cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complications in ambulatory pediatric patients with nonidiopathic spinal deformity undergoing fusion to the pelvis using the sacral-alar-iliac technique within 2 years of surgery

OBJECTIVE Significant investigation in the adult population has generated a body of research regarding proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and proximal junctional failure (PJF) following long fusions to the sacrum and pelvis. However, much less is known regarding early complications, including PJK and PJF, in the ambulatory pediatric patient. As such, the objective of this study was to address the minimal literature on early complications after ambulatory pediatric patients underwent fusion to the sacrum with instrumentation to the pelvis in the era of sacral-alar-iliac (S2AI) instrumentation. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective review of pediatric patients with nonidiopathic spinal deformity < 18 years of age with ambulatory capacity who underwent fusion to the pelvis at a multisurgeon pediatric academic spine practice from 2016 to 2018. All surgeries were posterior-only approaches with S2AI screws as the primary technique for sacropelvic fixation. Descriptive, outcome, and radiographic data were obtained. The definition of PJF included symptomatic PJK presenting as fracture, screw pullout, or disruption of the posterior osseoligamentous complex. RESULTS Twenty-five patients were included in this study. Nine patients (36.0%) had 15 complications for an overall complication rate of 60.0%. Unplanned return to the operating room occurred 8 times in 6 patients (24.0%). Four patients (16.0%) had wound issues (3 with deep wound infection and 1 with wound breakdown) requiring reoperation. Three patients (12.0%) had PJF, all requiring reoperation. A 16-year-old female patient with syndromic scoliosis underwent extension of fusion due to posterior tension band failure at 6 months. A 17-year-old male patient with neuromuscular scoliosis underwent extension of fusion due to proximal screw pullout at 5 months. A 10-year-old female patient with congenital scoliosis underwent extension for PJF at 5 months following posterior tension band failure. One patient had pseudarthrosis requiring reoperation 20 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS Fixation to the pelvis enables significant deformity correction, but with rather high rates of complications and unexpected returns to the operating room. Considerations of sagittal plane dynamics for PJK and PJF should be strongly analyzed when performing fixation to the pelvis in ambulatory pediatric patients.
Identification of the novel HLA-C*14:02:01:22 allele in an Indian individual

The novel HLA-C*14:02:01:22 allele differs from HLA-C*14:02:01:01 by a nucleotide change at gDNA -156 C → T.
Pancreatic Resection for Side-Branch Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (SB-IPMN): a Contemporary Single-Institution Experience

Given the malignant potential of main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (M-IPMN), surgical resection is generally indicated. With regard to side-branch intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (SB-IPMN), resection vs. observation is a topic of debate. Further review of SB-IPMN is necessary to clarify appropriate management. The primary focus of this project is to determine the incidence of malignant final pathology for patients undergoing surgery for isolated SB-IPMN with non-malignant fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. We also sought to describe the relationship between factors considered in the international consensus guidelines and final pathologic outcome. The study is a retrospective review of all patients who underwent surgical resection for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) from 2002 to 2013 at our institution. Patients with a preoperative diagnosis of isolated SB-IPMN and FNA results for non-malignant cytology were selected among this surgical cohort for further analysis of preoperative clinical characteristics and outcomes. A total of 137 patients undergoing resection for IPMN were identified. Of these, 81 patients (59 %) had a component of M-IPMN or invasive disease on FNA, leaving 66 (46 %) patients with SB-IPMN and non-malignant cytology. Invasive adenocarcinoma was found in 8/66 (12 %) patients and high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in 4/66 (8 %) patients. The mean [SD] diameter of benign SB-IPMN was 2.0 cm [1.1] (range 0.3–5.7) vs. that of HGD/invasive disease which was 3.1 cm [1.3] (range 1.5–6.0; P = 0.014). Of the 12 patients found to have HGD or invasive disease, symptoms, mural nodules, and septations were found in 7 (58 %), 5 (42 %), and 6 (50 %), respectively. Tumor staging were as follows: IA (2), IB (2), 2A (4), and 2B (1). With proper selection criteria, SB-IPMN is associated with a low rate of invasive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma at the time of resection. Nevertheless, given the demonstrated incidence of malignancy, appropriate operative candidates should undergo resection.
Antithrombotic therapy after intracoronary stenting

Conventional percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty may result in complications such as abrupt closure and late restenosis. This has led to increased application of mechanical revascularization techniques including intracoronary stents. In the past, subacute thrombosis after intracoronary stenting mandated anticoagulation with warfarin for a minimum of 1 month, with aspirin (ASA) started before the procedure and continued indefinitely. New information suggests that high-pressure balloon inflation, with or without intracoronary ultrasound guidance to ensure successful stent placement, may permit reduction in the antithrombotic regimen to ASA, continued indefinitely, and ticlopidine, continued for 1-3 months. However, the majority of trials supporting this practice are primarily small, nonrandomized, observational studies. One randomized study found a lower frequency of cardiac events, including thrombosis, as well as fewer bleeding complications with combined antiplatelet therapy with ticlopidine compared with anticoagulant therapy with phenprocoumon. Intracoronary stenting without anticoagulation, would permit shorter hospitalization and lead to cost-savings. This has led many cardiologists to administer ASA and ticlopidine without benefit of data from randomized, blinded clinical trials. Antithrombotic therapy after coronary artery stenting is in an evolutionary stage, and additional information regarding the safety and efficacy of ASA and ticlopidine is necessary.
Sequence specific morphological control over the formation of germanium oxide during peptide mediated synthesis

