cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Data Perturbations and Analytic Center Convergence

The central path is an infinitely smooth parameterization of the nonnegative real line, and its convergence properties have been investigated since the mid 1980s. However, the central "path" followed by an infeasible-interior-point method relies on three parameters instead of one, and hence is a surface instead of a path. The additional parameters are included to allow for simultaneous perturbations in the cost vectors and right-hand side vectors. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the perturbed central path that is followed by infeasible-interior-point methods, and we characterize when such a path converges. We develop a set (Hausdorff) convergence property and show that the central paths impose an equivalence relation on the set of admissible cost vectors. We conclude with a technique to test for convergence under arbitrary, simultaneous data perturbations.
Impact of Preoperative Prealbumin on Outcomes After Cardiac Surgery.

Background: Preoperative malnutrition is increasingly prevalent in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Although prealbumin is a widely used indicator of nutrition status, its use in the preoperative assessment of patients undergoing cardiac surgery is not well defined. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of preoperative prealbumin levels on outcomes after cardiac surgery. Materials and Methods: Data were prospectively gathered from February 2013 to July 2013 on 69 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Prealbumin levels were obtained within 24 hours of surgery. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on a prealbumin cutoff value of 20 mg/dL. Results: Of the 69 patients, 32 (46.4%) had a preoperative prealbumin ≤20 mg/dL. There was no correlation between prealbumin levels and body mass index (r = −0.13, P = .28). Likewise, there was no correlation between preoperative albumin and prealbumin levels (r = 0.09, P = .44). Nine of 32 (28.1%) patients with low preoperative prealbumin levels had...
Self-consistent evaluation of complex constitutive parameters

An inverse process in remote sensing inverts the constitutive parameters of matter from measurable quantities at sensors. Analytical models relating the measurable and desired parameters are usually formulated with simplifying assumptions. However real matter and sensors often do not behave as assumed. Undue errors arising from discrepancies between assumed conditions and in situ measurements can be reduced through calibration and self-cansistency checks. Multipole expansion techniques are used here as a basis to check whether the sensors and the matter being interrogated are behaving as assumed. The self and transfer impedances of coaxial coils in an earth formation are formulated as an example to invert constitutive parameters from measurable impedances. The formulation assumes that the earth is linear, isotropic, and homogeneous and that the coils support only dipole and quadrupole interactions. For the analytical models to be self-consistent under the assumed conditions, several sets of inverted parameters from measurable impedances would have to agree to within acceptable uncertainties. Self-consistent evaluations of constitutive parameters can reduce costly undue errors that may arise, e.g., in locating gas/oil-bearing strata underground.
Long-term function and morphology of intestinal allografts in outbred canine transplantation model.

The outcome of small bowel transplantation (SBTx) has improved during the last 10 years1; however, information on function and morphology of intestinal allografts long term after SBTx is limited.2 Using canine allo-SBTx model, this study investigated the absorption, motility, and histopathology of long-surviving intestinal allografts.
Residual oil combustion: 2. Distributions of airborne nickel and vanadium within New York City

In an earlier paper based on PM(2.5) speciation network data, we showed that nickel (Ni) concentrations were much higher in New York City (NYC) than in New Jersey (NJ) and Connecticut (CT), and that the NYC levels, but not those in NJ and CT, were much higher in the winter than in summer. However, all of the speciation sites in NYC were in the northern half of the city. To determine the distributions of Ni and other PM(2.5) components within NYC, we collected 8-weeklong filter samples at 10 sites throughout NYC in both winter and summer, and measured the concentrations of the elements by X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The resulting data, together with speciation network site data, were used to construct seasonal average concentration isopleth maps for Ni and vanadium (V). As expected, Ni was much higher in Bronx than in Brooklyn, and much higher in winter than in summer. By contrast, V was higher in Brooklyn than in Bronx, and the winter and summer levels were similar. It appears that space-heating boilers are the major source category for Ni in NYC, whereas the Port of New York is the major source of V.
H-2 antigens incorporated into phospholipid vesicles interact specifically with allogeneic cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Abstract Subcellular fractions containing different H-2 antigens were tested for their ability to inhibit specific T cell-target cell conjugate formation. H-2-containing membrane vesicles, lentil-lectin-purified H-2 antigens solubilized with detergent (referred to in the text as high-density fraction) or incorporated into lipid vesicles, inhibited T cell-target cell conjugate formation effectively and specifically. However, two- to threefold more protein was required to inhibit T cell-target cell conjugate formation when detergent-solubilized lentil-lectin-purified H-2 antigens were tested. This suggests that a lipid matrix is advantageous for interaction with anti-H-2 T-cell receptors. Experiments were also undertaken to demonstrate specific binding of liposomes containing 125I-labeled H-2 antigen to anti-H-2-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). The binding of the 125I-labeled H-2-containing liposomes was saturable and was specifically inhibited by unlabeled H-2 antigens. Monospecific anti-H-2 sera specifically inhibited the binding of liposomes containing H-2 antigen to the CTLs. The results suggest that a specific interaction can occur between serologically defined H-2 antigens and the receptor of anti-H-2 CTLs.
Enhanced Thermoelectric Properties of FeSbx Nanocomposites Through Stoichiometric Adjustment

The Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity and Hall coefficient of FeSbx (x = 2.04, 2.00, and 1.96) nanocomposites hot pressed at 300 °C were measured. The power factor of FeSb1.96 was increased by 105% compared to FeSb2. Hall coefficient measurements revealed a decreased carrier concentration and increased mobility in FeSb1.96 with an overall enhancement in ZT of 45% in FeSb1.96.
An Elasticity Theorem for Heterogeneous Media, with an Example of Body Wave Dispersion in the Earth

Summary An explicit surface integral expression is derived, for the divergence (div u) of elastic displacement in an inhomogeneous anisotropic medium. In isotropic media, simple ray theory methods permit approximate evaluation of the integral; and (to the same order) an approximate relation is found between div u and the irrotational component of u. The resulting formula for P-wave displacement is expected to find application in the study of seismic sources: it is used here to evaluate the frequencydependent interference properties of P-waves, near the shadow boundary of the Earth's core.
Continuous-time model of uncovered interest parity with regulated jump-diffusion interest differential

This study investigates to what extent can an exchange rate model built on uncovered interest parity (UIP) match the empirical features of the exchange rate and the interest differential data. This article presents a continuous-time model of UIP in which the interest differential evolves following regulated jump-diffusion. Simulation experiments show that the model is capable of matching several important features of the data. Inclusion of jumps improves the model to capture persistent dynamics of interest differential and fat-tails in exchange rate returns compared to simple diffusion processes.
Patterns of failure in grossly resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treated with adjuvant irradiation +/- 5 fluorouracil.

Abstract Purpose: Analyze patterns of failure, survival, and tolerance in patients with totally resected ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas treated with adjuvant irradiation alone or combined with chemotherapy. Methods and Materials: The records of 29 patients treated with radiotherapy following curative resection of pancreas cancer at the Mayo Clinic were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-two (76%) patients underwent a subtotal pancreatectomy (Whipple procedure), six (21%) a total pancreatectomy, and one (3.5%) a distal pancreatectomy. Twenty-six (90%) had lesions located in the head of the pancreas and three (10%) were located either in the body or tail. Twelve (41%) of the tumors were histologic Grade 3, 15 (52%) Grade 2, and two Grade 1. Contiguous invasion of adjacent tissues or organs was found in fifteen patients (52%) and seventeen (59%) had lymph node involvement. Greater than 75% of patients received more than 45 Gy, with a median dose of 54 Gy, and twenty-seven (93%) patients received concomitant 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy. Results: The median survival was 22.8 months and the 2-year survival 48%. When survival was compared with that achieved with surgery alone in our institution, data suggested a doubling in both median and long-term survival with the addition of adjuvant treatment. Eighty-three percent of patients experienced tumor relapse with seventeen of 29 (59%) developing either liver metastases or peritoneal spread. In three patients, tumors recurred locally; one of one with microscopic residual disease after resection and two of 28 (7%) with negative margins (one of the two was treated with inadequate radiation portals). Patients tolerated adjuvant treatment with minimal acute toxicity consisting mostly of vomiting or nausea which, were controlled with medication in all patients. Chronic toxicity was acceptable; while 5 of 29 (17%) developed some form of possible treatment related complication, only one patient (3.5%) developed a small bowel obstruction. Conclusion: These results corroborate data in previous studies which have shown a survival benefit when adjuvant irradiation plus 5-fluorouracil is used in patients with completely resected ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. The patterns of failure indicate that post-operative adjuvant treatment can effectively control disease locally but that future survival improvements will be achieved only by reducing the incidence of liver and peritoneal metastases.
Grammatical Computation in the Optional Infinitive Stage

This paper gives a survey of some of the major properties of and approaches to the Optional Infinitive stage of linguistic development. After a brief account of its first discovery, a description is given of some of its major properties, including rates of OI production and how they change over time and vary cross-linguistically. “Surfacy” accounts of the stage are considered, such as the possibility that the use of the root infinitival where it doesn’t belong is a kind of phonological simplification. Some attention is also devoted to the possibility that the OI stage arises from the omission of an auxiliary. Evidence argues against these approaches. Instead, radical omission models, in which the features of Tense (and possibly other inflectional elements) are totally missing from the phrase-marker for an OI, are argued to hold most promise. Considerations of relations of subject case and OI’s lead to the formulation of the ATOM model to describe the stage. Empirical evidence is provided in support of the Null Subject/OI correlation, including a detailed discussion of recent papers on Italian and Dutch. Both papers investigate large numbers of children. Two major contenders for the best approach to the OI stage are described: the Truncation model and the Unique Checking Constraint (UCC) model. The empirical evidence favors the UCC. If the UCC is the best theory, how does it go away so that children become linguistic adults? It is argued that only a biologically based maturation theory can account for the data, and some recent genetic results bolster this argument. The paper discusses empiricist approaches to the problem of OI, devoting most attention to a recent attempt to explain the existence of the OI stage as arising from difficulties in a child’s learning that his/her language has Tense. It is argued that the approach fails to predict the central phenomena of the OI stage and that the traditional representational/growth models fare best. To demonstrate the wide empirical applicability of the proposed model of early syntactic development, extensions to properties of the syntactic object system are suggested, such as clitic omission cross-linguistically and short-form negation errors in Korean as well as the question of to and be omission in this stage.
Influence of earthworm activity on gene transfer from Pseudomonas fluorescens to indigenous soil bacteria

