cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human sodium/inositol cotransporter 2 (SMIT2) transports inositols but not glucose in L6 cells

Abstract To characterize the function of the sodium/inositol symporter SMIT2 in skeletal muscle, human SMIT2 cDNA was transfected into L6 myoblasts using pcDNA3.1 expression vector. Compared with the pcDNA3.1 vector only transfection, this overexpression increased the uptake of [3H] d -chiro-inositol (DCI) by 159-fold. [3H]myo-Inositol uptake increased by 37-fold. In contrast, [14C] d -glucose, [14C]2-deoxy- d -glucose, or [14C]3-O-methyl- d -glucose uptake remained unchanged in the presence of either 0, 5.5, or 25 mM unlabeled glucose. The Km of DCI and myo-inositol for DCI uptake was 111.0 and 158.0 μM, respectively, whereas glucose competed for DCI uptake with a Ki of 6.1 mM. Insulin treatment of non-transfected L6 cells (2 μM for 24 h) increased [3H]DCI specific uptake 18-fold. DCI transport is up regulated by insulin and competitively inhibited by millimolar levels of glucose. Therefore, expression and/or function of SMIT2, a high affinity transporter specific for DCI and myo-inositol, may be reduced in diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance and polycystic ovary syndrome causing the abnormal DCI metabolism observed in these conditions.
Mutation rates and equilibrium selection under stochastic evolutionary dynamics

We examine an evolutionary model in which the mutation rate varies with the strategy. Bergin and Lipman (Econometrica 64:943–956, 1996) show that equilibrium selection using stochastic evolutionary processes depends on the specification of mutation rates. We offer a characterization of how mutation rates determine the selection of Nash equilibria in 2 × 2 symmetric coordination games for single and double limits of the small mutation rate and the large population size. We prove that the restrictions on mutation rates which ensure that the risk-dominated equilibrium is selected are the same for both orders of limits.
Devoted to Death: Santa Muerte, the Skeleton Saint

In Devoted to Death, R. Andrew Chesnut, the Bishop Walter Sullivan Chair in Catholic Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, addresses an inherently intriguing topic: the burgeoning devotion t...
Hold the Presses: A Commentary on the Effects of Media Coverage of Fatalities on the Child Welfare System

Child fatalities initiate a formidable exchange between the media and child welfare services. The impact affects the families involved, staff and administrators of public and private child welfare agencies, and the community. The media role to provide the public with information in a prompt manner can be at odds with the child welfare administrator's desire to improve practice for all children. In many jurisdictions, the relationship between the media and the child welfare organization is weak, if not adversarial. This commentary poses questions for debate and suggests that the media and child welfare need to have an ongoing relationship where both are focused on informing the public as a continuous process.
A Method of Closing Laparoscopy Port Incisions Using a Modified Veress Needle

A new method of closing laparoscopy port incisions uses a modified Veress needle. The device easily closes the fascia and peritoneum, which should prevent incisional hernias at these sites. It adds little if any cost to laparoscopic procedures. It has been used in 28 patients with satisfactory results.
Methadone Deaths in Pain and Addiction Populations

To the Editors: —The article in your April 2010 edition by Modesto-Lowe et al.1 titled “Methadone Deaths: Risk Factors in Pain and Addicted Populations” provided an excellent discussion of methadone in opioid addiction treatment. However, we found that their discussion regarding methadone use as an analgesic understated the risks and overstated our ability to reduce these risks. As the authors discussed, the high rate of methadone mortality is due to two very unfavorable properties which are unique to methadone among the marketed opioids. First, methadone use has a risk of death from Torsade de pointes. Modesto-Lowe et al.1 devote a great deal of discussion to reducing methadone mortality by reducing the risk of Torsade de pointes. However, of 5,503 adverse events from methadone reported from 1969 to October 2002, only 0.78% were for Torsades de pointes and 0.29% were for QT prolongation2. Thus, while attempting to reduce the incidence of Torsade de pointes is certainly worthwhile, it is not likely to have a major impact on reducing methadone mortality. As noted by Modesto-Lowe et al.1, the second of methadone’s very unfavorable properties is that its respiratory depressant effect persists much longer than its analgesic effect. This inherent property of methadone cannot be altered by risk reduction strategies. Repeated dosing to control pain often leads to drug accumulation causing respiratory depression resulting in hypoxic brain injury or death. Citing Trescot et al.3 and Shaiova et al.4, Modesto-Lowe et al.1 stated that methadone treatment for chronic pain has increased because of its long half-life, efficacy and low cost. However, the long-half life of methadone is for its respiratory depressant effect, not for its desired analgesic activity. Trescot et al.3 found that the evidence for the efficacy of methadone in reducing pain and improving functional status for 6 months or longer is the weakest Level III (indeterminate). Shaiova et al.4 advocated the use of intravenous methadone in palliative care of patients with life-limiting illnesses, a much different patient population and method of administration than the vast majority of chronic pain patients being treated with methadone. Thus, the only real advantage of methadone for most chronic pain patients with non-terminal illnesses is its somewhat lower cost. Mandating methadone as a first-line analgesic by third-party payers is a root cause of methadone mortality5. A small financial savings does not justify the routine prescribing of this very dangerous analgesic.
The college library assistant director: Serving at the pleasure

