cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Retrospective Study of Inguinal Hernia in 35 Dogs

Inguinal hernia was associated with trauma in five dogs and was considered nontraumatic in 30 dogs. There were 11 males, 13 intact females, and six spayed females with nontraumatic inguinal hernia. Six dogs had bilateral hernias. Five dogs were younger than 4 months at the time of diagnosis. In 11 older dogs with nontraumatic inguinal hernia, the hernias were identified less than 7 days before surgical repair; in 14 older dogs, the hernias had been recognized for 1 to 60 months. Clinical signs in dogs without small intestinal incarceration were usually limited to a visible or palpable mass without pain or systemic illness. Herniorrhaphy approaches included inguinal, midline with contralateral ring evaluation, and celiotomy with or without inguinal exposure. Fat and omentum were the most common hernial contents. Small intestine was within the hernias of 12 dogs. Six dogs had nonviable small intestine. Postoperative complications included two incisional infections, one incisional dehiscence, two cases of peritonitis and sepsis associated with bowel leakage after intestinal resection and anastomosis, and one hernia recurrence. The overall prevalence of postoperative complications was 17%, and the mortality rate was 3%. Vomiting for 2 to 6 days was predictive of nonviable small intestine. Dogs younger than 2 years were at 11 times greater risk for nonviable small intestine than dogs older than 2 years. Four of five dogs with nontraumatic inguinal hernia and nonviable small intestine were intact males, whereas none of 13 intact females were affected. Only one of 14 dogs with longstanding hernias had nonviable small intestine.
Experiments in Molecular Evolution and Criteria of Extraterrestrial Life

Since about 1950, the feeling that we may be able to understand in detail how life began has been growing. Prior to 1950, the interest in this fundamental biological problem was such that many discussions of ways and means, built upon inferences from nonexperimental observations alone, constituted a somewhat extensive literature. The increased optimism since 1950 for an eventual solution of the problem is probably to be understood on the basis that the state
Influence of ethanol on lipid/sterol membranes: phase diagram construction from AFM imaging.

Herein we develop a sample preparation approach that enables the use of supported lipid bilayers for the quantitative study of the influence of ethanol (0−20 vol %) on the phase behavior of phospholipid (DPPC)/sterol (ergosterol, 0−20 mol %) bilayers. Three coexisting phases were observed with tapping-mode atomic force microscopy: gel (Lβ′), liquid-ordered (Lo), and interdigitated (Lβ′I). High-resolution imaging permitted the construction of a refined phase diagram for DPPC/ergosterol/ethanol and the observation of Lo−Lβ′ phase separation that has not been observed using optical techniques. Our results quantitatively show the concentration regime where ergosterol protects the membrane by reducing the membrane fraction that is interdigitated in the presence of ethanol.
Heat Transfer in the Accelerated Fully Rough Turbulent Boundary Layer

Heat transfer behavior of a fully rough turbulent boundary layer subjected to favorable pressure gradients was investigated experimentally using a porous test surface composed of densely packed spheres of uniform size. Stanton numbers and profiles of mean temperature, turbulent Prandtl number, and turbulent heat flux are reported. Three equilibrium acceleration cases (one with blowing) and one non-equilibrium acceleration case were studied. For each acceleration case of this study, Stanton number increased over zero pressure gradient values at the same position or enthalpy thickness. Turbulent Prandtl number was found to be approximately constant at 0.7–0.8 across the layer, and profiles of the non-dimensional turbulent heat flux showed close agreement with those previously reported for both smooth and rough wall zero pressure gradient layers.
21: Effect of Ultrafiltration on Aortic Augmentation Pressure and Index in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis

EFFECT OF ULTRAFILTRATION ON AORTIC AUGMENTATION PRESSURE AN D INDEX IN PATIENTS ON MAINTENANCE HEMODIALYSIS Shaun Aure, Elizabeth Gersbach, Madhu Kandarpa, Lon Sadowsky, Daranee Chewaproug, Craig Oliner, William Gaughan, Imara Dissanayake, Eric Bloom, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA Aortic augmentation pressure and index are parameters that reflect the central aortic pressures. These parameters have a direct relationship with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. In patients on chronic hemodialysis, hypertension has always been thought to be volumemediated. Hence, an effective ultrafiltration during hemodialysis should lead towards a lower peripheral blood pressure. It is not clear whether ultrafiltration has the same effect in central blood pressures. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of ultrafiltration on aortic augmentation pressure and index in patients on chronic hemodialysis. We performed a prospective study on 129 patients on chronic hemodialysis. We measured their aortic augmentation pressure (AAP) and index (AIX) using applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor apparatus) at the beginning and at the end of a single dialysis session. We grouped the patients into 2: Group 1 included those who achieved an ultrafiltration of less than 1.8 liters, and Group 2 included those who achieved an ultrafiltration of more than 1.8 liters. There was a bigger drop in the AAP in Group 2 than Group 1 at the end of the hemodialysis , however, this was not of statistical significance (drop in AAP 3.4 mmHg vs. 1.9 mmHg, p=0.351). There was no difference in the drop in AIX between the two groups at the end of the hemodialysis (drop in AIX 2.2 vs. 2.2, p=0.995). In conclusion, ultrafiltration does not affect changes in AAP and AIX after a single hemodialysis session, although there is a trend for a bigger drop in AAP with greater ultrafiltration.
Trends in utilization: has extremity MR imaging replaced diagnostic arthroscopy?

