cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mandibular-fracture repair in monkeys.

Experimental studies on repair of mandibular fractures in large animals have been limited, often by a lack of standardized and reproducible models and methods. Several authors studying methods and technics for mandibular-fracture immobilization in dogs have noted that intermaxillary fixation is not necessary for fracture healing.'-6 Conversely, other investigators have observed a high degree of nonunion and infection under similar experimental conditions.7'8 Because of the limited numbers of experimental animals used, conflicting results also have been noted by authors studying mandibular-fracture repair in rhesus monkeys.9-'2 The purpose of this investigation was to develop standardized methodology to study the many variables associated with mandibular-fracture repair. Studies were designed to evaluate the effect on healing of intraoral and extraoral surgical procedures, immobilization technics, and methods of fracture production in monkeys.
Image potential near a gradual interface between two dielectrics

The image potential is calculated near a model interface in which the dielectric constant changes continuously in a thin transition layer between two dielectrics. If the transition is sufficiently smooth, the image potential is bounded and continuous, as opposed to the divergent and discontinuous $\frac{1}{z}$ dependence for an abrupt interface at $z=0$. Results of model calculations of the image potential for the Si-Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ and liquid-helium-vacuum interfaces are presented. Application of the model to the calculation of energy levels of electrons on liquid helium gives good agreement with the experimental results of Grimes et al. when an effective thickness of 0.57 nm is used for the helium-vacuum transition layer.
Biochemical studies of acute inflammation. I. Chemical changes in the normal animal.

Abstract The change in concentration of a number of compounds of biochemical interest was studied over a period of 14 days following the onset of an acute inflammatory response induced in the hard palate of the albino rat. The components studied include water, glycogen, phosphorus, hexosamine, hydroxyproline, proline, tyrosine, total nitrogen, nonprotein nitrogen, RNA, and DNA. The relationship between the changes in these chemical components and the biological aspects of the inflammatory process is discussed.
Interactions between freshwater input, light, and phytoplankton dynamics on the Louisiana continental shelf.

Abstract We examined the effects of freshwater flow and light availability on phytoplankton biomass and production along the Louisiana continental shelf in the region characterized by persistent spring–summer stratification and widespread summer hypoxia. Data were collected on 7 cruises from 2005 to 2007, and spatially-averaged estimates of phytoplankton and light variables were calculated for the study area using Voronoi polygon normalization. Shelf-wide phytoplankton production ranged from 0.47 to 1.75 mg C m−2 d−1 across the 7 cruises. Shelf-wide average light attenuation (kd) ranged from 0.19–1.01 m−1 and strongly covaried with freshwater discharge from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers (R2=0.67). Interestingly, we observed that the euphotic zone (as defined by the 1% light depth) extended well below the pycnocline and to the bottom across much of the shelf. Shelf-wide average chlorophyll a (chl a) concentrations ranged from 1.4 to 5.9 mg m−3 and, similar to kd, covaried with river discharge (R2=0.83). Also, chl a concentrations were significantly higher in plume versus non-plume regions of the shelf. When integrated through the water-column, shelf-wide average chl a ranged from 26.3 to 47.6 mg m−2, but did not covary with river discharge, nor were plume versus non-plume averages statistically different. The high integrated chl a in the non-plume waters resulted from frequent sub-pycnocline chl a maxima. Phytoplankton production rates were highest in the vicinity of the Mississippi River bird's foot delta, but as with integrated chl a were not statistically different in plume versus non-plume waters across the rest of the shelf. Based on the vertical distribution of light and chl a, a substantial fraction of phytoplankton production occurred below the pycnocline, averaging from 25% to 50% among cruises. These results suggest that freshwater and nutrient inputs regulate shelf-wide kd and, consequently, the vertical distribution of primary production. The substantial below-pycnocline primary production we observed has not been previously quantified for this region, but has important implications about the formation and persistence of hypoxia on the Louisiana continental shelf.
Monitoring the effect of three humic acids on a model membrane system using 31P NMR.

The sorption of three humic acids to 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine multilamellar vesicle model membrane systems was studied by phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance (31P NMR). The effects of temperature and pH were investigated. The gel → bilayer transition did not appear to be affected by any of the humic acids at pH 7; however, all three humic acids induced a perturbation to this transition and to the bilayer structure at pH 4. On the basis of the findings from this and other work, a conceptual adsorption/absorption model for the sorption of humic acid (HA) to biomembranes has been put forward. The model requires an initial adsorption step initiated at an acidic pH by hydrogen bridging and electrostatic interactions between the functional groups of the HAs and the head groups of the phospholipids. Once the HA material is adsorbed, its hydrophobic domains can further seek a more thermodynamically favorable environment within the bilayer using hydrophobic interactions. These interactions lea...
Effect of short-term weight loss on the metabolic syndrome and conduit vascular endothelial function in overweight adults☆