Peptides isolated from a phage library have been effective in promoting the precipitation of amorphous germanium oxide from a precursor solution. The morphologies of germania formed under the influence of these library-isolated peptides were shown to be distinct from the GeO 2 formed under similar conditions with homo poly-amino acids. The appearance of germanium oxide hollow spheres or core/shell nanostructures created under the influence of peptide Ge8 is clearly linked to the unique amphiphilic character of the peptide. The appearance of these unique structures represents the first time such morphologies have been seen in germania or created utilizing only an unmodified peptide. The ease of creating these interesting inorganic materials makes this system attractive for the possible fabrication of materials appropriate for catalysis, optical and controlled release applications.
Openness in Adoption: Experiences and Social Psychological Outcomes Among Birth Mothers

SUMMARY This article describes the experiences of young, American birth mothers with regard to openness in adoption process and arrangement. Generally, larger proportions of the sample have experienced moderate, or semi-open, arrangements than those involving direct contact with the adoptive family. The associations between these experiences and a series of social psychological outcomes are examined at four years post-relinquishment. The data reveal that features of open adoption, e.g., visiting/phoning the adoptive family, have strong associations with long-term, positive outcomes for birth mothers. Perhaps equally important is the finding that several moderately open features which do not require direct or ongoing contact between birth mothers and adoptive families, e.g., birth mothers having a role in choosing the adoptive couple, are also strongly associated with positive outcomes. Policy implications are discussed.
Effects of accessory sex gland fluid on viability, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction of cauda epididymal bull spermatozoa.

The effect of accessory sex gland fluid (AGF) on viability and acrosomal integrity of spermatozoa was examined with cauda epididymal spermatozoa and AGF from the same Holstein bull (n = 6). Surgical cannulation of the vasa deferentia enabled the separate collection of cauda epididymal effluent and AGF from each bull. Cauda epididymal effluent was incubated with either AGF collected from the same bull or medium alone. Following coincubation, spermatozoa (5 x 10(7) sperm/mL) were incubated in medium alone or under capacitating conditions (10 microg/mL heparin) for 16 hours. Every 2 hours, an aliquot of spermatozoa was exposed to lysophosphatidylcholine (100 microg/mL) to induce the acrosome reaction in capacitated spermatozoa. Sperm motility decreased over time regardless of treatment. Overall, spermatozoa incubated in AGF had fewer acrosome-intact live spermatozoa than did those not incubated in AGF. Viability was significantly (P < .05) compromised over time when spermatozoa were exposed to AGF, compared with those not preincubated in AGF. Significantly more (P < .05) acrosome-reacted live spermatozoa were seen following exposure to heparin and lysophosphatidylcholine when spermatozoa were not preincubated in AGF. We conclude that exposure of spermatozoa to AGF accelerates cell death and that rapid removal of spermatozoa from seminal plasma is critical for maximal viability.
Process and design issues in a 600 V bonded wafer process

Describes a bipolar process which provides moderate voltage vertical devices and 600V lateral devices. High breakdown is achieved using relatively thin islands with no buried layer. Island thickness and bond oxide thickness are the two material parameters which have a large influence on breakdown when island doping has been optimized. Island thickness in this work was chosen to be greater than 20 microns so that there is enough island under the base of the vertical bipolars to provide a low collector resistance. The maximum thickness used was 40 microns which is about the maximum thickness through which it is practical to RIE etch to form the lateral isolation trenches. The bond and side oxide thicknesses were set at 4 microns to achieve 600V breakdown in the chosen island thickness.
Effect of bradykinin on blood flow in skeletal muscle of pentolinium-blocked cats.

SummaryThe skinned hind leg preparation of normal and ganglionic-blocked cats was used to study the vasomotor effects of bradykinin. The local dilatation in skeletal muscle observed after close arterial infusion is unaltered by pretreatment with pentolinium to block normal constrictor tone. Ganglionic blockade itself increases resistance in this preparation by about 60%.
Current Usage of Dabigatran in a Cardiovascular Hospital in Tokyo

We report our experience in the current usage of dabigatran, a new oral direct thrombin inhibitor recently approved in Japan. Dabigatran was prescribed in 63 atrial fibrillation patients between April 1st and May 11th (female 20 [31%], age 69±13 years). The patients’ characteristics and their distribution in CHADS2 scores were similar between those under dabigatran and warfarin. Among 63 patients under dabigatran, 25 (39%) were in a customary dose (300 mg) and 38 (61%) were in a reduced dose (220 mg). Average age was much higher in the latter than in the former (74.8 vs 59.7 years, respectively). High risk patients (CHADS2≥2) were more observed in the latter (n=18/38, 49%) than in the former (n=3/25, 12%). The average of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) tended to be lower in the latter than in the former (39.7 vs 49.4 sec).Conclusion: We report the status of the dabigatran usage in the very early phase after the launch in our hospital.
CCN1/CYR61: The Very Model of a Modern Matricellular Protein

