cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal diet selection by white-tailed deer: Balancing reproduction with starvation risk

Summary Energy intake rates of wintering deer vary over time because of variation in the abundance and quality of their natural foods. Accordingly, there is a chance that energy requirements will not be satisfied in a feeding period. This is especially critical because deer are reproductive during winter; hence selecting diets to minimize the risk of starvation may not maximize fitness. I examined diet selection by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) using a risk-sensitive foraging model which predicts the optimal diet when foragers face starvation risks during a reproductive period. Optimal diets were estimated by quantifying the mean and variance in energy intake rate deer could obtain when selecting different potential diets and substituting these values into functions for estimating offspring production and starvation risk. I conducted a field experiment to ask whether deer selected deciduous and coniferous twigs according to model predictions. Starvation risk was manipulated by providing deer supplemental feed. When faced with starvation risks, deer appeared to select diets that balanced offspring production with starvation risk. When starvation risk was eliminated, deer tended to select diets that simply maximized their mean energy intake rates.
Attribution of Fano resonant features to plasmonic particle size, lattice constant, and dielectric wavenumber in square nanoparticle lattices

Fano resonances between plasmons and diffracted light offer tunable energies and locales, but attribution of Fano resonance features to geometry and physicochemistry of metal nanostructures and adjacent dielectrics has been confounded by complexity and computational expense. This work shows predictable modal shifts of Fano resonance in square lattices of plasmonic nanostructures can be attributed directly to changes in medium wavenumber, particle size, and lattice constant that alter plasmon polarizability and diffractive interference. For 45 to 80 nm radius particles, a window of lattice constants that support Fano resonances is identified in a range from 500 to 900 nm. Lattice constants that support high intensity resonances are determined by individual particle polarizability and medium wavenumber. Fano resonance wavelengths redshift from diffracted photon energies as local refractive index (RI) changes due to coupling with particle polarizability in the window. Redshift sensitivities for quadrupole, dipole, and Fano resonances are 150, 348, and 541 nm, respectively, per RI unit. Fano resonance intensity may be enhanced more than tenfold by selecting nanoparticle sizes and lattice constants. The quantitative effects of such parametric changes are rapidly and intuitively distinguished using a semi-analytic approach, consisting of an exact expression for particle polarizability, a trigonometric description of diffraction, and a semi-analytical coupled dipole approximation.
Influence of Thermally Driven Surface Undulations on Tethers Formed from Bilayer Membranes

Tether formation is a powerful method to study the mechanical properties of soft lipid bilayer membranes. The force required to maintain a tether at a given length depends upon both membrane elastic properties and tension. In this report, we develop a theoretical analysis that considers the contribution of thermally driven surface undulations and the corresponding entropically driven tensions on the conformation of tethers formed from unaspirated lipid vesicles. In this model, thermal undulations of the vesicle surface provide the excess area required for tether formation. Energy minimization demonstrates the dependence of equilibrium tether conformation on membrane tension and provides an analytical relationship between tether force and radius. If the contributions of nonlocal bending are not considered, an analytical relationship between tether force and length can also be obtained. The predictions of the model are compared to recently reported experimental data, and a value for the initial vesicle tension is obtained. Since most analyses of tether formation from cells and unaspirated vesicles neglect the contributions of nonlocal bending, the appropriateness of this assumption is analyzed. The effect of surface microvesiculations on the tether force-length relation is also considered.
Emergence of lognormal distribution for pulse amplitudes due to Raman cross talk in WDM soliton transmission

We study the effect of delayed Raman response on soliton collisions in WDM transmission. Taking into account the stochastic character of pulse sequences in different channels and the Raman cross talk we show that the soliton amplitude and frequency are lognormally distributed, and that fluctuations are important in the transmission.
Dynamic feedback over commutative rings

Abstract We call a commutative ring R a CA- α ( n ) ring if, for each n -dimensional reachable system ( F , G ) over R , the system augmented by rank α ( n ) projective modules, with F augmented by a zero map and G augmented by an identity map, is coefficient assignable. We show that, if R is a Dedekind domain, then R is a CA-( n − 1) ring. In particular, a principal ideal domain is a CA-( n − 1) ring . We also show that, if R is a ring with the GCS-property and the 2-generator property, then R is a CA-(2 n − 2) ring .
Enhancing Enzymatic Saccharification of Waste Newsprint by Surfactant Addition

Several nonionic surfactants, Pluronic F68 and F88 (BASF) as well as Tween 20 and 80, were found in this study to enhance the enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated newsprint. Pluronic F68 was the most effective among the surfactants studied. With 2% (w/v) F68 the cellulose (10 g/L) conversion achieved with 2 g/L cellulase reached 52%, about the same as the 48% conversion achieved with 10 g/L cellulase in a surfactant-free system. An empirical model, x = Kt0. 5-(t/tau)1/2, has been developed to describe the extended hydrolysis, where x is conversion, t is reaction time, and K and tau correspond to the initial saccharification rate and the characteristic time for its tendency to deviate from the initial power-law (exponent = 0.5) behavior. The best-fit K and tau in the extended hydrolysis experiments confirmed that F68 significantly enhanced both the initial rate and long-term hydrolysis. A study was also made to evaluate the compatibility of these surfactants, at concentrations up to 2% (w/v), with cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Dekkera clausenii. While Tween 20 was found strongly inhibitory to D. clausenii, the culture growth in all other surfactant-added systems was comparable to that in the surfactant-free controls.
An Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Womanist Identity Attitudes Scale