Abstract Impaired vascular endothelial function may be an important mechanism linking obesity to increased cardiovascular risk. We investigated whether short-term weight loss improves conduit artery endothelial dysfunction in overweight adults. Forty-three otherwise healthy overweight patients with a body mass index ≥27 kg/m 2 completed an open-label 3-month trial consisting of a calorie-restricted diet and 120 mg of orlistat taken 3 times daily with meals. Endothelial function and parameters of the metabolic syndrome were measured before and after intervention. Subjects lost 6.6 ± 3.4% of their body weight. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein concentration, fasting insulin, and leptin decreased significantly (all p
The influence of the surface on the thermodynamics of the melting and glass transition of films and fibers

The influence of the surface on the thermodynamics of the melting and glass transition of films and fibers is negligible as long as the dimension of the phase is macroscopic, i.e., is more than 1 μm in all directions. The influence of the surface on microphases was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, and is presently developing into the central topic for the description of hard and soft nanophase materials. The central issues of the thermal analysis of films and fibers, thus, are: the assessment of small sample masses, the evaluation of the nature of the surface, the treatment of irreversible phase structures, and the use of fast measurements to avoid reorganization of the metastable material without loss of precision. A short history of the roots of calorimetry of such small systems is used to arrive at a thermodynamic description of linear macromolecules in the amorphous state and, when partially crystallized, in the macroscopic, globally metastable structure which consists of multiple nanophases.
Differential immunohistochemical labeling of Gs, Gi1 and 2, and Go ?-subunits in rat forebrain

The anatomical and morphological distribution of the G proteins G(o), G(i1) and 2, and Gs alpha-subunits in rat forebrain sections was determined using immunohistochemical techniques. Diffuse G(o) labeling occurred in the neuropil throughout the cortex, superficial layers of the entorhinal cortex, thalamus, several white matter fiber tracts, and hippocampus. G(i1) and 2 immunoreactivity was also located in the neuropil but produced a more fibrous pattern. Fibrous labeling of G(i1) and 2 was observed in the cortex, amygdala, hippocampal subfield CA3, and several white matter fiber tracts. Both G(o) and G(i1) and 2 labeling was present in the pencil fibers within the striatum and lateral geniculate nucleus. Gs labeling, in contrast to G(o) and G(i1) and 2, was generally cytoplasmic. Cytoplasmic Gs labeling was observed in the thalamus, habenula, dentate, geniculate nucleus, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. Intense Gs labeling was observed in the striatum parenchyma, choroid plexus, and infundibular stem. Based on our results, we conclude that the G proteins G(o), G(i1) and 2, and Gs are anatomically distributed differently throughout the brain. The diffuse neuropil labeling of G(o), fibrous neuropil labeling of G(i1) and 2, and cytoplasmic labeling of Gs strongly suggests that the G proteins are also differentially distributed morphologically within a neuron. The differential anatomical and cellular location of G proteins in the CNS may contribute to the coupling specificity between neurotransmitter receptors and G proteins.
Optimal medical management of acute attacks of acquired angioedema.

To the Editor: I read with great interest the article by Vanderschueren et al1 in the September 2009 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings regarding monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. The first case provided an excellent overview of the acquired form of angioedema. However, the authors were incorrect in their discussion of the treatment of this disease. It is correct that the first goal is to treat the underlying disorder. The second goal is long-term prophylaxis of acute attacks. This is most commonly achieved with antifibrinolytic agents such as tranexamic acid. I disagree with their discourse on the medical management of acute attacks. Although the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved medications for the indication of acute attacks of acquired angioedema, treatments are available. The preferred treatment is replacement of C1 inhibitor (C1-INH). This can be accomplished by giving either fresh frozen plasma or C1-INH concentrate. There has been a theoretical concern that fresh frozen plasma contains some of the substances, such as C4, that could potentially worsen the clinical course. However, this concern has not been substantiated clinically.2 Cinryze (ViroPharma, Exton, PA), a C1-INH concentrate, was recently approved by the FDA for use in prophylactic treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE).3 Berinert P (CSL Behring, Marburg, Germany) is another form of C1-INH concentrate that has been available in some European countries for many years. It has an excellent track record for both prophylaxis and treatment of acute attacks.4 Because acquired angioedema is often the result of hypercatabolism of C1-INH, one can assume that the dosing required for treatment of hypercatabolism would be higher than that for HAE. Other, much-needed therapeutic options are on the horizon. DX-88 (Ecallantide, Dyax, Cambridge, MA) is a plasma kallikrein inhibitor, and full FDA approval is pending. The mechanism of this medication is to prevent the formation of bradykinin via the kallikrein-kinin system, which is normally inhibited by C1-INH.3 Icatibant (Jerini, Berlin, Germany) is a synthetic decapeptide structurally similar to bradykinin that functions as a specific inhibitor to the bradykinin B2 receptor, thus preventing the clinical picture of angioedema. Despite excellent initial study results, the medication was rejected by the FDA for acute attacks of HAE and is currently undergoing additional investigation. Angioedema in all its forms is a complex disease process. The clinician must have a detailed understanding of its pathophysiology to appreciate the treatment options.
Assessment of the AMSR-E Sea Ice-Concentration Product at the Ice Edge Using RADARSAT-1 and MODIS Imagery

