cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Angle's Classification-A Prosthodontic Consideration: Best Evidence Consensus Statement.

Purpose This Best Evidence Consensus Statement evaluated the existing Angle's classification clinical literature to determine if the Angle's classification as historically determined in maximum intercuspal position (MIP) with hand held casts is coincident with the centric occlusion (CO) determined Angle's classification. In addition, it explored the value of using Angle's classification for edentulous patients MATERIALS AND METHODS: The search strategy was related to the focus questions and limited to Meta-analyses, Systematic Reviews (SR), Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) and Clinical Trials. Searches were completed using the term Angle's classification and Boolean Modifiers (AND) with the key terms: dental occlusion, dental occlusion centric, centric occlusion, centric relation, maximal intercuspation, MIP, intercuspal position, and edentulous patient, retrognathia, determination, and prognathia. Additional related articles were culled from the reference lists in the articles found in the PubMed searches. Results The search identified 494 articles related to the selected terminology. Titles were reviewed and selected if related to the focus questions for further review. Seven papers could be identified that addressed the specifics of the questions. Conclusions There is evidence that the Angle's classification for many patients will change when recorded in CO compared to the historical MIP determination/definition. A different Angle's classification recorded in CO is potentially a significant diagnostic finding for patients needing complete mouth rehabilitation. The current definitions of Angle's Classification are not useful in the management of edentulous patients.
Story of a Taiwanese Female Postmodern MFT Faculty: Supervisory Practices in a Cross-Cultural Context

“Not all stories are equal” (Freedman and Combs, Narrative therapy: the social construction of preferred realities. Norton, New York, 1996, p. 231). My story reflects my social location as a Taiwanese female faculty member in an American university. Power differences associated with culture and gender hierarchy embedded in the dominant discourse have a profound impact on how I navigate my professional trajectory and interpersonal relationships at home and in my workplace. In this chapter, I discuss my love-hate relationship with my mother, the story of why I chose to adopt a postmodern perspective, as well as how I apply that modality to my professional work as a clinical supervisor in a marriage and family therapy program in an American university. This chapter reconnoiters the influences of power and social location in supervision and teaching processes, especially when postmodern theories are applied.
Radon Knowledge and Practices Among Family Physicians in a High Radon State

Background: Exposure to radon at home is the largest cause of lung cancer after smoking, and the combination of smoking and radon increases lung cancer risk several-fold. North Dakota has some of the highest residential radon levels in the United States. Although family physicians in North Dakota commonly counsel patients about smoking cessation, little is known about their knowledge and practices concerning radon. Methods: We mailed a questionnaire to 350 North Dakota family physicians regarding radon knowledge, beliefs, their own radon testing, and radon counseling of patients. The responses were analyzed by descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and logistic regression. Results: Sixty-one percent of the surveys were completed. Seventy percent of family physicians correctly identified radon as radioactive; 67% reported that they do not inform patients about radon; and 80% reported never discussing the combined hazards of radon and smoking. Conversely, 35% of family physicians reported that they tested their own homes for radon. Discussion: Most North Dakota family physicians are knowledgeable about radon, and more than one third have tested their own homes. However, only a minority transmit this knowledge to their patients. Future efforts should educate physicians about communicating radon risks, especially in conjunction with smoking.
Knowing the Countryside: Statistics and Society

This chapter describes the EU-inspired statistical reforms and the institutions (Turkish Statistical Institute/TurkStat, Ministry of Agriculture) and experts that have carried them out. Agriculture statistics are extremely important for the EU, as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is often the single biggest line item in the EU budget, requiring new standards and certification in Turkey. Agriculture and farmers have been iconic parts of Republican Turkish national identity and agriculture’s part in the economy was relatively stable until 1950, when it became a shrinking percentage of GDP; the 1980s saw a right-of-Center realignment after the 1980 coup, with the Ozal governments especially important. Under AK Party agriculture is changing rapidly along with rural transformation and discussions of food security, and the chapter discusses debates about what is neoliberal about these changes.
Directions for instilling economic and environmental sustainability across product supply chains

Abstract Although sustainability is a frequent topic in product development literature, the often segmented and narrow scope of prior works limits the potential benefits of the industrial application of methods, models, and tools developed by the research community. The work herein has the goal of coalescing relevant, recent work supporting the economic and environmental aspects of sustainability for early stage product development by focusing on the interfaces between product design and supply chain operations. This discussion is intended to highlight past accomplishments and to be a call for action to the research community for the development of integrated methods, models, and tools to support sustainability initiatives across product supply chains. A literature review spanning product design, manufacturing, and supply operations management reveals several near-term research needs, which are organized into four highly promising foci addressing product architecture engineering, assembly/disassembly operation modeling, manufacturing process modeling, and joint optimization of life cycle activities. Finally, potential avenues for future collaborative research are presented and discussed.
Expression of the yeast plasma membrane [H+]ATPase in secretory vesicles. A new strategy for directed mutagenesis.