To examine the relative change in utilization of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the extremities versus diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy. Using the 1993, 1996, and 1999 nationwide Medicare Part B databases, utilization rates (per 100,000) were determined for upper and lower extremity MR imaging, diagnostic arthroscopy and therapeutic arthroscopy using CPT-4 codes. Utilization of extremity MR imaging was compared with that of diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy in 10 geographic regions of the United States and tracked over time. Combined lower and upper extremity MR imaging utilization per 100,000 increased from 393 to 1,056 in 1999 (+168.7%). Utilization of diagnostic arthroscopy of the extremities decreased from 18 in 1993 to 8 in 1999 (−55.6%); therapeutic arthroscopy rates increased from 461 in 1993 to 636 in 1999 (+40.0%). Specifically, from 1993 to 1999, utilization of lower extremity MR imaging increased from 270 to 661 (+144.8%). Utilization of diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee over the same time period decreased from 11 to 5 (−54.5%); therapeutic arthroscopy increased from 394 to 501 (+27.2%). Similarly, utilization rates for upper extremity MR imaging increased from 123 to 395 (+221.1%). Utilization of diagnostic arthroscopy of the shoulder over the same time period decreased from 7 to 2 (−71.4%); therapeutic arthroscopy increased from 44 to 104 (+136.4%). No specific geographic trends were ascertained. The utilization of MR imaging of the extremities has markedly increased from 1993 to 1999. During the same time period the utilization of diagnostic arthroscopy has decreased and that of therapeutic arthroscopy has increased. These findings support the hypothesis that there is increased reliance of clinical practitioners on the diagnostic information provided by MR imaging in preoperative clinical decision-making.
Equivalent Constraints for Discrete Sets.

Abstract Two techniques are considered for “simplifying” constraints over discrete sets: (1) replacing real data by “equivalent” rational data, and (2) collapsing a system of linear or nonlinear equations into an “equivalent” single equation. Surprisingly, the procedure discussed for the first type of simplification involves a special case of the method presented for condensing a system into a single equation. Such transformations are not only of computational interest, but also provide some interesting insights into stability properties of integer programs.
Concurrent task effects on memory retrieval.

Previous studies combining continuous free recall with a concurrent task have generally shown that concurrent tasks impose fairly negligible effects on memory retrieval. By contrast, dual-task studies employing either cued recall or semantic retrieval reveal gross memory impairment and suggest that retrieval is delayed by the centrally demanding phase of the concurrent tasks (i.e., response selection). To explore this conflict, subjects performed continuous free recall while carrying out a serial-choice#x2014; response time (RT) task, as in the previous free recall studies. Unlike these previous studies, however, the choice#x2014;RT task utilized arbitrary stimulus#x2014;response mappings in order to increase the proportion of time devoted to the centrally demanding response selection phase. Recall total was reduced significantly, and recall latency was slowed substantially.
The effect of vacuum cleaners on the concentration and particle size distribution of airborne cat allergen.

Abstract Background: Vacuum cleaners are essential for the removal of dust from the surface of carpets; however, they may also contribute to airborne dust both by leakage through the cleaner and disturbance of floor dust. Methods: The present studies used established techniques for measuring airborne Fel d I to study the effects of vacuum cleaners on airborne cat allergen under laboratory conditions and in houses with cats. Nine different models were loaded with dust containing 50 mg Fel d I and run for 15 minutes in a laboratory room (volume∼18 m 3 ). Leakage was expressed as the airborne concentration of allergen in nanograms per cubic meter. Results: Cleaners incorporating a double-thickness dust bag either did not leak, that is, less than 0.4 ng Fel d I/ m 3 or had minor leakage∼5 ng/ m 3 . Vacuum cleaners with single-thickness paper bags leaked more, that is, 15 to > 90 ng/m 3 with the exception of the cleaner with an efficient outer bag. Detailed studies on a vacuum cleaner that leaked showed that placing dust in the bag, replacing the dust bag with a double-thickness bag, and placing an electrostatic filter over the exhaust reduced levels from greater than 90 ng/m 3 to less than 2 ng/m 3 . Two water-filter vacuum cleaners each emitted cat allergen (up to > 100 ng/m 3 ) with a mean of ∼90% on particles less than 2.5 μm diameter. This emission could be almost completely controlled by taping electrostatic filter paper over the air outlet. Conclusions: In houses with cats, different models of vacuum cleaners could either reduce or increase total airborne allergen, and could also selectively increase certain particle sizes. These results suggest that cat allergen is a good model for studying the effectiveness of vacuum cleaners recommended to allergic patients.
The Role of Ligaments in Arm Extension in Feather Stars (Echinodermata: Crinoidea)