Imagery from the C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) aboard RADARSAT-1 and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) was used to evaluate the performance of the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-EOS (AMSR-E) ice-concentration product near the sea ice edge in the Bering Sea for four days during March 2003, which is concurrent with the AMSRIce03 field/aircraft campaign. The AMSR-E products were observed to perform very well in identifying open-water and pack-ice areas, although the AMSR-E products occasionally underestimate ice concentration in areas with thin ice. The position of the ice edge determined from AMSR-E data using a 15% concentration threshold was found to be, on average, within one AMSR-E grid square (12.5 km) of the ice edge determined from the SAR data, with the AMSR-E edge tending to be outside the SAR-derived edge
Self-sizing networks: local vs. global control

We consider the problem of extending the network "self-sizing" framework to locally controlled networks, in which resource allocation decisions are made at the node level. Schemes for self-sizing and adaptive resource optimization have been proposed in the past for globally controlled networks. We show that by performing online resource allocation at each node based on their local knowledge, we can achieve considerable bandwidth savings, congestion reduction and also satisfy QoS at the packet level. Online traffic measurement based on effective bandwidths has been used as the tool for estimating real time bandwidth allocation, which implicitly guarantees the QoS. Simulation results also suggest that by making some of the nodes aware of their neighbors resource availability, higher self-sizing gains can be attained.
Unconventional Extrahepatic Neovascularization After Transplant Hepatic Artery Thrombosis: A Case Report

Liver neovascularization preserves hepatic function and improves survival in the setting of post-transplant hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT). In this report, we have presented a unique case of a neovascularized liver after subclinical HAT in a 46-year-old liver transplant patient in whom a collateral supply was recruited from three unconventional sources: The right colic, right intercostal, and right inferior adrenal arteries. We propose systematic angiographic evaluation of all potential sources of collateral vessel formation for patients with HAT to accurately assess patient risk and determine the need for further intervention or revascularization.
Electrodeposition of Bismuth Telluride Nanowires for Thermoelectric Applications

Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) and its alloys have long been held as the best bulk commercial thermoelectric (TE) materials. In recent years, significant enhancement of the TE figure of merit (ZT) of these traditional TE materials has been predicted through reduction of dimensions (i.e., nanostructures and nanoengineering). We are particularly interested investigating electrolyte composition variations to control the composition of nanowires to enable large ZT enhancement. We report here the constant current electrochemical deposition of BixTey nanowires of diameters of 35, 55, 73 and 200 nm and lengths up to 50 microns. We are able to obtain controlled, uniform growth of high quality n-type bismuth telluride nanowires. A design of experimental matrix investigating the effects of current density and solution pH values on the overall growth rate and nanowire crystalline quality has been performed. The effects of growth conditions on materials and structural characteristics of BixTey nanowires have been studied by SEM, High Resolution TEM, EDX, concentric beam electron diffraction patterns, and ICP. The TE properties of individual BixTey nanowires are currently being evaluated using micro/nano fabricated devices and UHV Scanning Thermoelectric Microscopy.
The Tornadic Vortex Signature: An Update

AbstractA tornadic vortex signature (TVS) is a degraded Doppler velocity signature of a tornado that occurs when the core region of a tornado is smaller than the half-power beamwidth of the sampling Doppler radar. Soon after the TVS was discovered in the mid-1970s, simulations were conducted to verify that the signature did indeed represent a tornado. The simulations, which used a uniform reflectivity distribution across a Rankine vortex model, indicated that the extreme positive and negative Doppler velocity values of the signature should be separated by about one half-power beamwidth regardless of tornado size or strength. For a Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) with an effective half-power beamwidth of approximately 1.4° and data collected at 1.0° azimuthal intervals, the two extreme Doppler velocity values should be separated by 1.0°. However, with the recent advent of 0.5° azimuthal sampling (“superresolution”) by WSR-88Ds at lower elevation angles, some of the extreme Doppler velocit...
Type-2 Iodothyronine 5′Deiodinase in Skeletal Muscle of C57Bl/6 Mice. I. Identity, Subcellular Localization, and Characterization

