cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Life after colectomy for fulminant Clostridium difficile colitis: a 7-year follow up study

Abstract Background The long-term prognosis of patients undergoing colectomy for fulminant Clostridium difficile colitis has not been well studied. The authors present 7-year survival trends in such patients. Methods Patients were identified through a pathologic database. Medical records were reviewed and follow-up phone calls made to determine relevant patient history, longevity, and quality of life. Results The 61 patients identified had mean and median survival of 18.1 and 3.2 months, respectively, and 1-year, 2-year, 5-year, and 7-year mortality of 68.5%, 79.6%, 88.9%, and 90.7%, respectively. Previous C difficile infection, hypotension, requirement of vasopressors, mental status changes, elevated arterial lactate, decreased platelet counts, intubation, and longer duration on nonoperative therapy were associated with in-hospital mortality. There were no factors correlated with long-term survival. Conclusions Patients who require colectomy for fulminant C difficile colitis have a poor prognosis with poor long-term survival and significant morbidity. Although there are several factors associated with in-hospital mortality, there were no factors correlated with long-term survival.
Variable neuroendocrine-immune dysfunction in individuals with unfavorable outcome after severe traumatic brain injury

Abstract Bidirectional communication between the immune and neuroendocrine systems is not well understood in the context of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The purpose of this study was to characterize relationships between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cortisol and inflammation after TBI, and to determine how these relationships differ by outcome. CSF samples were collected from 91 subjects with severe TBI during days 0–6 post-injury, analyzed for cortisol and inflammatory markers, and compared to healthy controls (n = 13 cortisol, n = 11 inflammatory markers). Group-based trajectory analysis (TRAJ) delineated subpopulations with similar longitudinal CSF cortisol profiles (high vs. low cortisol). Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores at 6 months served as the primary outcome measure reflecting global outcome. Inflammatory markers that displayed significant bivariate associations with both GOS and cortisol TRAJ (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-10, soluble Fas [sFas], soluble intracellular adhesion molecule [sICAM]-1, and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF]-α) were used to generate a cumulative inflammatory load score (ILS). Subsequent analysis revealed that cortisol TRAJ group membership mediated ILS effects on outcome (indirect effect estimate = −0.253, 95% CI (−0.481, −0.025), p = 0.03). Correlational analysis between mean cortisol levels and ILS were examined separately within each cortisol TRAJ group and by outcome. Within the low cortisol TRAJ group, subjects with unfavorable 6-month outcome displayed a negative correlation between ILS and mean cortisol (r = −0.562, p = 0.045). Conversely, subjects with unfavorable outcome in the high cortisol TRAJ group displayed a positive correlation between ILS and mean cortisol (r = 0.391, p = 0.006). Our results suggest that unfavorable outcome after TBI may result from dysfunctional neuroendocrine–immune communication wherein an adequate immune response is not mounted or, alternatively, neuroinflammation is prolonged. Importantly, the nature of neuroendocrine–immune dysfunction differs between cortisol TRAJ groups. These results present a novel biomarker-based index from which to discriminate outcome and emphasize the need for evaluating tailored treatments targeting inflammation early after injury.
COMMUNITY POLICE CRIME PREVENTION

This study examines the opinion of citizens regarding the police becoming a part of the community, by locating police station in all communities irrespective of size, in order to prevent crime from occurring. The results indicate that a significant number of residents interviewed would want the police to live and work in their community, be integrated into the school system, as well as participating in the community activities.
CO reveals dual mechanisms of O2 chemoreception in the cat carotid body

Abstract The hypothesis that CO-binding pigments in the carotid body participate in O 2 chemoreception was tested. The chemosensory nerve discharges of cat carotid body perfused and superfused in vitro at 36–37°C with cell-free solution containing CO 2 - HCO 3 − ( pH ≅7.39) were recorded to monitor O 2 chemoreception. Several levels of P CO (60–550 Torr) at two levels of P o 2 (50 Torr–140 Torr) were used. With high P co of 500–550 Torr at any P o 2 the discharge rate peaked promptly but the effect was significantly less than that to hypoxia. At any stage of the CO effect, exposure to light promptly attenuated or eliminated the response, as if the stimulatory effect of hypoxia was absent. Lower P co of 60–70 Torr attenuated the response to hypoxia which was not suppressed by light. P co of 140 Torr also attenuated the response to hypoxia and made the activity partially photolabile. During high P co exposure the excitory response to cyanide but not to nicotine was attenuated, consistent with the idea that the effects of nicotine are dowbstream from those of CO. Both inhibitory and excitatory effects of CO were promptly reversible. The results indicate that two types of CO-binding chromophores participate in O 2 chemoreception in the carotid body.
The Effectiveness of a Behavioral Weight Reduction Program for Moderately Retarded Adolescents

Thirty moderately mentally retarded adolescent subjects were assigned to either a Behavior Therapy ( n =12), a Social-Nutrition ( n =12), or a Wait-List Control group ( n=6 ). The behavior therapy subjects lost significantly more weight than the nutrition and control subjects. The behavior therapy subjects continued to lose weight during maintenance and follow-up conditions.
Improved supercritical fluid chromatography mobile-phase tolerance with a moderate-power helium microwave-induced plasma