CCN1 (CYR61) is a dynamically expressed, multifunctional matricellular protein that plays essential roles in cardiovascular development during embryogenesis, and regulates inflammation, wound healing and fibrogenesis in the adult. Aberrant CCN1 expression is associated with myriad pathologies, including various cancers and diseases associated with chronic inflammation. CCN1 promotes diverse and sometimes opposing cellular responses, which can be ascribed, as least in part, to disparate activities mediated through its direct binding to distinct integrins in different cell types and contexts. Accordingly, CCN1 promotes cell proliferation, survival and angiogenesis by binding to integrin αvβ3, and induces apoptosis and senescence through integrin α6β1 and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. The ability of CCN1 to trigger the accumulation of a robust and sustained level of reactive oxygen species underlies some of its unique activities as a matrix cell-adhesion molecule. Emerging studies suggest that CCN1 might be useful as a biomarker or therapeutic target in certain diseases.
Efficient Synthesis of Hangman Porphyrins

A two-step synthetic method has been designed to furnish hangman porphyrins in good yields from easily available starting materials. The use of the microwave irradiation technique has been found to be valuable for delivering the carboxylic acid hanging group in a much simplified and less time-consuming basic ester hydrolysis (4 h vs 7 days under harsh acidic conditions). The new route facilitates the synthesis of various hangman porphyrins that previously had limited or no access.
Multiobjective particle swarm optimization

Evolutionary algorithms (EAs) are search procedures based on natural selection [2]. They have been successfully applied to a wide variety of optimization problems [4]. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) [1,7] is a new type of evolutionary paradigm that has been successfully used to solve a number of single objective optimization problems (SOPs). However, to date, no one has applied PSO in an effort to solve multiobjective optimization problems (MOPs). The purpose of our research is to demonstrate how PSO can be modified to solve MOPs. In addition to showing how this can be done, we demonstrate its effectiveness on two MOPs.
Mapping quantitative trait loci for hearing loss in Black Swiss mice.

Abstract In common inbred mouse strains, hearing loss is a highly prevalent quantitative trait, which is mainly controlled by the Cdh23753A variant and alleles at numerous other strain-specific loci. Here, we investigated the genetic basis of hearing loss in non-inbred strains. Mice of Swiss Webster, CF-1, NIH Swiss, ICR, and Black Swiss strains exhibited hearing profiles characteristic of progressive, sensorineural hearing impairment. In particular, CF-1, Black Swiss, and NIH Swiss mice showed early-onset hearing impairment, ICR and Swiss Webster mice expressed a delayed-onset hearing loss, and NMRI mice had normal hearing. By quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, two significant QTLs were identified underlying hearing loss in Black Swiss mice: one QTL mapped to chromosome (chr) 10 (named ahl5, LOD 8.9, peak association 35–42 cM) and a second QTL localized to chr 18 (ahl6, LOD 3.8, 38–44 cM). Ahl5 and ahl6 account for 61% and 32% of the variation in the backcross, respectively. Cadherin 23 (Cdh23) and protocadherin 15 (Pcdh15), mapping within the 95% confidence interval of ahl5, bear nucleotide polymorphisms in coding exons, but these appear to be unrelated to the hearing phenotype. Haplotype analyses across the Cdh23 locus demonstrated the phylogenetic relationship between Black Swiss and common inbred strains.
Pulse-sequenced coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy: a method for suppression of the nonresonant background.

A new technique for suppressing the nonresonant contribution to the coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) signal is presented. This involves two-laser three-beam CARS generation using picosecond pulses in which one of the pump beams is delayed with respect to the two others. A reduction of 2 orders of magnitude is obtained for the 656-cm−1 vibrational line of CS2 in a 10% mixture of CS2 in toluene. This reduction is limited by the ratio of the energy in our pulse laser to that in its trailing background, which is about 100:1. Use of alternative laser systems would reduce the background by about 1012:1.
Computing charge densities with partially reorthogonalized Lanczos

This paper considers the problem of computing charge densities in a density functional theory (DFT) framework. In contrast to traditional, diagonalization-based, methods, we utilize a technique which exploits a Lanczos basis, without explicit reference to individual eigenvectors. The key ingredient of this new approach is a partial reorthogonalization strategy whose goal is to ensure a good level of orthogonality of the basis vectors. The experiments reveal that the method can be a few times faster than ARPACK, the implicit restart Lanczos method. This is achievable by exploiting more memory and BLAS3 (dense) computations while avoiding the frequent updates of eigenvectors inherent to all restarted Lanczos methods.
3D comparison of low, intermediate, and advanced hippocampal atrophy in MCI