Abstract Secretory vesicles that accumulate in the temperature-sensitive sec6-4 strain of yeast have been shown to contain a vanadate-sensitive ATPase, presumably en route to the plasma membrane (Walworth, N. C., and Novick, P. J. (1987) J. Cell Biol. 105, 163-174). We have now established this enzyme to be a fully functional form of the PMA1 [H+]ATPase, identical in its catalytic properties to that found in the plasma membrane. In addition, the secretory vesicles are sealed tightly enough to permit the measurement of ATP-dependent proton pumping with fluorescent probes. We have gone on to exploit the vesicles as an expression system for site-directed mutants of the ATPase. For this purpose, a sec6-4 strain has been constructed in which the chromosomal PMA1 gene is under control of the GAL1 promoter; the mutant pma1 allele to be studied is introduced on a centromeric plasmid under the control of a novel heat shock promoter. In galactose medium at 23 degrees C, the wild-type ATPase is produced and supports normal vegetative growth. When the cells are switched to glucose medium at 37 degrees C, however, the wild-type gene turns off, the mutant gene turns on, and secretory vesicles accumulate. The vesicles contain a substantial amount of newly synthesized, plasmid-encoded ATPase (5-10% of total vesicle protein), but only traces of residual wild-type PMA1 ATPase and no detectable mitochondrial ATPase, vacuolar ATPase, or acid or alkaline phosphatase. To test the expression strategy, we have made use of pma1-105 (Ser368----Phe), a vanadate-resistant mutant previously characterized by standard methods (Perlin, D. S., Harris, S. L., Seto-Young, D., and Haber, J. E. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 21857-21864). In secretory vesicles, as expected, the plasmid-borne pma1-105 allele gives rise to a mutant enzyme with a reduced rate of ATP hydrolysis and a 100-fold increase in Ki for vanadate. Proton pumping is similarly resistant to vanadate. Thus, the vesicles appear well suited for the production and characterization of mutant forms of the PMA1 [H+]ATPase. They should also aid the study of other yeast membrane proteins that are essential for growth as well as heterologous proteins whose appearance in the plasma membrane may be toxic to the cell.
The Pathophysiology and Treatment of Osteoporosis

Abstract Purpose The objectives of this article are to review the pathophysiology of bone loss associated with aging and to review current pharmacologic approaches for the treatment of osteoporosis. Methods A literature search with PubMed was performed with the terms osteoporosis and pathophysiology and osteoporosis and treatment and limited to studies written in English that were published within the preceding 10 years. Given the large number of studies identified, we selectively reviewed those studies that contained primary data related to osteoporosis pathophysiology or osteoporosis pharmacologic treatments and references included within selected studies identified from abstract review. Findings Published studies have consistently reported that osteoporosis in older adults is caused by an imbalance of bone resorption in excess of bone formation. The dominant factor leading to bone loss in older adults appears to be gonadal sex steroid deficiency, with multiple genetic and biochemical factors, such as vitamin D deficiency or hyperparathyroidism, that may accelerate bone loss. Conditions that adversely affect growth and development may limit development of peak bone mass and accelerate subsequent bone loss. Studies of bone microarchitecture have shown that trabecular bone loss begins in the third decade of life, before gonadal sex steroid deficiency develops, whereas cortical loss typically begins in the sixth decade, about the time of menopause in women and about the same age in men. Antiresorptive agents for the treatment of osteoporosis act primarily by limiting osteoclast activity, whereas osteoanabolic agents, such as teriparatide, act primarily by stimulating osteoblastic bone formation. Clinical investigation of new compounds for the treatment of osteoporosis is mainly directed to those that stimulate bone formation or differentially decrease bone resorption more than bone formation. Therapies for osteoporosis are associated with adverse effects, but in patients at high risk of fracture, the benefits generally far outweigh the risks. Implications Current osteoporosis therapies mitigate or reverse the loss of bone associated with age-related decreases of gonadal sex steroids, increase bone strength, and reduce fracture risk. With improved knowledge of the pathophysiology of osteoporosis, new targets for therapeutic intervention have been identified. Clinical investigations of potential new treatments for osteoporosis are primarily directed to stimulating osteoblastic bone formation or to modulating the balance of bone resorption and formation in ways that improve bone strength.
The Future of Health Care Reform Remains in Federal Court

National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius did not mark the end of litigation challenging the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) against constitutional attack. To the contrary, PPACA litigation continues apace and could well increase in the years to come as federal agencies seek to implement the health care reform law. This essay provides a brief overview of how continuing litigation in federal court will affect the implementation – and perhaps even the ultimate viability – of Congress’s latest and most ambitious health care reform effort. Topics discussed include legal challenges to the availability of tax credits in federally run health insurance exchanges and a requirement that group health plans cover contraception, and prospective challenges to the Independent Payment Advisory Board and revisions to the individual mandate penalty.
Assessing the strategic value of business relationships: the role of uncertainty and flexibility