It has long been thought that feather star arms flex due to muscular contraction and extend due to an opposing elastic force supplied by the ligaments, however, in 1985, Candia Carnivali and Saita (J. Morph.185, 59–74) proposed that extension was due not to elastic ligaments, but to hydraulic pressure within the coelomic canals of the arm. We tested this new proposal experimentally by destroying the coelomic canals along the proximal halves of all ten arms of a feather star and then inducing it to swim. The wave form of the swimming arms was recorded on cine film for frame analysis. While the animal was swimming even the arm regions without coelomic canals were able to extend vigorously. Therefore, hydraulic pressure in the coeloms is not required for arm extension in feather stars. Our results are consistent with the classical idea that elastic ligaments extend the arms of crinoids.
Profile of Rural College Reach‐Out Students

This study focuses on the personality profile and career aspirations of rural, underachieving seventh-grade students from low socioeconomic families who were selected to participate in a college reach-out program. Implications for career counseling and educational planning are discussed.
Metrics for structural logic synthesis

Routability or wiring congestion in a VLSI chip is becoming increasingly important as chip complexity increases. Congestion has a significant impact on performance, yield and chip area. Although advances in placement algorithms have attempted to alleviate this problem, the inherent structure of the logic netlist has a significant impact on the mutability irrespective of the placement algorithm used. Placement algorithms find optimal assignment of locations to the logic and do not have the ability to change the netlist structure. Significant decisions regarding the circuit structure are made early in synthesis, such as during the technology independent logic optimization step. Optimizations in this step use literal count as a metric for optimization and do not adequately capture the intrinsic entanglement of the netlist. Two circuits with identical literal counts may have significantly different congestion characteristics post placement. In this paper, we motivate that a property of the network structure called adhesion can make a significant contribution to routing congestion. We then provide a metric to measure this property. We also show that adhesion, as measured by this metric, can be used in addition to literal counts to estimate and optimize post routing congestion early in the design flow.
Elevated Ca2+ sparklet activity during acute hyperglycemia and diabetes in cerebral arterial smooth muscle cells

Ca+ sparklets are subcellular Ca2+ signals produced by the opening of L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs). In cerebral arterial myocytes, Ca2+ sparklet activity varies regionally, resulting in low and high activity, “persistent” Ca2+ sparklet sites. Although increased Ca2+ influx via LTCCs in arterial myocytes has been implicated in the chain of events contributing to vascular dysfunction during acute hyperglycemia and diabetes, the mechanisms underlying these pathological changes remain unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that increased Ca2+ sparklet activity contributes to higher Ca2+ influx in cerebral artery smooth muscle during acute hyperglycemia and in an animal model of non-insulin-dependent, type 2 diabetes: the dB/dB mouse. Consistent with this hypothesis, acute elevation of extracellular glucose from 10 to 20 mM increased the density of low activity and persistent Ca2+ sparklet sites as well as the amplitude of LTCC currents in wild-type cerebral arterial myocytes. Furthermore, Ca2+ sparklet activity and LTCC currents were higher in dB/dB than in control myocytes. We found that activation of PKA contributed to higher Ca2+ sparklet activity during hyperglycemia and diabetes. In addition, we found that the interaction between PKA and the scaffolding protein A-kinase anchoring protein was critical for the activation of persistent Ca2+ sparklets by PKA in cerebral arterial myocytes after hyperglycemia. Accordingly, PKA inhibition equalized Ca2+ sparklet activity between dB/dB and wild-type cells. These findings suggest that hyperglycemia increases Ca2+ influx by increasing Ca2+ sparklet activity via a PKA-dependent pathway in cerebral arterial myocytes and contributes to vascular dysfunction during diabetes.
Access to Diabetes Self-management Education Results of National Surveys of Patients, Educators, and Physicians

Purpose To examine factors related to access to diabetes self-management education (DSME), including services delivered and sought; patient, physician, and program barriers to access; educator outreach and expansion efforts; and perceptions of alternative DSME delivery strategies. Methods Internet surveys were completed by 1169 adults with diabetes (661 with prior DSME, 508 with no prior DSME) from a national community survey panel, 1871 educators who were AADE members, and 629 physicians (212 diabetes specialists, 417 primary care practitioners) from a national physician survey panel. Results Physicians want patients to receive more self-management support, but some report that patients are told to do things with which the physician does not agree. Provider (physician and educator)-delivered DSME is more highly regarded among those who have received it than among those who have not received it. Physicians generally have positive perceptions of provider-delivered DSME, and educators see physicians as key to encouraging DSME use in patients. Some physicians are concerned about losing patients sent to DSME, and 11% of patients report changing physicians as a result of DSME. Most DSME programs have grown recently as a result of recruiting efforts and adding new programs/services; most programs plan more such efforts. Patients prefer traditional DSME sources/settings and are moderately accepting of media sources. Conclusions Additional efforts are required to guarantee that all people with diabetes receive the DSME they need. This will require increased referral by physicians, increased follow-through by patients, and increased availability of DSME in forms that make it appealing to patients and physicians.
Analysis of Historic and Contemporary Dress: An African Example1