Responses from 101 African American/Black and 100 White women were used to examine the psychometric properties of the Womanist Identity Attitudes Scale (WIAS; Ossana, 1986; Ossana, Helms, & Leonard, 1992). First, internal consistency reliabilities suggested the need for further development of 3 of the 4 WIAS subscales. Second, links between WIAS scores and (a) sexist, (b) hostile sexist attitudes toward women, (c) benevolently sexist attitudes toward women, and (d) egalitarian attitudes toward women's rights and roles provided mixed support for the convergent validity of the WIAS. Third, consistent with theoretical conceptualization, the intercorrelations among WIAS subscales were similar for African American/Black and White women. These intercorrelations, however, were not entirely consistent with the theorized developmental process of the womanist identity model. Finally, the structural validity of the WIAS was examined using confirmatory and exploratory factor-analytic procedures. Both sets of analyses challenged the fit of the theorized womanist identity development model with data produced by the WIAS.
Inhibitor development in patients receiving recombinant factor VIII (Recombinate rAHF/Bioclate®): a prospective pharmacovigilance study

Clinical trials to date have not been adequately powered to assess comparatively infrequent events such as inhibitor development in previously treated patients (PTPs). Comprehensive large-scale pharmacovigilance studies can be useful for this purpose. We prospectively collected inhibitor development reports worldwide among recipients of Recombinate rAHF recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII), also formerly distributed under the product name Bioclate, for the entire postlicensure period from 1993 through 2002. To determine level of exposure to rFVIII we also compiled the Recombinate rAHF/Bioclate International Units (IU) distributed annually. To estimate inhibitor incidence separately for previously untreated or minimally treated patients (PUPs) with 1-50 exposure days and PTPs with >50 exposure days, we used haemophilia A incidence and prevalence data and pooled mean annual rFVIII consumption per PUP and PTP from international multicentre prospective clinical trials. Documented inhibitor cases totalled 89, and the total quantity of Recombinate rAHF/Bioclate rFVIII distributed was 6.48 x10(9) IU. No lot association or other clustering of inhibitor events was evident in PTPs. The incidence of all reported inhibitors, expressed as a percentage of patients treated, was 11.9% (CI: 5.05-28.0%) for PUPs when compared with 0.123% (CI: 0.030-0.512%) for PTPs. The rates for high-titre inhibitors (>5 BU) only were 5.96% (CI: 3.00-11.8%) for PUPs and 0.0554% (CI: 0.0113-0.271%) for PTPs. Thus, incidence rates for both all inhibitors and high-titre inhibitors in PTPs were 1% of the corresponding rates in PUPs. Data from prospective PUP clinical trials involving intensive active monitoring suggest that true inhibitor incidence may be approximately twice that estimated in this pharmacovigilance study. Nevertheless, inhibitor development in PTPs receiving Recombinate rAHF/Bioclate is infrequent.
Spontaneous Crystalline-to-Amorphous Phase Transformation of Organic or Medicinal Compounds in the Presence of Porous Media, Part 3: Effect of Moisture

Purpose Amorphization of crystalline compounds using mesoporous media is a promising technique to improve the solubility and drug release of poorly-soluble compounds. The objective of this paper is to understand the effect of moisture on the capacity and performance of vapor-phase mediated amorphization.
Label effects in social interaction experiments

Possible response biases of Ss with respect to labels were investigated. The Ss were found to have specific preferences within several of the label sets used in previous social interaction experiments. Some alternative labels were tested and the triad of Argon, Boron, and Krypton was found to be least reactive.
Chalcogenide glass for mid- and longwave IR fiber lasers (Invited Paper)

Chalcogenide glass fibers have been developed at NRL. Rare earth doped chalcogenide glass fibers emit strong IR emission and show potential for mid-IR and long-wave IR rare earth doped fiber lasers. In addition, undoped highly nonlinear chalcogenide glass fiber compositions have been developed with high Raman cross-sections and show potential for mid-IR and long-wave IR Raman fiber lasers.
Developing optimism to improve performance: an approach for the manufacturing sector

An organizational optimism model is developed and tested. The constructs of optimism subculture and goal setting process are investigated as antecedents to the level of employee optimism and individual and organizational performance are investigated as direct and indirect consequences of the level of employee optimism. Data relating to the constructs were collected from 133 manufacturers and subjected to structural equation modeling analysis. The proposed model fits the data well. Results indicate that managers may improve individual and organizational performance by raising levels of employee optimism and that levels of optimism may be raised through development of an optimism subculture and implementation of a goal setting process.
A Meta-Analysis on the Factors That Best Reduce the Achievement Gap

