cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
National trends and outcomes of genetically inherited non-alcoholic chronic liver disease in the USA: estimates from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database.

Background Medical literature on the prevalence of genetic liver disease is lacking. In this study, we investigated the in-hospital healthcare and economic burden from genetic causes of non-alcoholic chronic liver disease (NACLD) and non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis (NALC) in the USA. Methods Data were abstracted from the National Inpatient Sample database between 2002 and 2014 using ICD9 codes for patients discharged with NACLD and NALC secondary to genetic diseases including alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATd), cystic fibrosis (CF), Wilson disease (WD), hereditary hemochromatosis (HHC), glycogen storage disease, and disorders of aromatic amino-acid metabolism (DAAAM). Results Throughout the study period, there were 19,332 discharges for NACLD associated with the six genetic diseases including 14,368 for NALC. There were $1.09 billion in hospital charges, 790 in-hospital deaths, and 955 liver transplants performed. Overall, A1ATd was associated with 8,983 (62.52%) hospitalizations for NALC followed by WD, CF, and HHC. The highest in-hospital mortality was seen with HHC. The greatest frequency of liver transplants was seen with DAAAM. Conclusion The number of hospitalizations for genetic liver diseases continues to increase. With increased funding and directed research efforts, we can aim to improve medical treatments and the quality of life for patients at risk for liver deterioration.
Information Management - the Basis for Fulfillment of People's Information Needs

The paper deals with the issue of information management in relation to information systems and in defining the information needs entities in the organization. The concept of a transformation place and its information needs are defined in terms of the amount, accuracy and time. Data, information and their relation to management are discussed, the concept of an information sphere, in which is the transformation place, is introduced. Furthermore, attention is paid to the influence of communication and competence as well as insufficient understanding of human psychology.
Safety-related maintenance of explosionproof enclosures for Class I, hazardous locations

An overview of the National Electric Code requirements for enclosures for arcing devices in Class I locations is presented, along with the theory of explosionproof protection and the standards applicable to enclosures constructed with that type of protection. Three factors which bear on the satisfactory field performance of such equipment are summarized: installation, environment, and maintenance. Proper maintenance procedures applicable to explosionproof enclosures are suggested, and the results of improper maintenance are demonstrated through highlights of actual laboratory tests. >
Chameleon Stars: Diffusion and Spectroscopic Transformations in White Dwarfs.

xii CHAPTER 1. WHITE DWARFS: THE CAST OF CHARACTERS 1 1.1 A Historical Perspective 1 1.2 Modern Perspectives and Problems 5 1.2.1 The "DB gap" 5 1.2.2 The coolest white dwarfs 6 1.3 Purpose and Direction of This Work 6 CHAPTER 2. WHITE DWARF EVOLUTION: A LIFE STORY . 8 2.1 Stellar Evolution: A Brief Description 8 2.1.1 The Asymptotic Giant Branch 11 2.1.2 Planetary nebulae 14 2.2 White Dwarfs 15 2.2.1 Masses 15 2.2.2 Spectral classification 16 2.2.3 Pulsations 19 2.2.4 Cooling 20 2.3 Chemical Evolution and Changes in Surface Composition 21 2.3.1 Convection 23 2.3.2 Diffusion 24 2.3.3 Radiative levitation 26 2.3.4 Accretion 27 2.3.5 Mass loss 28 2.4 Things To Come 29 CHAPTER 3. ISUEVO: THE DETECTIVE'S TOOLS 30 3.
Efficient shape and pose recovery of unknown objects from three camera views

Knowing the shape and pose of objects of interest is critical information when planning robotic grasping and manipulation maneuvers. The ability to recover this information from objects for which there is no a priori knowledge is a valuable behavior for an autonomous or semi-autonomous robot. In this paper, we present methods and algorithms for the shape and pose recovery of unknown objects using no a priori information. Three camera views are taken of the object from three mutually orthogonal directions. Using shape from silhouettes, a point surface reconstruction of the object is performed and a superquadric is fit to the resulting array of points. We show through simulation and experiment that this method yields reconstruction accuracy sufficient for planning and executing grasping maneuvers. In addition to novel contributions, we have made performance improvements to recently published algorithms.
The Term Structure of Interest Rates

I. The elements of term structure theory, 489. — II. The role of debt liquidity differences in the rate structure, 491. — III. The role of speculative activity in the term structure, 496. — IV. Changes in the maturity structure of demand for funds, 502. — V. Yields on short-term and long-term U. S. government securities 1920–1957, 504. — VI. Some implications for credit policy, 516.
Bioimpedance: novel use of a minimally invasive technique for cancer localization in the intact prostate