The emerging focus on relationships as strategic assets has encouraged scholars to reexamine their potential for creating value for the firm and its shareholders. This article resolves some of the ambiguity regarding the way firms can understand and measure the value of a business relationship as an asset. Using a value‐based construct to assist in conceptualizing the worth of a business relationship, the article reviews several approaches available to marketers for comprehending value in a business‐marketing context and delineates when and why specific value approaches and metrics can be most appropriately applied. Implications for research and practice are discussed, with the goal of providing initial guidance to managers on measuring and managing strategic relationships as assets.
Trigeminal nerve repetitive stimulation in myasthenia gravis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) of the trigeminal nerve in assessing patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). In 26 normal controls and 21 patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), 2-Hz repetitive stimulation of the trigeminal nerve was performed using a monopolar needle for percutaneous nerve stimulation and recording over the surface of the masseter. In the MG patients, repetitive stimulation of the ulnar, spinal accessory, and facial nerves was also performed. The mean percent decrement in the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude among the different nerves at rest were: ulnar, 4.3%; spinal accessory, 10.1%; facial, 14%; and trigeminal, 17.3%. The facial nerve demonstrated abnormal decrement in 57% of all patients, compared with the spinal accessory (48%), trigeminal (43%), and ulnar (20%) nerves. All patients tolerated trigeminal RNS better than or as well as facial RNS. The study demonstrates that trigeminal RNS is a safe, reliable, efficient, and well-tolerated technique that provides another cranial nerve-muscle combination that can be used to supplement repetitive stimulation of other limb or cranial nerves in the evaluation of patients with bulbar or generalized MG.
A Composite Likelihood Cross-validation Approach in Selecting Bandwidth for the Estimation of the Pair Correlation Function.

. A useful tool while analysing spatial point patterns is the pair correlation function (e.g. Fractals, Random Shapes and Point Fields, Wiley, New York, 1994). In practice, this function is often estimated by some nonparametric procedure such as kernel smoothing, where the smoothing parameter (i.e. bandwidth) is often determined arbitrarily. In this article, a data-driven method for the selection of the bandwidth is proposed. The efficacy of the proposed approach is studied through both simulations and an application to a forest data example.
Evaluation of antibiotic synergy against Acinetobacter baumannii: a comparison with Etest, time-kill, and checkerboard methods

Acinetobacter baumannii is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, often requiring combination therapy. Numerous methods exist to detect the presence of in vitro synergy with the time-kill and checkerboard tests being widely used. The Epsilometer test (E test) is a new method that is less labor intensive, but has not been evaluated using a wide range of antimicrobials and organisms. We assessed synergy using the time-kill and checkerboard tests and compared the results to the E test method using 10 clinical isolates of A. baumannii. Antimicrobial combinations evaluated consisted of trovafloxacin or tobramycin in combination with cefepime or piperacillin. Synergy was detected with all combinations by either the checkerboard or time-kill method. Synergy was not detected by the Etest method. The agreement between the time-kill test and Etest method was 72% (range 42-97%); for the time-kill and checkerboard tests, agreement was 51% (range 30-67%). The Etest method appears promising although further testing should be performed with additional antimicrobial agents and organisms.
Atomic simulation of ion-solid interaction in ceramics

Abstract Understanding dynamic processes during ion irradiation, as well as irradiation-induced microstructural changes, requires fundamental knowledge on defect properties, defect generation in atomic collision processes, multiple ion–solid interactions and defect migration. The multiple scale simulation methods are presented in this paper, and in particular, an application on SiC is discussed in detail. Density functional theory (DFT) has been employed to determine defect energetics and the most favorable interstitial configurations in SiC. Based on DFT calculations, a new empirical potential has been developed in order to carry out large-scale simulations of microstructural evolution. Multimillion atom systems (up to 6 million) have been used to study defect production, defect clustering, multiple ion–solid interactions and structural evolution in SiC. The defect-stimulated growth and coalescence of clusters represents an important mechanism for irradiation-induced crystalline-to-amorphous transformation. The relative disordering and swelling behavior, as well as high-resolution transmission electron microscopy image simulations, based on molecular dynamics results, provide atomic-level interpretations of experimentally observed features in SiC.
OHIO-1 β-lactamase mutants: the Arg244Ser mutant and resistance to β-lactams and β-lactamase inhibitors