A method for analyzing dress was modeled after methods for analyzing languages. The primary data were 607 photographs of members of an extended family of Yoruba people in Nigeria. The photographs, taken between 1900 and 1974, were divided into three groups cor responding to political periods within the time span. Steps in analyzing the data were: (1) list all items worn; (2) calculate frequency of appearance of each item; (3) identify associations made with items worn most frequently, i.e., male/female, Western/indigenous; (4) within the three time periods, determine modes related to associations found in step 3; (5) identify items which appear as alternates or additions to modal items; (6) develop rules of dress relating social roles and statuses of individuals to use of particular forms of dress. Although the method was applied to studying dress of a non- Western population, the techniques have potential for com parative studies of the dress of any culture.
Pathogenic Isolates of Rhodococcus fascians from New Hosts in the United States

Rhodococcus fascians is important to the nursery industry due to its broad host range (68 genera) (2) and potential for horizontal gene transfer of plasmid-borne virulence genes. Since 2001, many herbaceous ornamental plants with symptoms of leafy galls or basal or axillary shoot proliferation suggestive of infection by R. fascians have been submitted to the Oregon State University Plant Clinic for diagnosis. R. fascians was isolated from symptomatic plants by placing affected tissues into saline or liquid D2 medium (1) for 30 to 120 min and then dilution plating onto D2 agar. Orange colonies were purified by dilution streaking and identified as R. fascians by substrate utilization (Biolog, Hayward, CA) and fatty acid analysis (L. Barnes, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX). Pathogenicity was confirmed by inoculation of 10 newly germinated Pisum sativum ‘Laxton Progress’ and ‘Sugar Pod’ seedlings with bacteria from 2-day-old cultures (107 CFU/ml) or water (controls). Our isolates produced shoot p...
Identification of novel genetic markers and improved treatment options for diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic nephropathy, a kidney disease that develops secondary to diabetes mellitus, accounts for most of the reduced life expectancy in individuals with diabetes and is the most common cause of chronic renal failure in developed countries [1]. In its early stages of development, diabetic kidney disease has no symptoms, and is characterized by a reduced glomerular filtration rate and atypical excretion of protein into the urine (i.e., microalbuminuria: 150–300 mg/day). In approximately 20–40% of individuals with diabetes, microalbuminuria progresses to overt nephropathy (urinary protein excretion >300 mg/day) and eventually culminates in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), where renal replacement therapy is necessary to control uremia and other metabolic consequences of kidney failure. ESRD is associated with substantial mortality and economic costs. In the USA alone, mortality rates are approximately 23% per year and nearly 400,000 people receive renal replacement therapy as a result of ESRD, incurring direct medical costs in excess of US$16 billion annually [2]. Unsurprisingly, diabetic kidney disease presents a major public health concern in countries with burgeoning rates of diabetes. At present, there is no cure for diabetic nephropathy; instead, current treatment strategies focus on prevention or delay of disease develop ment and progression. In the early stages of diabetic kidney disease, lifestyle modification (i.e., maintenance of healthy weight, physical activity, dietary restriction of protein, salt and alcohol, avoidance of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and smoking cessation), coupled with intensive pharmacological control of glycemia and blood pressure, are prescribed for most patients. However, following
Ethanol Actions on Multiple Ion Channels: Which Are Important?

Background: This review is based on a plenary lecture presented at the 1999 meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism. It provides an overview of the search for sites of action for ethanol in the brain. Initial studies were directed at interaction of ethanol with membrane lipids, but during the past decade, emphasis has been shifted to protein sites, particularly those on ion channels. Molecular biological techniques have provided the opportunity to study isolated channels in cellular expression systems and also provide the opportunity to manipulate these channels in mutant mice. Conclusions: There is now compelling evidence that multiple ion channels are affected by ethanol and growing support for the idea that ethanol interacts directly with specific sites on ion channels. The key, and unanswered, question is which of these channels are responsible for alcohol-induced behaviors such as intoxication, tolerance, dependence, or craving. Mutant mice will likely give (some) answers to these questions during the next decade.
How Flexible Can Inflation Targeting Be and Still Work

This paper takes up the issue of the flexibility of inflation targeting regimes, with the specific goal of determining whether the monetary policy of the Bank of England, which has a formal inflation target, has been any less flexible than that of the Federal Reserve, which does not have such a target. The empirical analysis uses the speed of inflation forecast convergence, estimated from professional forecasters' predictions at successive forecast horizons, to gauge the perceived flexibility of the central bank's response to macroeconomic shocks. Based on this criterion, there is no evidence to suggest that the Bank of England's inflation target has compelled it to be more aggressive in pursuit of low inflation than the Federal Reserve.
CLASS: a CAD system for automatic synthesis and verification of asynchronous finite state machines

The author describes algorithms and techniques underlying a CAD system called CLASS (Cirrus Logic Asynchronous Synthesis System) for automatic synthesis and verification of control circuits based on asynchronous finite state machine (AFSM) specifications. AFSM specifications are transformed into signal transition graphs and then to state graphs. Newly developed hazard-free synthesis techniques from state graphs are described. An efficient two-level hierarchical verification technique based on state graph contraction and Dill's verifier is used to verify the logic implementations against the state graph. >
Subglottic secretion drainage for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia: a meta-analysis.