We have developed a model system to assess the influence of earthworm activity on the transfer of plasmid pJP4 from an inoculated donor bacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens C5t (pJP4), to indigenous soil microorganisms. Three different earthworm species (Lumbricus terrestris, Lumbricus rubellus, and Aporrectodea trapezoides), each with unique burrowing, casting, and feeding behaviors, were evaluated. Soil columns were inoculated on the surface with 10(8) cells per g of soil of the donor bacterium, and after a 2-week incubation period, donor, transconjugant, and total bacteria were enumerated at 5-cm-depth intervals. Transconjugants were confirmed by use of colony hybridization with a mer gene probe. In situ gene transfer of plasmid pJP4 from P. fluorescens C5t to indigenous soil bacteria was detected in all inoculated microcosms. In the absence of earthworms, the depth of recovery was limited to the top 5 cm of the column, with approximately 10(3) transconjugants per g of soil. However, the total number of transconjugants recovered from soil was significantly greater in microcosms containing either L. rubellus or A. trapezoides, with levels reaching about 10(5) CFU/g of soil. In addition, earthworms distributed donor and transconjugant bacteria throughout the microcosm columns, with the depth of recovery dependent on the burrowing behavior of each earthworm species. Donor and transconjugant bacteria were also recovered from earthworm casts and inside developing cocoons. Transconjugant bacteria from the indigenous soil microflora were classified as belonging to Acidovorax spp., Acinetobacter spp., Agrobacterium spp., Pasteurella spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Xanthomonas spp.
Initial response to portoenterostomy determines long-term outcome in patients with biliary atresia.

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of portoenterostomy in biliary atresia and determine factors that predict outcomes. Methods: The outcomes after portoenterostomy for biliary atresia from 1976 to 1996 were graded into 3 defined groups: G (good, jaundice free); I (intermediate, progressive liver disease with liver transplant if needed after 3 years of age); P (poor, liver transplant or death at less than 3 years of age). Results: Twenty-seven of 49 children (55%) who underwent portoenterostomy responded. Of these, 13 (26%) were jaundice free (G). Of 14 children (28%) in I, 6 underwent liver transplant after 3 years of age. Of 22 children (44.8%) in P, 14 (28%) died before 3 years and 8 underwent liver transplant before 3 years. Thus, 42% of the children in this series are surviving with native liver. Age at operation in P was significantly different compared with G. Preoperative values of bilirubin and alanine transaminase were comparable in the 3 groups. Postoperative values of bilirubin and alanine transaminase were lower in G and I compared with P. Complications were significantly lower in group G. Conclusions: Portoenterostomy alone in biliary atresia is beneficial in 40% of cases. Factors associated with the outcome include age at operation, postoperative cholangitis, and change in values of bilirubin and alanine transaminase. A classification based on decline of bilirubin and enzyme levels 3 months after portoenterostomy is proposed to predict the long-term outcome of an individual case of biliary atresia. It is particularly relevant in the intermediate group in which timing of referral may preclude or compromise liver transplant. J Pediatr Surg 35:593-597. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.
A CAD driven multiscale approach to automated inspection

In this paper we develop a general multiscale stochastic object detection algorithm for use in an automated inspection application. Information from a CAD model is used to initialize the object model and guide the training phase of the algorithm. An object is represented as a stochastic tree, where each node of the tree is associated with one of the various object components used to locate and identify the part. During the training phase a number of model parameters are estimated from a set of training images, some of which are generated from the CAD model. The algorithm then uses a fast multiscale search strategy to locate and identify the subassemblies making up the object tree. We demonstrate the performance of the algorithm on a typical mechanical assembly. >
A parylene-based microelectrode array implant for spinal cord stimulation in rats

The design and fabrication of an epidural spinal cord implant using a parylene-based microelectrode array is presented. Rats with hindlimb paralysis from a complete spinal cord transection were implanted with the device and studied for up to eight weeks, where we have demonstrated recovery of hindlimb stepping functionality through pulsed stimulation. The microelectrode array allows for a high degree of freedom and specificity in selecting the site of stimulation compared to wire-based implants, and triggers varied biological responses that can lead to an increased understanding of the spinal cord and locomotion recovery for victims of spinal cord injury.
Nanostructured polymer scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