RT-PCR shows that mouse skeletal muscle contains type-2 iodothyronine deiodinase (D2) mRNA. However, the D2 activity has been hard to measure. Except for newborn mice, muscle homogenates have no detectable activity. However, we have reported D2 activity in mouse muscle microsomes. As the mRNA, activity is higher in slow- than in fast-twitch muscle. We addressed here the major problems in measuring D2 activity in muscle by: homogenizing muscle in high salt to improve yield of membranous structures; separating postmitochondrial supernatant between 38 and 50% sucrose, to eliminate lighter membranes lacking D2; washing these with 0.1 m Na2CO3 to eliminate additional contaminating proteins; pretreating all buffers with Chelex, to eliminate catalytic metals; and eliminating the EDTA from the assay, as this can bind iron that enhances dithiothreitol oxidation and promotes peroxidation reactions. Maximum velocity of T3 generation by postgradient microsomes from red muscles was approximately 1100 fmol/(h · mg) pro...
The cell graphs of cancer

Summary: We report a novel, proof-of-concept, computational method that models a type of brain cancer (glioma) only by using the topological properties of its cells in the tissue image. From low-magnification (80×) tissue images of 384 × 384 pixels, we construct the graphs of the cells based on the locations of the cells within the images. We generate such cell graphs of 1000--3000 cells (nodes) with 2000--10 000 links, each of which is calculated as a decaying exponential function of the Euclidean distance between every pair of cells in accordance with the Waxman model. At the cellular level, we compute the graph metrics of the cell graphs, including the degree, clustering coefficient, eccentricity and closeness for each cell. Working with a total of 285 tissue samples surgically removed from 12 different patients, we demonstrate that the self-organizing clusters of cancerous cells exhibit distinctive graph metrics that distinguish them from the healthy cells and the unhealthy inflamed cells at the cellular level with an accuracy of at least 85%. At the tissue level, we accomplish correct tissue classifications of cancerous, healthy and non-neoplastic inflamed tissue samples with an accuracy of 100% by requiring correct classification for the majority of the cells within the tissue sample.
Recent Developments In Diffraction Theory And Their Effect On The Design Of Ultrasonic Inspection Systems

Significant recent developments in elastic wave scattering theory are discussed in terms of their effect on the use of ultrasonics for quantitative flaw characterization in structural materials. The discussion begins with an introduction on nondestructive evaluation (NDE) describing the need for a quantitative ultrasonics technology that includes a knowledge of the fundamental ultrasound-flaw interaction and the ability to apply that knowledge in practice. Our present level of understanding is then illustrated using several examples of theoretical results for both direct and inverse scattering problems. Very little mathematical detail is employed in the discussion with the emphasis placed, rather, on graphically displaying results and showing differing effects for different scatterers. Concluding the discussion is a description of a new, sophisticated ultrasonic test instrument, an ultrasonic test bed, under construction at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. This facility, when completed, will allow for the testing and practical implementation of existing and emerging advanced ultrasonic concepts such as described here.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Correlation between glomerular size and long-term renal function in patients with substantial loss of renal mass.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and progressive renal failure have been reported in reduced renal mass models. However, these findings are not consistent across all species. Increased intracapillary pressure and chronic glomerular hyperfiltration have been shown to contribute to this progression. Studies also have shown that a strong correlation exists between higher glomerular size and the degree of glomerular sclerosis that develops following loss of functioning nephrons.Materials and Methods: To evaluate the relationship between glomerular size and long-term renal function following massive renal mass removal we describe 9 patients with less than 50% renal mass. All patients had undergone initial nephrectomy followed by partial second nephrectomy, with 30% to 50% of the second kidney excised for localized tumor.Results: In 3 patients moderate to severe renal failure developed. Mean planar glomerular area (MPA) was 29.45 ± 2.2 mm3 for all patients. Multivariate linear regression anal...
Effects of Osteopontin Deficiency and Aging on Nanomechanics of Mouse Bone

Osteopontin (OPN), a phosphorylated glycoprotein, is among the most abundant non-collageneous bone matrix proteins produced by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. OPN has been implicated in bone formation, resorption and remodeling. However, previous studies have presented contradictory results regarding the effect of OPN on the mechanics and microstructure of bone. This study has used nanoindentation to identify local variations in elastic modulus and hardness of OPN deficient (OPN -/-) and wild-type control (OPN+/+) mouse bones. Specifically, the study has looked at changes in the mechanical properties of OPN-/- and OPN+/+ mouse bones with the mouse's age. Cortical sections of femurs from different age groups ranging from 3 weeks to 58 weeks were tested and compared. The results suggest that there are large, abrupt variations in mechanical properties across the femur's radial section for 3-week-old mouse bone. The hardness (H) drops significantly towards the inner and outer sections so the cortical bone has a mean H=3.66 GPa with a standard deviation of 2.44 GPa. In contrast, the hardness of the 58-week-old mouse bone had a standard deviation of 0.35 GPa and a mean H=1.45 GPa. The hardness across the radial axis of the 58-week-old bone was found to be quite uniform. The elastic modulus showed similar variations to the hardness with respect to age and position on the bone. We conclude that the mechanical properties of the mouse bones decrease substantially with maturity, and statistically the hardness and elastic modulus are more uniform in mature bones than young ones. Surprisingly we found a similar variation in both OPN-/- and OPN+/+ bones, with no statistically significant difference in the mechanical properties of the OPN -/- and OPN+/+ bones. The results for OPN-/- and OPN+/+ mouse bones are particularly important as control of OPN activity has been postulated as a potential treatment for bone pathologies that exhibit a change in the bone mineralization, such as osteoporosis, osteopetrosis and Paget's disease. Understanding the effects of OPN on bone mechanics is a vital step in the development of these new treatments.
Phenotype and prognosis in African-Americans with multiple sclerosis: a retrospective chart review