Purpose To assess the efficacy of subglottic secretion drainage in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia. Methods We performed a comprehensive, systematic meta-analysis of randomized trials that have compared subglottic secretion drainage with standard endotracheal tube care in mechanically ventilated patients. Studies were identified by a computerized database search, review of bibliographies, and expert consultation. Summary risk ratios or weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each outcome using a fixed-effects model. Results Of 110 studies retrieved, five met the inclusion criteria and enrolled 896 patients. Subglottic secretion drainage reduced the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia by nearly half (risk ratio [RR] = 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37 to 0.71), primarily by reducing early-onset pneumonia (pneumonia occurring within 5 to 7 days after intubation). Although significant heterogeneity was found for several endpoints, this was largely resolved by excluding a single outlying study. In the remaining four studies, which recruited patients expected to require >72 hours of mechanical ventilation, secretion drainage shortened the duration of mechanical ventilation by 2 days (95% CI: 1.7 to 2.3 days) and the length of stay in the intensive care unit by 3 days (95% CI: 2.1 to 3.9 days), and delayed the onset of pneumonia by 6.8 days (95% CI: 5.5 to 8.1 days). Conclusion Subglottic secretion drainage appears effective in preventing early-onset ventilator-associated pneumonia among patients expected to require >72 hours of mechanical ventilation.
Enzymatically Active APOBEC3G Is Required for Efficient Inhibition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

APOBEC3G (APO3G) is a cellular cytidine deaminase with potent antiviral activity. Initial studies of the function of APO3G demonstrated extensive mutation of the viral genome, suggesting a model in which APO3G's antiviral activity is due to hypermutation of the viral genome. Recent studies, however, found that deaminase-defective APO3G mutants transiently expressed in virus-producing cells exhibited significant antiviral activity, suggesting that the antiviral activity of APO3G could be dissociated from its deaminase activity. To directly compare the antiviral activities of wild-type (wt) and deaminase-defective APO3G, we used two approaches: (i) we titrated wt and deaminase-defective APO3G in transient-transfection studies to achieve similar levels of virus-associated APO3G and (ii) we constructed stable cell lines and selected clones expressing comparable amounts of wt and deaminase-defective APO3G. Viruses produced under these conditions were tested for viral infectivity. The results from the two approaches were consistent and suggested that the antiviral activity of deaminase-defective APO3G was significantly lower than that of wt APO3G. We conclude that efficient inhibition of vif-defective human immunodeficiency virus type 1 requires catalytically active APO3G.
Asynchronous Distributed Calibration for Scalable and Reconfigurable Multi-Projector Displays

Centralized techniques have been used until now when automatically calibrating (both geometrically and photometrically) large high-resolution displays created by tiling multiple projectors in a 2D array. A centralized server managed all the projectors and also the camera(s) used to calibrate the display. In this paper, we propose an asynchronous distributed calibration methodology via a display unit called the plug-and-play projector (PPP). The PPP consists of a projector, camera, computation and communication unit, thus creating a self-sufficient module that enables an asynchronous distributed architecture for multi-projector displays. We present a single-program-multiple-data (SPMD) calibration algorithm that runs on each PPP and achieves a truly scalable and reconfigurable display without any input from the user. It instruments novel capabilities like adding/removing PPPs from the display dynamically, detecting faults, and reshaping the display to a reasonable rectangular shape to react to the addition/removal/faults. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to realize a completely asynchronous and distributed calibration architecture and methodology for multi-projector displays
Progress of the laser electron accelerator project at Stanford University

Our objective is to demonstrate, via a proof-of-principle experiment, particle acceleration by crossed laser beams in a single dielectric accelerator cell in vacuum. We expect to observe a laser-induced energy modulation of 15 keV on an electron beam with an initial energy of 32 MeV.
The developmental dynamics of marmoset monkey vocal production

Human vocal development occurs through two parallel interactive processes that transform infant cries into more mature vocalizations, such as cooing sounds and babbling. First, natural categories of sounds change as the vocal apparatus matures. Second, parental vocal feedback sensitizes infants to certain features of those sounds, and the sounds are modified accordingly. Paradoxically, our closest living ancestors, nonhuman primates, are thought to undergo few or no production-related acoustic changes during development, and any such changes are thought to be impervious to social feedback. Using early and dense sampling, quantitative tracking of acoustic changes, and biomechanical modeling, we showed that vocalizations in infant marmoset monkeys undergo dramatic changes that cannot be solely attributed to simple consequences of growth. Using parental interaction experiments, we found that contingent parental feedback influences the rate of vocal development. These findings overturn decades-old ideas about primate vocalizations and show that marmoset monkeys are a compelling model system for early vocal development in humans.
Nta (nitriloacetate) as a source of iron for corn in hydkoponic solution