A meta-analyses was undertaken to determine the factors that are most related with reducing the achievement gap. The meta-analysis included 30 studies that examined attempts to bridge the achievement gap between White students on one hand and Black and Latino students on the other. The results indicate that several factors are associated with a reduced achievement gap that could help bridge the gap. A number of these factors go beyond the bounds of the school. These findings suggest that social scientists may need a broad and multidisciplinary approach to the achievement gap, in which they consider a variety of factors can potentially reduce the gap. In addition, the results suggest that social scientist may consider combining educational, psychological, and sociological factors to develop a more comprehensive approach to narrowing the achievement gap. The significance of these results is discussed.
Pluto-Charon Stellar Occultation Candidates: 2000-2009

We have completed a search for candidates for occultations by Pluto and Charon over the years 2000 through 2009. Using the DE405 ephemeris and the Plu006 orbit model for Pluto and Charon, we searched for stars that lie within 10 of their respective apparent motions. The images used were CCD strip scans taken at the George R. Wallace Astrophysical Observatory, reaching a depth of 15th to 17th magnitude. As Pluto-Charon enter the Galactic plane, a dramatic increase in the number of stellar appulses will occur. We identify 486 appulses by Pluto and 479 appulses by Charon over this period, with the frequency peaking in 2007. Further astrometry will be necessary to determine which of these appulses will have minimum separations small enough (less than 034 for Pluto or 031 for Charon) to produce an occultation visible from Earth.
Neurophysiological findings from magnetoencephalography in autism spectrum disorder: a comprehensive review

ABSTRACT: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an etiologically and clinically heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders, diagnosed exclusively by the behavioral phenotype. The neural basis of altered social, communicative, somatosensory, and restricted and repetitive behaviors remains largely unknown. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) provides a vital method of inquiry to identify the neurophysiological mechanisms of ASD, better illuminate etiologically distinct subgroups, understand the developmental trajectories of aberrant connectivity and track outcome. MEG is a neuroimaging methodology that can localize sources of electrical activity within the brain with millisecond resolution by noninvasively measuring the magnetic fields arising from such activity. This review addresses the central MEG findings exploring auditory, visual and somatosensory processing, higher-order/executive functioning, and resting state in individuals with ASD over the past decade and a half. We offer a summary of emerging tre...
Further investigations of morpholino pretargeting in mice—establishing quantitative relations in tumor

Purpose This laboratory has previously published on phosphorodiamidate morpholino (MORF) pretargeting of tumor in which an anti-tumor antibody conjugated with MORF (a DNA analogue) is first administered, followed at a later time by the radiolabeled complementary MORF (cMORF) as the effector. In the present study, the pharmacokinetics of the antibody and effector were measured under different conditions in mice to establish their quantitative relationships with tumor accumulations by pretargeting.
Direct calorimetric measurement of enthalpies in diopside-anorthite-wollastonite melts at 1773 K

Abstract Transposed-temperature-drop calorimetry performed in a Setaram HT 1500 calorimeter was used to study directly the melting of mixtures of crystalline diopside (CaMgSi 2 O 6 , anorthite (CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 ), and pseudowollastonite (Wo, CaSiO 3 ) at 1773 K. Thermochemical cycles used completely avoid the glassy state by transforming crystals directly to melts. The results, zero or slightly negative enthalpies of mixing in Di-An-Wo melts at 1773 K, indicate that very small heat effects accompany any changes in melt structure upon mixing. Athermal mixing is prevalent in the diopside-rich region and along the Di-An join, whereas mixing is slightly exothermic in the rest of the Di-An-Wo system, especially in the Wo-rich region. Our data are consistent with an enthalpy of fusion of pseudowollastonite of 57 ± 5 kJ/mol at the melting point, 1827 K.
Comparisons of Multilayer H2O Adsorption onto the (110) Surfaces of α-TiO2 and SnO2 as Calculated with Density Functional Theory

Mono- and bilayer adsorption of H2O molecules on TiO2 and SnO2 (110) surfaces has been investigated using static planewave density functional theory (PW DFT) simulations. Potential energies and structures were calculated for the associative, mixed, and dissociative adsorption states. The DOS of the bare and hydrated surfaces has been used for the analysis of the difference between the H2O interaction with TiO2 and SnO2 surfaces. The important role of the bridging oxygen in the H2O dissociation process is discussed. The influence of the second layer of H2O molecules on relaxation of the surface atoms was estimated.
Regulation of the ferredoxin component of renal hydroxylases at transcriptional and postranslational levels and of the protein inhibitor of cyclic AMP-dependent kinase

