cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ca2(+)-channel agonist BAY K8644 mimics 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 rapid enhancement of Ca2+ transport in chick perfused duodenum

To further understand the molecular mechanism by which 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) rapidly stimulates intestinal calcium transport (termed transcaltachia), the effect of the calcium channel agonist BAY K8644 was studied in vascularly perfused duodenal loops from normal, vitamin D-replete chicks. BAY K8644, 2 mu M, was found to stimulate {sup 45}Ca{sup 2+} transport from the lumen to the vascular effluent to the same extent as physiological levels of 1,25(OH)2D3. The sterol and the Ca{sup 2+} channel agonist both increased {sup 45}Ca{sup 2+} transport 70% above control values within 2 min and 200% after 30 min of vascular perfusion. The effect of the Ca{sup 2+} channel agonist was dose dependent. Also, 1,25(OH)2D3-enhanced transcaltachia was abolished by the calcium channel blocker nifedipine. Collectively, these results suggest the involvement of 1,25(OH)2D3 in the activation of basal lateral membrane Ca{sup 2+} channels as an early effect in the transcaltachic response.
Discourse, Dynamics, and Social Change:

The Problem of Cultural Dynamics Which aspects of social and cultural change are in principle predictable and which are not? How can we usefully model the dynamics of such complex systems as human communities? What is the role of discourse, and of culturally and historically specific semiotic formations generally, in co-determining the processes of social change? How are discursive, semiotic practices and material, ecosystem processes inextricably linked in the dynamics of social systems?
ATHELIA ARACHNOIDEA, THE SEXUAL STATE OF RHIZOCTONIA CAROTAE, A PATHOGEN OF CARROT IN COLD STORAGE

Athelia arachnoidea was collected during winter on dead leaves of deciduous trees in Oregon. Minute sclerotia (0.2-1.0 mm) were seen on hyme- nia, whereas in culture sclerotia were much larger (1.0-5.0 mm). The pathogenicity, morphological characteristics, and temperature growth responses of the anamorphic state, were identical to Rhizoctonia carotae. The relationship between the sclerotial ana? morph and the teleomorph was confirmed by DNA sequence of the internal transcribed spacers of the nuclear ribosomal repeat unit. The sequences were homologous among the specimens of A. arachnoidea and the sclerotial anamorph from Oregon, A. arach? noidea and R. carotae isolates from culture collec? tions, and several isolates of R. carotae from carrot cold-storage facilities. Like R. carotae, A. arachnoidea produced abundant crystals of calcium oxalate on the hyphae, was pathogenic on carrot at 3 C, and caused crater rot symptoms equivalent in severity. Sclerotia of A. arachnoidea-R. carotae did not germi? nate under conditions suitable for eruptive germi? nation in A. rolfsii. The DNA sequence of A. epiphylla from Europe was identical (within 6 bp) to A. arach? noidea-R. carotae, whereas A. epiphylla from North America varied by 34-46 independent base pair changes. Athelia epiphylla and A. arachnoidea formed similar sclerotia. Connecting the Rhizoctonia root pathogen to the Athelia teleomorph links the dispa- rate literatures on the natural history of this fungus and reveals significant insights into the epidemiology of the disease. Fibularhizoctonia gen. nov. is proposed to encompass Rhizoctonia species with clamp connec? tions, and the description of R. carotae and R. centri- fuga are emended.
A self-consistent and environment-dependent Hamiltonian for large-scale simulations of complex nanostructures

Abstract This review is devoted to the development of a robust semi-empirical Hamiltonian for quantum-mechanics-based simulations. The Hamiltonian referred as self-consistent (SC) and environment-dependent (ED) Hamiltonian is developed in the framework of linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) and includes multi-center electron–ion and electron–electron interactions. Furthermore, the framework allows for a self-consistent treatment of charge-redistributions. The parameterized Hamiltonian matrix elements and overlap functions are obtained by fitting them to accurate first-principles database of properties corresponding to clusters and bulk phases of materials. The total energy includes the band structure energy, the correction term from the double-counting of electrons, and ion–ion repulsions, where the band structure energy is obtained by solving a generalized eigenvalue equation. Linear scaling algorithms for large-scale simulations of materials have also been incorporated. The present approach goes beyond the traditional two-center tight-binding Hamiltonians in terms of its accuracy and transferability and allows the study of system sizes that are beyond the scope of ab-initio simulations. We have studied a wide-variety of complex materials and complex phenomena using the SCED-LCAO MD that include: (i) the structure and stability of bucky-diamond carbon clusters and their phase transformations upon annealing, (ii) the initial stage of growth of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and (iii) structural and electronic properties of bucky-diamond SiC clusters and SiC nanowires (NWs). The successful outcome of these case studies is a testament to the transferability of the Hamiltonian to different types of atomic environments ( i.e ., co-ordinations and bonding configurations).
The Gamma database machine project