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is presently diagnosed by transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided sextant needle biopsy. While echo texture of the tissue can prompt localization of tumor, it is presently imprecise. From 50–75% of men biopsied, based on an abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) or elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, have negative biopsy results. Improvements in tumor localization during TRUS-guided prostate biopsy are greatly needed. Bioimpedance is an electrical property of biologic tissue. Electric current is limited in living tissue by highly insulating cell membranes; however, different tissue architecture such as cancer may impede current differently and allow detection of differences between normal and abnormal or malignant prostate tissue. Our goal was to assess the utility of bioimpedance measurements in differentiating tumor from normal prostatic tissue in an ex vivo model. METHODS Bioimpedance was measured in six ex vivo prostates, which were removed for clinically localized prostate cancer. Two bioimpedance needles, 1 mm apart, were inserted 3 mm into the posterior surface of the prostate an average of 16 times per gland. Frequencies ranging from 100 kHz–4 MHz were used to obtain 594 bioimpedance measurements from the six glands. These measurements were then correlated with histology to determine the presence or absence of prostate cancer. RESULTS Prostate cancer was found to have a higher impedance, of 932 ± 170 ohms, compared to areas of no cancer within the same prostate, 751 ± 151 ohms, P < 0.0001, at 2 MHz. This phenomenon was observed across all frequencies tested. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates for the first time application of bioimpedance to distinguish areas of prostate cancer from areas of normal prostate. This technology may improve identification and localization of cancer within the prostate. Moreover, bioimpedance can potentially guide needle placement during prostate biopsy and thus improve sampling of tumors. Currently, our ex vivo model is limited by variables such as temperature and lack of blood flow. Further studies in an in vivo model will be needed to assess their effect. Prostate 39:213–218, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Liquid-Liquid Equilibria and Theta Temperatures in Homopolymer-Solvent Solutions from a Perturbed Hard-Sphere-chain Equation of State

The perturbed hard-sphere-chain (PHSC) equation of state is used to calculate liquid-liquid equilibria of binary nonpolar solvent/homopolymer systems exhibiting both an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) and a lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Systems studied include polyisobutylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene solutions. Equation-of-state parameters of homopolymers are obtained by regressing the pressure-volume-temperature data of polymer melts. In polymer solutions, however, theory overestimates the equation-of-state effect which causes the LCST at elevated temperature. To correct the overestimated equation-of-state effect, an empirical adjustable parameter is introduced into the perturbation term of the PHSC equation of state. An entropy parameter is also introduced into the Helmholtz energy of the mixture to correlate quantitatively the dependence of critical temperatures on polymer molecular weight. For systems exhibiting a LCST, two adjustable parameters are required to obtain quantitative agreement of theoretical critical temperatures with experiment as a function of polymer molecular weight. For systems exhibiting both an UCST and a LCST, three adjustable parameters may be necessary. The need for so many empirical binary parameters is probably due to the oversimplified perturbation term which is based on the mean-field assumption. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mystifying the Monarch: Studies in Discourse, Power, and History – Edited by Jeroen Deploige and Gita Deneckere

This book consists of some thirteen essays by an international group of scholars (Belgian, French, Dutch, English, and American) in which “the relationship between discourse, power, and history is ...
Control of Planar Rigid Body Sliding with Impacts and Friction

In this paper, we continue our investigations into robotic air hockey by studying the problem of controlling the trajectory of a puck subject to impacts. Impacts are modeled using the Routh two-dim...
Impacts, Tsunamis, and the Haitian Cretaceous-Tertiary Boundary Layer

The marker bed at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary of the Beloc Formation (southern Haiti) contains abundant coarse-grained microtektites and minor amounts of shocked quartz grains in the basal part. The upper part is composed of medium-grained marl with amalgamated microtektite lenses and finer-grained marl lenses disseminated throughout. Field and petrographic observations, and the distribution of planktonic foraminifera suggest that the bed formed from a complex sequence of events. A bolide impact nearby produced microtektites that sett1led to form a nearly pure layer at the base. Vaporized materials with anomalously high extraterrestrial components settled last, along with carbonate sediments. The entire bed became sparsely consolidated. Subsequently, another major disruptive event, perhaps a giant tsunami, partly reworked the initial deposit. Cohesive fragments of the original marker bed mixed with exotic materials were redeposited as lenticular bodies. This process also may have caused further mixing of Cretaceous and Tertiary microfossils, as observed at Beloc and elsewhere.
Photodynamic therapy for human malignant mesothelioma in the nude mouse.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes a photoactivatable preparation, Photofrin II, which selectively localizes in cancerous tissue and produces substances toxic to that tissue when activated by light. Whether PDT would be able to selectively destroy human malignant mesothelioma was investigated by using a human-derived malignant mesothelioma tumor subcutaneously implanted in nude mice. Human malignant mesothelioma was grown subcutaneously to a size of 0.2 – 0.4 cm3. Selective retention of Photofrin II was studied by measuring light-induced inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase activity in tumor, heart, and lung. Photofrin II was retained in greater quantities in tumor than in heart or lung at 24 hr after injection. Using laser light at 630 nm under varying conditions, tumor growth was measured every 2 days following PDT for 18 days. All PDT regimens were successful in destroying malignant mesothelioma. Photofrin II at 5 mg/kg was superior to 2 mg/kg (P < 0.005), light delivered at 50 mW/cm2 × 2 hr was superior to that delivered at 200 mW/cm2 × 30 min (P < 0.05), and a total fluence of 180 J/cm2 was equivalent to 360 J/cm2 in affecting tumor growth. Ten of 12 mice treated at 50 mW/cm2 became tumor-free and remained so for 30 days following treatment. We concluded that PDT was effective against human malignant mesothelioma in a nude mouse model without adversely affecting the animal. A role for PDT in treating patients with malignant mesothelioma may exist.
The mass spectral fragmentation of partially ethylated alditol acetates, a derivative used in determining the glycosly linkage composition of polysaccharides†‡