Studies comparing the use of moderate (500 W) and low (60–150 W) power helium microwave-induced plasmas (MIPs) for packed-column supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) are presented. In the 100 to 220 atm SFC pressure range, the low-power plasma exhibits greater signal reduction due to the SFC mobile phase. Plasma characteristics such as helium line intensities and electron densities remain unaltered in the 0 to 120 mL/min (atmospheric pressure volumes) flow rate range with the 500-W helium MIP. As well, Cl(II) emission intensity at 479.45 nm is not affected in this flow rate range. Finally, it is shown that the SFC peak area is not affected as the chromatographic pressure is increased from 150 to 250 atmospheres.
The Effect of Agricultural Policies on Land Use and Environmental Quality

In this paper I consider the environmental quality gains that may be achieved by reducing agricultural income supports. A new methodology is developed to estimate land use shares. In an application to Wisconsin, milk price support reductions result in shifts of marginal agricultural land to forest, reducing soil erosion and providing off-site water quality improvements. The environmental benefits are estimated to be at least as large as the decreased welfare burden on consumers and taxpayers, indicating a central role for environmental quality considerations in motivating policy reforms and a more efficient means of achieving the environmental quality goals of land retirement programs.
Sm 2+ → Nd 3+ energy transfer in CaF 2

We measured the energy-transfer efficiency of Sm2+ → Nd3+ in CaF2 and found that the transfer occurs through the dipole–dipole interaction. Our calculations of the efficiency from the emission and absorption properties of the Sm2+ and Nd3+ ions are in good agreement with those obtained from the Foerster–Dexter analysis of the emission transients. In addition, the comparison of the excitation and absorption spectra of codoped samples quantitatively confirms that energy initially absorbed by Sm2+ is actually being converted into Nd3+ luminescence. Although efficiencies of 0.9 can be achieved with reasonable levels of Nd3+ doping, the Sm2+ luminescence begins to quench at temperatures >220 K. The selection of an optimal host for application to solid-state laser systems is discussed in the light of the Sm2+ spectral characteristics and the need for good efficiency at room temperature.
REVISION OF LEPTORHYNCHOIDES THECATUS (ACANTHOCEPHALA: ILLIOSENTIDAE), WITH MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS AND DESCRIPTION OF SIX NEW SPECIES

Six new species of Leptorhynchoides from the southeastern United States are described. These new species were once part of the Leptorhynchoides thecatus complex of species that was previously recognized on the basis of DNA sequence data. Multivariate morphometric analysis including discriminant function analysis and decision tree analysis indicated that each of the species is morphologically distinct. Both analyses classified more than 90% of specimens correctly and most misclassifications occurred between members of 2 pairs of species that are morphologically similar. The most discriminating continuous characters were: trunk length, number of longitudinal rows of hooks, length of the longest hook, and testes width. Hook asymmetry and missing hooks on the proboscis were also important taxonomic characters. The discriminant function and the decision tree generated from the data were used to classify new specimens, yielding a 96% and 84% correct classification rate, respectively. The new taxonomic designations account for much of the previously recognized variability in host use, habitat use, and development as determined by survey data. With the addition of these 6 new taxa, 10 species currently are recognized within the genus.
Ulnar variance—The effect of wrist positioning and roentgen filming technique

Ulnar variance-the roentgenographic distance between contiguous articular surfaces of the distal radiocarpal and ulnocarpal joints-changes with wrist and forearm position. Supination increases the measurement of negative ulnar variance. Pronation decreases the measurement of negative Unar variance. Wrist deviation and alterations of the x-ray beam in the longitudinal plane also influence the measurement. A standardized wrist roentgenogram has been developed to allow accurate and reproducible measurements of Unar variance. Internal landmarks for recognizing the standard views are introduced. The use of standard wrist roentgenographic techniques for all wrist films is recommended.
The Relationship of the North American Monsoon to Tropical and North Pacific Sea Surface Temperatures as Revealed by Observational Analyses