We applied the hippocampal radial atrophy mapping technique to the baseline and follow-up magnetic resonance image data of 169 amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) participants in the imaging arm of the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study MCI Donepezil/Vitamin E trial. Sixty percent of the subjects with none to mild hippocampal atrophy rated with the visual medial temporal atrophy rating scale (MTA score or = 2) hippocampal atrophy converted to Alzheimer's disease (AD) during 3-year follow-up. MTA > or = 2 showed a trend for greater left sided hippocampal atrophy versus MTA < 2 groups at baseline (P(corrected) = 0.08). Higher MTA scores were associated with progressive atrophy of the subiculum and the CA1-3 subregions. The MTA < 2 group demonstrated significant bilateral atrophy progression at follow-up (left P(corrected) = 0.008; right P(corrected) = 0.05). Relative to MTA < 2 nonconverters, MTA < 2 converters showed further involvement of the subiculum and CA1 and additional involvement of CA2-3 at follow-up. Right CA1 atrophy was significantly associated with conversion to dementia (for 1 mm greater right CA1 radial distance subjects had 50% reduced hazard for conversion). Greater CA1 and subicular atrophy can be demonstrated early and is predictive of future conversion to AD, whereas CA2-3 involvement becomes more evident as the disease progresses.
Symposium: High Order Finite Difference Schemes for Partial Differential Equations

This symposium brings together the work of a number of researchers worldwide working on the development and testing of high order finite difference schemes for a variety of partial differential equations.
President's Message: Open Access/Open Data

I am very excited to write this column. This issue of Information Technology and Libraries (ITAL) marks the beginning of a new era for the journal. ITAL is now an open-access, electronic-only journal. There are many people to thank for this transition. The LITA Publications Committee led by Kristen Antelman did a thorough analysis of publishing options and presented a thoughtful proposal to the LITA Board; the LITA Board had the foresight to push for an open-access journal even if it might mean a temporary revenue loss for the division; Bob Gerrity, ITAL editor, has enthusiastically supported this transition and did the heavy lifting to make it happen; and the LITA office staff worked tirelessly for the past year to help shepherd this project. I am proud to be leading the organization during this time. To see ITAL go open access in my presidential year is extremely gratifying. As Cliff Lynch notes in his editorial, "the library profession has been slow to open up access to the publications of its own professional societies, to take advantage of the greater reach and impact that such policies can offer." As librarians challenge publishers to pursue open-access venues, myself included, I am relieved to no longer be a hypocrite. By supporting open access we are sending a strong message to the community that we believe in the benefits of open access and we encourage other library organizations to do the same. ITAL will now reach a much broader and larger audience. This will benefit our authors, the organization, and the scholarship of our profession. I understand that while our members embrace open access, not everyone is pleased with an online-only journal. The number of new journals being offered electronically only is growing and I believe we are beginning to see a decline in the dual publishing model of publishers and societies offering both print and online journals. My library has been cutting back consistently on print copies of journals and this year will get only a handful of journals in print. Personally, I have embraced the electronic publishing world. In fact, I held off on subscribing to The New Yorker until it had an iPad subscription model! I estimate that I read 95 percent of my books and all of my professional journals electronically. The revolution has happened for me and for many others. I know that our membership will adapt and transition their ITAL reading habits to our new electronic edition and I look forward to seeing this column and the entire journal in its new format. Earlier this week saw the Research Works Act die. Librarians and researchers across the country celebrated this victory as we preserved an important open-access mandate requiring the deposition of research articles funded by the National Institutes of Health into PubMed Central. …
The genome factor in region-specific DNA damage: the DNA-reactive drug U-78779 prefers mixed A/T-G/C sequences at the nucleotide level but is region-specific for long pure AT islands at the genomic level.

Bizelesin is the first anticancer drug capable of damaging specific regions of the genome with clusters of its binding sites T(A/T) 4 A. This study characterized the sequence- and region-specificity of a bizelesin analogue, U-78779, designed to interact with mixed A/T-G/C motifs. At the nucleotide level, U-78779 was found to prefer runs of A/Ts interspersed with I or 2 G/C pairs, although 25% of the identified sites corresponded to pure AT motifs similar to bizelesin sites. The in silico computational analysis showed that the preferred mixed A/T-G/C motifs distribute uniformly at the genomic level. In contrast, the secondary, pure AT motifs (A/T) 6 A were found densely clustered in the same long islands of AT-rich DNA that bizelesin targets. Mapping the sites and quantitating the frequencies of U-78779 adducts in model AT island and non-AT island naked DNAs demonstrated that clusters of pure AT motifs outcompete isolated mixed A/T-G/C sites in attracting drug binding. Regional preference of U-78779 for AT island domains was verified also in DNA from drug-treated cells. Thus, while the primary sequence preference gives rise to non-region-specific scattered lesions, the clustering of the minor pure AT binding motifs seems to determine region-specificity of U-78779 in the human genome. The closely correlated cytotoxic activities of U-78779 and bizelesin in several cell lines further imply that both drugs may share common cellular targets. This study underscores the significance of the genome factor in a drug's potential for region-specific DNA damage, by showing that it can take precedence over drug binding preferences at the nucleotide level.
Overview of the use of Oncotype DX® as an additional treatment decision tool in early breast cancer