Mutations at residue 244 (Ambler numbering system) in the class A TEM beta-lactamase confer resistance to inactivation by beta-lactamase inhibitors and result in diminished turnover of beta-lactam substrates. The Arg244Ser mutant of the OHIO-1 beta-lactamase, an SHV family enzyme, demonstrates variable susceptibilities to beta-lactamase inhibitors and has significantly reduced catalytic efficiency. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for Escherichia coli DH5alpha expressing the Arg244Ser beta-lactamase were reduced when compared to the strain bearing the OHIO-1 beta-lactamase: ampicillin, 512 vs. 8192 micrograms ml-1; cephaloridine, 4 vs. 32 micrograms ml-1, respectively. The MICs for the beta-lactam beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations demonstrated resistance only to ampicillin-clavulanate, 16/8 vs. 8/4 micrograms ml-1 respectively. In contrast, there was increased susceptibility to ampicillin-sulbactam, ampicillin-tazobactam, and piperacillin-tazobactam. When compared to the OHIO-1 beta-lactamase homogenous preparations of the Arg244Ser beta-lactamase enzyme demonstrated increased Km and decreased kcat values for benzylpenicillin (Km=17 vs. 50 microM, kcat=345 vs. 234 s-1) and cephaloridine (Km=97 vs. 202 microM, kcat=1023 vs. 202 s-1). Although the Ki and IC50 values were increased for each inhibitor when compared to OHIO-1 beta-lactamase, the turnover numbers (tn) required for inactivation were increased only for clavulanate. For the Arg244Ser mutant enzyme of OHIO-1, the increased Ki, decreased tn for the sulfones, and different partition ratio (kcat/kinact) support the notion that not all class A enzymes are inactivated in the same manner, and that certain class A beta-lactamase enzymes may react differently with identical substitutions in structurally conserved amino acids. The resistance phenotype of a specific mutations can vary depending on the enzyme.
Micronuclei assay by laser scanning cytometry.

Background The micronuclei (MN) assay is used to assess the chromosomal/mitotic spindle damage induced by ionizing radiation or mutagenic agents in vivo or in vitro. Because visual scoring of MN is cumbersome semi-automatic procedures that relay either on flow cytometry or image analysis were developed: both offer some advantages but also have shortcomings. Methods In the present study laser scanning cytometer (LSC), the instrument that combines analytical capabilities of flow and image cytometry, has been adapted for quantitative analysis of MN. The micronucleation of human breast carcinoma MCF-7 and leukemic HL-60 and U-937 cells was induced by in vitro treatment with mitomycin C. Cellular DNA was stained with propidium iodide (PI), protein was counterstained with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). Two approaches were used to detect MN: (a) the threshold contour was set based on the data from the photosensor measuring red fluorescence of PI and MN were identified on the bivariate PI versus PI/FITC fluorescence distributions by their characteristic position; (b) the threshold contour was set on the data from the sensor measuring FITC fluorescence which made it possible, using the LSC software dedicated for FISH analysis, to assay both the frequency and DNA content of individual MN within each measured cell. Results The capability of LSC to relocate MN for visual examination was useful to confirm their identification. Visual identification of MN combined with their multiparameter characterization that took into an account their DNA content and protein/DNA ratio made it possible establish the gating parameters that excluded objects that were not MN; 93.3±3.3 events within the selected gate were MN. It was also possible to successfully apply FISH software to characterize individual cells with respect to quantity of MN residing in them. The percentage of MN assayed by LSC correlated well with that estimated visually by microscopy, both for MCF-7 (r = 0.93) and HL-60 cells (r = 0.87). Conclusions LSC can be used to obtain unbiased estimate of MN frequencies. Unlike flow cytometry, it also allows one to characterize individual cells with respect to frequency and DNA content of MN residing in these cells. These analytical capabilities of LSC may be helpful not only to score MN but also to study mechanisms by which clastogenic agents induce MN. Cytometry 45:19–26, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Segmentation of hippocampus and amygdala using multi-channel landmark large deformation diffeomorphic metric mapping

A method to automatically segment the hippocampus and the amygdala using multi-channel large deformation diffeomorphic metric mapping (LDDMM) is proposed. T1 data from normal young subjects were used to measure the segmentation accuracy. To examine the impact of morphological abnormalities on the accuracy, the method was also tested using subjects with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The segmentation accuracy was compared with two state-of-the-art algorithms — FSL and Freesurfer. To improve the segmentation accuracy, LDDMM cascading was adopted. For normal subjects, the mean kappa overlap ratios of the automated segmentations with the manual segmentations were 0.76 and 0.84 for the hippocampus and the amygdala, respectively. For AD patients, the respective mean kappa overlap ratios were 0.76 and 0.8.
Simplified subxiphoid placement of implantable cardioverter defibrillators using a posterior rectus pocket

A simplified subxiphoid procedure using a single longitudinal epigastric incision and posterior rectus pocket for implantable cardioverter defibrillators was used in 100 patients. Through a single incision, ventricular patches are placed via a transverse pericardiotomy, and a pouch is created behind the rectus abdominis muscle in the left upper quadrant for placement of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Patients have minimal discomfort soon after operation, and the implantable cardioverter defibrillator generator is imperceptible to most.
Extracellular matrix in vascular morphogenesis and disease: structure versus signal