We have studied two proteins potentially involved in the regulation of the 25-OH-D-1-hydroxylase, which is located in the renal mitochondria and which is responsible for the production of the steroid hormone 1,25(OH)2D3. The endogenous inhibitor of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, PKI, is down regulated by 1,25(OH)2D3. Having cloned and sequenced PKI cDNA, we studied its message levels and found them to be regulated by 1,25(OH)2D3 tissue specifically in the kidney and in kidney cell culture. In other experiments we over expressed the ferredoxin component of the 1-hydroxylase and found it to be physically and chemically indistinguishable from those of classic steroidogenic tissues. The mRNA encoding the ferredoxin component is up-regulated by chronic vitamin D deficiency, which at the same time leads to sustained elevation in 1-hydroxylase activity; no short term effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on ferredoxin mRNA in kidney cell culture could be demonstrated. Finally, there was an association between decreased phosphorylation of ferredoxin and decreased 1-hydroxylase activity brought about by treatment of cultured kidney cells with TPA. Control of the renal signaling events involved in the production of 1,25(OH)2D3 remains a fruitful area of investigation in the field of the metabolism and actions of vitamin D and its metabolites.
Theoretical studies of impulse propagation in serotonergic axons

Impulse propagation in small-diameter (1–3 μm) axons with inhomogeneous geometry was simulated. The fibres were represented by a series of 3 μm-long compartments. The cable equation was solved for each compartment by a finite-difference approximation (Cooley and Dodge 1966). First-order differential equations governing temporal changes in membrane potential or Hodgkin-Huxley (1952) conductance parameters were solved by numerical integration. It was assumed that varicosity and intervaricosity segments had the same specific cable constants and excitability properties, and differed only in length and diameter. A single long varicosity or a ‘clump’ of 3 μm-long varicosities changed the point-to-point (axial) conduction velocity within as well as to either side of the geometrically inhomogeneous regions. When 2 μm-diameter, 3 μm-long varicosities were distributed over the 1 μm-diameter fiber length as observed in serotonergic axons, mean axial conduction velocity was between that of uniform-diameter 1 and 2 μm fibers, and changed predictably with different cable parameters. Fibers with inexcitable varicosity membranes also supported impulse propagation. These simulations provided a general theoretical basis for the slow (< 1 M/s) conduction velocity attributed to small-diameter unmyelinated varicose axons.
Can HIV be cured

The article discusses the development of a cure for HIV. Drug therapies for HIV are discussed, noting the success of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in fighting the symptoms of the virus. The therapy's inability to cure HIV is also discussed, mentioning that the virus is able to return in full strength if HAART treatment is interrupted or discontinued.
Temperature-dependent morphological changes in membranes of bacillus stearothermophilus

Bacillus stearothermophilus cells vary the lipid fatty acid composition of cytoplasmic membranes with growth temperature. Spin label studies of such membranes have been interpreted to indicate lateral lipid phase separations at the growth temperature. We have now used freeze-fracture electron microscopy to confirm the spin label studies. Freeze-fracture faces of protoplasts indicate slight but distinct protein aggregation at the growth temperature. Aggregation increases rapidly with decreasing quench temperature in wild-type cells. In contrast we were unable to demonstrate extended protein segregation in membranes of a temperature-sensitive mutant that contains more than 58% branched fatty acids. Storage of protoplasts for prolonged times below the lipid phase transition results in the appearance of corrugated fracture faces with 300- to 500-A repeat patterns, although this organism does not synthesize lecithins.
Educational Persistence: Self-Efficacy and Topics in a College Orientation Course:

This study examines whether a college orientation course for online programs leads to increased self-efficacy and, if so, which course topics are related to changes in students' self-efficacy. The culminating research question explores whether self-efficacy is related to enrollment persistence. Students' self-efficacy scores improved significantly after taking the orientation course, as measured with a general self-efficacy instrument. In particular, three course topics—characteristics of leadership, personal learning styles, and applying reading comprehension techniques—explained the variance in post-self-efficacy scores at statistically significant levels. For predicting persistence, a model encompassing three topics (characteristics of leadership, personal learning styles, and applying reading comprehension techniques), plus pre- and post — self-efficacy scores, explained 50% of the variance.
A DWBA treatment of the reaction 3He(d, tp)p

Abstract The cross section for the reaction 3 He(d, tp)p was calculated using distorted waves for the d- 3 He, t-pp, and p-p relative motions, assuming that the final triton interacted with the p-p c.m. The shapes of observed t-p coincidence spectra were well reproduced for low p-p relative energies and the magnitudes were usually correct within a factor of 3.
Postpneumonectomy Tension Chylothorax

Chylous leak from the thoracic duct into the pleural space may occur after any type of thoracic surgery. This is a serious, often life-threatening entity. Two cases of postpneumonectomy chylothorax with hemodynamic compromise are reported. Early recognition, pathophysiology, and optimal management of this problem are discussed.
Urinary levels of trichloroacetic acid, a disinfection by-product in chlorinated drinking water, in a human reference population.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCAA), a known mouse liver carcinogen and a possible human carcinogen, is found in chlorinated drinking water. We measured TCAA in archived urine samples from a reference popu...
Search for structure in the elastic scattering of O16 by O16 utilizing a gas target