The North American monsoon is a seasonal shift of upper- and low-level pressure and wind patterns that brings summertime moisture into the southwest United States and ends the late spring wet period in the Great Plains. The interannual variability of the North American monsoon is examined using the NCEP-NCAR reanalysis (1948-98). The diurnal and seasonal evolution of 500-mb geopotential height, integrated moisture flux, and integrated moisture flux convergence are constructed using a 5-day running mean for the months May through September. All of the years are used to calculate an average daily Z score that removes the diurnal, seasonal, and intraseasonal variability. The 30-day average Z score centered about the date is correlated with Pacific sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) indices associated with the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the North Pacific oscillation (NPO). These indices are Nino-3, a North Pacific index, and a Pacific index that combines the previous two. Regional time-evolving precipitation indices for the Southwest and Great Plains, which consider the total number of wet or dry stations in a region, are also correlated with the SSTA indices. The use of nonnormally distributed point source precipitation data is avoided. Teleconnections are computed relative to the climatological evolution of the North American monsoon, rather than to calendar months, thus more accurately accounting for the climatological changes in the large-scale circulation. Tropical and North Pacific SSTs are related to the occurrence of the Pacific Transition and East Pacific teleconnection patterns, respectively, in June and July. A high (low) NPO phase and El Nino (La Nina) conditions favor a weaker (stronger) and southward (northward) displaced monsoon ridge. These teleconnection patterns affect the timing and large-scale distribution of monsoon moisture. In the Great Plains, the spring wet season is lengthened (shortened) and early summer rainfall and integrated moisture flux convergence are above (below) average. In the Southwest, monsoon onset is late (early) and early summer rainfall and integrated moisture flux convergence are below (above) average. Relationships with Pacific SSTA indices decay in the later part of the monsoon coincident with weakening of the jet stream across the Pacific and strengthening of the monsoon ridge over North America. The most coherent summer climate patterns occur over the entire western United States when the Pacific index is substantially high or low, such as during the Midwest flood of 1993 and drought of 1988. The Pacific index in spring is a good predictor of early summer height anomalies over the western United States when the time evolution of the North Pacific SST dipole is considered.
Potassium and Health

Potassium was identified as a shortfall nutrient by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 Advisory Committee. The committee concluded that there was a moderate body of evidence of the association between potassium intake and blood pressure reduction in adults, which in turn influences the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease. Evidence is also accumulating of the protective effect of adequate dietary potassium on age-related bone loss and reduction of kidney stones. These benefits depend on organic anions associated with potassium as occurs in foods such as fruits and vegetables, in contrast to similar blood pressure-lowering benefits of potassium chloride. Benefits to blood pressure and bone health may occur at levels below current recommendations for potassium intake, especially from diet, but dose-response trials are needed to confirm this. Nevertheless, intakes considerably above current levels are needed for optimal health, and studies evaluating small increases in fruit and vegetable intake on bone and heart outcomes for short periods have had disappointing results. In modern societies, Western diets have led to a decrease in potassium intake with reduced consumption of fruits and vegetables with a concomitant increase in sodium consumption through increased consumption of processed foods. Consumption of white vegetables is associated with decreased risk of stroke, possibly related to their high potassium content. Potatoes are the highest source of dietary potassium, but the addition of salt should be limited. Low potassium-to-sodium intake ratios are more strongly related to cardiovascular disease risk than either nutrient alone. This relationship deserves further attention for multiple target tissue endpoints.
Identifying Anatomical Phrases in Clinical Reports by Shallow Semantic Parsing Methods

Natural language processing (NLP) is being applied for several information extraction tasks in the biomedical domain. The unique nature of clinical information requires the need for developing an NLP system designed specifically for the clinical domain. We describe a method to identify semantically coherent phrases within clinical reports. This is an important step towards full syntactic parsing within a clinical NLP system. We use this semantic phrase chunker to identify anatomical phrases within radiology reports related to the genitourinary domain. A discriminative classifier based on support vector machines was used to classify words into one of five phrase classification categories. Training of the classifier was performed using 1000 hand-tagged sentences from a corpus of genitourinary radiology reports. Features used by the classifier include n-grams, syntactic tags and semantic labels. Evaluation was conducted on a blind test set of 250 sentences from the same domain. The system achieved overall performance scores of 0.87 (precision), 0.91 (recall) and 0.89 (balanced f-score). Anatomical phrase extraction can be rapidly and accurately accomplished
Acute inhibition of gamma secretase lowers abeta dimer levels in plaque-bearing PSAPP mice

pathology appears to be due to LC degeneration and not simply low NA levels. This suggests that NA potentiates Ab toxicity. Indeed, catecholamines potentiate Ab misfolding and oxidative toxicity. For example, catecholamines both undergo autooxidation and increase Ab oxidative stress. Dopamine, a catecholamine, increases Ab misfolding into toxic oligomeric amyloid forms and it is likely that other catecholamines have a similar effect. Currently, the mechanism of how catecholamines catalyze Abmisfolding and augment oxidative toxicity is unknown.Methods:We have studied the effects of the catecholamines, dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline on Ab misfolding and oxidative stress in vitro using mass spectrometry, western blots, electron microscopy, protease protections assays and cell culture. Results: Our data demonstrates that all catecholamines increase Ab misfolding (likely oligomers) in vitro. Preliminary protease protection assay experiments and electron microscopy suggest that Ab oligomers are formed upon incubation with catecholamines. Additionally, we demonstrate that this process is enhanced by addition of the transition metal Cu and inhibited by EDTA and the antioxidant BHT. Structurally related compounds incompetent for autooxidation do not cause Ab misfolding or oxidative stress. The extent of catecholamine oxidation will be ascertained via LC/ MS and adduct formation with Ab via MALDI. Additionally, the effect of catecholamines on oxidative toxicity in vitro and in cultured cells will be ascertained. Conclusions: Thus, we have evidence that catecholamine neurotransmitters catalyze Ab misfolding and augment its oxidative stress in vitro. Extrapolation from this data suggests that catecholamines could play a role in Ab pathogenesis in AD.
A Non-normal View of the Wind-Driven Ocean Circulation