The design of the Gamma database machine and the techniques employed in its implementation are described. Gamma is a relational database machine currently operating on an Intel iPSC/2 hypercube with 32 processors and 32 disk drives. Gamma employs three key technical ideas which enable the architecture to be scaled to hundreds of processors. First, all relations are horizontally partitioned across multiple disk drives, enabling relations to be scanned in parallel. Second, parallel algorithms based on hashing are used to implement the complex relational operators, such as join and aggregate functions. Third, dataflow scheduling techniques are used to coordinate multioperator queries. By using these techniques, it is possible to control the execution of very complex queries with minimal coordination. The design of the Gamma software is described and a thorough performance evaluation of the iPSC/s hypercube version of Gamma is presented. >
Characterization of optical proximity correction features

One-dimensional linewidth alone is an inadequate metric for low-k1 lithography. Critical Dimension metrology and analysis have historically focused on 1-dimensional effects but with low-k1 lithography is has increasingly been found that the process window for acceptable imaging of the full 2D structure is more limited than the process window for CDs alone. The shape and area of the feature have become as critical to the proper patterning as the width. The measurement and analysis of Critical Shape Difference (CSD) of patterned features must be an integral part of process development efforts. Adoption of optical proximity correction (OPC) and other Optical Extension Technologies increases the need for understanding specific effects through the pattern transfer process. Sub-resolution features on the mask are intended to compensate the pattern so that the resulting etched features most accurately reflect the designer's intent and provide the optimum device performance. A method for quantifying the Critical Shape Difference between the designer's intent, OPC application, mask preparation, resist exposure and pattern etch has been developed. This work focuses on overlaying features from the various process stages and using CSD to quantify the regions of overlap in order to assess OPC performance. Specific examples will demonstrate the gap in current 1-D analysis techniques.
Boundaries and level of experience with six types of dreams.

The self-reported levels of experience to six types of dreams were compared for groups of students who classified as having either thin (n = 30) or thick (n = 86) boundaries. Consistent with predictions drawn from the literature, the thin-boundary group scored significantly higher on level of experience for each dream type than the thick-boundary group. These data provide additional validation for Hart-mann's Boundary Questionnaire.
Azurin: X-ray Data for Crystals from Pseudomonas denitrificans

Azurin, a blue-colored copper protein, from a soil bacteria, Pseudomonas denitrificans, has been crystallized and its molecular weight of 16,000 Was confirmed by means of x-ray difraction.
Symptom assessment in cancer patients.

Patients with cancer suffer from a multitude of symptoms. Effective treatment strategies are available for a number of the common symptoms. A major reason for inadequate symptom relief is lack of effective symptom assessment. Accurate assessment of symptoms is necessary before any treatment can be undertaken. Although there are many complexities involved in the assessment of symptoms, simple, effective tools are available for identification and scoring of symptoms in clinical practice. This review describes recent advances in the study of symptom assessment in cancer patients. Several common symptoms are presented individually, followed by an overview of efforts addressing the assessment of multiple symptoms. Also, new tools in the evaluation of symptoms, including computerbased questionnaires, are discussed.
Particle Flux Associated with Stochastic Processes

The Lagrange expansion, which may be used to derive the Fokker-Planck equation, is here used to derive the corresponding expression for the flux of particles subject to a stochastic scattering process. The coefficients which occur in this expression are, in general, not the same as the coefficients which occur in the Fokker-Planck equation itself. In the special case that the particle distribution involves only one independent variable, the particle flux is determined by the familiar Fokker-Planck coefficients. Evaluation of particle flux is of special interest in the study of stochastic acceleration.
Treatment of androgenic disorders with dexamethasone: Dose-response relationship for suppression of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate

Glucocorticoids are effective in suppressing androgens in many women whose levels of these steroids are elevated. Their use has been controversial because of inconsistent reports about efficacy and concern about safety. We investigated the dose-response relationship for suppression of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) with the use of dexamethasone. Thirty women with an initial DHEAS value of ≥300 μ g/dl were studied. All had cystic or inflammatory acne, hirsutism, or androgenic alopecia. Dexamethasone was given as a single bedtime dosage of 0.125, 0.250, or 0.375 mg. Mean dosage required for suppression was 0.256 mg daily. Suppression of the DHEAS level to ≤200 μ g/dl was achieved with 0.125 mg in 25% of women, 0.250 mg in an additional 50%, and 0.375 mg in a further 20%. Most patients were taking spironolactone when the study was performed. Effective suppression is attained with dexamethasone doses significantly lower than previously thought. Use of these doses was not associated with a significant incidence of adverse effects.
A role in true-late gene expression for the T4 bacteriophage 5' polynucleotide kinase 3' phosphatase.