The vascular system matures during embryonic development to form a stable, well-organized tubular network. In vivo data have established that the extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial in providing structural support to the vascular system. In vitro studies are defining the involvement of ECM-smooth-muscle cell signaling in establishing and maintaining the mature tubular structure. However, correlating cell signaling with established structural functions for the ECM and determining the relative importance of these two roles in vivo is often difficult. Here, we examine human genetics, murine gene targeting and cell biology to better understand the relationship between structural and signaling roles for the ECM in vascular morphogenesis and disease.
New labdane resin acids from Pinus elliottii

Abstract Slash pine needles and cortex oleoresin have been found to contain a new major diterpene constituent, imbricataloic acid. The closely related imbricatoloic acid, previously reported only in Araucaria imbricata , was found to be present in small amounts in slash pine needle extract. Spectral data are given for an unidentified diterpene alcohol isolated from the cortex oleoresin.
Immunoreactive Parathyroid Hormone in Circulation of Man

WE have reported that parathyroid hormone (PTH) is secreted from the parathyroid in vivo as a polypeptide of eighty-four amino-acids, identical to the hormone stored in the glands (molecular weight of 9,500), but that the hormonal polypeptide is cleaved after it enters the general circulation1. A large hormonal fragment from this cleavage, with a molecular weight of approximately 7,500, has been identified in the circulation. The fragment differs immunologically from the hormone secreted and extracted from the glands1. To analyse the biological significance of the metabolism of the hormone and the chemical nature and hormonal activity of the large circulating fragment, we have developed radioimmunoassays that specifically measure the amino-terminal (N-assay) and carboxyl-terminal (C-assay) regions of the hormonal molecule. We now report that much higher concentrations of immunoreactive hormone are found in the general circulation by the C-assay than by the N-assay. The studies with the N-assay indicate that the large fragment has lost a portion of the amino-terminal sequence required for biological activity9. Since the fragment is present in much higher concentration than native uncleaved hormone, we must conclude that much of the immunoreactive PTH detected in the circulation is biologically inactive.
Descriptions and Comparisons of Catostomid Fish Larvae: Northern Atlantic Drainage Species

Abstract Eggs, larvae, and early juveniles of Catostomus commersoni, Hypentelium nigricans, Moxostoma macrolepidotum, Carpiodes cyprinus, and Erimyzon oblongus are described. Taxonomic keys are provided. Comparisons of developmental traits reveal two groups of larvae based on size at a given developmental stage. The larger species, the first three above, are very similar to one another. The other two are not difficult to distinguish. The large size of the posterior gas bladder chamber in C. commersoni is unique. Hypentelium nigricans has distinctive pigmentation in the dorsal and caudal fins. Moxostoma macrolepidotum is typically deeper bodied than the others. Catostomus commersoni is the most filiform of the large species. Erimyzon oblongus has a median pigment-free space on the dorsum which is not present in the other species. Combinations of morphometric parameters are used as key characteristics. Construction of these characters takes into account the high degree of allometric growth observed in these...
Some Challenges With Statistical Inference in Adaptive Designs

Adaptive designs have generated a great deal of attention to clinical trial communities. The literature contains many statistical methods to deal with added statistical uncertainties concerning the adaptations. Increasingly encountered in regulatory applications are adaptive statistical information designs that allow modification of sample size or related statistical information and adaptive selection designs that allow selection of doses or patient populations during the course of a clinical trial. For adaptive statistical information designs, a few statistical testing methods are mathematically equivalent, as a number of articles have stipulated, but arguably there are large differences in their practical ramifications. We pinpoint some undesirable features of these methods in this work. For adaptive selection designs, the selection based on biomarker data for testing the correlated clinical endpoints may increase statistical uncertainty in terms of type I error probability, and most importantly the inc...
Polyadenylate-containing RNA in dormant and germinating sporangiospores of Rhizopus stolonifer

Polyadenylic acid [poly(A)]segments and polyadenylate-containing [poly(A+)] RNAs were isolated from dormant and germinating sporangiospores of Rhizopus stolonifer . At all stages of germination the poly(A) segments (i) composed about 0.1% of the total RNA, (ii) averaged about 33 residues in length, and (iii) were attached to large heterodisperse RNA molecules. From this information and knowing the weight of RNA per spore, we estimated that each dormant spore contained about 6.6 × 10 5 molecules of poly(A+) RNA. Translation of the spore poly(A+) RNA in vitro revealed that at least some of these molecules were functional messenger RNAs and that they coded for the synthesis of many discrete polypeptides.
Capillary Stability in a Tilted Circular Cylinder

The classical capillary stability problem in a vertical circular cylinder is a special case of the more general problem of the stability of liquid above a capillary surface in a circular cylinder with arbitrary orientation of gravity. This problem can, of course, also be viewed as arbitrary cylinder orientation in a steadily accelerating spacecraft. The general (tilted) circular cylinder capillary stability problem is solved numerically by use of the Surface Evolver code for general tilt and general contact angle. Tens of thousands of combinations of contact angle, tilt angle, and Bond number are solved for with a global volunteer computing network running Surface Evolver. The results appear to be symmetric about 90 degree contact angle, as in the previous vertical cylinder studies, and not symmetric about 45 degree tilt.
Monotone and near-monotone biochemical networks.