Abstract This article reports on the results of a survey of 164 assistant library directors (ADs) at 137 comprehensive and liberal arts institutions. Findings indicate that while professional credentials, method of appointment, and career expectations were fairly consistent among the ADs, their position responsibilities varied greatly—largely in response to the directors' preferences.
A radio/infrared/optical study of candidate supernova remnants from the Clark Lake 30.9 MHz Galactic plane survey

In this paper, it is shown that more than half of the SNR candidates from the first Galactic quadrant in the Clark Lake 30.9 MHz survey show independent evidence of being associated with SNRs. In most cases, these appear to be low surface brightness SNRs which have escaped detection in the past. About a fifth of the candidates should be strongly considered for classification as new SNRs, and a third of these are also probable IR sources, consistent with the detected fraction of known Galactic SNRs seen in a recent IR survey. Two of the confirmed candidates share the characteristic of appearing considerably larger at 30.9 MHz than they do at centimeter or optical wavelengths. This characteristic suggests the possibility of extended, low surface brightness emission that may extend considerably beyond the nominal boundaries of some SNRs. 27 refs.
A strategic contingency model of multinational corporate structure

This paper develops a model of multinational corporate structure in which each of the five structures—worldwide product, worldwide functional, area, international division and matrix—is explained in terms of domain parameters, management orientation and generic strategy. The strategic contingency model (SCM) is developed by integrating recent theoretical and empirical literature into one holistic model. The SCM delineates specific independent variable relationships which predict multinational corporate structure and explains anomalies in recent research finds.
Effects of Mutations in the Insulin-like Growth Factor Signaling System on Embryonic Pancreas Development and β-Cell Compensation to Insulin Resistance

Insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGF) play overlapping and complementary roles in pancreatic beta-cell function and peripheral metabolism. In this study, we have analyzed mice bearing loss-of-function mutations of the insulin/IGF signaling systems. Combined inactivation of insulin receptor (Insr) and Igf1 receptor (Igf1r), but not of either receptor alone, resulted in a 90% decrease in the size of the exocrine pancreas, because of decreased cellular proliferation. In contrast to the findings in the exocrine compartment, endocrine alpha- and beta-cell development was unperturbed. Combined ablation of Igf1 and Igf2, the ligands for these two receptors, resulted in an identical phenotype. We also examined the effect of heterozygous null Igf1r mutations on glucose homeostasis in adult mice. Igf1r haploinsufficiency did not affect insulin action and compensatory beta-cell growth in insulin-resistant mice with combined Insr and Igf1r heterozygous null mutations, resulting in a considerably milder phenotype than combined haploinsufficiency for Insr and its main signaling substrates, Irs1 and Irs2. We conclude that Igf1r and Insr are required for embryonic development of the exocrine but not of the endocrine pancreas and that defects of Igf1r do not alter glucose homeostasis as long as the insulin receptor system remains intact.
Three Book Reviews

This issue of the Archives contains reviews of three books: Robert Leestma and Herbert J. Walberg (Eds.), Japanese Educational Productivity, reviewed by Steven J. Fountaine, Thomas Sowell, Inside American Education: The Decline, the Deception, the Dogmas, reviewed by Susan Haag, Chester E. Finn Jr. and Theodor Rebarbar (Eds.), Education Reform in the '90s, reviewed by Kent Parades Scribner
A.c. electrical properties of composite solid electrolytes

Abstract An improved effective-medium model to describe a.c. electrical properties of composite electrolytes is proposed in the light of its microstructure. Three characteristic volume fractions, two percolation thresholds ( ν 2 ′, ν 2 ″ ) for percolation of interface bondsand disruption of conducting paths, and ν 2 ∗ corresponding to the maximum enhancement in conductivity, are obtained from this model. The effect of microstructure parameters, such as grain size and size distribution, and grain volume fraction on the three characteristic volume fractions and a.c. electrical properties is discussed in detail. The results obtained by the theoretical model are consistent with the present experimental results.
A terrestrial field experiment showing the impact of eliminating top predators on foliage damage