The mass spectral data for the primary fragmentation of partially ethylated alditol acetates have been tabulated in order to allow easy reference for the identification of these polysaccharide derivatives. Sodium borodeuteride is used in all the aldose to alditol reductions, since the presence of a single deuterium label on C-1 greatly increases the information available in the mass spectrum and allows some identifications to be made which would not otherwise be possible. The primary fragmentations of these derivatives are analogous to those of the partially methylated alditol acetates, with each fragment shifted to a higher m/e value by fourteen mass units for each ether linkage contained in the fragment. The secondary fragmentation is also very similar, being characterized by the loss of acetic acid or ketene, or, less frequently, by the loss of ethanol or acetaldehyde. Coupled with the chromatographic retention time data for the partially ethylated alditol acetates tabulated elsewhere, the unambiguous mass spectral identification makes this derivative an excellent choice as a complementary derivative to the partially methylated alditol acetates for polysaccharide analysis. The utility of the partially ethylated alditol as a routine analytical derivative is further enhanced by the almost identical procedures required for synthesis of the ethyl and methyl derivatives. Through the combined use of these derivatives, most of the possible linkage isomers of the seven common aldoses of plant cell wall polysaccharides can be resolved, identified and quantitated.
Localization of nuclear matrix core filament proteins at interphase and mitosis.

Abstract The gentle removal of chromatin uncovers a nuclear matrix consisting of two parts: a nuclear lamina connected to the intermediate filaments of the cytoskeleton and an internal matrix of thick, polymorphic fibers connecting the lamina to masses in the nuclear interior. This internal nuclear matrix can be further fractionated to uncover a highly branched network of 9 nm and 13 nm core filaments retaining some enmeshed bodies. The core filament network retains most of the nuclear RNA, as well as the fA12 RNP antigen, and may be the most basic or core element of internal nuclear structure. One high molecular weight protein component of the core filament network, the H1B2 antigen, is normally masked in the interphase nucleus and is uncovered as the chromatin condenses at mitosis. This protein is associated with a fibrogranular network surrounding and connected to the chromosomes. The core filament- associated fA12 antigen also becomes associated with this perichromosomal network. We propose that the core filament nuclear matrix structure may not completely disassemble at mitosis but, rather, that parts remain as a structural network connected to chromosomes and other mitotic structures. These mitotic networks may, in turn, serve as the core structures on which the nuclear matrices of daughter cells are built.
Monoclonal Fab Fragments from Combinatorial Libraries Displayed on the Surface of Phage

The combinatorial antibody approach captures the immune repertoire within a library of bacteria or their viruses (phage). Current molecular biology techniques allow the construction of repertoires of a size that at least matches if not surpasses the size of the primary animal repertoire, about 108. Escherichia coli are competent producers of antibody Fab and scFv fragments. To survey repertoires of this size for antibody fragments of the proper specificity and highest affinity, a phage display system that allows an affinity-based selection of clones was developed. These developments have at least three important consequences: (i) they allow direct cloning and expression of human Fab fragments; (ii) they allow the creation of synthetic antibodies; and (iii) they allow the in vitro evolution of antibody specificity and affinity. For the crystallographer, these developments will provide unique opportunities for the study of molecular recognition .c 1993
Sites of Abscisic Acid Synthesis and Metabolism in Ricinus communis L.

The sites of abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis and metabolism in Ricinus communis L. were investigated by analyzing the levels of ABA and its two metabolites phaseic acid (PA) and dihydrophaseic acid (DPA) in the shoot tips, mature leaves, and phloem sap of stressed and nonstressed plants.Water stress increased the concentration of ABA, PA, and DPA in phloem exudate and also increased the levels of all three compounds in mature leaves and in shoot tips. The latter had a very high DPA content (18.7 mug/g fresh weight) even in plants not subjected to water stress. When young and mature leaves were excised and allowed to wilt, the level of ABA increased in both, demonstrating that leaves at an early stage of development have the capacity to produce ABA.These results have been interpreted to mean that in mature leaves of nonstressed Ricinus plants, ABA is synthesized and metabolized, and that ABA itself, as well as its metabolites, are translocated in the phloem to the shoot tips (sinks). Since DPA, but not ABA, accumulates in the shoot tips, it follows that ABA is metabolized rapidly in the apical region. To what extent ABA present in young leaves of nonstressed plants is the consequence of synthesis in situ and of import from older leaves remains to be determined.
Supply Chain Dispute Resolution: A Delphi Study