Abstract Excitation curves for the elastic scattering of O 16 by O 16 have been taken with approximately 40 keV resolution in the bombarding energy range from 19 to 27 MeV. No significant resonant structure was observed confirming earlier work with a resolution of 250 keV. Techniques are described for the study of heavy ion reactions in a differentially pumped gas scattering chamber.
Estimation of the common positive mean of a multivariate population

The estimation of common positive mean of a multivariate population is considered. Several estimators are proposed and their asymptotic properties studied. In particular when the population is bivariate normal small sample properties of the proposed estimators are studied and their mean square errors computed for a comparative study.
Optical sensor for monitoring of high voltage electric transformers

Abstract-Transformers are a vital part of transmission and distribution systems. Monitoring the transformers for problems before they occur can prevent faults that are costly to fix and result in a loss of service. Current systems can provide information about the state of a transformer, but are very expensive to implement. This paper outlines a new approach that is based using light absorbance to monitor the transformer oil. Oil is continually sampled from the transformer, and light is passed through the oil and tested for absorbance. Preliminary experiments demonstrated that a system based on one wavelength could determine the difference between an acceptable or unacceptable sample of oil. Samples of transformer oil were failed in controlled failure modes, which showed a general increase in absorbance during the experiment. Additional wavelengths can be measured, which provides more information about the state of the transformer and makes the system more versatile in determining fault types. All the equipment necessary for the prototype system is outlined, as well as a method for analyzing the data that the prototype can provide.
CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 allele frequencies in the Ashkenazi Jewish population.

Objective: To determine and compare the cytochrome P450 (CYP)2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 allele and genotype frequencies in the Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) population with other populations. Methods: CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 genotypes were determined in 250 anonymous, unrelated, healthy AJ individuals from the greater New York (USA) metropolitan area. Genotyping was performed using the Tag-It™ Mutation Detection system and the recently redefined CYP2D6*41A allele was identified by a restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Results: Among the 250 AJ individuals, the CYP2C9*1, *2, *3 and *5 allele frequencies were 0.772, 0.140, 0.086 and 0.002, respectively, and the genotypes were distributed into extensive- (60.8%), intermediate- (32.8%) and poor- (6.4%) metabolizer phenotypes. The CYP2C19*1, *2 and *4 allele frequencies were 0.830, 0.152 and 0.018, respectively, and the genotypes were distributed into extensive (69.2%), intermediate (27.6%) and poor (3.2%) metabolizers. The most common CYP2D6 alleles ident...
Effect of l-Arginine on Human Coronary Endothelium-Dependent and Physiologic Vasodilation

Abstract Objectives. We hypothesized that l -arginine would improve abnormal coronary vasodilation in response to physiologic stress in patients with atherosclerosis and its risk factors by reversing coronary endothelial dysfunction. Background. Studies have demonstrated that physiologic coronary vasodilation correlates with endothelial function and that l -arginine, the substrate for nitric oxide synthesis, improves the response to acetylcholine (Ach). Methods. Changes in coronary blood flow and epicardial diameter response to Ach, adenosine and cardiac pacing were measured in 32 patients with coronary atherosclerosis or its risk factors and in 7 patients without risk factors and normal coronary angiograms. Results. Intracoronary l -arginine did not alter baseline coronary vascular tone, but the epicardial and microvascular responses to Ach were enhanced (both p l -arginine was greater in epicardial segments that initially constricted with Ach; similarly, l -arginine abolished microvascular constriction produced by higher doses of Ach. Thus, there was a negative correlation between the initial epicardial and vascular resistance responses to Ach and the magnitude of improvement with l -arginine (r = −0.55 and r = −0.50, respectively, p d -Arginine did not affect the responses to Ach, and adenosine responses were unchanged with l -arginine. Cardiac pacing-induced epicardial constriction was abolished by l -arginine, but microvascular dilation remained unaffected. Conclusions. Thus, l -arginine improved endothelium-dependent coronary epicardial and microvascular function in patients with endothelial dysfunction. Prevention of epicardial constriction during physiologic stress by l -arginine in patients with endothelial dysfunction may be of therapeutic value in the treatment of myocardial ischemia.
Elton Mayo's Social Psychology and Human Relations

Two key assumptions which Elton Mayo employed to build his concept of social psychology still linger on in much of the modern human relations thought. This article mentions some of the basic differ...
Adolescent Maltreatment Themes from the Empirical Literature