Abstract Two bacteriophage T4-induced, nucleic acid-modifying activities, 5′ polynucleotide kinase and 3′ phosphatase, are both coded by the pse T gene. Therefore, the product of this gene is an enzyme which can remove phosphates from 3′ termini and add them to 5′-hydroxyl termini and thus could be said to “shuttle” phosphates on polynucleotides. This enzyme is sometimes required for T4 true-late gene expression, probably by helping establish the required intracellular DNA structure. Our data suggest that a host gene product normally can substitute for the product of the pse T gene, making it non-essential for phage multiplication on most laboratory strains of Escherichia coli .
Commentary: Treatment of Encopresis: Where Do We Go From Here?

side effects. For example, medical treatment of con-stipation with or without bowel incontinence typi-cally calls for a bowel cleanout followed by atreatment regimen (laxatives, mineral oil) to softenfeces and maintain daily bowel movements. How-ever, the speciﬁc regimen for a bowel cleanout canvary and includes enemas, suppositories, and largedoses of mineral oil or a balanced electrolyte co-lonic lavage solution given by mouth or nasogastrictube. One argument that has been made for the useof oral methods of bowel cleanout is that enemasmay be “psychologically unsuitable” (Gleghorn,Heyman, & Rudolph, 1991). However, there is littleempirical data to support such an assertion; somesurvey data indicate that, although children ﬁndenemas difﬁcult, over half of the children treatedwith this modality reported enemas to be useful(Bernard-Bonnin, Haley, Belanger, & Nadeau, 1993).Pediatric psychology can make a signiﬁcant contri-bution to the treatment of this disorder by examin-ing the impact of the various medical approacheson children’s adjustment posttreatment. We canevaluate not only the efﬁcacy but the potential“side effects” and thus help practitioners to makedata-based treatment decisions.A second limitation of psychological interven-tions for encopresis is sample selection. Most of thestudies reported, including research conductedby my colleagues and I, have used conveniencesamples: children referred for psychological treat-ment after failing medical management. Researchhas rarely taken the approach of prospectively re-cruiting children with this disorder and randomlyassigning them to treatment groups. One potentialreason for this is the lack of funding to conduct
Handling mixed-criticality in SoC-based real-time embedded systems

System-on-Chip (SoC) is a promising paradigm to implement safety-critical embedded systems, but it poses significant challenges from a design and verification point of view. In particular, in a mixed-criticality system, low criticality applications must be prevented from interfering with high criticality ones. In this paper, we introduce a new design methodology for SoC that provides strong isolation guarantees to applications with different criticalities. A set of certificates describing the assumed application behavior is extracted from a functional Architectural Analysis and Design Language (AADL) specification. Our tools then automatically generate hardware wrappers that enforce at run-time the behavior described by the certificates. In particular, we employ run-time monitoring to formally check all data communication in the system, and we enforce timing reservations for both computation and communication resources. Verification is greatly simplified because certificates are much simpler than the components used to implement low-criticality applications. The effectiveness of our methodology is proven on a case study consisting of a medical pacemaker.
The relation between cigarette smoking and risk of acute myeloid leukemia: an updated meta-analysis of epidemiological studies.

Smoking has been postulated as an environmental risk factor for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The primary objective of this meta-analysis of observational studies was to evaluate the epidemiologic relationship between smoking and the risk of development of AML. Twenty-three studies published between January 1993 and December 2013 were included in our analysis, and accounted for 7,746 cases of AML. The outcome of interest was the relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of developing AML in adult cigarette smokers in comparison with non-smokers, and was estimated using the random-effects model. Our results showed that current and ever smokers have 40% (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.22–1.60; P 30 cigarettes per day was associated with RRs of AML of 1.27, 1.36, 1.55, and 1.77, respectively (P 20 years was associated with RRs of 1.07 and 1.44, respectively (P 30 pack-years was associated with RRs of 1.13, 1.23, 1.39, and 1.71, respectively (P < 0.001 for trend). Overall, cigarette smoking proves to be a significant risk factor for the development of AML in adults. Am. J. Hematol. 89:E125–E132, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
THE TEACHING OF CHILD PSYCHIATRY IN PEDIATRICS

Almost everyone who knows them agrees that child psychiatry and pediatrics are well suited to each other. In fact, many have proposed that they should not only live and work together, but that the relationship should be made legitimate and, they should be wedded. The principals themselves have indeed, off and on, wooed each other, but the resulting engagements have not always been stable. Part of this stems from the problem of identity. They have not always been clear as to which one would be the bride and which the groom. However, their need for each other is so great that they have been exploring various patterns of at least trial marriage. Long before either child psychiatry or pediatrics developed in their present forms , it became apparent that in order to deal with many aspects of child care special kinds of knowledge abou t the thinking and communication of children were necessary. In 1854, Dr. Charles West, founder of the Hospital for Sick Children in London, told his medical students, "Your old means of investigating disease will here to a degree fail you, and you will feel almost as if you had to learn your alphabet again." Also, it is "as if you were to hear around you everywhere the sounds of a foreign tongue, and to observe manners and customs such as you had never seen before." He then added, "if you are not fond of little ch ildren you cannot learn it , for they soon make u p
Neuromuscular and biomechanical characteristic changes in high school athletes: a plyometric versus basic resistance program