Context There is an emerging body of literature regarding multiple sclerosis (MS) in African-Americans (AA) that suggests more rapid progression and a worse prognosis in this group. A phenotype of opticospinal MS has been proposed by some publications.Objective To determine whether AA with MS have a different clinical phenotype, different distribution of clinical subtypes, and/or different levels of disability than Caucasians (CA) with MS. Specifically, is the disability attributable to severe cerebellar disease, which limits ambulation and function? Design: Retrospective chart analyses of a patient cohort from an academic MS center.Patients A total of 86 AA were identified with MS, 79 were followed for ≥5 years. The control group consisted of 80 randomly-selected CA with MS and similar follow-up.Outcome measures EDSS at diagnosis, five-year follow-up, and last follow-up; time to walking assistance device; disease subtype; involved functional systems.Results AA MS patients displayed more cerebellar dysfun...
Distribution of Programs for a System with Dynamic Architecture

This paper elaborates on basic software techniques for distributing the hardware resource among user programs computed by a multicomputer system with a dynamic architecture. The system can switch the hardware resources into the minimal sized computers required for computations and initiate the unused resources into execution of additional program streams. Thus it maximizes the number of parallel program streams computed by the same set of resources.
Children's Eyewitness Identification as Implicit Moral Decision-Making

Summary Why are young children particularly prone to make false positive errors or false alarms when identifying a wrongdoer? In three studies, the problem was approached using a signal detection analysis, focusing on the moral costs of false alarms, as understood at different points in development. The findings are as follows: (i) decisional criteria became more conservative, indicating fewer false alarms, with age in three studies; (ii) children's beliefs about the seriousness of false alarms and misses changed from (a) a non-moral concern to (b) a moral concern for misses to (c) a moral concern for false alarms. (iii) These findings were replicated in two demographically different communities. More critically, (iv) framing of the filmed event, for example, as a moral transgression (stealing) or a pro-social (helping) act (Study 1) and as intentional with little damage or unintentional with major damage (Study 3), interacts with age in influencing decisional criteria. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of the relative toxicities of Shiga-like toxins type I and type II for mice.

In earlier studies using a streptomycin-treated mouse model of infection caused by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), animals fed Shiga-like toxin type II (SLT-II)-producing strains developed acute renal cortical necrosis and died, while mice fed Shiga-like toxin type I (SLT-I)-producing clones did not die (E. A. Wadolkowski, L. M. Sung, J. A. Burris, J. E. Samuel, and A. D. O9Brien, Infect. Immun. 58:3959-3965, 1990). To examine the bases for the differences we noted between the two toxins in the murine infection model, we injected mice with purified toxins and carried out histopathological examinations. Despite the genetic and structural similarities between the two toxins, SLT-II had a 50% lethal dose (LD50) which was approximately 400 times lower than that of SLT-I when injected intravenously or intraperitoneally into mice. Histopathologic examination of toxin-injected mice revealed that detectable damage was limited to renal cortical tubule epithelial cells. Passive administration of anti-SLT-II antibodies protected mice from SLT-II-mediated kidney damage and death. Immunofluorescence staining of normal murine kidney sections incubated with purified SLT-I or SLT-II demonstrated that both toxins bound to cortical tubule and medullary duct epithelial cells. Compared with SLT-I, SLT-II was more heat and pH stable, suggesting that SLT-II is a relatively more stable macromolecule. Although both toxins bound to globotriaosylceramide, SLT-I bound with a higher affinity in a solid-phase binding assay. Differences in enzymatic activity between the two toxins were not detected. These data suggest that structural/functional differences between the two toxins, possibly involving holotoxin stability and/or receptor affinity, may contribute to the differential LD50s in mice.
Experimental Evaluation of Adaptive Elastomeric Base-Isolated Structures Using Variable-Orifice Fluid Dampers

An experimental study of a base-isolated, 1:4 scale, three-story steel frame is presented. The isolation system incorporates laminated rubber (elastomeric) bearings combined with variable-orifice fluid dampers. The dynamic behavior of the variable-orifice dampers is modulated in accordance with an H∞ optimal feedback control algorithm. An experimental shaking table test program was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the variable-orifice dampers in reducing the dynamic response of the isolated test structure when subjected to both near-field and far-field earthquake records. The experimental test results demonstrate that the adaptive isolation system can significantly reduce the superstructure response compared to a conventional passive isolation system. In addition, analytical models of the isolated test structure were developed and calibrated via experimental system identification testing. Numerical simulations of the experimental tests demonstrate that the analytical models are well suited for descri...
Sleep disturbances in depressed and nondepressed pregnant women