The recognition by researchers that adolescent maltreatment was a distinct category within the overall context of child abuse and neglect did not occur until the 1970s. Since that time, several studies have been completed that effectively highlighted some of the main patterns and dynamics of adolescent maltreatment. Using a thematic approach, this article consolidates the findings from some of these studies. The three themes reviewed are (1) how the maltreatment of adolescents compares to the maltreatment of a younger child, (2) what constitutes the family dynamics of adolescent maltreatment, and (3) what factors impede the identification of, and provision of services to, maltreated adolescents and their families. We conclude with a brief discussion of the practice and policy implications inherent in the current findings and suggestions for further research.
Necrotizing enterocolitis requiring surgery: outcomes by intestinal location of disease in 4371 infants.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to determine whether the outcomes of infants with surgically managed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) differ according to whether the location of NEC is in the small bowel, large bowel, or both. Study Design A retrospective analysis was performed using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample and Kids' Inpatient Database. A total of 5374 infants identified as having undergone surgical management of NEC were stratified by location of bowel affected as small bowel (SB) only, large bowel (LB) only, or both small and large bowel (SB&LB). The type of surgical operation performed was used as a proxy for the location of bowel affected. Results Of the 5374 infants with a diagnosis of NEC, 4371 had an operation that allowed for stratification by location. The LB group (n = 963) fared the best in all outcomes. The SB group (n = 2126) had the longest length of stay and highest total hospital charges, and mortality was comparable with that of the SB&LB group (n = 1282). Conclusions Mortality, length of stay, and total hospital charges varied according to location of bowel affected by NEC.
Size effect of primary Y2O3 additions on the characteristics of the nanostructured ferritic ODS alloys: Comparing as-milled and as-milled/annealed alloys using S/TEM

Abstract The need for providing S/TEM evidence to clarify the mechanisms of nano-scale precipitate formation was the motivation of this investigation. In this study, an Fe–14Cr–0.4Ti alloy was ball-milled with different amounts of Y 2 O 3 content up to 10 wt.%, and then annealed at temperatures up to 1100 °C. Micron-size Y 2 O 3 particles were substituted for the nano-size counterpart to elucidate the mechanism of oxide precipitate formation. The S/TEM studies revealed that the microstructure of the alloy with 10 wt.% yttria contained amorphous undissolved Y 2 O 3 after ball milling, while a small part of the initial oxide particles were dissolved into the solid solution. Consequently, when the amount of yttria was reduced to 1 wt.%, the amorphous phase of the yttria vanished and the whole content of Y 2 O 3 was dissolved into the BCC solid solution. Defect analysis of precipitates on the annealed samples via S/TEM and micro-hardness studies revealed that the use of micron-size primary oxide particles can produce nano-size precipitates, stable up to temperatures as high as 1100 °C, and uniformly distributed throughout the microstructure. This study indicates that the use of high energy ball milling along with micron-size primary oxide particles can lead to nanostructured ferritic ODS alloys without the use of nano-size primary oxide additions.
Suicide among the elderly: levels and trends.

Despite the publicity attending increased rates of suicide for the young, U.S. suicide rates continue to be highest in old age. Suicide thus represents a major mental health problem for a still-neglected age group. National levels and trends of suicide among the aged are presented by sex and race for 1933-1978. Explanations of these trends are considered, and information is provided on recognition and prevention of geriatric suicide. Language: en
Differentiation of isolated calvarial cells into a mature heterogeneous bone cell population in culture

Abstract When isolated fetal calvarial cells were cultured in petri dishes without bone, they maintained a fibroblastoid appearance throughout the culture period and did not differentiate morphologically. In contrast, when similar cells were cultured on endosteal surfaces of devitalized bone, they differentiated into mature cells which resembled the heterogeneous collection of cells found in normal bone. Cells with the same morphologic appearance as osteoclasts appeared between 8 to 12 days of culture. At the same time that these large multinucleated cells appeared, mineral and matrix were released from the killed bones which had been previously labeled with 45 Ca and 3 H-proline. The resorption of dead bone by the cells was inhibited by colchicine (10 −7 M) and cortisol (10 −6 M), drugs which inhibit lysosomal enzyme release, but was not enhanced by parathyroid hormone or osteoclast activating factor.
Ranking State Financial Management: A Multilevel Fuzzy Rule-based System

In 1996 the Alan K. Campbell Institute in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University was awarded a grant to rate management performance of state and local governments and selected federal agencies. The project includes several parallel initiatives to evaluate government performance. This article contains a description of a multilevel fuzzy rule-based system developed to evaluate state government performance. The objective is to measure effectiveness in state financial management and produce a relative ranking of performance. The system incorporates evaluation criteria and expert judgment. It utilizes survey and other publicly available information relevant to state financial management. Fuzzy set theory is used to represent imprecision in evaluated information and judgments. The results of this evaluation are compared to a parallel journalistic effort to rank state performance. The article highlights the differences between the two approaches and outlines the advantages of the fuzzy rule-based system.
Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Association Between Age and Corpus Callosum Size in Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

The CC is the major white matter tract connecting the cerebral hemispheres and provides for interhemispheric integration of sensory, motor and higher-order cognitive information. The midsagittal area of the CC has been frequently used as a marker of brain development in humans. We report the first investigation into the development of the corpus callosum and its regional subdivisions in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Magnetic resonance images were collected from 104 chimpanzees (female n = 63, male n = 41) ranging in age from 6 years (pre-pubescent period) to 54 years (old age). Sustained linear growth was observed in the area of the CC subdivision of the genu; areas of the posterior midbody and anterior midbody displayed nonlinear growth during development. After adjusting for total brain size, we observed linear growth trajectories of the total CC and CC subdivisions of the genu, posterior midbody, isthmus and splenium, and nonlinear growth trajectories of the rostral body and anterior midbody. These developmental patterns are similar to the development of the CC in humans. As the growth curves of the CC mirrors growth seen in the percentage of white matter in humans, our results suggest chimpanzees show continued white matter development in regions related to cognitive development.
Early Adolescent Personal Values in American-Sponsored Extraterritorial and Stateside Schools.