Abstract Generalized linear stability theory is applied to the wind-driven ocean circulation in the form of a double gyre described by the barotropic quasigeostrophic vorticity equation. The development of perturbations on this circulation is considered. The circulation fields are inhomogeneous, and regions of straining flow render non-normal the tangent linear operators that describe the time evolution of perturbation energy and enstrophy. When the double-gyre circulation is asymptotically stable, growth of perturbation energy and enstrophy is still possible due to linear interference of its nonorthogonal eigenmodes. The sources and sinks of perturbation energy and enstrophy associated with the interference process are traditionally associated with the interaction of perturbation stresses with the mean flow. These ideas are used to understand the response of an asymptotically stable double-gyre circulation to stochastic wind stress forcing. Calculation of the optimal forcing patterns (stochastic optimals...
Cache coherence in intelligent memory systems

The Active Pages model of intelligent memory can speed up data-intensive applications by up to two to three orders of magnitude over conventional systems. A fundamental problem with intelligent memory, however, arises when data cached by the processor is modified by logic in the memory. The Active Page model inherently limits sharing, keeping coherence tractable, but exacerbates saturation problems. We first present a hybrid snoopy/directory protocol for use in Active Pages. Limited sharing allows for a low-latency, low-bandwidth hybrid protocol. A transparent remapping mechanism is added for efficient caching. On smaller data sizes, explicit flushing and hardware coherence exhibit similar performance, but hardware coherence is easier to program and uses less bandwidth. Finally, we examine SMP multiprocessor systems to mitigate saturation effects. As the number of threads increases, the bandwidth needs increase, making hardware coherence even more attractive.
Convenience Consumption and Role Overload Convenience

This study expanded the operational definition of convenience consumption to include not only convenience product use but also convenient shopping style. This study has also linked more convenient consumption and less convenient consumption to price trade-offs. Two dependent variables were produced via a factor analysis of various convenient and less convenient consumption behaviors. Factor one represents a less convenient shopping style, while factor two represents convenience product usage. Seven independent variables were tested in an analysis of covariance model. The results indicate that role-overloaded consumers are convenience product users, but may also engage in less convenient styles of shopping. Additional factors are identified as mediator variables to help explain why role overload may encourage one aspect of convenience consumption but not another. A profile of the convenience-oriented and less convenience-oriented shopper is attempted. A description of the role-overloaded shopper is also provided.
Physicochemical and Microbiological Properties of Selected Rice Flour-Based Batters for Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Abstract Rice flour-based batter (RFBB) formulations for chicken drumstick coating were developed as an alternative for traditional wheat flour-based batter (WFBB). Physicochemical properties and storage stability of selected RFBB were evaluated and compared to WFBB. Batter pickup of RFBB formulated in combination with oxidized corn starch and methylcellulose (MC) was not significantly different from that of WFBB. In contrast, batters with only rice and corn flour (60:40% flour weight) exhibited significantly higher pickup. Rice flour batter with 15% oxidized corn starch had the lowest batter pickup. All RFBB exhibited (P
Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea (CSA) is characterized by the periodic occurrence of apnea caused by loss of ventilatory motor output. CSA is often discussed as a minor variant of obstructive sleep apnea.However, this view obscures the critical contribution of CSA as an important manifestation of breathing instability in a variety of conditions with diverse causes. Central apnea can also be a physiologic phenomenon in healthy people during sleep onset. Conversely, patients who have obstructive apnea may also develop episodes of apparent central apnea, and apneas that begin as central may become obstructive as respiratory effort is restored ("mixed apneas"). Thus, there is a significant overlap between obstructive and central apnea. This article addresses the pathophysiology, clinical features, and management of normocapnic and hypercapnic CSA.
The beam bunching and transport system of the Argonne positive ion injector

A new positive ion injector (PII) is under construction at Argonne. It will replace the existing 9 MV tandem electrostatic accelerator as an injector into ATLAS (Argonne Tandem-Linac Accelerator System). It consists of an electron-cyclotron-resonance (ECR) ion source on a 350 kV platform injecting into a superconducting linac optimized for very slow ( beta 400, and a doubly isochronous beamline is used to minimize time spread due to path length differences. >
Identification and characterization of a multidomain hyperthermophilic cellulase from an archaeal enrichment.