Monotone subsystems have appealing properties as components of larger networks, since they exhibit robust dynamical stability and predictability of responses to perturbations. This suggests that natural biological systems may have evolved to be, if not monotone, at least close to monotone in the sense of being decomposable into a “small” number of monotone components, In addition, recent research has shown that much insight can be attained from decomposing networks into monotone subsystems and the analysis of the resulting interconnections using tools from control theory. This paper provides an expository introduction to monotone systems and their interconnections, describing the basic concepts and some of the main mathematical results in a largely informal fashion.
Quark correlations in finite-temperature QCD.

We calculate spatial correlation functions of quarks in the [pi], [rho], and nucleon channels at temperatures below, at, and above the deconfinement temperature [ital T][sub [ital c]] using quenched lattice QCD. Surprisingly, the correlations exhibit almost no temperature dependence and persist even in the deconfined phase.
Exact and Approximate Quantum Mechanical Reaction Probabilities and Rate Constants for the Collinear H + H2 Reaction

We present numerical quantum mechanical scattering calculations for the collinear H+H2 reaction on a realistic potential energy surface with an 0.424 eV (9.8 kcal) potential energy barrier. The reaction probabilities and rate constants are believed to be accurate to within 2% or better. The calculations are used to test the approximate theories of chemical dynamics. The reaction probabilities for ground vibrational state reagents agree well with the vibrationally adiabatic theory for energies below the lowest threshold for vibrational excitation, except when the reaction probability is less than about 0.1. For these low reaction probabilities no simple one-mathematical dimensional theory gives accurate results. These low reaction probabilities occur at low energy and are important for thermal reactions at low temperatures. Thus, transition state theory is very inaccurate at these low temperatures. However, it is accurate within 40% in the higher temperature range 450–1250°K. The reaction probabilities for hot atom collisions of ground vibrational state reagents with translational energies in the range 0.58 to 0.95 eV agree qualitatively with the predictions of the statistical phase space theory. For vibrationally excited reagents the vibrational adiabatic theory is not accurate as for ground vibrational state reagents. The lowest translational energy of vibrationally excited reagents above which statistical behavior manifests itself is less than 1.0 eV.
Comparative mechanisms of antiarrhythmic agents

Abstract Treatment of arrhythmias is best understood if viewed from 2 major electrophysiologic standpoints: disturbances of impulse formation and disturbances of impulse conduction, or both. Arrhythmias secondary to enhanced automaticity are best controlled by agents depressing diastolic depolarization (quinidine, lidocaine and propranolol). Arrhythmias secondary to depressed conduction can be terminated by (1) enhancing conduction velocity by hyperpolarization (bretylium) or increase in membrane responsiveness (diphenylhydantoin) or (2) by further depressing conduction (quinidine and propranolol). Simple prolongation of the effective refractory period can also interrupt reentry. Direct antifibrillatory effects of high levels of potassium are demonstrated. Specific effects on intraatrial, intranodal and subnodal conduction and ineffectiveness of certain antiarrhythmic agents such as lidocaine in the presence of low levels of potassium are also discussed.
Effects of sera and sera fractions from spontaneously hypertensive rats on renal organic anion and cation transport.

SummarySera taken from spontaneously hypertensive Wistar rats compared to sera from normotensive Wistar rats depressed both PAH and TEA systems in kidney slices from normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats. This depression was found to reside in a specific fraction of sera separated on Sephadex columns, the same fraction which in azotemic sera suppresses both PAH transport and sodium transport in vitro. The observation that factors in sera affect organic anion and cation transport early in the development of hypertension may have implications in the pathogenesis of hypertension.
Chronobiology at the cellular and molecular levels: models and mechanisms for circadian timekeeping.