This paper examines how supply chain conflicts across domestic and international jurisdictions arise and become resolved given that conventional conflict resolution tribunals cannot effectively settle fast enough to serve the needs of supply chain partners. Observations from the field should guide practitioners, and in combination with information technology, may lead to best practice rules in dispute resolution. For this study, the Delphi Method was selected, in which a panel of 14 experts participated in three rounds of successive surveys over a one-year period. Survey data was collected by mail as well as via telephone conversations and interviews, while under the Delphi method, the content of the second questionnaire was derived from the responses of the first questionnaire. All participants were supply chain experts in the United States from eight different industrial sectors, and none of the participants interacted with one another. End results show that supply chainâ€™s relationships are very private trade arrangements and that disputes arise, predictably, from common performance criteria such as quality, timely delivery and payment issues.
Novel strategies for treatment-resistant depression

This article describes a highly selective constellation of the more unique strategies for managing the treatment-resistant patient. In light of the often-devastating toll that treatment-resistant depression takes on an individual's life, it behooves us to continue the search for more effective strategies for those patients that fail more traditional interventions. As each successive move down the treatment algorithm flowchart becomes necessary, the risk/benefit ratio may shift toward less well-substantiated, but still biologically informed, strategies. Although some of the more unusual treatments described in this article represent minimally charted territories, the more promising techniques are deserving of further careful exploration.
Reliability of GFR formulas based on serum creatinine, with special reference to the MDRD Study equation

Estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is central to the diagnosis, evaluation and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review summarizes data on the performance of equations using serum creatinine to estimate GFR, particularly the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation. The size of studies evaluating GFR estimation equations and their level of sophistication in estimating bias, precision, validity and sensitivity to the source population have improved over the past decade. We update our review from 2006, which included 7 studies with over 500 individuals and 12 studies with 50–499 individuals with measured GFR evaluating the MDRD Study and Cockcroft–Gault equations. More recent studies include an individual level pooling analysis of 5504 participants in 10 studies which showed that creatinine calibration to reference methods improved the performance of the MDRD Study equation but increased bias for the Cockcroft‐Gault equation. The MDRD Study equation had a bias o...
Increased expression of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 contributes to caspase-independent myocyte cell death during heart failure

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) plays a pivotal role in regulating genome stability, cell cycle progression, and cell survival. However, overactivation of PARP has been shown to contribute to cell death and organ failure in various stress-related disease conditions. In this study, we examined the role of PARP in the development and progression of cardiac hypertrophy. We measured the expression of PARP in mouse hearts with physiological (swimming exercise) and pathological (aortic banding) cardiac hypertrophy as well as in human heart samples taken at the time of transplantation. PARP levels were elevated both in swimming and banded mice hearts and demonstrated a linear positive correlation with the degree of cardiac hypertrophy. A dramatic increase (4-fold) of PARP occurred in 6-wk banded mice, accompanied by apparent signs of ventricular dilation and myocyte cell death. PARP levels were also elevated (2- to 3-fold) in human hearts with end-stage heart failure compared with controls. However, we found no evidence of caspase-mediated PARP cleavage in either mouse or human failing hearts. Overexpression of PARP in primary cultures of cardiac myocytes led to suppression of gene expression and robust myocyte cell death. Furthermore, data obtained from the analysis of PARP knockout mice revealed that these hearts produce an attenuated hypertrophic response to aortic banding compared with controls. Together, these results demonstrate a role for PARP in the onset and progression of cardiac hypertrophy and suggest that some events related to cardiac hypertrophy growth and progression to heart failure are mediated by a PARP-dependent mechanism.
Detailed chemical kinetics studies of an NH3/N2O/Ar flame by laser-induced fluorescence, mass spectrometry, and modeling

Experimental and chemical modeling studies of a 60 torr NH 3 /N 2 O/Ar flame were performed to provide furthert testing and refinments of a detailed chemical mechanism developed previously in our laboratory. This mechanism which is denoted as VS, consists of 87 reactions and 20 species. Flame temperatures were measured with a coated, thin-wire thermocouple and by rotational analyses of OH and NH laser induced fluorescence (LIF) spectra. Species concentration profiles of NH 3 , N 2 O, N 2 , H 2 O, NO, O 2 , NH. O 2 and OH were recorded using molecular beam mass spectrometry (MB/MS), LIF, or both. The experimental species concentrations were compared with those obtained with both equilibrium and PREMIX flame code calculations. The NH 3 /N 2 O mixture equilibrium calculations agree very well with both the PREMIX and measured postflame N 2 and H 2 O concentrations but underpredict the postflame NO concentration and overpredict the O 2 concentration. The PREMIX calculations predict very well the shapes of the experimental NH 3 , N 2 O, N 2 , H 2 O, NO, OH, and NH profiles throughout the flame but do not adequately predict the shape of the O-atom profile and overpredich the O 2 concentration by ≈60% at 1625 mm, suggesting that the VS mechanism requires some refinement. A modified mechanism, VS-modified, which provides better agreement with the experimental results, is proposed. In this mechanism the rate constants of the following reactions are altered to the limit of their experimental or calculated meertamties: (1) N 2 O+H=OH+N 2 (2) NH 2 +O=HNO_H, (3) NH 2 +OH=NH+H 2 O, (4) NH 2 +H=H 2 +NH, (5) NH 3 +OH=NH 2 +H 2 O, and (6) NO+H+M=HNO+M
Systematic Study of the Role of Ligand Structure in the Formation of Homobinuclear Rhodium Macrocycles Formed via the Weak-Link Approach