CERTAIN ecological models1,2 predict that the impact of top predators on plants (producers) usually depends on the number of trophic levels in the food web: with three levels the impact is positive, whereas with four it is negative. These models assume that each of the nonbasal levels eats only the next level down. Indeed, freshwater pelagic systems show the predicted response when a fourth trophic level (piscivorous fish) is experimentally added to a three-level food web3,4. In terrestrial systems, however, the top predator, if insectivorous, typically feeds on more than one trophic level5. This 'closed-loop omnivory'6, which may also characterize certain aquatic systems, necessitates a different model. Anolis lizards are often such top predators on small islands in the Bahamas7, eating both carnivorous and herbivorous arthropods8–10. Numbers of web-spiders on islands without lizards are about 10 times those on islands with lizards11,12 and in experimental enclosures with lizards removed are 3 times those in enclosures with lizards at natural densities13,14. Total leaf damage (by area) to buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) on islands without lizards is 1.5 times that on islands with lizards15. These results indicate that lizards reduce the overall damage from herbivorous arthropods, even though they also reduce the numbers of web spiders which eat some herbivorous arthropods. Here we report on an experiment with lizards, spiders, herbivorous arthropods and sea grape, that indicates that the impact of top predators on producers depends on the relative strengths of interactions among the upper tropic levels. The impact is predicted to be positive if herbivorous arthropods are more prone to be eaten by lizards than by spiders (Fig. 1, model A) and negative if vice versa (model B). Experimental removal of lizards both increased scar damage on sea grape leaves, produced by homopterans and other organisms, and decreased damage produced by gall midges, indicating that the food web is a composite of models A and B (Fig. 1, model C). Contrary to the experiments in freshwater pelagic systems with four trophic levels, the net effect of top predators on producers was positive, apparently because the model A pathway predominates.
Alternative test sequences for HIV screening of donated blood.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is extremely rare among volunteer blood donors. The highly sensitive Enzyme Linked Immunoassay (ELISA) test and the highly specific Western blot confirmation constitute the test sequence now used to minimize the possibility of transfusion associated HIV infection and to minimize the loss of donors due to false positive test results. The estimated operating characteristies for the test sequence permit the estimation of true infection rates which may be higher or lower than “observed” rates among subcategories of blood donors with progressively lower prevalence rates. The probability that a positive test result indicates true infection also declines with decreasing prevalence. The potential benefits of changing the test sequence so that complete HIV screening is implemented only for donations which are hepatitis-free include a reduction in the costs of Western blot testing and donor counseling, a reduction in the number of donors who use the blood bank inappropriately for personal HIV testing, and a more explicit recognition of the false positive problem when counseling donors.
Methylmercury effects on the social behavior of Macaca fascicularis infants

Abstract Observations of the social behavior of Macca fascicularis exposed in utero to methylmercury (MeHg) and nonexposed control infants were performed as part of a study of the toxic, reproductive and developmental effects of maternal MeHg intake. Infants were tested twice weekly from 2 weeks to 8 months of age. Data were summarized into 6 categories of social behavior and 7 categories of nonsocial behavior. Analysis of the most prevalent behavior indicated that MeHg-exposed offspring exhibited a decrease in social play behavior and a concomitant increase in nonsocial passive behavior. The MeHg effect on social play behavior tended to decrease with age, while the group differences in nonsocial passive behavior tended to increase. The results indicate that maternal intake of MeHg during pregnancy can affect the social development of infant primates by suppressing social interactions and increasing nonsocial behavior.
A graphical method for assessing risk factor threshold values using the generalized additive model: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis

Continuous variable dichotomization is a popular technique used in the estimation of the effect of risk factors on health outcomes in multivariate regression settings. Researchers follow this practice in order to simplify data analysis, which it unquestionably does. However thresholds used to dichotomize those variables are usually ad-hoc, based on expert opinions, or mean, median or quantile splits and can add bias to the effect of the risk factors on specific outcomes and underestimate such effect. In this paper, we suggest the use of a semi-parametric method and visualization for improvement of the threshold selection in variable dichotomization while accounting for mixture distributions in the outcome of interest and adjusting for covariates. For clinicians, these empirically based thresholds of risk factors, if they exist, could be informative in terms of the highest or lowest point of a risk factor beyond which no additional impact on the outcome should be expected.
Towards a procedure to automatically improve finite element solutions by interpolation covers

In a previous paper (Kim and Bathe, 2013) [1], we introduced a scheme to improve finite element displacement and stress solutions by the use of interpolation covers. In the present paper we show how the scheme can be used to automatically improve finite element solutions. As in Ref. (Kim and Bathe, 2013) [1], we focus on the use of the low-order finite elements for the analysis of solids, namely, the 3-node triangular and 4-node tetrahedral elements with the use of interpolation covers. An error indicator is employed to automatically establish which order cover to apply at the finite element mesh nodes to best improve the accuracy of the solution. Some two- and three-dimensional problems are solved to illustrate the procedure.
Longitudinal analysis of the lung microbiome in lung transplantation