Oncotype DX® is a multigene assay that provides prognostic information in terms of 10-year distant recurrence and predicts the likelihood of adjuvant chemotherapy benefit in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer patients, based on the expression of a panel of 21 genes (16 cancer-related and five reference genes) from a tumor specimen (core biopsy or surgical resection). It has been validated using multiple prospectively designed studies of archived tumor specimens from well-controlled clinical studies. In different countries with varying therapeutic approaches, using Oncotype DX has consistently resulted in a significant reduction in the number of patients who are prescribed chemotherapy, and in addition, it can identify a smaller subset of patients who would benefit from chemotherapy among patients who would otherwise receive endocrine therapy alone.
Protection against 2-methoxyethanol-induced teratogenesis by serine enantiomers: Studies of potential alteration of 2-methoxyethanol pharmacokinetics☆

Abstract Several simple physiological compounds attenuate the teratogenic effects of 2-methoxyethanol (2-ME) when coadministered with 2-ME to mice. The mechanism of this protective action, however, has not been elucidated. Alteration of the kinetics of 2-ME and its oxidation product 2-methoxyacetic acid (2-MAA), the putative ultimate toxicant, was considered. d -Serine, the most efficacious attenuator, and l -serine (both 16.5 mmol/kg po) were examined for their abilities to mitigate 2-ME teratogenicity and to alter the disposition of an oral or sc bolus dose of 2-ME (3.3 mmol/kg containing 6 μCi 2-[methoxy-14C]ethanol) given to CD-1 mice on Gestation Day 11. l -Serine reduced the incidence of malformed fetuses from ≥72% to 26–28%, while only 18 and 9% of fetuses were affected after coadministration of d -serine with sc and po 2-ME, respectively. Changes in the metabolism of orally administered 2-[14C]ME were specific to each enantiomer. d -Serine reduced the amount of 2-methoxy-N-acetylglycine eliminated in the urine to 70–75% of values observed with 2-ME alone, and concurrently increased the amount of urinary 2-MAA. l -Serine induced an initially higher rate of 14CO2 exhalation. Both enantiomers delayed gastrointestinal absorption of 2-ME, and significantly reduced 2-MAA levels in maternal plasma during the first hour after dosing. This resulted in a nonsignificant decrease (10–17%) in total embryonic exposure to 2-MAA. However, when 2-ME was injected sc, maternal plasma 2- ME 2- MAA pharmacokinetics were not affected by serine. In addition, dosing with 2.3 and 1.3 mmol 2-ME/kg sc alone showed that the embryo 2-MAA exposure levels which cause malformations in ≤35% fetuses were considerably lower than those measured following serine plus 3.3 mmol 2-ME/kg (po or sc). These data infer that serine does not protect against 2-ME-induced teratogenicity by altering 2-ME pharmacokinetics and reducing 2-MAA levels in the embryo.
Some fundamental considerations for lifting vehicles in return from satellite orbit

Abstract Basic performance areas, including orbit ejection, re-entry and landing, associated with return from near-Earth orbits utilizing unpowered lifting re-entry vehicles are examined in order to establish preliminary design criteria. Aerodynamic heating and maneuvering aspects are considered. Skip and glide paths are compared. A composite path to best perform re-entry is postulated.
An extensible framework for tracing model evolution in SOA solution design

Existing tools for model-driven development support automated change management across predefined models with precisely known dependencies. These tools cannot be easily applied to scenarios where we have a diverse set of models and relationships, and where human judgment and impact analysis are critical to introducing and managing changes. Such scenarios arise in model-based development of service oriented architectures (SOA), where a plethora of high-level models representing different aspects of the business (requirements, processes, data) need to be translated into service models, and changes across these models need to be carefully analyzed and propagated. To support the process of model evolution, we present an extensible framework that can automatically identify possible changes in any MOF-compliant model. Changes across different model types can be easily related through a user interface and via rules that are programmed at specified plug-in points. At runtime, when an instance of a model is changed, the framework performs fine-grained analysis to identify impacted models and elements therein. It also allows analysts to selectively apply or reject changes based on the specific context and summarizes the incremental impact on downstream elements as choices are made. We share our experience in using our framework during the design of a SOA-based system that underwent several changes in business models, necessitating changes in the associated service design.
A quadratically convergent predictor-corrector method for solving linear programs from infeasible starting points

A predictor--corrector method for solving linear programs from infeasible starting points is analyzed. The method is quadratically convergent and can be combined with Ye's finite termination scheme under very general assumptions. If the starting points are large enough then the algorithm hasO(nL) iteration complexity. If the ratio between feasibility and optimality at the starting points is small enough then the algorithm has O( $$\sqrt {n L} $$ ) iteration complexity. For feasible starting points the algorithm reduces to the Mizuno--Todd--Ye predictor--corrector method.
Instructional improvement: The goal of clinical supervision

Abstract Clinical supervision is a formative evaluation method of working with teachers for the purpose of improving instruction. This teacher‐centered, collegial, and collaborative model requires the establishment of rapport and trust and a proper climate. Personal observation and a review of current related literature emphasize that clinical supervision enables teachers and supervisors to grow while promoting excellence in teaching and learning. In this period of school reform, clinical supervision is a successful means of approaching teacher learning, professional growth, and instructional improvement.
Abdominal Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome Burden in Adolescents—Penn State Children Cohort Study