Abstract Corn (Zea mays L.) seedlings were grown for 25 days in 3700 ml solution culture with and without CaCO3 in the solution to give pH differential and with 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 mg Fe/liter chelated with NTA (nitrilo‐acetate). All plants supplied with CaCO3 were iron chlorotic and small. The 1 mg Fe/liter without CaCO3 failed to produce healthy green plants but higher levels of Fe were satisfactory. It appears that FeNTA would be a satisfactory source of iron if pH were kept near 6 for com and other monocotyledous plants for which the stability of iron chelates of EDTA, DTPA, EDDHA are too high for them to be adequate sources of iron.
Mechanisms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations are important events that contribute to worsening health status, disease progression, and mortality. They are mainly triggered by respiratory viruses (especially rhinovirus, the cause of the common cold), but airway bacteria are also involved in their pathogenesis. Exacerbations are associated with both airway and systemic inflammation and, this is mainly neutrophilic in origin. Some patients are especially prone to develop exacerbations, and these have been identified as a high-risk group with increased airway inflammation and greater disease progression. Management of acute exacerbations involves therapy with oral corticosteroids and/or antibiotics, and new therapies are needed. A number of interventions may prevent exacerbations, including vaccination, long-acting bronchodilators, antiinflammatory agents, and long-term antibiotic therapy. Understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of COPD exacerbations is important to develop novel therapies.
Coronary bypass graft perforation during percutaneous intervention.

Summary Introduction Coronary artery bypass grafts are prone to accelerated atherosclerosis and as such graft stenosis is frequently encountered in clinical practice. Complications specific to graft- PCI include no-reflow, distal embolization, stent restenosis and thrombosis. Graft perforation during PCI is a rare coomplication of the procedure. Published literature on the predictors of perforation and management strategy remains limited to anecdotal cases. Method In this review we collected data on all cases of graft perforations reported in PubMed/Medline from 1987 to 2015. Result 37 cases of graft perforation were reported. High risk grafts for perforations included, old grafts (14±7.8years) with more than 80% luminal stenosis. Perforations were noted after use of different cardiac devices and included stent placement (30%, N=11), balloon angioplasty (36%, N=14), post-dilation with non complaint balloon (16%, N=6), guide wire perforation (1 case), post IVUS imaging (1 case) and one case after use of thrombus extraction device. Average stent diameter of 3.7±0.7 mm, average balloon pressure of 15.5±5 atm and 3 or more balloon inflations commonly resulted in graft perforation. 78% of cases reported class III perforation. Covered stent implantation was strongly associated with controlling acute bleed after graft perforation than prolonged balloon inflation (p=0.0001). Majority of cases reported using covered stents (81%). Average stent diameter of 3.9±0.7mm, average stent length of 18.5±6mm and the average deployment pressure of 14±2atm were reported to be effective in controlling the bleed. 95% of the patients did well post procedure and with prolonged hospitalization (8±4days). 24% of cases reported cardiac tamponade causing hemodynamic compromise including 2 peri-procedural deaths. Conclusion Graft perforation can be effectively treated with covered stent grafts with good immediate results, short term outcome and acceptable peri-procedural risks.
The blessings and curses of big time football: one perspective.

Drawing from experiences as a leader at various universities, in this paper, the author discusses the blessings and curses of major intercollegiate athletic programs. Blessings include national attention, contribution to diversity, improved facilities, campus excitement, the ability to recruit top coaches and staff, and academic support. Curses include the considerable national attention, tighter scrutiny, misplaced priorities, a culture of dependency, decreases in faculty and staff morale, the potential for decrease athlete welfare, and a lack of competition. The author then offers potential solutions to these issues.
VENUS-2 MOX Core Benchmark: Results of ORNL Calculations Using HELIOS-1.4 - Revised Report

The Task Force on Reactor-Based Plutonium Disposition (TFRPD) was formed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development/Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD/NEA) to study reactor physics, fuel performance, and fuel cycle issues related to the disposition of weapons-grade (WG) plutonium as mixed-oxide (MOX) reactor fuel. To advance the goals of the TFRPD, 10 countries and 12 institutions participated in a major TFRPD activity: a blind benchmark study to compare code calculations to experimental data for the VENUS-2 MOX core at SCK-CEN in Mol, Belgium. At Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the HELIOS-1.4 code system was used to perform the comprehensive study of pin-cell and MOX core calculations for the VENUS-2 MOX core benchmark study.
Statins are not associated with short-term improved aneurysm healing in a rabbit model of unruptured aneurysms