A series of new bis-1,4-phosphinoethoxyaryl hemilabile ligands of the form (1,4-(Ph2PCH2CH2O)2-arene), where the nature and substituent pattern of the central arene ring have been systematically va...
An introduction to item response theory and Rasch models for speech-language pathologists.

Purpose To present a primarily conceptual introduction to item response theory (IRT) and Rasch models for speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Method This tutorial introduces SLPs to basic concepts...
Human rhinovirus C: Age, season, and lower respiratory illness over the past 3 decades.

Background Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) cause common colds, and the recently discovered HRV-C is increasingly associated with lower respiratory illness among populations such as children and asthmatic patients. Objective To determine how HRV-C is associated with respiratory illness and to evaluate changes in prevalence and species over 2 decades. Methods A prospective study of children younger than 5 years was performed at the Vanderbilt Vaccine Clinic over a 21-year period. Nasal-wash specimens from children presenting with upper or lower respiratory illness at acute care visits were tested for HRV and HRV-positives genotyped. Demographic and clinical features were compared between children with or without HRV, and with different HRV species. Results HRV was detected in 190 of 527 (36%) specimens from a population of 2009 children from 1982 through 2003. Of these, 36% were HRV-C. Age ( P = .039) and month of illness ( P P = .014). HRV-A and HRV-C prevalence fluctuated throughout the 21-year period; HRV-C was more prevalent during winter ( P = .058). Conclusions HRV-C is not a new virus but has been significantly associated with childhood lower respiratory illness in this population for several decades. Temporal changes in virus prevalence occur, and season may predict virus species. Our findings have implications for diagnostic, preventive, and treatment strategies due to the variation in disease season and severity based on species of HRV infection.
Resonance wave interactions in a weakly viscous liquid

Abstract A study is made of non-linear wave interactions in a weakly viscous liquid. Using the averaged variational method, new interaction equations are derived. It is shown that results of this paper reduce to those obtained earlier for weak second-order resonant interactions in the limit as viscosity ν →0. The Lax–Wendroff method having second-order accuracy with respect to space and time is chosen for numerical calculations because the method does not depend on the direction of wave propagation or domains of dependence. The non-linear resonant evolution of amplitude triads has been investigated for different values of viscosity. Numerical results with graphical representations are presented in some detail.
Ethanol acceptance is high during early infancy and becomes still higher after previous ethanol ingestion.

Background: Infant (preweanling) rats readily accept ethanol without initiation procedures. During their second and third postnatal weeks, rats ingest large quantities of even high concentrations of ethanol. The present study tested the consequences of still earlier exposure to ethanol differing in concentration, mode of administration, and contextual circumstances. Methods: Every 48 hours from postnatal day 2 (P2) to P10, pups were given access to 0, 5, 15, or 25% ethanol through an independent feeding procedure (consumption off the floor; COF) or by intragastric (i.g.) administration. The amount of ethanol consumed was matched for the 2 modes of ethanol delivery. On P12 pups were tested for intake of 15% ethanol through an intraoral infusion test or COF. Results: Beginning on P6, pups ingested more ethanol solution than water, and by P8 and P10 they ingested large quantities of ethanol—1.5 to 2.0 g/kg ethanol from 15 or 25% ethanol solution within a 10-minute period. This early experience with ingestion of ethanol increased subsequent ethanol intake on P12, particularly when concentration and mode of ingestion were the same as before. Conclusions: Intake on P12 was increased by prior exposure to ethanol intragastrically as well as by the conventional oral route, suggesting pharmacological effects of prior ethanol exposure. Yet, the apparently greater influence of prior exposure by the oral route and the influence of prior ethanol concentration also implicate the importance of ethanol's chemosensory attributes for effects of prior ethanol exposure. The equivalent g/kg intake of ethanol in 15 or 25% solutions during the early part of the second postnatal week suggests that regulation of ethanol intake at P8 and P10 is similar to that observed previously in adults. Change in aspects of ethanol ingestion at about P6 may reflect the shift in function of the GABA system at about this age.
Genetic regulatory networks of nephrogenesis: Deregulation of WT1 splicing by benzo(a)pyrene