Abstract An inventory allowing persons to rank their values in each of three realms of valuing (content, terminal, instrumental) was administered to over 500 early adolescents attending American-sponsored schools in Ghana, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Indonesia, as well as in Oregon. Expecting that overseas schools would be “laboratories for international understanding,” the study was conducted to identify value differences between student groups. The results, however, revealed high correlations between the student groups and low correlations between the combined student groups and U.S. adult norms. Hence, one major conclusion of the study was that personal values among early adolescents attending American-sponsored schools seemed less related to the geographical location of the school than to age. Variation within groups seemed greatest for religious values, while sex differences seemed quite consistent with sex-role stereotypes.
Risk factors for the development and severity of glaucoma in the pigment dispersion syndrome.

The medical records of 93 patients with pigmentary glaucoma and 18 patients with pigment dispersion syndrome were studied with regard to factors associated with the presence and severity of secondary glaucoma within this population. Male gender, black race, severe myopia, and Krukenberg spindles were identified as possible risk factors. Men were predominant in this population 75 (67.6%); the diagnosis was made in men at an earlier age; they had a higher proportion in the glaucoma group; and they required more aggressive glaucoma therapy. There were only four black patients, but all required surgery. Patients in the glaucoma group had significantly more severe myopia and a higher incidence of Krukenberg spindles. These risk factors may help to identify which patients with the pigment dispersion syndrome require closer follow-up or the possible initiation of prophylactic therapy.
Brachypodium: a new monocot model plant system emerges

The small grass species Brachypodium distachyon (purple false brome) is potentially an ideal model plant system for grass crop research. To realise this potential, a range of genetic and genomic resources have been developed in a very short period of time, and more still are in the pipeline. David Garvin explains how these resources will establish B. distachyon as the newest model plant system and will fill a long-empty void in genomics resources for grass crop improvement. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Temperature monitoring practices during regional anesthesia

UNLABELLED Monitoring and maintaining body temperature during the perioperative period has a significant impact on the risk of myocardial ischemia, cardiac morbidity, wound infection, surgical bleeding, and patient discomfort. To test the hypothesis that body temperature is inadequately monitored during regional anesthesia (RA), we randomly surveyed 60 practicing anesthesiologists to determine practice patterns for temperature monitoring. Only 33% of the clinicians surveyed routinely monitor body temperature during RA. Although skin temperature monitoring has limitations, it was the most commonly used method among the survey respondents. When temperature is monitored during RA, most clinicians use either liquid crystal skin-surface monitoring or axillary temperature probes. Of those surveyed, < 15% use acceptable core temperature monitoring techniques (urinary bladder or tympanic membrane). In conclusion, it seems that body temperature is often not monitored in patients receiving RA. IMPLICATIONS The results of this survey of practicing anesthesiologists indicate that body temperature is often not monitored in patients receiving regional anesthesia. It is therefore likely that significant hypothermia goes undetected and untreated in these patients.
Physiological Arousal, Distress Tolerance, and Social Problem-Solving Deficits among Adolescent Self-Injurers.

It has been suggested that people engage in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) because they (a) experience heightened physiological arousal following stressful events and use NSSI to regulate experienced distress and (b) have deficits in their social problem–solving skills that interfere with the performance of more adaptive social responses. However, objective physiological and behavioral data supporting this model are lacking. The authors compared adolescent self-injurers (n 62) with noninjurers (n 30) and found that self-injurers showed higher physiological reactivity (skin conductance) during a distressing task, a poorer ability to tolerate this distress, and deficits in several social problem–solving abilities. These findings highlight the importance of attending to increased arousal, distress tolerance, and problemsolving skills in the assessment and treatment of NSSI.
Feminization of the Concentrations of Hepatic Estrogen-Binding Proteins by Ectopic Pituitary