The structural features of tissue engineering scaffolds affect cell response and must be engineered to support cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. The scaffold acts as an interim synthetic extracellular matrix (ECM) that cells interact with prior to forming a new tissue. In this review, bone tissue engineering is used as the primary example for the sake of brevity. We focus on nanofibrous scaffolds and the incorporation of other components including other nanofeatures into the scaffold structure. Since the ECM is comprised in large part of collagen fibers, between 50 and 500 nm in diameter, well-designed nanofibrous scaffolds mimic this structure. Our group has developed a novel thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) process in which a solution of biodegradable polymer is cast into a porous scaffold, resulting in a nanofibrous pore-wall structure. These nanoscale fibers have a diameter (50-500 nm) comparable to those collagen fibers found in the ECM. This process can then be combined with a porogen leaching technique, also developed by our group, to engineer an interconnected pore structure that promotes cell migration and tissue ingrowth in three dimensions. To improve upon efforts to incorporate a ceramic component into polymer scaffolds by mixing, our group has also developed a technique where apatite crystals are grown onto biodegradable polymer scaffolds by soaking them in simulated body fluid (SBF). By changing the polymer used, the concentration of ions in the SBF and by varying the treatment time, the size and distribution of these crystals are varied. Work is currently being done to improve the distribution of these crystals throughout three-dimensional scaffolds and to create nanoscale apatite deposits that better mimic those found in the ECM. In both nanofibrous and composite scaffolds, cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation improved when compared to control scaffolds. Additionally, composite scaffolds showed a decrease in incidence of apoptosis when compared to polymer control in bone tissue engineering. Nanoparticles have been integrated into the nanostructured scaffolds to deliver biologically active molecules such as growth and differentiation factors to regulate cell behavior for optimal tissue regeneration.
Partially adaptive quiescent response design for maximization of interference cancellation

In partially adaptive beamformers the adaptive weights utilize only a fraction of the available degrees of freedom. A procedure for incorporating the unused degrees of freedom into the beamformer's quiescent response is presented. The modified quiescent response is chosen to minimize the average interference scenarios. The interference power is a quadratic function of the quiescent response, so a unique minimum exists. A sidelobe cancelling interpretation indicates that this procedure designs quiescent weights which optimize the sum of the white noise gain and the error between the quiescent response and the class of responses which the adaptive branch can synthesize. Simulations illustrate the utility of the approach. >
Stress Singularity due to Kink Band Weakening a Unidirectional Composite under Compression

A Williams type of eigenfunction expansion approach is used to compute the local stress singularity representing a measure of the degree of inherent flaw sensitivity of unidirectional fiber reinforced composites subjected to compression. Previous experimental studies have qualitatively linked the formation of kink bands to the presence of fabrication defects, such as fiber misalignment. These local singular stress regions serve as the primary trigger mechanism for kink band propagation in 0°-plies. The present analysis also explains the previous test results relating to propagation of failure from a notch in a unidirectional composite under compression. Furthermore, the present investigation is the first to quantify, in the context of LEFM (linear elastic fracture mechanics), the sensitivity of these composites to inherent local flaws, such as fiber misalignments, and also shows the inadequacy of the conventional elastic micro-buckling type of analysis to fully explain the experimental results. Although b...
Sexual assessment in cancer care: concepts, methods, and strategies for success.

Objectives To review the literature and provide specific suggestions for assessing and addressing sexual concerns seen in those diagnosed with cancer. Data Sources Review and research articles, abstracts, books, electronic databases. Conclusion Sexuality and sexual health are integral components of overall health and essential for quality of life. Patients should have the opportunity to discuss their sexual issues and concerns with a qualified health care professional. Knowledgeable, skilled nurses are well-qualified to conduct sexual assessments and to provide options for interventions and referrals. Implications for Nursing Practice To provide quality cancer care, nurses need to be educated about sexual health and to learn the knowledge and skills requisite to a basic discussion and assessment of potential or actual sexual dysfunction in their patients.
Optimization in Reproducing kernel Hilbert Spaces of Spike Trains

This chapter presents a framework based on reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces (RKHS) for optimization with spike trains. To establish the RKHS for optimization we start by introducing kernels for spike trains. It is shown that spike train kernels can be built from ideas of kernel methods or from the intensity functions underlying the spike trains. However, the later approach shall be the main focus of this study. We introduce the memoryless cross-intensity (mCI) kernel as an example of an inner product of spike trains, which defines the RKHS bottom-up as an inner product of intensity functions. Being defined in terms of the intensity functions, this approach toward defining spike train kernels has the advantage that points in the RKHS incorporate a statistical description of the spike trains, and the statistical model is explicitly stated. Some properties of the mCI kernel and the RKHS it induces will be given to show that this RKHS has the necessary structure for optimization. The issue of estimation from data is also addressed. We finalize with an example of optimization in the RKHS by deriving an algorithm for principal component analysis (PCA) of spike trains.
Microsecond Dynamics of Protein–DNA Interactions: Direct Observation of the Wrapping/Unwrapping Kinetics of Single-stranded DNA around the E. coli SSB Tetramer