To investigate the association between abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) burden in a population-based sample of adolescents, we used data from 421 adolescents who completed the follow-up examination in the Penn State Children Cohort study. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to assess abdominal obesity, as measured by android/gynoid fat ratio (A/G ratio), android/whole body fat proportion (A/W proportion), visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous fat (SAT) areas. Continuous metabolic syndrome score (cMetS), calculated as the sum of the age and sex-adjusted standardized residual (Z-score) of five established MetS components, was used to assess the MetS burden. Linear regression models were used to analyze the impact of DXA measures on cMetS components. All models were adjusted for age, race, sex, and general obesity. We found abdominal obesity is significantly associated with increased cMetS. With 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in A/G ratio, A/W proportion, VAT area, and SAT area, cMetS increased by 1.34 (SE=0.17), 1.25 (SE=0.19), 1.67 (SE=0.17), and 1.84 (SE=0.20) units, respectively. At individual component level, strongest association was observed between abdominal obesity and insulin resistance (IR) than lipid-based or blood pressure-based components. VAT and SAT had a stronger impact on IR than android ratio-based DXA measurements. In conclusion, abdominal obesity is associated with higher MetS burden in adolescent population. The association between abdominal obesity and IR measure is the strongest, suggesting the key impact of abdominal obesity on IR in adolescents MetS burden.
Effects of 21-aminosteroids in neonatal rat cardiac myocyte cell cultures exposed to free radicals

Objective: The aim was to test a group of 21-aminosteroids, U74006F, U75412E, and U74500E, known as lazaroids, for their ability to prevent alterations in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes exposed to solutions containing a xanthine oxidase mediated free radical generating system. Methods: Myocytes were either left untreated (non-treated cultures) or pretreated for 15 min with the drug vehicle or one of the lazaroids. Myocytes were either examined as non-exposed control cultures or exposed to the free radical generating system for 60 min. Measurement of ['HJarachidonate label in a lipid extract of the culture medium and release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the medium were analysed. Results: Myocytes not treated with lazaroids and vehicle treated myocytes exposed to free radicals showed a significant release of [3H]arachidonate and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). At a dose 1 × 10−5 M, all lazaroid treated myocytes showed significantly lower release of [3Hjarachidonate measured in the total lipid extract compared to the non-treated or vehicle treated cultures. Release of [3H|arachidonate was significantly lower for the myocytes treated with U74006F and U74500E at 1 × 10−6 M concentration. Only the U74006F treated myocytes showed protection at 1 × 107 M. LDH release was significantly attenuated at a dose of 1 × 10−5 M for the U75412E treated myocytes and at 1 × 10−5 and 1 × 10 −6 M for the U74500E treated myocytes compared to the myocytes not pretreated with a lazaroid and exposed to free radicals. Conclusions: Lazaroids provide protection against the release of [3H]arachidonate and LDH from myocardial cells exposed to free radical mediated injury. U74006F appeared to have the higher efficacy, at equal molar concentrations, in protecting against the release of [3Hjarachidonate, whereas U74500E was observed to have the higher potency in inhibiting LDH release. Cardiovascular Research 1994; 28 :1500-1506
Human-computer relationships: Interactions and attitudes

An exploratory study of human-computer relationships is reported which utilizes gaming techniques. Attention is given to the conceptualization and measurement of human reactions and interactions; an attempt is made to investigate differentials between human-human and human-computer relationships.
On art, science, beauty and the experimentalist

Comments are made on the concepts of beauty and art, and their relationship with physical phenomena. Experimental physicists have means at their disposal to produce objects of art just as the painter uses oil and the sculptor uses marble to produce objects of art. Several new photographs of “log-art” or artistic science are shown.
Conformational change and destabilization of cataract γC-crystallin T5P mutant

Human lens γC-crystallin and T5P mutant were cloned, and their biophysical properties and thermodynamic stability were studied. CRYGC (T5P) is one of the many γ-crystallin mutant genes for autosomal dominant congenital cataracts. This mutation is associated with Coppock-like cataract, and has the phenotype of a dust-like opacity of the fetal lens nucleus. During cloning and overexpression, the majority of T5P mutant was found in the inclusion body. This property is unique among the many cataract γ-crystallin mutant genes. It is thus worthwhile to study what factors contribute to this unique property of γC-crystallin. One possibility is changes in conformation and stability, which can be studied using spectroscopic measurements. In this study, conformational change was studied by circular dichroism and fluorescence measurements, and conformational stability was determined by thermal unfolding probed by Trp fluorescence and time-dependent light scattering. The T5P mutation obviously changes conformation and decreases conformational stability.
A special report. Medical oncology: The new subspecialty†

The creation of medical oncology as a new subspecialty of internal medicine required a definition of the scope of involvement of the physician in this new area. Objectives for training programs were established and provisions provided for certification of specialists as medical oncologists. The area of medical oncology encompasses a broad aspect of medicine and requires a frim foundation in the principles of internal medicine. As an advocate of the cancer patient, and in many instances the primary physician, the medical oncologist has the opportunity to effectively interact with many scientific skills in order to effectively control or even cure neoplastic diseases.
Fate and effects of anthropogenic chemicals in mangrove ecosystems: A review