Archaea are microorganisms that use a wide range of carbon and energy sources. Graham et al. describe an archaeal consortium that can grow at temperatures above 90 °C using crystalline cellulose as a carbon source, with potential applications in enzymatic degradation under extreme conditions.
Language and Culture on the North Coast of New Guinea

Statistical analysis of variability in assemblages of material culture obtained at different villages on the North Coast of New Guinea indicates that similarities and differences among these assemblages are most strongly associated with geographic propinquity, irrespective of linguistic affinities. When assemblage similarity is adjusted for the effect of distance, diversity in material culture appears unrelated to the linguistic relationships of these communities. This study shows that similarity in material culture assemblages can mask marked heterogeneity in language. Language, however, is frequently used to index people in Melanesia on the assumption that language is a useful key to their other human characteristics. This analysis does not lend support to this common practice, and it has implications for how prehistoric cultural complexes in Melanesia are defined and interpreted.
Autoregulation in the Biosynthesis of Ribosomes

The synthesis of ribosomes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae consumes a prodigious amount of the cell's resources and, consequently, is tightly regulated. The rate of ribosome synthesis responds not only to nutritional cues but also to signals dependent on other macromolecular pathways of the cell, e.g., a defect in the secretory pathway leads to severe repression of transcription of both rRNA and ribosomal protein genes. A search for mutants that interrupted this repression revealed, surprisingly, that inactivation of RPL1B, one of a pair of genes encoding the 60S ribosomal protein L1, almost completely blocked the repression of rRNA and ribosomal protein gene transcription that usually follows a defect in the secretory pathway. Further experiments showed that almost any mutation leading to a defect in 60S subunit synthesis had the same effect, whereas mutations affecting 40S subunit synthesis did not. Although one might suspect that this effect would be due to a decrease in the initiation of translation or to the presence of half-mers, i.e., polyribosomes awaiting a 60S subunit, our data show that this is not the case. Rather, a variety of experiments suggest that some aspect of the production of defective 60S particles or, more likely, their breakdown suppresses the signal generated by a defect in the secretory pathway that represses ribosome synthesis.
Game theoretic approach for generation capacity expansion in restructured power markets

With a significant number of states in the U.S. trading electricity in restructured markets, a significant proportion of capacity expansion in the future will have to take place in market based environments. However, since a majority of the literature on capacity expansion is focused on regulated market structures, there is a critical need for comprehensive multiperiod, multi-player, capacity expansion models. In this research, we present a 3-tier game theoretic model to obtain multi-period, multi-player equilibrium capacity expansion plans, while considering several relevant market features. We will develop a reinforcement learning based approach to obtain the model solution. The model will be tested on sample power networks and benchmarked using data from a currently restructured electricity market.
El sistema internacional y América Latina a 50 años del Concilio Vaticano II y de sus propuestas sobre la comunidad entre los pueblos

Presentacion del profesor Raul Allard Newmann en las Jornadas sobre Doctrina Social de la Iglesia, desarrolladas con motivo de los 50 anos del Concilio Vaticano II, Valparaiso, 3 de junio de 2015
Impact evaluation to communicate and improve conservation non-governmental organization performance: the case of Conservation International

The rising prominence of more rigorous approaches to measuring conservation outcomes has included greater adoption of impact evaluation by conservation non-governmental organizations (CNGOs). Within the scientific literature, however, little consideration has been given to the unique and specific roles of CNGOs in advancing impact evaluation. We explore these issues in the context of one CNGO—Conservation International (CI)—and its experiences producing, using and funding impact evaluations over the past decade. We examine the contributions of impact evaluation to CI's mission at three different stages of CI's strategy: innovation, demonstration and amplification. Furthermore, we review incentives and barriers encountered by CI in its 10+ years' experience in impact evaluation. More coordinated and strategic use of impact evaluation by CNGOs would facilitate learning and promote accountability across the conservation community.
C–CN Bond Activation of Benzonitrile with [Rh–I(dippe)]−

The complex [Rh(dippe)(μ-Cl)]2 (1) was reduced with potassium metal to produce the highly reactive Rh–I species [Rh(dippe)(μ-K·THF)]2 (2). 2 was characterized by NMR spectroscopy (31P, 1H) and IR s...
Yeast cells cannot incorporate queuine into their tRNA.

AbstractThe compound known as queuine has been found in the tRNAs of virtually all animals, plants, and bacteria. It is absent in yeast tRNA. Mice have a dietary requirement for queuine and are dependent either on their diet or intestinal flora for this hypermodified purine. We tested the possibility that yeast were like higher mammals in that they could not synthesize queuine but would incorporate it into their tRNA if it was made available to them. This report shows that this is not the case and that yeast cells not only cannot synthesize queuine but they cannot incorporate exogenous queuine into their tRNA.
Hispanic/Latino Adolescents' Alcohol Use: Influence of Family Structure, Perceived Peer Norms, and Family Members' Alcohol Use.