The Escherichia coli single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) binds selectively to single-stranded (ss) DNA intermediates during DNA replication, recombination and repair. Each subunit of the homo-tetrameric protein contains a potential ssDNA binding site, thus the protein can bind to ssDNA in multiple binding modes, one of which is the (SSB)(65) mode, in which a 65 nucleotide stretch of ssDNA interacts with and wraps around all four subunits of the tetramer. Previous stopped-flow kinetic studies of (SSB)(65) complex formation using the oligodeoxynucleotide, (dT)70, were unable to resolve the initial binding step from the rapid wrapping of ssDNA around the tetramer. Here we report a laser temperature-jump study with resolution in the approximately 500 ns to 4 ms time range, which directly detects these ssDNA wrapping/unwrapping steps. Biphasic time courses are observed with a fast phase that is concentration-independent and which occurs on a time-scale of tens of microseconds, reflecting the wrapping/unwrapping of ssDNA around the SSB tetramer. Analysis of the slower binding phase, in combination with equilibrium binding and stopped-flow kinetic studies, also provides evidence for a previously undetected intermediate along the pathway to forming the (SSB)(65) complex.
Laypeople do use sample variance: The effect of embedding data in a variance-implying story

When using sample data to decide whether two populations differ, laypeople attend to the difference between group means, but largely overlook within-group variability (Obrecht, Chapman, & Gelman, 2007). We show, first, that laypeople know about and use story-implied variability when making pairwise comparisons. Then we demonstrate that participants’ sensitivity to variance in a dataset is boosted when presented in a context that implies consistent variance information. Statistical data were couched in stories about electrical conductivity measurements obtained from element samples (low-variability category) or body weight measurements from samples of peoples (high-variability category). We manipulated, between participants, whether the data variance matched or mismatched the story-implied variability. Participants who received data in a matching context showed high sensitivity to variance, while those in the mismatching condition did not. Laypeople use statistical data to make reasonable inferences when t...
Vocal Response of Captive-reared Saguinus oedipus During Mobbing

Mobbing is an important component of antipredator behavior for animals from many taxa. Callitrichids are small-bodied primates that mob multiple types of predators. Though there have been several observations of callitrichids mobbing predators in the wild, their anecdotal nature provides only rough descriptions of behavior and vocalizations. Researchers could neither spectrographically identify nor quantify vocalizations owing to the limitations of observing predation in the field. We examined in detail the mobbing response of 1 callitrichid species, the cotton-top tamarin, in captivity. We recorded vocalizations for quantitative analysis and observed behavior qualitatively. We report 3 new vocalizations that had not been described in the original repertoire for the cotton-top tamarin. Analysis of the time course of a mobbing session yielded a pattern in which the highest intensity mobbing vocalizations decreased over the session even though lower intensity vocalizing continued, which may reflect a shifting strategy from mobbing to vigilance. The rate of calling during mobbing sessions differed from the rate of calling during control sessions. We discuss the vocalizations in relation to 2 hypotheses of form and function of antipredator calls. The newly described mobbing vocalizations may have an important impact on the study of mobbing because they represent a class of vocalizations that researchers have largely ignored in studies of callitrichids, thus raising new issues concerning past and future research on antipredator behavior in the family.
When the Drum Speaks

This article explores the instrumentality of traditional African drums in influencing human behavior, and debunks view-points held by some critics that these drums are mere instruments for entertainment, voodoo, or rituals. It argues that as cultural artifacts, the drums are a primal symbol (a speech surrogate form qualified as drum language ) used for rhetorical purposes to influence social behavior, to generate awareness, and to prompt responses for the realization of personhood and the formation of group identity. This ascription of rhetorical functionality to the African drum-dance culture provides interesting insights into the nature of rhetorical performance in the non-Western world.
Effects of immune challenge, dietary energy density, and source of energy on performance and immunity in weanling pigs.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of nutrient density and dietary energy source on performance and immune function of weanling pigs that were either challenged or not challenged with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A basal diet was formulated to contain 14 g CP/MJ DE and 7 g lysine/100 g CP. Sulfur amino acids, threonine and tryptophan were kept constant relative to lysine. Experimental diets were mixed using 70 parts basal diet and either 30 parts starch or an isocaloric amount (14 parts) of lard. Diets were fed either for ad libitum intake or on a pair-feeding basis to evaluate effects of diet nutrient density or source of energy, respectively. On d 9 and 25, pigs were challenged i.m. with either 1 mL of a LPS solution or a control solution. Lymphocyte blastogenesis was measured 2 d after the LPS administration and antibody response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) or ovalbumin was determined 3 d after challenge. No interactive effects on performance were observed between LPS challenge and energy density or source of energy (P >.10). Injection of LPS tended to reduce feed intake and daily gain (P <.10), but not efficiency of feed or energy utilization. Addition of fat to the diets improved feed efficiency and efficiency of energy utilization for gain ( P <.05). No consistent effects of LPS challenge, energy density, or source of energy were observed for lymphocyte blastogenesis. Antibody response to ovalbumin, but not to SRBC, was decreased by fat (P <.05). Results indicate that increasing energy density of the diet did not alter the performance depression due to LPS challenge. Addition of fat to the diet improved feed efficiency and efficiency of energy conversion but may depress the humoral immune response. Effects of fat on the immune response may depend on the immune status of the pig.
Preliminary study on mitigating steel reinforcement corrosion with bioactive agent