Previous studies have demonstrated that two classes of estrogen-binding proteins exist in rat hepatic cytosol. One binds estradiol with high affinity and possesses characteristics usually assigned to receptor proteins. The other class, termed higher capacity lower affinity (HCLA) sites, affects hepatic estrogen action by apparently regulating the intracellular availability of estrogen ligand for its receptor. Neither class of protein is expressed until puberty (days 35–40). The present study was performed to characterize further the nature of the hormonal regulation of both classes of estrogen-binding sites in liver. Rats were hypophysectomized prepubertally (days 23–26), during puberty (day 40), or postpubertally (day 60). Some animals were subsequently implanted with an ectopic pituitary from age- and sex-matched control animals. Hypophysectomy at any age abolished the sex difference in HCLA estrogen-binding sites by lowering concentrations of receptor in the male and increasing concentrations in the fe...
Gated SPECT measures of left ventricular function from stress acquired images following adenosine, low level exercise accurately reflect basal resting left ventricular systolic function

Abstract Background: stress only gated imaging for assessment of left ventricular systolic function is common despite the fact that for exercise based protocols measures of EF made during stress have been shown to differ from those at rest and can result in clinical misclassification of left ventricular systolic function. It is unclear if this same problem exists with the newer abbreviated, adenosine, low level exercise protocol. We evaluated patients shown to have normal left ventricular function based on rest acquired nuclear gated SPECT images obtained with this hybrid pharmacologic-exercise protocol to ascertain the extent to which stress measured ejection fraction correctly reflected basal resting left ventricular function. Methods: data were abstracted for patients undergoing both stress and rest gated assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction using an abbreviated, adenosine (140 ug/kg/min), low level exercise (1–2mph- 0% grade) protocol. Rest gated values with a threshold of ≥ 47% were used as a cutoff point to define normal left ventricular systolic function. Results: a total of 233 pts (63±11 yrs) underwent the hybrid adenosine-exercise protocol. Compared to rest, measures of blood pressure and heart rate at peak stress revealed a significant increase in systolic BP (127± 19 vs 144±31 mmHg; p Conclusion: in the vast majority of patients undergoing stress testing with the hybrid, adenosine, low level exercise protocol normal LV systolic function can be accurately predicted from stress acquired gated SPECT images.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Commercial Products for Management of Bacterial Leaf Spot on Lettuce

The efficacy of Serenade, Maneb, Cuprofix, and mixtures of these products were evaluated for efficacy in reducing disease incidence and severity of bacterial leaf spot of lettuce caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians in six trials at two locations between 2001 and 2003. Additionally, Messenger, elemental copper, Quadris, and Actigard were evaluated in at least two of these trials. Mixtures of Serenade and Cuprofix reduced disease incidence in three of six experiments and reduced disease severity in a fourth experiment. Treatment with the Maneb and Cuprofix mixture was less effective but resulted in significantly less disease and lower severity in single experiments. These results indicate that a mixture of Serenade and Cuprofix may be a useful addition to an integrated bacterial leaf spot disease management strategy but this treatment may be too variable to justify it as a stand-alone treatment.
A PERSPECTIVE ON SMALL CITY DEVELOPMENT: LOCAL ASSESSMENTS OF GRANT MANAGEMENT CAPACITY

Survey research undertaken under the auspicies of HUD, and analyzed in this paper, demonstrates that municipal officials from smaller cities do not perceive their situation in the intergovernmental grant process to be successful. The smaller the city, the more likely are officials to feel that the grants process is outside their capacity and control. Attributes associated with city size appear to be the major factors explaining variations in the municipal official's perceptions of their capacities to successfully vie in the federal grants network. Grants management capacity is described not as a unidimensional concept, but as one which varies by the location oj capacity, by the level of capacity, and by the stability of that capacity over time (longitudinally, and more narrowly, during the grant acquisition process). It is reported that nothing in the recent past indicates that the system is about to change and, while regulatory reform may prove beneficial, it will not by itself provide the economic, political and managerial resources necessary to alter the intergovernmental transfer of funds along more equitable lines.
Surface grafted sulfobetaine polymers via atom transfer radical polymerization as superlow fouling coatings.

One of the sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) monomers, N-(3-sulfopropyl)-N-(methacryloxyethyl)-N,N-dimethylammonium betaine, was polymerized onto initiator-covered gold surfaces using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to form uniform polymer brushes. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with ATRP initiators were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The thickness of grafted poly(SBMA) films was measured by ellipsometry. Fibrinogen adsorption on poly(SBMA) grafted surfaces was measured with a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor. Two approaches were compared to graft ATRP initiators onto gold surfaces for surface polymerization and subsequent protein adsorption on these polymer grafted surfaces. The first was to prepare a SAM from ω-mercaptoundecyl bromoisobutyrate onto a gold surface. Superlow fouling surfaces with well-controlled poly(SBMA) brushes were achieved using this approach (e.g., fibrinogen adsorption <0.3 ng/cm2). The second approach w...
Universal logic gate for FPGA design

In this paper the problem of selecting an appropriate programmable cell structure for FPGA architecture design is addressed. The cells studied here can be configured to the desired functionality by applying input permutation, negation, bridging or constant assignment, or output negation. A general methodology to determine logic description of such cells, which are capable of being configured to a given set of functions is described.Experimental results suggest that the new cell behaves as well as the Actel 2 cell in terms of logic power but requires substantially less area and wiring overhead.