Background: Family structure and value system among Hispanic/Latino population are changing. However, very few studies have examined the combination of the influence of family structure, parental a...
“The Birth Control Divide”: U.S. Press Coverage of Contraception, 1873-2013

For more than 140 years, religious, medical, legislative, and legal institutions have contested the issue of contraception. In this conversation, predominantly male voices have attached reproductive rights to tangential moral and political matters, revealing an ongoing, systematic attempt to regulate human bodies, especially those of women. This analysis of 1873-2013 press coverage of contraception in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and the Chicago Tribune shows a division between institutional ideology and real-life experience; women’s reproductive rights are negotiable. Although journalists often reported that contraception was a factor in the everyday life of women and men, press accounts also showed religious, medical, legislative, and legal institutions debating whether it should be. Contraception originally was predominately viewed as a practice of prostitutes (despite evidence to the contrary) but became a part of everyday life. The battle has slowly evolved into one about the Affordable...
DiscreteTime Processing of RF Signals

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Scaling of an MOS Switch Sampling Mixer Filter Synthesis Noise in Switched-Capacitor Filters Circuit-Design Considerations Perspective and Outlook References ]]>
Visible/near-infrared subdiffraction imaging reveals the stochastic nature of DNA walkers

DNA walkers are designed with the structural specificity and functional diversity of oligonucleotides to actively convert chemical energy into mechanical translocation. Compared to natural protein motors, DNA walkers’ small translocation distance (mostly <100 nm) and slow reaction rate (<0.1 nm s−1) make single-molecule characterization of their kinetics elusive. An important indication of single-walker kinetics is the rate-limiting reactions that a particular walker design bears. We introduce an integrated super-resolved fluorescence microscopy approach that is capable of long-term imaging to investigate the stochastic behavior of DNA walkers. Subdiffraction tracking and imaging in the visible and second near-infrared spectra resolve walker structure and reaction rates. The distributions of walker kinetics are analyzed using a stochastic model to reveal reaction randomness and the rate-limiting biochemical reaction steps.
Twisting perturbed parafermions

Abstract The near-collinear expansion of scattering amplitudes in maximally supersymmetric Yang–Mills theory at strong coupling is governed by the dynamics of stings propagating on the five sphere. The pentagon transitions in the operator product expansion which systematize the series get reformulated in terms of matrix elements of branch-point twist operators in the two-dimensional O(6) nonlinear sigma model. The facts that the latter is an asymptotically free field theory and that there exists no local realization of twist fields prevents one from explicit calculation of their scaling dimensions and operator product expansion coefficients. This complication is bypassed making use of the equivalence of the sigma model to the infinite-level limit of WZNW models perturbed by current–current interactions, such that one can use conformal symmetry and conformal perturbation theory for systematic calculations. Presently, to set up the formalism, we consider the O(3) sigma model which is reformulated as perturbed parafermions.
Association among prematurity (<30 weeks' gestational age), blood pressure, urinary albumin, calcium, and phosphate in early childhood.

There is a paucity of data on blood pressures (BP), urinary albumin, and mineral excretion in early childhood in contemporary cohorts of extremely low gestational age (GA) neonates. Our aim was to compare BPs and the urinary excretion of albumin, calcium, and phosphate in preterm and term-born cohorts in early childhood. This was a prospective observational study conducted at a single center, involving children 95th centile at follow-up. Albumin and calcium excretion did not differ between the groups; median urine–phosphate creatinine ratios were higher in the preterm group. On logistic regression, lower GA and younger age at follow-up were significantly associated with an increased risk of systolic and diastolic BP above the 95th centile; male gender was associated with decreased risk of diastolic hypertension. Even in early childhood, children born preterm had significantly elevated BP, compared with their term-born counterparts. Closer monitoring of BPs in this population may be warranted.
Study of Fluorescence Quenching Ability of Graphene Oxide with a Layer of Rigid and Tunable Silica Spacer

The fluorescence quenching property of graphene oxide (GO) has been newly demonstrated and applied for fluorescence imaging and biosensing. In this work, a new nanostructure was designed for effectively studying the quenching ability of GO. The key element in this design is the fabrication of a layer of rigid and thickness adjustable silica spacer for manipulating the distance between the GO and fluorophores. First, a silica core modified with organic dye molecules was prepared, followed by the formation of a silica shell with a tunable thickness. Afterward, the GO was wrapped around silica nanoparticles based on the electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged GO and positively charged silica. The quenching efficiency of GO to different dye molecules was studied at various spacer thicknesses and varying concentrations of GO. Fluorescence lifetime of fluorophores was measured to determine the quenching mechanism. We found that the quenching efficiency of GO was still around 30% when the distance between dyes and GO was increased to more than 30 nm, which indicated the long-distance quenching ability of GO and confirmed the previous theoretical calculation. The quenching mechanisms were proposed schematically based on our experimental results. We expected that the proposed nanostructure could act as a feasible model for studying GO quenching property and shed light on designing GO-based fluorescence sensing systems.
Hepatocellular carcinoma in Micronesians, a growing Pacific Islander population in the U.S.