Background: Sleep disturbances and symptoms of depression are common during pregnancy. Both are independent and interrelated risk factors for adverse outcomes. It is unclear the degree to which sleep differs between depressed and nondepressed pregnant women. We sought to (1) describe and compare sleep disturbances in depressed pregnant and nondepressed pregnant women, (2) determine the impact of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) treatment on sleep, and (3) evaluate whether sleep at 20 weeks is associated with increased depressive symptoms and major depressive disorder (MDD) in later pregnancy. Methods: Pregnant women (N = 240) were recruited in the second trimester (20 weeks gestation) and assigned to depressed (N = 59) and nondepressed (N = 181) groups based on a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV diagnosis of major depressive disorder. The Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Rating Scale with Atypical Depression Supplement was administered at 20, 30, and 36 weeks gestation from which the sleep variables were obtained. Results: Depressed women had more fragmented sleep at each assessment (P values≤.05). However, the frequency of insomnia symptoms was greater for depressed women only at 20 weeks gestation. SSRI use, regardless of MDD status, did significantly affect several sleep variables. Among the nondepressed women, those with short or longer sleep duration, symptoms of insomnia and long periods of nocturnal waketime had higher Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Rating Scale with Atypical Depression Supplement scores later in pregnancy (P values≤.05). Conclusions: At 20 and 30 weeks gestation sleep was more disturbed in depressed pregnant women compared to nondepressed pregnant women. At 36 weeks, sleep was disturbed regardless of depression status or SSRI use. Among the nondepressed women, disturbed sleep in conjunction with SSRI use was associated with higher depressive symptoms. Depression and Anxiety 0:1-10, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Language: en
SHIFTING SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF METRO AREAS

This paper reviews traditional theoretic arguments for metro size distribution as an outcome of technical characteristics of production and the nature of demand for commodities and compares theoretical expectations with actual population growth experience in metro areas. Rigorous comparisons of actual with expected growth, however, are very difficult due to problems in making operational definitions of “place”, “intermediate size” and “metropolitan”. Despite these practical difficulties the actual record of growth by size class is reviewed for the U.S. since 1900 and for the countries of the European Community since 1950. The theoretical distribution is computed from the frequency distribution deduced by Losch which is calibrated to discrete size intervals according to Zipf and compared with actual distributions for U.S. counties, U.S. Standard Metropolitan Areas and EEC Functional Urban Regions. On the basis of these multiple comparisons it is concluded that somewhere perhaps as early as the 1940s and certainly by 1970 there was a strong shift in favor of intermediate size areas, but that by the early 1980s that this shift was weakening with indications of a lag in the adjustment in Europe compared with the U.S.
Identification of Limiting Factors for Improving Design Modularity

In previous work, the idea of designing for the life cycle (DFLC) was investigated through the improvement of product architectures with an emphasis on increasing modularity. In this paper, that work is extended by developing a method for suggesting changes to the product to improve the correspondence between modules from different life-cycle viewpoints. Based on an analogy to the determination of critical paths in network analysis, the identification of limiting factors in a candidate design is intended to assist the designer in recognizing design changes that have the greatest impact on improving recyclability. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how the identification of limiting factors can be used to improve product recyclability during configuration design. A general method for identifying and prioritizing the limiting factors is presented and applied in the context of improving recyclability. This method is shown to be capable of efficiently determining effective design changes to improve product modularity and recyclability. It is argued that the concept of limiting factors and the developed method are applicable to many different configuration design issues and not limited to recycling or even other DFLC issues. A validation of the limiting factor identification method is presented using a Genetic Algorithm and an exhaustive search.
Pretreatment of Anxiety Before Cervical Spine Surgery Improves Clinical Outcomes: A Prospective, Single-Institution Experience.