Recent studies have identified AHR as a master regulator of Wilms' tumor suppressor gene (WT1) signaling in the developing kidney. Activation of AHR signaling by environmental chemical is associated with proteasome-mediated degradation of AHR protein, disruption of WT1 alternative splicing, and marked alterations in the regulation of genetic programs of developmental progression in the developing kidney. The complexity of genetic regulatory networks of nephrogenesis controlled by AHR-WT1 interactions will be discussed here with particular emphasis given to the biological and medical consequences that may result from deficits in nephrogenesis that compromise reserve capacity and renal function later in life. Understanding the impact of early-life environmental exposures to chemicals that disrupt AHR signaling can help minimize negative health consequences to pregnant women and their offspring. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 87:192–197, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and structural characterization of metal complexes of an unsymmetric N3O tetradentate Schiff base ligand

Abstract The nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of the unsymmetrical N3O tetradentate Schiff base ligand, H2ambprsal, which is the 1:1:1 condensation product of 2-aminobenzaldehyde (amb), 1,3-diaminopropane (pr) and salicylaldehyde (sal), were prepared by the reaction of HsalprNH2 (HsalprNH2 is the 1:1 monocondensate of salicylaldehyde with 1,3-diaminopropane) with 2-aminobenzaldehyde, metal nitrate and triethylamine in methanol. Replacement of the nickel in Ni(ambprsal) with FeCl was accomplished by reaction of Ni(ambprsal) with dimethylglyoxime in benzene followed by reaction with iron(III) chloride. Structural investigation was carried out on the nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes. Both Ni(ambprsal) and Cu(ambprsal) are monomeric and approximately square planar. The six-membered ring containing the metal, the azomethine nitrogen atoms and the three carbins of the 1,3 diaminopropane bridge adopt the symmetrical boat conformation with the metal and the central carbon atoms occupying the bow and stern positions. The conformation of the ligand and the N3O donor set may both contribute to the high spin state of the iron atom in Fe(ambpral)Cl.
Subjective experience of sensation in anorexia nervosa.

Abstract The nature of disturbance in body experience in anorexia nervosa (AN) remains poorly operationalized despite its prognostic significance. We examined the relationship of subjective reports of sensitivity to and behavioral avoidance of sensory experience (e.g., to touch, motion) to body image disturbance and temperament in adult women currently diagnosed with AN ( n = 20), women with a prior history of AN who were weight restored ( n = 15), and healthy controls with no eating disorder history ( n = 24). Levels of sensitivity to sensation and attempts to avoid sensory experience were significantly higher in both clinical groups relative to healthy controls. Sensory sensitivity was associated with body image disturbance ( r (56) = .51, p r 2 = −.32, p r 2 = .03, p = .18), and to the temperament feature of harm avoidance in both clinical groups. We discuss how intervention strategies that address sensitization and habituation to somatic experience via conditioning exercises may provide a new manner in which to address body image disturbance in AN.
Matrix metalloproteinase-3 removes agrin from synaptic basal lamina

Agrin, a heparin sulfate proteoglycan, is an integral member of the synaptic basal lamina and plays a critical role in the formation and maintenance of the neuromuscular junction. The N-terminal region of agrin binds tightly to basal lamina, while the C-terminal region interacts with a muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) to induce the formation of the postsynaptic apparatus. Although the binding of agrin to basal lamina is tight, the binding of agrin to MuSK has yet to be shown; therefore, basal lamina binding is critical for maintaining the presentation of agrin to MuSK. Here we report evidence that supports our hypothesis that matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) is responsible for the removal of agrin from synaptic basal lamina. Antibodies to the hinge region of human MMP-3 recognize molecules concentrated at the frog neuromuscular junction in both cross sections and whole mounts. Electron microscopy of neuromuscular junctions stained with antibodies to MMP-3 reveals that staining is found in the extracellular matrix surrounding the Schwann cell. Treatment of sections from frog anterior tibialis muscle with MMP-3 results in a clear and reproducible removal of agrin immunoreactivity from synaptic basal lamina. The same MMP-3 treatment does not alter anti-laminin staining. These results support our hypothesis that synaptic activity results in the activation of MMP-3 at the neuromuscular junction and that MMP-3 specifically removes agrin from synaptic basal lamina.
Supercritical extraction and desulfurization of coal with alcohols

Abstract An investigation of extraction of coal with alcohols has been performed under a wide range of supercritical conditions. It was found that sulfur materials in coal were selectively removed from coal matrix. An empirical rate equation with first order kinetics can be used to fit the experimental data. The desulfurization selectivity ratio is between 2 and 4.4 for four coal samples studied. A pretreatment of coal with KOH solution demonstrated an enhancement of the desulfurization efficiency.
Period doubling and other nonlinear phenomena in volcanic earthquakes and tremor