Background: Micronesians are a rapidly growing population in Hawaii and the continental U.S. Hepatitis B is prevalent in Micronesia, but the consequences in those migrating to the U.S. are unclear. This study characterizes hepatocellular carcinoma in Micronesians with comparisons to other Pacific Islanders. Methods: A retrospective evaluation was undertaken of 40 Micronesian and 142 Non-Micronesian Pacific hepatocellular carcinoma patients diagnosed in a large clinical practice in Hawaii from 1993-2017. Results: All Micronesians were born outside of the U.S. Micronesians were younger at diagnosis (52.0 vs. 60.2 years), had higher rates of hepatitis B (80% vs. 31.2%), a family history of hepatocellular carcinoma (17.5% vs. 4.4%) and more tumors <5 cm (64.1% vs. 45.2%). Non Micronesian Pacific Islanders had higher rates of Hepatitis C (48.6% vs. 22.5%) and hypertension (61.7% vs. 32.4%). There was no difference in the proportions of screen-detected tumors, those meeting Milan criteria, tumor stage, or liver function. Micronesians had better 5-year survival rates (48% vs. 16.7%). Conclusion: Hepatocellular carcinoma in Micronesians is primarily Hepatitis B-related. Micronesians were equally likely to have hepatocellular carcinoma found with screening, undergo transplant and had better survival. Our study emphasizes the need for hepatitis B screening and hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance in Micronesians.
Material Handling Research: Needs and Opportunities

Despite the impact of material handling on industrial competitiveness, it has not attracted the attention of researchers to the extent it should. In this chapter, a brief retrospective assessment of material handling is provided, followed by a consideration of research needs and opportunities. The connections between material handling education and research are explored and the traditional sources of support are examined. Throughout the chapter, both education and research needs are addressed. The chapter does not attempt to provide a comprehensive review of material handling research. Its focus is on future needs and opportunities, not past successes and failures. Finally, it focuses on the prospects for future support of material handling research.
Disorders of puberty: inactivating and activating molecular mutations.

Recent developments have increased our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for several disorders of puberty. Specific gene mutations have been identified in three syndromes, one that is associated with delayed puberty (Kallmann syndrome) and two that are associated with precocious puberty (McCune-Albright syndrome and familial male precocious puberty). Mutations in the KAL gene have been shown to be responsible for cases of X-linked Kallmann syndrome. This gene encodes a protein that is believed to be involved in neural target recognition and protease inhibition. In McCune-Albright syndrome, heterozygous, postzygotic somatic mutations of the α-subunit of the stimulatory guanine nucleotide binding protein G s have been shown to stimulate constitutive G protein activation and long-term cyclic adenosine monophosphate production. Similarly, familial male precocious puberty has been linked to gain-in-function mutations that result in increased levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate; however, these mutations are found in the luteinizing hormone receptor gene itself. The clinical manifestations and the recent molecular advances in each of these three syndromes are explored.
Complementary and Integrative Medicine for the Pathways Model

This chapter will describe the emergence of the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) movement historically, and the current drive toward integrating complementary therapies and mainstream medicine into a comprehensive integrative medicine. The five domains of complementary medicine are defined; emphasis is placed on therapies with a strong evidence base. The second part of the chapter will summarize applications of complementary medicine to some of the disorders on which this book is focused. The chapter closes with discussion of continuing obstacles in creating access to complementary and integrative clinical practice, and challenges in design and implementation of research studies.
Filling of Microvias and Through Holes by Electrolytic Copper Plating - Current Status and Future Outlook

The electronics industry is further progressing in terms of smaller, faster, smarter and more efficient electronic devices. This continuous evolving environment boosted the development on various electrolytic copper processes for different applications over the past several decades. There are 4 main drivers which forced the chemical supply industry to introduce new electrolytic copper processes with the new feature of "filling" capability over the years.
Low-risk population size estimates in the presence of capture heterogeneity

SUMMARY Population estimation methods are used for estimating the size of a population from samples of individuals. In many applications, the probability of being observed in the sample varies across individuals, resulting in sampling bias. We show that in this setting, estimators of the population size have high and sometimes infinite risk, leading to large uncertainty in the population size. As an alternative, we propose estimating the population of individuals with observation probability exceeding a small threshold. We show that estimators of this quantity have lower risk than estimators of the total population size. The proposed approach is shown empirically to result in large reductions in mean squared error in a common model for capture-recapture population estimation with heterogeneous capture probabilities.
Biochemical and Anatomical Investigation of Sesbania herbacea (Mill.) McVaugh Nodules Grown under Flooded and Non-Flooded Conditions

Sesbania herbacea, a native North American fast-growing legume, thrives in wet and waterlogged conditions. This legume enters into symbiotic association with rhizobia, resulting in the formation of nitrogen-fixing nodules on the roots. A flooding-induced anaerobic environment imposes a challenge for the survival of rhizobia and negatively impacts nodulation. Very little information is available on how S. herbacea is able to thrive and efficiently fix N2 in flooded conditions. In this study, we found that Sesbania plants grown under flooded conditions were significantly taller, produced more biomass, and formed more nodules when compared to plants grown on dry land. Transmission electron microscopy of Sesbania nodules revealed bacteroids from flooded nodules contained prominent polyhydroxybutyrate crystals, which were absent in non-flooded nodules. Gas and ion chromatography mass spectrometry analysis of nodule metabolites revealed a marked decrease in asparagine and an increase in the levels of gamma aminobutyric acid in flooded nodules. 2-D gel electrophoresis of nodule bacteroid proteins revealed flooding-induced changes in their protein profiles. Several of the bacteroid proteins that were prominent in flooded nodules were identified by mass spectrometry to be members of the ABC transporter family. The activities of several key enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolism was altered in Sesbania flooded nodules. Aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT), an enzyme with a vital role in the assimilation of reduced nitrogen, was dramatically elevated in flooded nodules. The results of our study highlight the potential of S. herbacea as a green manure and sheds light on the morphological, structural, and biochemical adaptations that enable S. herbacea to thrive and efficiently fix N2 in flooded conditions.
The role of conceptual metaphors in novice teachers’ developing curricular knowledge: a case from second language writing