Background Affective disorders such as depression and anxiety have been shown to contribute to inferior outcomes after spine surgery. A high baseline level of anxiety is associated with refractory postoperative pain and patient dissatisfaction with surgery. The aim of this prospective study is to assess whether the pretreatment of anxiety before spine surgery improves patient reported outcomes 1-year after an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedure. Methods A total of 27 adult patients with a known history of anxiety disorder (pretreated cohort: 11 patients, control cohort: 16 patients) undergoing ACDF at Duke University Medical Center were included in this study. All patients were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at least 6 months before surgery by a board-certified psychiatrist. Enrollment criteria included available demographic, surgical, and clinical outcomes data. All patients had prospectively collected patient reported outcomes measures and a minimum 1-year follow-up. Patients completed the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Short-Form 12 (SF-12), and visual analog scale (VAS) before surgery then at 6 weeks, and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Clinical outcomes and complication rates were compared between both patient cohorts. Results Baseline characteristics were similar between both cohorts. At baseline, there were no significant differences between cohorts in NDI ( P = 0.11), SF-12 PCS ( P = 0.63), SF-12 MCS ( P = 0.90), and VAS neck pain ( P = 0.80). There was no nerve root injury or incidental durotomy in either cohort. At 6 months after surgery, patients in the pretreated cohort reported significantly lower postoperative pain compared to the control cohort ( P = 0.01). These results were durable through 1 year ( P = 0.02). At 1 year, patients who were pretreated for anxiety before surgery reported significantly lower postoperative neck pain scores compared with the control cohort ( P = 0.02). Conclusion Our study demonstrates that pretreatment of anxiety before cervical spine surgery results in a significant reduction in postoperative neck pain scores and may be a viable management strategy for patients with coexisting affective disorders and cervical spine pathology. Patients awaiting spine surgery should routinely be assessed for anxiety before surgery, and interventions to reduce and treat anxiety should be provided.
Comparison of Potassium Transport in Three Structurally Distinct Regions of The Insect Midgut

1.Active potassium transport across the isolated midgut of the Tobacco Hornworm larva, Manduca sexta, was studied by measuring the short circuit current (ISC) and unidirectional 42-potassium fluxes. 2.The midgut is composed of structurally distinct anterior, middle and posterior regions, all of which are shown to transport potassium, so that by comparing and contrasting their structural and functional properties new information on the mechanism of midgut potassium transport was obtained. 3.It has previously been shown that the potassium pump is located on the apical membrane of the goblet cell. In the anterior and middle regions of the midgut the goblet cell has a large cavity and mitochondria are closely associated with the apical membrane while in the posterior midgut the goblet cavity is much smaller, and mitochondria are not associated with the apical membrane. However, the apical membrane particles which have been implicated in active potassium transport in a number of other insect epithelia are present in all three regions. This observation suggests that the particles are a structural requirement for active transport, and that close association between mitochondria and the transporting membrane is not essential. 4.Comparison of the kinetic influx pool size and the differences in the ISC decay profiles between the three midgut regions suggest that part of the influx pool is a transported pool located in the goblet cavity. 5.A new model to explain the driving force for potassium transport in the midgut is proposed, in which the rate of potassium transport controls the entrance of potassium into the cell, rather than the opposite, currently accepted view.
Evaluation of Mechanical Properties at the Knit Line Interface in a Complex Multi-Cell PVC Extrusion

In order to form internal cells in PVC extrusions, the die requires an insert or internal member that the material flows past. These inserts are supported to the outer die structure by so-called spiders that pass through the extrusion wall. The extruded material must separate and the recombine as it passes over the spider. The material must then form a bond at this interface shortly before exiting the die. These interfaces are referred to as knit-lines. In a recent project involving a large and complex PVC extrusion, difficulty was encountered in developing these knit lines within the webs of the extrusions. Upon visual inspection, these interfaces appeared to be without bond over portions of the cross section. However, mechanical testing in the worst knits revealed that bonding had occurred with the knit providing 85% or the bulk material strength although without support any significant ductility. At the same time, knits at different parts of the extrusions showed ductility comparable with the base material. Altering the process variables showed a means for improvement in the webs but this was limited by other constraints. While these knits were sufficiently strong for short duration loading, the real question was the time dependent strength such as creep rupture over long times and how the behavior of the knit compared with the bulk material. In this work we describe the character of the knitlines and the resulting mechanical properties. We then discuss the preliminary results of accelerated creep rupture tests which indicate that the creep rupture behavior of the partially interfaces follow a time temperature superposition relationship allowing accelerated prediction of the knit-line rupture. We propose a model for
Techniques and applications of KDD

Increasing amounts of data are collected in application domains as diverse as finance, market data analysis, astronomy, manufacturing, and education. Large datasets can lead to knowledge essential in domain understanding and decision-making, but knowledge discovery requires intelligent and largely automatic methods and systems, supporting the analysts. The rapidly emerging field of Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD) provides these tools. It also assimilates methods of machine learning and discovery, statistics, databases, and visualization.
The Ecology of Language Evolution: The Founder Principle in the development of creoles