Abstract Corrosion causes over $100 billion in damage annually. Cinnamaldehyde, a bioactive agent derived from cinnamon bark, can mitigate the corrosion of metals but has a negative effect on hydration when incorporated in cementitious systems. In order to avoid these negative consequences while harnessing anti-corrosive properties, cinnamaldehyde was incorporated in a cementitious mixture through the use of lightweight aggregate (LWA). The same method was used for penetrating corrosion inhibitors in an attempt to reduce the time required for the inhibitor to reach and protect reinforcing steel. The setting time, compressive strength, heat evolution (via semi-adiabatic calorimetry), and autogenous shrinkage of the experimental mixtures were measured and an accelerated corrosion test (ACT) was used to quantify performance in a corrosive environment. Experimental mortars showed prolonged setting times, reduced compressive strength, heat evolution, and autogenous expansion. However, the experimental mortars showed an increase in time to cracking when exposed to a corrosive environment.
Antiepileptic Medications and Cutaneous Drug Reactions

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have long been associated with a high incidence of cutaneous reactions, none of which are specific to these drugs. This chapter will address three clinically distinct serious cutaneous reactions seen most characteristically with AEDs. Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), also known as drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS), is most commonly associated with AEDs. Issues unique to AED-induced DRESS/DIHS include specific clinical manifestations, the contribution of AED metabolism to theories of pathogenesis, and cross-reactivity among AEDs. AEDs are an important cause of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN); in some populations carbamazepine is the most commonly associated drug, especially in those with a genetic predisposition. The great majority of drug-induced cutaneous pseudolymphoma cases are associated with phenytoin.
Datafish Multiphase Data Mining Technique to Match Multiple Mutually Inclusive Independent Variables in Large PACS Databases

Retrospective data mining has tremendous potential in research but is time and labor intensive. Current data mining software contains many advanced search features but is limited in its ability to identify patients who meet multiple complex independent search criteria. Simple keyword and Boolean search techniques are ineffective when more complex searches are required, or when a search for multiple mutually inclusive variables becomes important. This is particularly true when trying to identify patients with a set of specific radiologic findings or proximity in time across multiple different imaging modalities. Another challenge that arises in retrospective data mining is that much variation still exists in how image findings are described in radiology reports. We present an algorithmic approach to solve this problem and describe a specific use case scenario in which we applied our technique to a real-world data set in order to identify patients who matched several independent variables in our institution's picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) database.
The effectiveness of health education on AIDs Knowledge in floating population in wholesale product markets in Beijing

[Objective]To investigate the effect and mode of health education about AIDS on floating population in small commodity markets.[Methods]Random sampling method was adopted to recruit 500 people each from 2 markets as intervention group and control group for baseline survey of AIDS knowledge;after the health education,another survey was done to evaluate the difference between the intervention group and another control group,as well as the intervention effect.[Results]The intervention had a certain effect on floating population in small commodity markets,but did not reach the expected results,that might relate with the operating feature of workers in small commodity markets.[Conclusion] It is suggested that the health education combined with daily propaganda and brochures should be added in the pre-job education at the medium period to significantly improve the effectiveness of intervention.
Some Structural Factors Involved in Amyloid Fibril Formation by Lambda VI Light Chain Proteins

Recent studies on the structures of lambda VI proteins have revealed that these molecules have a high propensity to form amyloid deposits. Of the 13 lambda VI proteins reported in the literature 12 have been shown to be incorporated into AL amyloid. Of these proteins only the myeloma protein NIG48 and the amyloid proteins AR and SUT have been subjected to complete sequence analysis. To improve this data base we report the complete structure of the amyloid protein WLT. This molecule has 134 amino acid residues and consists of the entire variable region, joining segment and first tryptic peptide of the constant region. Phylogenetic analysis of these proteins reveals that the 3 amyloid proteins (WLT, AR and SUT) are more closely related to each other than to protein NIG48. Separating the variable regions into framework and complementarity determining regions and recalculating the phylogenetic comparisons identifies substitutions in the framework regions of protein NIG48. These findings support the hypothesis that the formation of AL amyloid is a result of the structure of the FR regions of the precursor molecule.
Sarcomere Length Dependent Effects on Ca2+-Induced Troponin Regulation within Chemically Skinned Cardiac Muscle Fibers