Background: In order to improve neuromuscular and biomechanical characteristic deficits in female athletes, numerous injury prevention programs have been developed and have successfully reduced the number of knee ligament injuries. However, few have investigated the neuromuscular and biomechanical changes following these training programs. It is also largely unknown what type of program is better for improving the landing mechanics of female athletes. Objectives: To investigate the effects of an 8 week plyometric and basic resistance training program on neuromuscular and biomechanical characteristics in female athletes. Methods: Twenty seven high school female athletes participated either in a plyometric or a basic resistance training program. Knee and hip strength, landing mechanics, and muscle activity were recorded before and after the intervention programs. In the jump-landing task, subjects jumped as high as they could and landed on both feet. Electromyography (EMG) peak activation time and integrated EMG of thigh and hip muscles were recorded prior to (preactive) and subsequent to (reactive) foot contact. Results: Both groups improved knee extensor isokinetic strength and increased initial and peak knee and hip flexion, and time to peak knee flexion during the task. The peak preactive EMG of the gluteus medius and integrated EMG for the gluteus medius during the preactive and reactive time periods were significantly greater for both groups. Conclusions: Basic training alone induced favourable neuromuscular and biomechanical changes in high school female athletes. The plyometric program may further be utilised to improve muscular activation patterns.
Description and biology of a new insect parasitic rhabditoid, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora n.gen., n.sp. (Rhabditida; Heterorhabditidae n.fam.).

The new family, Heterorhabditidae, containing the new genus and species, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora is described. This new species of Rhabditoidea was recovered from Heliothis punctigera Hall (Noctuidae) at Brecon, South Australia. The infective stage juveniles of this nematode carry a specific bacterium in their intestines which is released after the parasites enter the body cavity of a healthy insect. The bacteria kill the insect in 48 hours, and the infective stage juveniles develop into hermaphroditic females that produce young which develop into males and females. The latter mate and produce juveniles that develop into infective stages, which leave the cadaver and search for a new host. H. bacteriophora differs from other nematodes in the Rhabditoidea by possessing a vestigial valve in the basal pharyngeal bulb, a reduced stoma, and dauer stages capable of entering the body cavity of healthy insects. Aside from members of the genus, Neoaplectana, it is the only nematode known to serve as a vector for a bacterial disease of insects. The new species also exhibits heterogony. The nematode described by Pereira (1937) as Rhabditis hambletoni is transferred to the genus Heterorhabditis.
A critical analysis of early death after adult liver transplants.

Introduction The 15% mortality rate of liver transplant recipients at one yr may be viewed as a feat in comparison with the waiting list mortality, yet it nonetheless leaves room for much improvement. Our aim was to critically examine the mortality rates to identify high-risk periods and to incorporate cause of death into the analysis of post-transplant survival. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis on United Network for Organ Sharing data for all adult recipients of liver transplants from January 1, 2002 to October 31, 2011. Our analysis included multivariate logistic regression where the primary outcome measure was patient death of 49 288 recipients. Results The highest mortality rate by day post-transplant was on day 0 (0.9%). The most significant risk factors were as follows: for one-d mortality from technical failure, intensive care unit admission odds ratio (OR 3.2); for one-d mortality from graft failure, warm ischemia >75 min (OR 5.6); for one-month mortality from infection, a previous transplant (OR 3.3); and for one-month mortality from graft failure, a previous transplant (OR 3.7). Conclusion We found that the highest mortality rate after liver transplantation is within the first day and the first month post-transplant. Those two high-risk periods have common, as well as different, risk factors for mortality.
Integrating process mapping and simulation

This paper presents two different yet successful approaches that have been taken for integrating process mapping technology and simulation technology. The discussion is based on two actual implementations in which two different process mapping tools were separately integrated with ProModel simulation software. The process mapping tools used in the integration were Design/IDEF from Meta Software Corporation and ABC FlowCharter from Micrografx, Incorporated. Both of these tools have been widely adopted in government and private industries for process reengineering. Also, both tools are based on different paradigms which present unique challenges for use with simulation. Design/IDEF is based on the IDEF-O modeling paradigm which is highly structured with limited adaptability. ABC FlowCharter is an unstructured process diagramming tool which is adaptable for doing all types of diagramming. In effect, they both plug into ProModel as a front-end interface. The implementation of the bridge is different in both instances, however one approach uses a modified version of the process mapping tool while the other utilizes OLE automation without having to modify either the process mapping software or the simulation software. This presentation deals with the issues and challenges encountered in each integration effort. We will also discuss how these challenges were addressed and how a successful solution was implemented. Finally, we "I assess the suitability of integrating process mapping and simulation and compare the relative outcome of each. The successful integration of process mapping and simulation is a major step towards a complete integration of process reenginecring technologies.
A study on ineffective erythropoiesis in the dog.

