the neutrophil-induced increase in XO activity were inhibited by treating RPAECs with allopurinol, oxypurinol, and lodoxamide, which also inhibited cytotoxicity, but not by catalase, superoxide dismutase, or deferoxamine. Addition of H2O2 failed to cause an increase in RPAEC XO activity or XD to XO conversion. The results suggest that during neutrophil-mediated injury, rapid conversion of RPAEC XD to XO occurs, resulting in increased XO, catalyzed endogenous oxidant production, which may contribute to the oxidant burden in the killing mechanism initiated by activated neutrophils. Although the mechanism for conversion of XD to XO is uncertain, it appears that neutrophil-derived H2O2 is not sufficient to cause this phenomenon. Furthermore, neither O2- nor chelatable iron is required for neutrophil-induced XD to XO conversion. Supernatant fluids from activated neutrophils failed to induce XD to XO conversion in RPAECs. This in vitro system provides an opportunity to define the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the in vivo phenomenon of XD to XO conversion associated with ischemic/reperfusion or inflammatory tissue injury.
IP and Entrepreneurship in an Evolving Economy: A Case Study

What if you built an intellectual property clinic and hardly anyone came? This brief book chapter is a case study of the first two years of a new entrepreneurship law clinic in an evolving economy: West Virginia. While the clinic had entrepreneurial clients, those clients had developed little intellectual property.This chapter takes a closer look at the chicken-and-egg problem of knowledge development in an evolving economy, and concludes that law clinics can only support IP growth - they cannot create it on their own. The chapter then generalizes from the experience to suggest ways that law clinics can support their entrepreneurial communities while assisting in intellectual property growth.The chapter and book are part of the Creativity and the Law series.
Does Moral Leadership Conflict With Organizational Innovation

The current article explores the concept of moral leadership and the potential for conflict with organizational innovation. After exploring the organizational prioritization of profitability with the exclusion of moral and ethical implications, the article asserts that moral leadership need not be the center of conflict with organizational innovation. Instead, research reveals that moral leadership can serve to enhance, inspire, and provide the foundation needed for innovation. For this reason, organizations must strive to make the identification of ethical leadership as a priority and stakeholders must remain flexible while upholding ethical standards. Through enhanced moral leadership, organizations can achieve greater levels of innovative excellence and competitive advantage in the global economy.
Interesting Times Coming: Grappling with the Financial Reporting of Uncertain Tax Positions

'Accounting for Uncertain Tax Positions', the exposure draft released in July by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, is to amend the current rules governing the financial reporting of income taxes and to be effective for calendar-year companies for 2005. Although released as a proposed interpretation of FAS 109, Gamino says it would make fundamental changes to current practices relating to the assessment, measurement, and disclosure of material tax return positions. Moreover, he explains it would require both constant monitoring of those filing positions by financial statement issuers and ongoing scrutiny by independent auditors. Among the matters Gamino recommends that issuers should be addressing are that the implementation guidance is less than clear in important respects, and that substantial retrospective catch up adjustments could adversely impact 2005 financial statements.
Hox Proteins Coordinate Motor Neuron Differentiation and Connectivity Programs through Ret/Gfrα Genes

The accuracy of neural circuit assembly relies on the precise spatial and temporal control of synaptic specificity determinants during development. Hox transcription factors govern key aspects of motor neuron (MN) differentiation; however, the terminal effectors of their actions are largely unknown. We show that Hox/Hox cofactor interactions coordinate MN subtype diversification and connectivity through Ret/Gfrα receptor genes. Hox and Meis proteins determine the levels of Ret in MNs and define the intrasegmental profiles of Gfrα1 and Gfrα3 expression. Loss of Ret or Gfrα3 leads to MN specification and innervation defects similar to those observed in Hox mutants, while expression of Ret and Gfrα1 can bypass the requirement for Hox genes during MN pool differentiation. These studies indicate that Hox proteins contribute to neuronal fate and muscle connectivity through controlling the levels and pattern of cell surface receptor expression, consequently gating the ability of MNs to respond to limb-derived instructive cues.
Successful Manual Aspiration Thrombectomy in a Pediatric Patient.

Abstract Background Timely recognition of stroke at major pediatric medical centers is improving, and although treatment guidelines for pediatric stroke exist, no extensive study establishing the efficacy of surgical or thrombolytic treatment has been completed. Extrapolation of adult guidelines to pediatric patients remains the mainstay of treatment in the absence of adequate information regarding safety and efficacy in children. Recent trials have demonstrated revascularization and clinical improvement after endovascular retrieval therapy in adults with acute large vessel occlusive stroke. Furthermore, successful mechanical thrombectomy using a variety of techniques has been documented in numerous children and adolescents. Patient Description We present a 15-year-old boy with altered mental status and left hemiparesis due to acute ischemic stroke secondary to blockage of the right internal carotid artery terminus, most likely precipitated by end-stage heart failure and cardiac embolism. Mechanical aspiration thrombectomy using the Penumbra aspiration catheter without any adjunct surgical equipment or thrombolytic therapy was used to remove thrombus and treat the patient's acute ischemic stroke. He experienced complete artery recanalization with a Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score of 2C after the procedure. He also exhibited an 8 point improvement in his pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score within 24 hours. Conclusions Mechanical aspiration thrombectomy is commonly used in adult hospitals but infrequently employed in pediatric patients with arterial ischemic stroke. Given its efficacy in our patient, we encourage a larger systematic trial to evaluate the use of mechanical thrombectomy in pediatric patients with acute ischemic stroke.