Sarcomere length dependent activation (LDA) of myocardial force development is the cellular basis underlying the Frank-Starling law of the heart, but it is still elusive how sarcomere detects the SL changes and converts it into altered activation of thin filament. Among the myofilament proteins, troponin and myosin are two key components that are likely involved in the LDA. The two components are functionally linked through Ca2+ activation and cross-bridge feedback. Although the active cross-bridge feedback has been strongly implicated in LDA, there was no evidence linking sarcomere length changes and troponin regulation until our recent study showing that Ca2+-cTnC interaction in cardiac muscle can be modulated by sarcomere length through cross-bridge feedback [Biophysical Journal, 107(3), 682-93 (2014)]. In this study, we continue our efforts to understand the role of the C-domain of cTnI in LDA. Specifically, we used in situ time-resolved FRET measurements to determine how the switch region of cTnI is affected by Ca2+, sarcomere length, and cross-bridge in skinned cardiac muscle fibers. To monitor the Ca2+-induced structural transition of the switch region, skinned myocardial fibers were reconstituted with troponin complex containing FRET donor (AEDANS) modified cTnI(167C)AEDANS and acceptor (DDPM) modified cTnC(89C)DDPM. The measured FRET distance changes show that Ca2+, strong cross-bridges and sarcomere length all influence the structural transition of the switching region of cTnI within myocardial fibers. The results provide a mechanism by which sarcomere length can modulate Ca2+-troponin regulation via strong cross-bridge binding and suggest that the sarcomere length dependent cross-bridge effect plays an important role in the Frank-Starling law of the heart.
Coexistence and B (E 2 ) values in 72 Ge

An earlier coexistence model of Ge nuclei is applied to $E2$ strengths connecting low-lying ${0}^{+}$ and ${2}^{+}$ states in $^{72}\mathrm{Ge}$. New data have smaller uncertainties and, for the first time, a value for the transition strength from the third ${2}^{+}$ state to the second ${0}^{+}$ state. This $B$($E2$) for the third ${2}^{+}$ state clearly indicates that it is the one that should be included in the mixing, rather than the second ${2}^{+}$ state. My results confirm that the ${0}^{+}$ states are maximally mixed, the ${2}^{+}$ states are weakly mixed, and the $E2$ matrix element involving the lower ${0}^{+}$ basis state is significantly larger than the one involving the second ${0}^{+}$ basis state.
Bone marrow biopsies performed by both the powered OnControl drill device and the Jamshidi needle produce adequate specimens

Objective The aim of our study was to evaluate the adequacy and quality of the bone marrow (BM) obtained by OnControl powered drill (P-group) and to compare it with manual procedure (M-group). Design Retrospective analysis was done on 75 BM specimens; Jamshidi needle (n=44) and OnControl (n=31). Biopsy length after fixation, evaluable marrow length and total area, and fragmentation, aspiration and marrow dropout artefacts were compared. Results Biopsies were sufficient for diagnosis in 38/44 cases (86%) in the M-group and in 26/31 cases (83%) in the P-group. The most common reason for suboptimal/inadequate biopsies was subcortical specimens (4/6) in the M-group and aspiration artefact (5/5) in the P-group. Average length after fixation, evaluable marrow length, evaluable marrow area was comparable. Aspiration artefact was minimal ( 10% aspiration artefact, p Conclusions Our study suggests that quality of biopsy cylinder and adequacy rate of the biopsy is comparable between both devices. OnControl device showed more aspiration artefact.
A modular synthesis of tris(aryl)tren ligands: Synthesis, structure and lithiation chemistry

Abstract A modular synthesis of tris(aryl)tren ligands has been demonstrated via the condensation of nitrilotracetyl chloride with different anilines followed by reduction. Varying the aniline in the condensation step from 2-methylthioaniline, to 2-phenylthioaniline, to 2-chloroaniline, generates 2,2′,2″-nitrilotris(N-(2-(methylthio)phenyl)acetamide) (1), 2,2′,2″-nitrilotris(N-(2-(phenylthio)phenyl)acetamide) (2) and 2,2′,2″-nitrilotris(N-(2-chlorophenyl)acetamide) (3) respectively. The 2-chloroaniline synthesis is complicated by the production of N-(2-chlorophenyl)-3,5-dioxo-1-piperazine-N-(2-chlorophenyl)acetamide (4), but can be adjusted to produce only 3. The reduction of complexes 1–3 proceeds with lithium aluminum hydride for 1 and 2 and with borane for 3 to yield the tris(aryl)tren ligands tris-(2-(2-(methylthio)phenylamino)ethyl)amine (5), tris-(2-(2-(phenylthio)phenylamino)ethyl)amine (6), and tris-(2-(2-chlorophenylamino)ethyl)amine (7). All three of these ligands can be deprotonated with tert-butyllithium for 5 and 7, and n-butyllithium for 6 to generate their trilithium complexes, 8, 9 and 10 for 5, 6 and 7 respectively, with 10 forming two different solvates (10a and 10b). All complexes are characterized by 1H and 13C NMR and the solid state structures of complexes 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10a and 10b are described.
A Pilot Study of a Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Breast Cancer Survivors.