Erythrocytic cell kinetics were studied in normal dog bone marrow, at the transition between younger cells that are able to synthesize DNA, and more mature nucleated normoblasts which have lost this ability. the rate of progression out of the first group was compared to that into the second, after necessary adjustments of group sizes. No significant discrepancy was detected within the limits of resolution of autoradiographic cytokinetic analysis. It is concluded that ‘ineffective’ red cell production in the normal dog, if it occurs at all, can only be very small in quantity.
High capacity optical transmission systems using spatial division multiplexing technology

We review system aspects of few-mode fiber transmission. Mode-dependent loss is difficult to manage and will likely require periodic mode-scrambling. FMF can be deployed first in short reach applications where high spatial density is beneficial, with elliptical-core FMFs being an attractive solution.
Applying the Na&#239;ve Bayes Classifier to Assist Users in Detecting Speech Recognition Errors

Speech recognition (SR) is a technology that can improve accessibility to computer systems for people with physical disabilities or situation-introduced disabilities. The wide adoption of SR technology; however, is hampered by the difficulty in correcting system errors. HCI researchers have attempted to improve the error correction process by employing multi-modal or speech-based interfaces. There is limited success in applying raw confidence scores (indicators of system's confidence in an output) to facilitate anchor specification in the navigation process. This paper applies a machine learning technique, in particular Naive Bayes classifier, to assist detecting dictation errors. In order to improve the generalizability of the classifiers, input features were obtained from generic SR output. Evaluation on speech corpuses showed that the performance of Naive Bayes classifier was better than using raw confidence scores.
Community Characteristics and Methamphetamine Use in a Rural State: An Analysis of Preincarceration Usage by Prison Inmates

Social disorganization theory attempts to explain the relationships of community characteristics and patterns of illicit drug use, but methamphetamine poses a problem for this perspective. Methamphetamine use is prevalent in rural areas, where greater community social organization may contribute to its usage, a possibility examined here using data from a highly rural state. Data were collected from a population of prisoners entering Wyoming state correctional facilities from July 2005 to June 2006. Hierarchical linear models estimated the effects of individual- and county-level variables on preincarceration amphetamine/methamphetamine use and severity of use. Results indicate that individual-level variables predict use, whereas county-level variables predict severity of use. The effects of individual-level measures of social control were consistent with the social disorganization model, whereas the effects of county-level variables provided support for the social organization argument. Implications of the...
Family History Density of Alcoholism Relates to Left Nucleus Accumbens Volume in Adolescent Girls

Objective:A family history of alcoholism is a significant risk factor for the development of alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Because common structural abnormalities are present in reward and affective brain regions in alcoholics and those with familial alcoholism, the current study examined the relationship between familial loading of AUDs and volumes of the amygdala and nucleus accumbens (NAcc) in largely alcohol-naive adolescents, ages 12–16 years (N = 140).Method:The amygdala and NAcc were delineated on each participant’s T1-weighted anatomical scan, using FMRIB Software Library’s FMRIB Integrated Registration & Segmentation Tool, and visually inspected for accuracy and volume outliers. In the 140 participants with accurate segmentation (75 male/65 female), subcortical volumes were represented as a ratio to intracranial volume (ICV). A family history density (FHD) score was calculated for each adolescent based on the presence of AUDs in first- and second-degree relatives (range: 0.03–1.50; higher scores ...
2′-Fluoro Substituents Can Mimic Native 2′-Hydroxyls within Structured RNA

Summary The ability of fluorine in a C-F bond to act as a hydrogen bond acceptor is controversial. To test such ability in complex RNA macromolecules, we have replaced native 2′-OH groups with 2′-F and 2′-H groups in two related systems, the Tetrahymena group I ribozyme and the ΔC209 P4-P6 RNA domain. In three cases the introduced 2′-F mimics the native 2′-OH group, suggesting that the fluorine atom can accept a hydrogen bond. In each of these cases the native hydroxyl group interacts with a purine exocyclic amine. Our results give insight about the properties of organofluorine and suggest a possible general biochemical signature for tertiary interactions between 2′-hydroxyl groups and exocyclic amino groups within RNA.
Innovations in aortic valve therapy for elderly patients

In the aging population of the USA, the burden of aortic valve disease continues to be a major contributor to mortality and morbidity, affecting millions of patients annually. While traditional surgical management has produced excellent results, many elderly patients are not good surgical candidates for invasive procedures. Recently, considerable effort has been placed in developing less invasive approaches that will benefit the elderly. Currently, a wide range of minimally invasive technologies exist at the surgeon’s disposal, including percutaneous and transcatheter-based devices. In this review, we examine the current gold-standard therapies and outcomes, as well as the exciting approaches that are being tested. Finally, we address the future direction in management of aortic valve disease in the elderly and its impact on clinical practice.
A case of symptomatic left ventricular diverticulum.