This review considers cellular chronobiology and examines, at least in a superficial way, several classes of models and mechanisms that have been proposed for circadian rhythmicity and some of the experimental approaches that have appeared to be most productive. After a brief discussion of temporal organization and the metabolic, epigenetic, and circadian time domains, the general properties of circadian rhythms are enumerated. A survey of independent oscillations in isolated organs, tissues, and cells is followed by a review of selected circadian rhythms in eukaryotic microorganisms, with particular emphasis placed on the rhythm of cell division in the algal flagellate Euglena as a model system illustrating temporal differentiation. In the ensuing section, experimental approaches to circadian clock mechanisms are considered. The dissection of the clock by the use of chemical inhibitors is illustrated for the rhythm of bioluminescence in the marine dinoflagellate Gonyaulax and for the rhythm of photosynthetic capacity in the unicellular green alga Acetabularia. Alternatively, genetic analysis of circadian oscillators is considered in the green alga Chlamydomonas and in the bread mold Neurospora, both of which have yielded clock mutants and mutants having biochemical lesions that exhibit altered clock properties. On the basis of the evidence generated by these experimental approaches, several classes of biochemical and molecular models for circadian clocks have been proposed. These include strictly molecular models, feedback loop (network) models, transcriptional (tape-reading) models, and membrane models; some of their key elements and predictions are discussed. Finally, a number of general unsolved problems at the cellular level are briefly mentioned: cell cycle interfaces, the evolution of circadian rhythmicity, the possibility of multiple cellular oscillators, chrono-pharmacology and chronotherapy, and cell-cycle clocks in development and aging.
Text classification for automatic detection of alcohol use-related tweets: A feasibility study

We present a feasibility study using text classification to classify tweets about alcohol use. Alcohol use is the most widely used substance in the US and is the leading risk factor for premature morbidity and mortality globally. Understanding use patterns and locations is an important step toward prevention, moderation, and control of alcohol outlets. Social media may provide an alternate way to measure alcohol use in real time. This feasibility study explores text classification methodologies for identifying alcohol use tweets. We labeled 34,563 geo-located New York City tweets collected in a 24 hour period over New Year's Day 2012. We preprocessed the tweets into stem/ not stemmed and unigram/ bigram representations. We then applied multinomial naive Bayes, a linear SVM, Bayesian logistic regression, and random forests to the classification task. Using 10 fold cross-validation, the algorithms performed with area under the receiver operating curve of 0.66, 0.91, 0.93, and 0.94 respectively. We also compare to a human constructed Boolean search for the same tweets and the text classification method is competitive with this hand crafted search. In conclusion, we show that the task of automatically identifying alcohol related tweets is highly feasible and paves the way for future research to improve these classifiers.
Progressive changes of columella length and nasal growth after nasoalveolar molding in bilateral cleft patients : A 3-year follow-up study

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the progressive changes of columella length and nasal growth after presurgical nasoalveolar molding and primary cheiloplasty in bilateral complete cleft lip-cleft palate infants. Methods: Twenty-two consecutive complete bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate infants were included. All of them underwent nasoalveolar molding for columella lengthening and retraction of the premaxilla for 3 to 4.5 months before primary cheiloplasty. Standard 1:1 basilar photographs were taken before and after nasoalveolar molding, 1 week after cheiloplasty, and yearly for 3 years. Nasal height and width were measured directly on the photographs. Results: The results revealed that columella length was significantly lengthened after nasoalveolar molding and was further improved after primary cheiloplasty. The columella decreased in length slightly in the first and second years postoperatively and started to increase in length slightly in the third year postoperatively, whereas the rest of the nose grew significantly in height year by year. This consequently appeared as relapse of columella length. The shortage of the columella length was 1.9 mm. Conclusions: Both presurgical nasoalveolar molding and primary cheiloplasty lengthened the columella in bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate patients. However, there was a relative relapse in columella length because of the differential growth between the columella and the rest of the nose in the first and second years postoperatively.
Edge bounds in nonhamiltonian k-connected graphs

Let G be a k-connected graph of order n with |E(G)|>(n-k2)+k^2. Then for (k=1, n>=3), (k=2, n>=10), and (k=3, n>=16), G is hamiltonian. The bounds are tight and for k=1, (k=2, n>=12), and (k=3, n>=18) the extremal graphs are unique. A general bound will also be given for the number of edges in a nonhamiltonian k-connected graph, but the bound is not tight.
A conserved role for the 20S proteasome and Nrf2 transcription factor in oxidative stress adaptation in mammals, Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster.

SUMMARY In mammalian cells, hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )-induced adaptation to oxidative stress is strongly dependent on an Nrf2 transcription factor-mediated increase in the 20S proteasome. Here, we report that both Caenorhabditis elegans nematode worms and Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies are also capable of adapting to oxidative stress with H 2 O 2 pre-treatment. As in mammalian cells, this adaptive response in worms and flies involves an increase in proteolytic activity and increased expression of the 20S proteasome, but not of the 26S proteasome. We also found that the increase in 20S proteasome expression in both worms and flies, as in mammalian cells, is important for the adaptive response, and that it is mediated by the SKN-1 and CNC-C orthologs of the mammalian Nrf2 transcription factor, respectively. These studies demonstrate that stress mechanisms operative in cell culture also apply in disparate intact organisms across a wide biological diversity.
SU‐E‐T‐246: MU Model Implementation for a Passively Scattered Proton Beam: Inclusion of the Bolus Gap and Nozzle Extension Factors