Purpose/objectives To test combining a group intervention to build self-efficacy for using compensatory strategies and lifestyle adjustments with brain-training practice to improve cognition. . Design A quasiexperimental design. . Setting Texas Oncology, a community oncology practice in Austin. . Sample 20 women aged 35-65 years, who had finished chemotherapy at least three months before the study, were within five years of completing all treatment, and had self-reported cognitive concerns. . Methods Six group sessions to build self-efficacy for using compensatory strategies, along with other health behaviors that affect cognitive performance, were combined with practice on a computer-based training program. Female breast cancer survivors were recruited through flyers, mailings, and personal contacts. . Main research variables Cognitive performance, cognitive concerns, cognitive/memory strategies, fatigue, emotional distress, sleep disorders, and quality of life. . Findings Participants reported that the intervention was useful in building cognitive abilities. Although scores on performance tests did not increase, ratings of cognitive concerns, fatigue, emotional distress, and sleep disturbance decreased significantly. Use of cognitive/memory strategies increased significantly. . Conclusions This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of combining a group intervention with brain-training practice. A larger randomized trial would afford a more rigorous test of efficacy. . Implications for nursing A growing body of evidence regarding potential interventions to address survivors' cognitive problems exists. Nurses should counsel breast cancer survivors about fatigue, sleep deprivation, and emotional distress, as well as the effects of cancer treatment on cognition.
Assessment and improvement of sound quality in cochlear implant users

Objectives Cochlear implants (CIs) have successfully provided speech perception to individuals with sensorineural hearing loss. Recent research has focused on more challenging acoustic stimuli such as music and voice emotion. The purpose of this review is to evaluate and describe sound quality in CI users with the purposes of summarizing novel findings and crucial information about how CI users experience complex sounds. Data Sources Here we review the existing literature on PubMed and Scopus to present what is known about perceptual sound quality in CI users, discuss existing measures of sound quality, explore how sound quality may be effectively studied, and examine potential strategies of improving sound quality in the CI population. Results Sound quality, defined here as the perceived richness of an auditory stimulus, is an attribute of implant-mediated listening that remains poorly studied. Sound quality is distinct from appraisal, which is generally defined as the subjective likability or pleasantness of a sound. Existing studies suggest that sound quality perception in the CI population is limited by a range of factors, most notably pitch distortion and dynamic range compression. Although there are currently very few objective measures of sound quality, the CI-MUSHRA has been used as a means of evaluating sound quality. There exist a number of promising strategies to improve sound quality perception in the CI population including apical cochlear stimulation, pitch tuning, and noise reduction processing strategies. Conclusions In the published literature, sound quality perception is severely limited among CI users. Future research should focus on developing systematic, objective, and quantitative sound quality metrics and designing therapies to mitigate poor sound quality perception in CI users. Level of Evidence N/A
Critiques [of "Black" or "African American"; What's In a Name? by Johnny Washington]

In “‘Black’ or ‘African American’: What9s in a Name?” Johnny Washington reminds us that on the appropriate name for Americans of African descent has been ongoing, with varying degrees of intensity, for a long time. In illustrating the ancientness of the debate, he referred to precedents of the current irruption. He observed that “Booker T. Washington advanced the ethnic identity debate” in the 1890s. He also pointed to twentieth century contributions to the labelling crisis by W. E. B. DuBois, Marcus Garvey, Alain Locke, and Stokely Carmichael. Yet, neither the debate nor the labels themselves are the core concern for Washington9s article. Rather, with emphasis on Locke9s concept of race in a social culture context and C. I. Lewis9s thesis on linguistic and sense meaning, philosophy and linguistics are the primary concerns of the article. The debate and the labels serve as incidental pegs for the analysis. Though still in the exploratory stage, the author9s juxtaposing of the debate against linguistic and philosophical theories is both interesting and illustrative.
Importance of Electrostatic Effects in the Stereoselectivity of NHC-Catalyzed Kinetic Resolutions

Three N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed kinetic resolutions (KR) and one dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) were examined using modern density functional theory methods to identify the origin of catalytic activity and selectivity and the role of cocatalysts in these reactions. The results reveal electrostatic interactions as the common driver of selectivity. Furthermore, in the case of a recently described KR of BINOL-derivatives, a computational examination of the full catalytic cycle reveals that a benzoic acid byproduct changes the turnover limiting transition step, obviating the need for an added cocatalyst. Together, these data provide key insights into the activity and selectivity of NHC-catalyzed kinetic resolutions, and underscore the importance of electrostatic interactions as a driver of selectivity.