CASE OF SYMPTOMATIC left ventricular diverticulum is presented. This rare congenital cardiac anomaly is reported infrequently in the literature, and the authors report the presentation, various diagnostic modalities available to identify such a lesion, and treatment considerations. CASE REPORT An otherwise healthy 25-year-old woman with a strong family history of premature coronary artery disease presented to an outside hospital on 2 occasions during the same week with complaints of left upper-quadrant abdominal pain. She was diagnosed initially with gastroenteritis and discharged. The following day the patient’s symptoms intensified, and she returned to the emergency department. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed multiple splenic infarcts and an undefined left ventricular cardiac abnormality. She subsequently underwent transthoracic echocardiographic imaging, which revealed an outpouching of the left ventricular apex. After initiating a heparin infusion, she was transferred to the authors’ institution for further workup and treatment. Cardiac catheterization with left ventriculography (LVG) showed a prominent trabeculation in the left ventricular apex containing a thinwalled fenestrated tissue membrane. The left ventricular ejection fraction was noted to be 55% and the coronary arteriogram was unremarkable. Because findings were consistent with either a left ventricular aneurysm or congenital diverticulum and the patient had a history of embolic complications, surgical resection was recommended. In the operating room, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed an anterior apical diverticulum with diastolic inflow and systolic outflow (Figs 1 and 2 and Videos 1 and 2 [supplementary videos are available online]). Further findings were significant for a patent foramen ovale (PFO) and mild mitral insufficiency. No evidence of thrombi was seen. Diverticular contraction and systolic flow into the left ventricle were seen in the midesophageal 4-chamber and transgastric short- and long-axis views using 2-dimensional, M-mode, and color-flow Doppler imaging (Fig 3 and Videos 1 and 2). The diverticulum was further localized with epicardial echocardiographic imaging and subsequently dissected. Gross inspection revealed a thin fenestrated tissue membrane within the diverticular cavity in addition to a diverticular wall that appeared to be composed of the epicardium, myocardium, and endocardium. The muscular diverticulum and intercavitary membrane were resected, and the PFO was closed. At the conclusion of the procedure, TEE showed complete elimination of the diverticular space and membrane without evidence of flow across the PFO. Surgical pathology revealed cardiac-type muscle with mild fiber size variation, which is consistent with the diagnosis of a left ventricular diverticulum. The patient’s postoperative course was without complication and she was discharged on postoperative day 5.
Risk factors associated with surgical site infection and the development of short-term complications in macaques undergoing indwelling vascular access port placement.

Background Risk factors associated with surgical site infection (SSI) and the development of short-term complications in macaques undergoing vascular access port (VAP) placement are evaluated in this study. Methods Records from 80 macaques with VAPs were retrospectively reviewed. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with short-term post-operative complications. Results The primary outcome was SSI, which occurred in 21.6% (52.6% in the first 12 months vs. 13% thereafter) of procedures. SSI was associated with major secondary complications including VAP removal (11.4%), wound dehiscence (5.7%), and mechanical catheter occlusion (5.7%). In multivariate modeling, only surgical program progress was a statistically significant predictor of SSI, while animal compliance had a slightly protective effect. Conclusions Vascular access ports have a moderate risk of complications, provided the surgical program optimizes best practices. Under complex experimental conditions, VAPs represent an important refinement, both improving animals’ overall well-being and environment and reducing stress.
Physiological characteristics of linuron-resistant Portulaca oleracea

Abstract Studies were conducted to compare physiological characteristics of linuron-susceptible and -resistant Portulaca oleracea. The susceptible biotype had heavier seed and germinated more rapidly than the resistant biotype. Eight weeks after seeding, fresh and dry weights of susceptible P. oleracea plants were significantly greater than those of resistant plants. Susceptible P. oleracea had a significantly higher CO2 assimilation rate at 30 C, but was similar to that of resistant P. oleracea at 40 C. The susceptible biotype had a significantly higher CO2 assimilation rate at CO2 concentrations ≥ 600 ppm and at incident light levels ≥ 900 µmol m−2 s−1. The susceptible biotype had higher carboxylation and photochemical efficiencies. Nomenclature: Atrazine; cyanazine; diuron; linuron; prometryn; simazine; Portulaca oleracea L. POROL, common purslane.
A Snapshot in Time of Fatty Acids Composition of Grass Herbage as Affected by Time of Day

Polyunsaturated fatty acid contents in the products of pasture-fed ruminants depend on the amount and composition of fatty acid ingested and rumen biohydrogenation. The total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) and DM concentrations of herbage increase during the day; however, it is not known if fatty acids follow the same pattern. This study aimed to quantify the diurnal variation of herbage fatty acid concentrations. Vegetative micro-swards of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Hud.) were sampled in July and September, respectively, over 2 consecutive days. Sampling occurred 4 times/d: sunrise (0537 or 0650 h), morning (1037 or 1110 h), afternoon (1537 or 1530 h), and sunset (2037 or 1930 h) for orchardgrass and meadow fescue, respectively. Cut herbage was analyzed for DM, CP, TNC, NDF, ADF, and palmitic, oleic, linoleic and α-linolenic acids. Diurnal variation of temperature, relative humidity, and photosynthetic radiation were recorded every 5 min. Time of day affected (P 0.01) concentrations of palmitic, linoleic, and α-linolenic acids of herbage. Oleic acid increased (P 0.01) time of day effect on total fatty acids. Concentrations of PUFA in grass herbage remain stable during the day, whereas structural and nonstructural carbohydrates, as well as CP, do not.
Nuclear Proliferation and Iran: Thoughts about the Bomb

Yonatan Beker is a foreign policy fellow at the office of US Senator Norman Coleman (R-MN), and is pursuing a graduate degree at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Prior to that, he served as communications director to the Israeli minister of transportation and foreign press adviser to the minister of justice. Mr. Beker is a member of the Israeli Bar Association.
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis on Repeat Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Transrectal Ultrasound Fusion Biopsy of Benign Lesions: Recommendations for Repeat Sampling.