Abstract Evidence of subharmonic period-doubling cascades has recently been recognized in seismograms of volcanic tremor from several volcanoes. This phenomenon occurs only in nonlinear systems, and is the commonest route by which such systems change from periodic to chaotic behavior. It is predicted to occur in a model of volcanic tremor excitation by flow-induced vibration, and it might well also occur in other volcano-seismic source process. If the possibility of period doubling is not taken into account in interpreting spectra of tremor and long-period earthquakes, then low-frequency “sub-harmonic” oscillations may be mis-identified as normal modes of a linear acoustic resonator, leading to errors of an order of magnitude or more in inferred magma-body dimensions. This example illustrates the importance of nonlinear phenomena in attempts to understand volcano-seismic phenomena physically. Linear systems are fundamentally incapable of causing earthquakes or exciting tremor, so nonlinearity is essential to any theory of volcano-seismic phenomena. Nonlinear processes are in many respects qualitatively different from linear ones. A few of their characteristics that might be relevant in volcanoes include the possibility: (1) that damping might increase, rather than decrease, oscillation frequencies; and (2) that these frequencies might be functions of the amplitude of oscillation, so that temporal variations in spectral peak frequencies might not be manifestations of changes of conditions within the magmatic system.
Karhunen-Loève modes of a truss: Transient response reconstruction and experimental verification

Karhunen-Loeve (K-L) or proper orthogonal decomposition modes are used to discretize the dynamics of a four-bay linear truss. This is achieved by defining global K-L modal amplitudes and employing the orthogonality relations between K-L modes that are inherent in the K-L decomposition. It is found that the K-L-based low-order models can capture satisfactory the transient dynamics of the truss, even when only a limited number of them is used for the order reduction. A comparison between the exact and low-order dynamics in the frequency domain reveals that the low-order models capture the leading resonances of the truss. A series of experiments with a practical three-bay truss is then performed to validate the theoretical K-L decomposition. A comparison between theory and experiment indicates agreement between the predicted and realized dominant K-L mode shapes, but less so in the higher-order modes. The reasons for this discrepancy between theory and experiment are discussed, and possible applications of the K-L-based order reduction to passive and active control of practical large-scale flexible systems are outlined.
Tension Myalgia as a Diagnosis at the Mayo Clinic and Its Relationship to Fibrositis, Fibromyalgia, and Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Tension myalgia is a diagnosis that has been in use at the Mayo Clinic for more than 40 years. The term describes a common muscle pain disorder that is conceptually similar to other muscle pain disorders such as fibrositis, fibromyalgia, and myofascial pain syndrome. This article outlines the history of these disorders and proposes "tension myalgia" as a term that unifies these separate diagnoses under one conceptual framework. Because the diagnostic criteria for tension myalgia have been vague, the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic has developed specific criteria for generalized, regional, and localized forms of this disorder. The recommended treatment approach includes reassurance, elimination of contributing factors, physical therapy to restore normal neuromuscular function, conditioning, and medications.
Minimum Variance SDF Design Using Adaptive Algorithms

The synthesis of minimum variance synthetic discriminant functions (MVSDF) for target detection in the presence of colored noise involves the invention of the noise correlation matrix. This may be numerically difficult even for low-resolution images. Methods must be found that allow synthesis of the MVSDF even when matrix inversion is not possible. We suggest an adaptive algorithm based on the well known LMS rule. Adaptive MVSDFs can maintain optimality in the presence of noise with unknown and non-stationary characteristics. The proposed adaptive synthesis technique "learns" characteristics of the noise source from sample realizations. This may seem as additional data and computation requirements, but comparable information and effort is necessary in the direct method to estimate the correlation matrix. The direct method (which uses the inverse of the correlation matrix) may be described as a two-step process, where the correlation matrix is determined in the first step and is used in the second step for the direct synthesis of the MVSDF. The proposed method iteratively converges on the optimum filter, and simultaneously gains knowledge about the noise source.© (1989) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effect of grain boundary character on sink efficiency

Abstract The dependence of the width of void-denuded zones (VDZs) on grain boundary (GB) characters was investigated in Cu irradiated with He ions at elevated temperature. Dislocation loops and voids formed near GBs during irradiation were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, and GB misorientations and normal planes were determined by electron back-scatter diffraction. The VDZ widths at Σ3〈1 1 0〉 tilt GBs ranged from 0 to 24 nm and increased with the GB plane inclination angle. For non-Σ3 GBs, VDZ widths ranged from 40 to 70 nm and generally increased with misorientation angle. Nevertheless, there is considerable scatter about this general trend, indicating that the remaining crystallographic parameters also play a role in determining the sink efficiencies of these GBs. In addition, the VDZ widths at two sides of a GB show different values for certain asymmetrical GBs. Voids were also observed within GB planes and their density and radius also appeared to depend on GB character. We conclude that GB sink efficiencies depend on the overall GB character, including both misorientation and GB plane orientation.
Development of a nursing home vision-targeted health-related quality of life questionnaire for older adults.