The importance of teacher cognition in curriculum implementation and the role of conceptual metaphor in teachers’ thinking are equally well documented, yet the role conceptual metaphor might play i...
Colletotrichum Species Isolated from Massachusetts Cranberries Differ in Response to the Fungicide Azoxystrobin

Fruit rot is the most prevalent disease of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon). Colletotrichum species (C. acutatum and C. gloeosporioides) have been identified as cranberry fruit rot pathogens. Resi...
The addition of β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate (HMB) to creatine monohydrate supplementation does not improve anthropometric and performance maintenance across a collegiate rugby season.

Muscular damage sustained while playing rugby may hinder performance across a season. β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate (HMB) may help attenuate muscle damage and maintain lean mass and performance. This study sought to determine the effect of combining HMB with creatine monohydrate supplementation on measures of stress and muscle damage, body composition, strength and sprinting kinetics throughout a rugby season. This double-blind, cross-over investigation recruited 16 male collegiate rugby players to provide resting blood samples and complete assessments of body composition, strength and sprinting performance prior to their fall season (PREFALL). After testing, the athletes were matched for fat-free mass and assigned to consume one of two supplementation regimens for 6 weeks: 5 g HMB + 5 g creatine per day (HMB-Cr: 20.9 ± 1.1 years; 177 ± 2 cm; 88.4 ± 4.9 kg) or 5 g creatine + 5 g placebo per day (Cr: 21.4 ± 2.1 years; 179 ± 2 cm; 88.3 ± 4.9 kg). After 6 weeks (POSTFALL), PREFALL testing was repeated in 13 of the original 16 athletes before a 10-wk wash-out period. Athletes who returned for the spring season (n = 8) repeated all fall-season procedures and testing prior to (PRESPRING) and following (POSTSPRING) their 6-wk spring season, except they were assigned to the opposite supplementation regimen. Linear mixed models with repeated measures revealed group x time interactions (p < 0.05) for observed for several measures but did not consistently and positively favor one group. During the fall season, knee extensor peak torque was reduced by 40.7 ± 28.1 Nm (p = 0.035) for HMB-Cr but remained consistent for Cr, and no group differences or changes were noted in the spring. In the spring, greater knee flexor rate of torque development (~ 149 Nm·sec− 1, p = 0.003) and impulse (~ 4.5 Nm·sec, p = 0.022) were observed in Cr at PRESPRING but not at POSTSPRING. Although significant interactions were found for cortisol concentrations, vastus lateralis pennation angle, and sprinting force, post-hoc analysis only revealed differences between fall and spring seasons. No other differences were observed. The combination of HMB and creatine monohydrate supplementation does not provide a greater ergogenic benefit compared to creatine monohydrate supplementation alone. Body composition, strength, and sprinting ability did not change across the season with creatine monohydrate supplementation.
Neonatal hyperoxia inhibits proliferation of atrial cardiomyocytes by suppressing fatty acid synthesis

ABSTRACT Preterm birth increases the risk for pulmonary hypertension and heart failure in adulthood. Oxygen therapy can damage the immature cardiopulmonary system and may be partially responsible for the cardiovascular disease in adults born preterm. We previously showed that exposing newborn mice to hyperoxia causes pulmonary hypertension by 1 year of age that is preceded by a poorly understood loss of pulmonary vein cardiomyocyte proliferation. We now show that hyperoxia also inhibits the proliferation of left atrial cardiomyocytes and causes diastolic heart failure by thinning the walls of the left atrium and disrupting its ability to pump effectively. Transcriptomic profiling showed that neonatal hyperoxia permanently suppressed fatty acid synthase (Fasn), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (Scd1) and other fatty acid synthesis genes in the atria of mice, the HL-1 line of mouse atrial cardiomyocytes and left atrial tissue explanted from human infants. Suppressing Fasn or Scd1 reduced HL-1 cell proliferation while overexpressing these genes maintained their expansion in hyperoxic conditions, suggesting hyperoxia directly inhibits atrial cardiomyocyte proliferation by repressing Fasn and Scd1. Pharmacologic interventions that restore Fasn, Scd1 and other fatty acid synthesis genes in atrial cardiomyocytes may thus provide a way of ameliorating the adverse effects of supplemental oxygen on preterm infants.