Purpose: To develop and implement an MU model for a passively scattered proton beam, and eliminate the need for patient specific calibrations for field sizes from 3cm to 15cm. This would enable consistent and timely calibrations for a wide variety of patient portals, streamlining the treatment process. Methods: Measurements were initially made using a Standard Imaging A-16 ion chamber and a modified water tank to determine the bolus gap factors (BGF) for multiple combinations of aperture size, bolus thickness, and air gap. The BGF was then separated into two component factors: the bolus thickness factor (BTF) and the nozzle extension factor (NEF). Polynomial curves were generated using the measured data to produce BTF tables for air gaps from 0cm to 30cm and for bolus thicknesses from 0cm to 10cm, and NEF tables for the full range of clinically used nozzle extensions. Additionally, data tables were created for every factor that affects beam output in the MU model. The MUs were then modeled for 487 patient portals and retrospectively compared to the MUs generated from the physical calibrations previously performed. Results: Of the 487 patient portals tested, 100% of the portals used for the comparison were within 2.5% from the MUsmore » generated using a physical calibration, and 95.9% of the MU model portals tested were within 2%. The patient portals tested had field sizes ranging from 2.1cm to 10.1cm, with air gaps from 2cm to 25cm. Output factors for field sizes below 3cm with irregularly shaped fields demonstrated inconsistent results and will be further studied. Conclusion: The most problematic output factor, the BGF, was modeled accurately and consistently using the lowest order polynomial curve fits and interpolation between measured data. The study results demonstrate the robustness of the MU model and the potential for saving valuable personnel and beam time.« less
American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Clinical Competence Statement on invasive electrophysiology studies, catheter ablation, and cardioversion: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine Task Force on Clinical Competence.

The granting of clinical staff privileges to physicians is a primary mechanism used by institutions to uphold the quality of patient care. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations requires that the granting of continuing medical staff privileges be based on assessments of
Surgical treatment for thoracic disc herniation: an update.

Study design Retrospective review of the literature. Objective To update recent trends in the surgical treatment for thoracic disc herniation (TDH). Summary of background data TDH is rare; however, it is usually accompanied by myelopathy and is indicated for surgical treatment. A variety of surgical approaches have been described to reach these anatomically challenging lesions. Methods Review of the literature. Results Recently, minimally invasive techniques for TDH have gained popularity. These include thoracoscopic and mini-open anterolateral retropleural approaches, as well as microscopic and endoscopic surgery. In addition, this article updates important aspects of surgical treatment for TDH such as definition of surgical level, treatment of calcified and/or giant disc, multilevel lesions, and fusion requirements. Conclusion Definition of surgical level is imperative in the surgical treatment for TDH. Outcomes of minimum invasive surgery are satisfactory. Type of disc herniation and biomechanical stability are the important factors for surgical planning.
Categories and induction in young children

Abstract One of the primary functions of natural kind terms (e.g., tiger, gold) is to support inductive inferences. People expect members of such categories to share important, unforeseen properties, such as internal organs and genetic structure. Moreover, inductions can be made without perceptual support: even when an object does not look much like other members of its category, and even when a property is unobservable. The present work addresses how expectations about natural kinds originate. Young children, with their usual reliance on perceptual appearances and only rudimentary scientific knowledge, might not induce new information within natural kind categories. To test this possibility, category membership was pitted against perceptual similarity in an induction task. For example, children had to decide whether a shark is more likely to breathe as a tropical fish does because both are fish, or as a dolphin does because they look alike. By at least age 4, children can use categories to support inductive inferences even when category membership conflicts with appearances. Moreover, these young children have partially separated out properties that support induction within a category (e.g., means of breathing) from those that are in fact determined by perceptual appearances (such as weight). Since we examined only natural kind categories, we do not know to what extent children have differentiated natural kinds from other sorts of categories. Children may start out assuming that categories named by language have the structure of natural kinds and with development refine these expectations.
Multiple-return laser radar for three-dimensional imaging through obscurations

A compact imaging laser radar was constructed and tested to investigate phenomenological issues in targeting, especially cases involving imaging through obscurations such as foliage and camouflage netting. The laser radar employs a Nd:YAG microchip laser that operates at a wavelength of 1.06 µm and produces pulses of 1.2-ns duration at a 3-kHz rate. The detector is a commercial indium gallium arsenide avalanche photodiode. A single computer controls the scanning mirrors and performs the digitization of the returning signal at 2 giga samples/s. A detailed description of the laser radar is presented as well as results from field experiments that examined its range accuracy capability and its ability to image a target through camouflage. Results of data collected from deciduous tree lines are also discussed to characterize the presence and quantity of multiple returns.