Purpose: Urologists face a dilemma when a lesion identified on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging is benign on image guided fusion biopsy. We investigated the detection rate of prostate cancer on repeat fusion biopsy in multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging lesions initially found to be pathologically benign on fusion biopsy.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of all patients from 2007 to 2014 who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and image guided fusion biopsy. We identified men who underwent rebiopsy of the same discrete lesion after initial fusion biopsy results were benign. Data were documented on a per lesion basis. We manually reviewed UroNav system (Invivo, Gainesville, Florida) needle tracking to verify accurate image registration. Multivariate analysis was used to identify clinical and imaging factors predictive of prostate cancer detection at repeat fusion biopsy.Results: A total of 131 unique lesions were rebiopsied in 90 patients. Of these 131 resampl...
The Effects of Invoking Stereotype Excuses on Perceivers’ Character Trait Inferences and Performance Attributions

Abstract. This investigation examined perceivers’ character trait inferences and performance attributions in response to a target who invoked a gender stereotype to excuse poor math performance. Furthermore, this investigation sought to compare the effects of this excuse to the effects produced by a non-stereotype excuses and the mere mention of a stereotype. Results revealed that invoking a gender stereotype excuse for poor math performance may elicit especially negative effects on perceptions of an excuse-maker’s: (a) overall character; (b) effectualness; (c) responsibility for the performance outcome; and (d) control over the performance outcome.
The Effect of Low-Energy Nitrogen Ions on the Growth Modes of Nitrides on Polymers used in the Microelectronics Industry

Ultra-thin titanium and tantalum nitride layers grown on three different dielectrics were studied to examine how low-energy ions change the chemical composition at and near their interface. Comparisons were made by growing titanium and tantalum nitride under similar conditions both with (ion-assisted) and without (reactive) nitrogen ions. Although the chemical reactions between the nitrides and the three dielectrics under both growth conditions depend on the type of dielectric used, a few general observations were seen. In comparison with the reactively grown samples, all of the ion-assisted growths show a significant increase in the amount of nitride in the nitride layer at and near the nitride/dielectric interface. Moreover, the amount of chemical binding between the titanium nitride and dielectric is increased when low-energy ions are used. Angle resolved x-ray photoemission determined that the enhancement in the deposition process from low-energy ions occurs without inducing significant intermixing between the nitride layer and dielectric. Although thicker layers of titanium nitride show a difference in the grain structure from ion deposition1, the ultra-thin layers grown in this work do not have any dependence with ion-assisted growth for the samples measured.
Heterogeneity of chloride/base exchange in rabbit superficial and juxtamedullary proximal convoluted tubules

Active transcellular NaCl transport in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) is via apical parallel Na/H and Cl/base exchange. The mechanism of Cl/base exchange remains unclear. The present in vitro microperfusion study examined the mechanism of Cl/base exchange in superficial and juxtamedullary PCT by examining the rate of change in intracellular pH in response to luminal Cl removal. In superficial PCT the rate of Cl/base exchange was 24.0 +/- 2.3 without formate, 36.4 +/- 6.6 with 10 microM formate (P < 0.05), and 43.6 +/- 2.8 pmol.mm-1.min-1 (P < 0.001) with 1 mM luminal formate. Cl/base exchange was inhibited by luminal 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) in the presence and absence of formate. In juxtamedullary PCT, Cl/base exchange was 22.2 +/- 3.8 without formate and 25.0 +/- 5.4 pmol.mm-1.min-1 in the presence of 1 mM luminal formate [P = not significant (NS)]. Cl/base exchange was inhibited by luminal DIDS in juxtamedullary PCT. The rates of Cl/base exchange in both superficial...
Effects of Bevantolol and Metoproloi on Heart Rate Variability in Patients With Essential Hypertension

Objective:To study the effects of bevantolol and metoprolol on heart rate variability(HRV)of primary hypertension patients. Methods:After 2-week drug wash-out,53 patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension received bevantolol(n=26) 100-200 mg per day,or metoprolol(n=27)100-150 mg per day for 8 weeks.The 24-hour ambulatory ECG was performed before and after 8 weeks treatment.The frequency domain of heart rate variability was analyzed. Results:After 8 weeks treatment,rMSSD and PNN_(50)were increased.High-frequency(HF)was increased,Low Frequency (LF),Very Low(VLF)and LF/HF were decreased.There were significant differences in rMSSD,PNN_(50),HF,LF/HF before and after active treatment.The result of bevantolol was similar to that of metoprolol(P0.05). Conclusion:Bevantolol,anα_1+β_1 blocker,shows the same beneficial effect on HRV as metoprolol in primary hypertension patients.
The Role of Urinary Obstruction in the Genesis of Renal Dysplasia—A Model in the Chick Embryo