The scientific literature for fate and effects of non-nutrient contaminant concentrations is skewed for reports describing sediment contamination and bioaccumulation for trace metals. Concentrations for at least 22 trace metals have been reported in mangrove sediments. Some concentrations exceed sediment quality guidelines suggesting adverse effects. Bioaccumulation results are available for at least 11 trace metals, 12 mangrove tissues, 33 mangrove species and 53 species of mangrove-habitat biota. Results are specific to species, tissues, life stage, and season and accumulated concentrations and bioconcentration factors are usually low. Toxicity tests have been conducted with 12 mangrove species and 8 species of mangrove-related fauna. As many as 39 effect parameters, most sublethal, have been monitored during the usual 3 to 6 month test durations. Generalizations and extrapolations for toxicity between species and chemicals are restricted by data scarcity and lack of experimental consistency. This hinders chemical risk assessments and validation of effects-based criteria.
A bis-urea naphthalene macrocycle displaying two crystal structures with parallel ureas

Herein we synthesized a bis-urea macrocycle from 2,7-dimethylnaphthalene that displays an unusual parallel urea conformation. The naphthalenes also adopt a bowl shape over the anticipated parallel planar orientation. Crystallization of the macrocycle from different solvent systems affords two solvated forms. 1·DMSO·(H2O)2 has an extended columnar structure where parallel macrocycles are linked by intervening hydrogen bonded water molecules. In 1·(MeOH)2 direct hydrogen-bonds link the macrocycles into chains, which hydrogen-bond with methanol molecules to form a layered structure.
Implementing New Uncertainty Guidelines and Standards in Turbine Testing

The use and application of uncertainty analysis in engineering has evolved considerably over the past decade. The methods formulated in the 1970’s and 1980’s that were incorporated into ANSI/ASME Standards and that were used during the AGARD-sponsored Uniform Engine Test Programme (UETP) have been superseded by more rigorous approaches. In this paper, the uncertainty methodogy used in the UETP is compared with the newer approaches that will need to be implemented in future turbine test programs.Copyright © 1996 by ASME
Action pattern and substrate specificity of the hyaluronan lyase from group B streptococci

The hyaluronan lyase of group B streptococci rapidly cleaves hyaluronan by an elimination mechanism to yield the unsaturated disaccharide 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-3-O-(beta-D-gluco-4-enepyranosyluronic acid)-D-glucose. Additionally, it has been shown that the enzyme has limited specificity for achondroitin sulphate and cleaves the chain at unsulphated sites [Baker,Yu, Morrison, Averett and Pritchard (1997) Biochem. J. 327,65-71]. In the present extension of that study it was found that 6-sulphated regions of chondroitin sulphate are also susceptible to cleavage by this hyaluronan lyase. Of the four 6- and/or 4-sulphated tetrasaccharides which can be isolated from testicular hyaluronidase digests of chondroitin sulphate, only those two tetrasaccharides with a6-sulphated disaccharide at the reducing end were cleaved. From thisand other data, a model is proposed for the cleavage specificity of hyaluronan lyase on a chondroitin sulphate. Evidence is presented in support of an action pattern for hyaluronan lyase which involves aninitial random endolytic cleavage followed by rapid exolytic and processive release of unsaturated disaccharide. Since the on lyoligosaccharides which tend to accumulate in near-complete digests of hyaluronan are unsaturated, it is argued that the processive cleavage occurs from the non-reducing to the reducing end of a hyaluronan chain. This detailed knowledge of substrate specificity contributes to our understanding of the enzyme's role in Group B streptococcal pathogenesis. In addition, the hyaluronan lyase may find application in sequence studies of chondroitin sulphates.
Flipping the Classroom

In most disciplines, especially those related to healthcare, teaching content and facts is no longer plausible. Content overload has become a common problem that administrators and faculty are dealing with at all levels of academia. To think that an allied health department could provide a student with every fact they need to know before gradu on is not even considered a possibility (Giddens & Brady, 2007).
Scaffolding Assessment from Lesson Objectives through Student Outcomes: Faculty Perspectives of a Viable Continuous Improvement Model

Clinical Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Engineering Program Innovation, Dept. of Engineering and Computing Systems, College of Technology and Innovation, Arizona State Univ., Mesa, AZ 85212; formerly, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Bioengineering and Software Engineering, U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering, Florida Gulf Coast Univ., Fort Myers, FL 33965. E-mail: kcsavina@asu.edu
QUANTUM TRANSPORT MODELING OF RESONANT-TUNNELING DEVICES

Abstract A form of quantum transport theory has been developed to model the resonant-tunneling diode and similar devices in which quantum interference effects play a significant role. The internal state of the devices is represented by the Wigner distribution function, with boundary conditions which model the effects of the electrical contacts to the device. Inelastic scattering processes are approximated by a classical Boltzmann collision operator, and the effects of different scattering processes on the device characteristics are evaluated numerically.
Remediation of existing canal linings