Background Owing to their anti-inflammatory effects and ability to stimulate production of extracellular matrix and chemotactic migration of mesenchymal progenitor cells, statins could potentially improve aneurysm healing after endovascular treatment. Objective To test the hypothesis that systemic administration of simvastatin would improve aneurysm healing in a rabbit model of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Methods Experimental aneurysms were created in female rabbits and were embolized with platinum coils. Six rabbits served as controls and six rabbits received oral administration of simvastatin. Digital subtraction angiography was used to evaluate stability after embolization. Subjects were euthanized 4 weeks after coil embolization. Histologic samples were examined with a grading system (0–12) based on neck and dome features. Aneurysm occlusion data were compared using a Student t test. Results No significant differences in the mean aneurysm size were found between groups. No coil compaction occurred in either group. All aneurysms in both the statin and control groups showed stable occlusion. There were no significant differences in the histologic grade of occlusion in either group (statin group 2.6±0.8 vs control group 2.7±3.2, p=0.94). Conclusions Systemic statin administration after platinum coil embolization of unruptured aneurysms in a rabbit model does not improve aneurysm occlusion rates at 4 weeks.
Insect Parasites Associated with the Introduced Pine Sawfly, Diprion similis (Hartig) (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae), in North Carolina

The parasitic fauna of Diprion similis in North Carolina was investigated by rearing field-collected cocoons from 1978 to 1982. The fauna is impoverished compared with Wisconsin. The torymid, Monodontomerus dentipes (Dalman), and the eulophid, Dahlbominus fuscipennis (Zetterstedt), were transferred from Wisconsin, and small numbers of three European species of egg parasites were also released. Very high levels of parasitism by M. dentipes were subsequently observed.
Regularizing Binding Energy Distributions and the Hydration Free Energy of Protein Cytochrome C from All-Atom Simulations.

By introducing an external field to temper short-range protein water interactions, we regularize the statistical problem of calculating the hydration free energy, μex, of the protein cytochrome C using the potential distribution theorem. Using this approach, we calculate the nonelectrostatic (dispersion) and electrostatic contributions to μex. The nonelectrostatic contribution interpreted within an accessible surface area approach leads to a surface energy parameter that is about twice the value based on the hydration of small alkanes: at the size scale of the protein, hydrophobic hydration is more stronger relative to small alkanes. The electrostatic contribution does not obey linear response behavior. Further, depending on the choice of the protein dielectric constant, continuum dielectric calculations of the electrostatic contribution differ from the all-atom result by between 6%–12% (in a net value of about −2000 kcal/mol). We conclude by indicating potential applications of the present physically tra...
Self-Powered Sensor for Naked-Eye Detection of Serum Trypsin

Here, we report a device for the detection of the proteolytic enzyme trypsin, which is a biomarker for pancreatitis. The sensor is self-powered, easy to use, and signals the presence of trypsin via a light-emitting diode (LED) that is visible to the unaided eye. Assay time is ∼3 h, and the limit of detection is 0.5 μg/mL, which is within the range required for detection of trypsin at levels signaling acute pancreatitis. The sensing mechanism relies on trypsin digestion of a gelled protein layer. Partial digestion of the protein layer permits hydroxide penetration and subsequent etching of an underlying Al membrane. Degradation of both the protein and Al layers exposes an underlying Mg anode and closes an electrochemical circuit that produces ∼2.2 V. This is sufficient voltage to illuminate the LED. A logarithmic relationship is observed between the time required for LED illumination and trypsin concentration. The device is equally effective for trypsin dissolved in buffer or serum media.
Bicontinuous Alkaline Fuel Cell Membranes from Strongly Self-Segregating Block Copolymers

Alkaline fuel cell membranes have the potential to reduce the cost and weight of current fuel cell technology, but they still have not been broadly commercialized due to poor hydroxide conductivities and mechanical properties, in addition to low chemical stability. One approach to address these mechanical and transport shortcomings is forming a morphologically bicontinuous network of an ion transporting phase and a hydrophobic phase to provide mechanical strength. In this report, membranes having bicontinuous morphologies are fabricated by cross-linking cation-containing block copolymers with hydrophobic constituents. This is accomplished in a single step and does not require postpolymerization modification. The resulting materials conduct hydroxide ions very rapidly, as high as 120 mS cm–1 in liquid water at 60 °C. The methodological changes required to obtain a bicontinuous morphology from such strongly self-segregating block copolymers, relevant to other applications in which bicontinuous structures ar...
Abstract 1005: Mesenchymal stem cells in breast cancer dormancy: Role of regulatory T cell induction