Abstract Although obstruction of urinary drainage is the current pathogenetic mechanism believed responsible for renal dysplasia, the results of experimental studies have not uniformly substantiated this impression. To help resolve this issue, we evaluated the effect of obstruction of the urinary drainage of the embryonic kidney upon the later development of the kidney. We developed a model which allowed us to ligate the ureter surgically of the chick embryo before and after the appearance of nephrons. Initially, the normal morphologic features of renal development were studied in 22 embryos at various stages of incubation and in 94 metanephric rudiments cultivated as chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) grafts. Then, the morphologic features of renal development were studied in 151 metanephric rudiments subjected to surgical ligation of the primitive ureter and then cultivated as CAM grafts. The ligations were performed with 9-0 silk suture, aided by the operating microscope, and induced before and after the appearance of nephrons. Renal differentiation of the non-ligated rudiments cultivated as CAM grafts resembled that which appeared in situ. Renal differentiation of 87 per cent of nonligated rudiments which survived grafting displayed normal renal development and 13 per cent displayed mild hydronephrosis. Renal differentiation of 67 per cent of the ligated rudiments which survived grafting displayed hydronephrosis and 33 per cent displayed normal development. Dysplasia was never seen in any specimen. Obstruction of the ureter of the developing kidney caused only hydronephrosis in the chick model. It appears that renal dysplasia is not solely caused by simply mechanical obstruction to urinary drainage, even when the obstruction is imposed at early stages of renal development.
Immunologic Tolerance and Immunopathology

Immune tolerance has an antigen-directed specificity analogous to that of immune responsiveness. Studies have shown the direction of response-immunization or tolerization-is often dependent on the physical form and the dose of antigen, and that the two major lymphocyte classes, B cells and T cells, have different tolerance requirements. The critical relationships of these findings to autoimmunity are explored.
A Narrative Approach to Process Group Work With Counselors-in-Training

ABSTRACTThe implementation of a process therapy group with master’s-level students in a counseling program is a time-honored expectation in the group-training process. A narrative framework discussion focuses on the practices used to enhance personal growth in a group setting, a review of the coleaders’ reflective process throughout the group, and an evaluation of the effectiveness of narrative approaches in group work with counselors-in-training. Examples of narrative prompts and evaluation tools are provided along with considerations and recommendations for future practice.
Regulation of response to thromboxane A2 in CHRF-288 megakaryocytic cells

Thromboxane A2 (TxA2) is a potent platelet aggregating agent and a necessary intermediate for platelet stimulation by several other platelet agonists. A potentially important means whereby platelet responses to TxA2 could be modified in vivo is regulation of TxA2 receptors and/or effectors by platelet precursor megakaryocytes. We therefore investigated the mechanisms that regulate the response to TxA2 in CHRF-288, a cultured cell line derived from megakaryocytes. Incubation of CHRF-288 with the TxA2 agonist U-44069 resulted in a biexponential 75% decrease in subsequent TxA2 receptor-stimulated, but not thrombin-stimulated, Ca2+ release (half times of 1 and 4.7 h) and a monoexponential 57% decline in TxA2 receptor agonist binding sites (half time of 4.6 h). Desensitization with U-44069 for 24 h increased the proportion of internal TxA2 receptors from 23 to 82% of total receptors. Inhibition of endocytosis with phenylarsine oxide prevented U-44069-induced receptor downregulation but only partially inhibited desensitization of the Ca2+ response, indicating that internalization of receptors is not an immediate requirement for desensitization but that receptor internalization and degradation are both necessary for maximal desensitization. In summary, CHRF-288 megakaryocytic cells desensitize to TxA2 through incomplete functional uncoupling of receptors from Ca2+ signal transducers and delayed downregulation of TxA2 receptors via accelerated receptor internalization and degradation.
A study on credit utilization pattern of women self-help groups in south Konkan region.

The present study was carried out in South Konkan Region purposively. From Ratangiri district Dapoli, Khed and Guhaghar while from Sindhudurg district Kudal, Devgad and Kankavali tahsils were selected. From each tahsil, ten SHGs and five members of each SHG were selected randomly. Thus, final sample consisted of 60 SHGs, 300 SHG members. The selected SHGs were categorized taking into consideration group activities performed by SHG. The SHGs were classified as farming activities, agro-processing activities and non-farming activities. Loan taken from different sources i.e. banks, co-operative societies and relatives. Loan amount taken from bank was Rs.139250. Loan amount taken by agro-processing category was highest (Rs.153250), followed by non-farming (Rs.136896.55) and farming (120000) category. There was increase in the credit availed by the SHGs over a period of time. At overall level amount repaid to bank by SHGs was Rs.46613. As regards to category wise repayment of loan by farming, agro-processing and non-farming was Rs. 39916.36, Rs.59770 and Rs. 40079.31, respectively. The SHG members utilized loan for productive purposes borrowed from bank (59.23%) and SHGs (50.64%) followed by non-productive purposes borrowed from co-operative societies (92.06%) and relatives (70.86%).