Abstract The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) has installed over 4,000,000 m 2 of geomembrane canal liner since 1968. Reclamation continues to evaluate the performance of new materials in new applications for canal lining. Recent installations in South Dakota, Washington, Nebraska and Oklahoma contain relatively new materials installed as either exposed or covered canal liners. Although the majority of geomembranes used as canal liners have been soil covered, since July of 1987, several geosynthetic systems have been covered with concrete or left exposed. Results from monitoring a soil covered polypropylene (PP) geomembrane in South Dakota, an exposed high density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane in Kansas, and an exposed very low density polyethylene (VLDPE) geomembrane in Nebraska are reported in this paper. Geomembranes used as canal liners appear to reduce seepage in the canals when they are constructed in highly permeable or collapsible types of soils.
DOUBLY RESONANT TWO-PHOTON ABSORPTION CROSS-SECTIONS: IT DOES NOT GET ANY BIGGER THAN THIS

Ever since researchers first probed materials with light, a natural question they have asked pertains to the strength of this interaction. Can materials be made to more strongly absorb light at certain wavelengths, thereby yielding vibrant colors? Can the nonlinear interaction between two beams be used to make an optical switching device? How efficiently can we convert the frequency of light through a nonlinear interaction? All of these questions, in effect, are the same. Equivalently, the question can be phrased as, "how large can we make the linear or the nonlinear susceptibility?" In this paper, we apply sum rules to calculate the maximum limit of the doubly resonant two-photon absorption cross-section. We find that even for a single electron system, the cross-section can exceed δ=105GM.
Studies of mouse immunoglobulin allotypes by reverse plaque assay: Detection of spleen cells secreting immunoglobulins with specific allotype in C57BL/6J mice

Abstract A reverse hemolytic plaque assay for the detection and enumeration of mouse spleen cells secreting immunoglobulins bearing a particular allotypic specificity is described. Sheep red blood cells (SRBC) coated with protein A or anti-mouse gamma globulin antibody were employed as indicator cells and an anti-allotype antibody was used as developer. A comparison of the efficiency of protein A, goat anti-mouse or rabbit anti-mouse gamma globulin antibody-coated SRBC as indicator cells in the plaque assay indicated that the rabbit anti-mouse gamma globulin-coated SRBC gave the best results in terms of number and morphology of the plaques. The number of indicator cells in the assay mixture also significantly affected the quality of the plaques formed. When the mouse spleen cells were assayed with the indicator cells and an anti-allotypic antibody as developer in presence of complement in a liquid medium, only those cells secreting the immunoglobulin of the given allotypic specificity formed hemolytic plaques.
A new understanding of the first electromagnetic machine: Joseph Henry’s vibrating motor

In 1831, Henry invented a battery-powered rocking-beam motor that he later described as the first electromagnetic machine. He repeatedly modified the design over his career, but only one version of a motor actually constructed by Henry is known to exist. This version is in a collection of Henry instruments at Princeton University. We found that the Princeton motor cannot have operated in the form that was displayed as early as 1884. We found evidence in several historical documents and in the instrument itself that the field magnet shown with the motor is a mistake. Instead of a single horizontal bar magnet, the motor was designed to use two elliptical magnets. We presume the error was made by whoever assembled the first public display. We modeled the dynamics of Henry’s vibrating motor and compared our results to the operation of a replica motor. Modeling provides insight into how the motor is able to vibrate indefinitely even in the presence of energy loss due to friction.
Syn-deformational features of Carlin-type Au deposits

Abstract Syn-deformational ore deposition played an important role in some Carlin-type Au deposits according to field and laboratory evidence, which indicates that flow of Au-bearing fluids was synchronous with regional-scale deformation events. Gold-related deformation events linked to ore genesis were distinct from high-level, brittle deformation that is typical of many epithermal deposits. Carlin-type Au deposits, with brittle–ductile features, most likely formed during tectonic events that were accompanied by significant fluid flow. Interactive deformation-fluid processes involved brittle–ductile folding, faulting, shearing, and gouge development that were focused along illite–clay and dissolution zones caused by hydrothermal alteration. Alteration along these deformation zones resulted in increased porosity and enhancement of fluid flow, which resulted in decarbonated, significant dissolution, collapse, and volume and mass reduction. Carlin-type Au deposits commonly are hosted in Paleozoic and Mesozoic sedimentary rocks (limestone, siltstone, argillite, shale, and quartzite) on the margins of cratons. The sedimentary basins containing the host rocks underwent tectonic events that influenced the development of stratabound, structurally controlled orebodies.
Origin of Thermodynamic versus Kinetic Control of Allene Hydroboration with 9-Borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane and 10(R)-Trimethylsilyl-9-Borabicyclo[3.3.2]decane

Density functional theory was used to locate transition states for hydroboration reactions of allenes with 9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane and 10-R-9-borabicyclo[3.3.2]decane, as well as transition states for [1,3]-boratropic shift and aldehyde addition reactions of the derived allylboranes. The origin of kinetic versus thermodynamic control in the allene hydroboration step is described.