The original title of this chapter was “the Founder Principle in creole genesis.” I have modified it here because, as pointed out in the Preface, the established phrase creole genesis is misleading. Although there has been a great deal of interest in the origins of creoles' structural features, much of the research in genetic creolistics has been on the development of these vernaculars, which was a protracted process. Such scholarship has also focused on their identification as separate varieties, hence on the speciation of their lexifiers into diverse new varieties. The latter interest has justified discussing creoles' “life cycles” too, for instance whether or not they have “decreolized,” i.e., lost their basilectal features and become structurally closer to their acrolects. These concerns all remain in the present chapter, and I find the term development of creoles truer to the subject matter. This essay is not the first in which I have elaborated my population genetics approach. That distinction goes to “Creole genesis: a population genetics perspective,” presented at the meeting of the Society for Pidgin and Creole Linguistics, at the University of Amsterdam in 1993, but published only a couple of months before this one, in 1996 (cited here as Mufwene 1996b). However, in the present essay, I had an opportunity not only to articulate my hypotheses more explicitly but also to sketch out a long-term research agenda with several questions and issues that I would address in later essays.
Abstract 111: Paradoxical Exacerbation of Arrhythmias by the Cardioprotective Mitochondrial K-ATP Channel Agonist Diazoxide in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular complications including ischemia reperfusion injury (IR). Activation of mitochondrial KATP channels by Diazoxide (DZX) promotes beta cell rest and suppresses glucose production in patients. We hypothesized that DZX prevents IR arrhythmias in T2DM owing to its dual cardioprotective & antidiabetic property. Methods: Obese Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats (n=17) with established T2DM were studied. Control groups consisted of lean ZDF (n=6) and normal Sprague Dawley (n=10) rats. High resolution optical action potential (AP) mapping was performed in hearts before and after challenge with no flow ischemia for 12min followed by reperfusion. Results: Basal properties including rate dependence of conduction velocity (CV) and AP duration (APD) were not significantly (p=NS) altered in T2DM. Remarkably, ischemia uncovered major differences between groups as APD in T2DM failed to adapt to the ischemic challenge. Unlike APD, CV was reduced in all...
SILANE REDUCTIONS IN ACIDIC MEDIA. 10. IONIC HYDROGENATION OF CYCLOALKENES. STEREOSELECTIVITY AND MECHANISM

Die beiden Olefine (I) und (IV) werden durch eine Vielzahl von Silanen (II) zu den gesattigten Verbindungen (III) bzw. (V) reduziert.
Surveillance of infectious diarrhea in Dongguan, 2012

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics and distribution of epidemic strains of cholera and other key infectious diarrhea in Dongguan in 2012 and provide evidence for the prevention and control. Method The epidemiology analysis was conducted on the data of symptom and etiological surveillance of cholera and other key infectious diarrhea in 2012. Results The proportion of diarrhea cases was 4.15%. The epidemic peak was from October to December.The pathogens were detected in 268 samples, with a positive rate of 31.98%.The viral diarrhea showed obvious seasonal pattern.The prevalent virus was rotavirus from October to December,and norovirus from February to September.The proportion of diarrhea cases and the total outpatients clinic cases was positively correlated with the detection rate of the pathogen(correlation coefficient:0.66,P 0.05). Conclusions The incidence peaks of infectious diarrhea were in autumn and winter in Dongguan. The predominant strain varied with season. The focus group of diarrhea virus infection was the children of 0-1 age group.
Therapist Attitudes Towards Evidence-Based Practice: A Joint Factor Analysis

Despite the accumulated research support for the use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) with youth, these treatment approaches remain underutilized in community settings. Therapist attitudes towards EBPs play a pivotal role in their adoption and implementation of these practices. The present investigation employs joint exploratory factor analysis to evaluate the structure of two measures of therapist attitudes, the Evidence-Based Practices Attitudes Scale and the Modified Practice Attitude Scale. Results suggest three factors including (a) importance of clinical experience over EBPs, (b) clinician openness to change, and (c) problems with EBPs. Recommendations are provided for future evaluation of therapist attitudes and associated characteristics.
Perioperative Considerations for Children With Right Ventricular Dysfunction and Failing Fontan

The survival of patients with congenital heart diseases (CHD) has increased in the past decades, resulting in the identification of new characteristics of chronic comorbidities observed in pediatric and adults with CHD. Patients with CHD can present with a broad clinical spectrum of manifestations of congestive heart failure (CHF) at any point throughout their lives that may be related to anatomical or surgical variables. This article focuses on the perioperative assessment of patients with CHD and CHF, with an emphasis on pathophysiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic alternatives in patients with right ventricular failure and failing Fontan circulation. We also provide descriptions of the effects of sedatives and anesthetics commonly used in this population in diagnostic or invasive procedures.
Knowing what you know: improving metacomprehension and calibration accuracy in digital text

This paper presents results from an experimental study that examined embedded strategy prompts in digital text and their effects on calibration and metacomprehension accuracies. A sample population of 80 college undergraduates read a digital expository text on the basics of photography. The most robust treatment (mixed) read the text, generated a summary for each page of text, and then was prompted with a metacognitive strategy. The metacognitive treatment received metacognitive strategy prompts only, and the cognitive group implemented the cognitive strategy (summarization) only. A control group read the text with no embedded support. Groups were compared on measures of achievement, attitudes, cognitive load, and metacomprehension and calibration accuracy. Results indicated that a combination of embedded cognitive and metacognitive strategies in digital text improved learner achievement on application-level questions, yielded more accurate predictive calibration, and strengthened the relationship between metacomprehension and performance, all of which are common attributes of an academically successful learner.