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to support breast cancer growth. Since MSCs also increase the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs), we hypothesize that human MSCs protect breast cancer cells (BCCs) from immune clearance by recruitment and expansion of Tregs. MSCs suppressed the proliferation of PBMCs when the latter were exposed to γ-irradiated BCCs. Similarly, MSCs showed significant inhibition in the migration of PBMCs towards BCCs, despite the production of chemokines. MSCs also inhibited functional NK and CTL functions, which correlated with reduced numbers of CD8 and CD56 cells as compared to parallel cultures without MSCs. The reduced NK and CTL activities correlated with decrease in the total number of granzyme B-producing cells. To explain these findings, we compared Tregs in the presence or absence of MSCs and found increases with MSCs. The expansion of Tregs correlated with decreases in Th1 cytokines and increases in Th2 cytokines. MSC-derived TGF-β was mostly responsible for the increase in Tregs, based on knockdown studies. Together, these studies show increase in Tregs in co-cultures of PBMCs, BCCs and MSCs. The results could be partly explained by increase in Th2 type cytokines and MSC-generated TGF-β. These findings demonstrate immune protection by MSCs to BCCs. The reduced immune cell proliferation and recruitment mediated by MSCs has implications for treatment with chemotherapy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1005.
Passive Space Microwave Radiometer Systems

This chapter discusses passive space microwave radiometer systems. Passive microwave space sensors measure microwave radiation emitted from the earth's surface and atmosphere. The signal output from the sensor can be used to generate the surface temperature, vertical temperature profile, and atmospheric species concentrations. Passive space remote sensing in the microwave spectral region has applications that range from the earth environmental studies to oceanography. Each region of the electromagnetic spectrum has the properties that can be exploited for space remote sensing; in the microwave region, these properties include the ability to penetrate clouds, and to study absorption by O 2 , H 2 O, and other atmospheric constituents. The advantage of a space microwave radiometer over a space infrared radiometer is the reduced effect of the clouds at microwave frequencies. The disadvantages are the microwave antenna size and weight, the large field of view, and the smaller amount of emitted radiation. For these reasons, microwave radiometers would never replace infrared radiometers, and the best system might be the one that combines an infrared sensor with a microwave sensor.
Combinatorial Synthesis and Screening of Oxide Materials for Photoelectrochemical Energy Conversion

The aim of this chapter is to review the literature on combinatorial approaches for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. The chapter starts by describing the universal role of the combinatorial approach in the development of new materials, from its start in pharmaceutical compounds to photoelectrochemical water splitting. Then the criteria for selecting materials suitable of water photoelectrolysis to produce hydrogen with sunlight with special attention to mixed metal oxides are presented. After a short description of the history of the combinatorial approach for PEC water splitting, the experimental methods employed for high-throughput combinatorial studies are outlined. The reported methods for library design, substrates used, methods of library preparation, sample firing, screening, and data processing are discussed. Next the libraries studied as potential candidates for (a) photocathodes for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), (b) photoanodes in oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and (c) electrocatalysts for hydrogen or oxygen evolution are discussed in more detail. The pronounced role of theory to support the combinatorial search for new materials is discussed. Finally the supporting role of distributed combinatorial outreach programs, where students have the opportunity to contribute to the discovery of new materials, is outlined.
Development and validation of candidate gene-specific markers for the major fertility restorer genes, Rf4 and Rf3 in rice

Two major nuclear genes, Rf3 and Rf4, are known to be associated with fertility restoration of wild-abortive cytoplasmic male sterility (WA-CMS) in rice. In the present study, through a comparative sequence analysis of the reported putative candidate genes, viz. PPR9-782-(M,I) and PPR762 (for Rf4) and SF21 (for Rf3), among restorer and maintainer lines of rice, we identified significant polymorphism between the two lines and developed a set of PCR-based codominant markers, which could distinguish maintainers from restorers. Among the five markers developed targeting the polymorphisms in PPR9-782-(M,I), the marker RMS-PPR9-1 was observed to show clear polymorphism between the restorer (n = 120) and maintainer lines (n = 44) analyzed. Another codominant marker, named RMS-PPR762 targeting PPR762, displayed a lower efficiency in identification of restorers and maintainers, indicating that PPR9-782-(M,I) is indeed the candidate gene for Rf4. With respect to Rf3, a codominant marker, named RMS-SF21-5 developed targeting SF21, displayed significantly lower efficiency in identification of restorers and non-restorers as compared to the Rf4-specific markers. Validation of these markers in a F2 mapping population segregating for fertility restoration indicated that Rf4 has a major influence on fertility restoration and Rf3 is a minor gene. Further, the functional marker RMS-PPR9-1 was observed to be very useful in identification of impurities in a seed lot of the popular hybrid, DRRH3. Interestingly, when RMS-PPR9-1 and RMS-SF21-5 were considered in conjunction with analysis, near-complete, marker–trait co-segregation was observed, indicating that deployment of the candidate gene-specific markers both Rf4 and Rf3, together, can be helpful in accurate identification of fertility restorer lines and can facilitate targeted transfer of the two restorer genes into elite varieties through marker-assisted breeding.
Sex Education and Family Planning

Human existence is marked by an infinite struggle to understand, cope with, or challenge the conditions, imposed by society, which are perceived to constrain the actualization of one’s personhood. In no sphere of human existence is this struggle more pivotal than in that of sexuality and reproduction.