Purpose: To develop a questionnaire assessing vision-targeted health-related quality of life in older adults residing in nursing homes. Methods: Using content previously identified through structured interviews with nursing home residents, the 57-item Nursing Home Vision-Targeted Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire (NHVQoL) was drafted with nine subscales—general vision, reading, ocular symptoms, mobility, psychological distress, activities of daily living, activities/hobbies, adaptation/coping and social interaction. Construct validity and internal consistency and test-retest reliability of subscales were evaluated in a sample of adults ≥60 years old residing in nursing homes in Birmingham, Alabama, who had Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) scores of ≥13. Results: Participants (n=189) had a mean age of 82 years (SD=7.7), were 84% women and 16% men, 24% African-American and 76% Caucasian and had resided in a nursing home for two years on average. All NHVQoL subscales were correlated with subscales fr...
Social choice trade-offs for an arbitrary measure: With application to uncertain or fuzzy agenda

Abstract X is a finite set of alternatives that is to be socially ordered (as a function of individual preferences). We are given an arbitrary measure on X. If f is a transitive valued social welfare function that satisfies Arrow's independence of irrelevant alternatives condition, then for any fraction t, either some individual dictates on a subset of X of measure at least t, or else the set of ordered pairs of distinct alternatives that are socially ordered without consulting anyone's preferences has a product measure ⩾1−t. (The result can be extended to countably infinite X.)
Towards Analyzing Cooperative Brain-Robot Interfaces Through Affective and Subjective Data

Several single-user Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) systems currently exist. These systems are often used to provide input to robots. Although these systems are useful with some applications they often cause issues such as high cognitive workloads and fatigue. The presented research investigates an alternative approach, which consists of dividing cognitive tasks amongst multiple users. The primary goal of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of cooperative Brain-Robot Interfaces (cBRI) by analyzing affective data (engagement) provided by a BCI device and subjective data collected from participants.
Grandmother co-residence, parenting, and child development among low income, urban teen mothers

Purpose: To examine the relationships among grandmother co-residence, parenting, and early child development among low income, urban families with teen mothers whose children vary in growth (adequate versus failure to thrive [FTT]). Methods: Seventy-nine adolescent mothers of infants and toddlers (42 with adequate growth and 37 with FTT) recruited from a primary care clinic. Data collected during a laboratory evaluation included a videotaped session of mother and child during feeding, developmental assessment (Bayley Scales), and questionnaires on family support, perceived parenting stress, and maternal perception of child's temperament. Analysis: Multivariate analyses of covariance. Independent variables were growth (adequate/FTT) and grandmother co-residence (present/absent). Dependent variables were maternal warmth during feeding, maternal perception of child's temperament, child's mealtime behavior, and child's cognitive and motor development. Covariates were child's age, maternal age, maternal education, parity, family support, and perceived stress. Results: Teen mothers living with grandmothers were younger (mean age=17.4 versus 18.6, p = .03) and had fewer children (mean parity=1.2 versus 1.7, p = .001). Mothers displayed more warmth when not living with grandmothers ( p = .01). Among adequately growing children, grandmother co-residence was associated with better motor skills (106 versus 98, p = .039). In contrast, among children with FTT, grandmother co-residence was associated with lower motor skills (90 versus 100, p = .017). Conclusions: Although multigenerational families may be protective for some teen parents and their young children, grandmother co-residence was not associated with maternal warmth. With the added stress of a poorly growing child, grandmother co-residence was associated with less optimal motor development.
Transformation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae with Tn4001 by Electroporation

Abstract Mycoplasma pneumoniae was transformed with the Staphylococcus aureus transposon Tn4001 by electroporation. A transformation frequency of 10-3 to 10-5/colony-forming unit was observed using 30.0 μg plasmid DNA and 107-108M. pneumoniae colony-forming units. DNA hybridization analyses using standard and pulsed field agarose gel electrophoresis confirmed chromosomal insertion of the transposon, apparently by a transpositional mechanism into random sites. These studies demonstrate the functionality of Tn4001 in M. pneumoniae and suggest its potential as a genetic tool in this mycoplasma.
Sequential decision plans, benthic macroinvertebrates, and biological monitoring programs

A common obstacle to the inclusion of benthic macroinvertebrates in water quality monitoring programs is that numerous sample units must be examined in order to distinguish between impacted and unimpacted conditions, which can add significantly to the total cost of a monitoring program. Sequential decision plans can be used to reduce this cost because the number of sample units needed to classify a site as impacted or unimpacted is reduced by an average of 50%. A plan is created using definitions of unimpacted and impacted conditions, a description of the mathematical distribution of the data, and definitions of acceptable risks of type I and II errors. The applicability of using sequential decision plans and benthic macroinvertebrates in water quality monitoring programs is illustrated with several examples (e.g., identifying moderate and extreme changes in species richness in response to acid mine drainage; assessing the impact of a crude oil contamination on the density of two benthic populations; monitoring the effect of geothermal effluents on species diversity). These examples use data conforming to the negative binomial, Poisson, and normal distributions and define impact as changes in population density, species richness, or species diversity based on empirical data or the economic feasibility of the sequential decision plan. All mathematical formulae and intermediate values are provided for the step-by-step calculation of each sequential decision plan.