Lung transplant recipients experience poor long-term survival, largely due to chronic rejection. The pathogenesis of chronic rejection is incompletely understood, but bacterial colonization of the lung is associated with chronic rejection, while antibiotic use slows its progression. The lung harbors a bacterial community, termed the microbiome, which is present both in health and disease. We hypothesize that the lung microbiome will change following transplantation, and these changes may correspond to the development of rejection. Twelve bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were obtained from four patients at three time points after transplantation, and two BALF samples were obtained from healthy, nontransplant controls. The microbiome of each sample was determined by pyrosequencing the 16S rRNA gene hypervariable 3 region. The data were analyzed using mothur, Ribosomal Database Project Classifier, Fast UniFrac, and Metastats. Transplanted lungs contained more bacterial sequences and demonstrated more microbial diversity than did control lungs. Bacteria in the phyla Proteobacteria (class Betaproteobacteria) predominated in the transplant samples. In contrast, the microbiome of the healthy lung consisted of the phyla Proteobacteria (class Gammaproteobacteria) and Firmicutes. The microbiome of the transplanted lung is vastly different from that of healthy lungs, mainly due to the presence of the family Burkholderiaceae in transplant samples.
On the detection of other planetary systems by astrometric techniques

A quantitative method for astrometrically detecting perturbations induced in a star's motion by the presence of a planetary object is described. A periodogram is defined, wherein signals observed from a star show exactly periodic variations, which can be extracted from observational data using purely statistical methods. A detection threshold is defined for the frequency of occurrence of some detectable signal, e.g., the Nyquist frequency. Possible effects of a stellar orbital eccentricity and multiple companions are discussed, noting that assumption of a circular orbit assures the spectral purity of the signal described. The periodogram technique was applied to 12 yr of astrometric data from the U.S. Naval Observatory for three stars with low mass stellar companions. Periodic perturbations were confirmed. A comparison of the accuracy of different astrometric systems shows that the detection accuracy of a system is determined by the measurement accuracy and the number of observations, although the detection efficiency can be maximized by minimizing the number of data points for the case when observational errors are proportional to the square root of the number of data points. It is suggested that a space-based astrometric telescope is best suited to take advantage of the method.
Synergistic effects of co-expression of the Th1 cytokines il-2 and IFNγ on generation of murine tumor-reactive cytotoxic cells

While the effect of cytokines on the generation of tumor-reactive cytotoxic cells has been a topic of active investigation, the effect of physiological cytokine combinations has not been determined. We have investigated the effect of co-expression of IL-2 and IFN-gamma on the generation of cytotoxic cells against the murine line 1 tumor in vivo. These cytokines were selected because they are normally produced in concert by a subset of T-helper cells called T-helper 1 (Th1). We transfected the line 1 murine carcinoma with cDNA for IL-2 and IFN-gamma, alone or combined. IFN-gamma alone does not elicit rejection of the transfectant, but IL-2 increases the tumorigenic dose by 10,000-fold above the parental cells. Co-expression of IFN-gamma and IL-2 increases this rejection to at least 100,000-fold above parental line 1. Unlike IL-2 transfectants, tumor cells expressing both IFN-gamma and IL-2 can also elicit rejection of admixed parental tumor cells. Finally, the IFN-gamma/IL-2 transfectants are more effective at generating memory cells that are cytolytic for the parental tumor. Our results show that synergistic interactions of Th1 cytokines can remarkably enhance the cytotoxic response to tumors.
Membrane potentials of the squid giant axon recorded with an inserted antimony microelectrode.

Les enregistrements pris simultanement des axones geants deLoligo au moyen de microelectrodes de KCl et de l'antimoine donnent a peu pres les memes valeurs pour le potentiel de repos et pour la pointe. Les deux microelectrodes enregistrent d'une facon identique les changements de potentiel de la membrane pendant la depolarisation avec KCl et pendant la restitution. Bien que les microelectrodes de Sb restent toujours reversibles a H+, les potentiels enregistres ne correspondent pas a la distribution de H+. Ces donnees, comme d'autres, indiquent que le potentiel de repos n'est pas une consequence des distributions deDonnan, mais plutot, selon toute probabilite, un effet des proprietes de la membrane electrogene.
Role of angiogenesis in the progression and treatment of prostate cancer.

Advanced prostate cancer is responsible for the morbidity and mortality of a large number of men above age 40. Treatment of prostate cancer with the present regimens including chemotherapy, radiati...
Challenges of Shape Memory Polymers : A Review of the Progress Toward Overcoming SMP's Limitations

Many applications ranging from biomedical to aerospace have been proposed for the use of shape memory polymers (SMPs). To optimize SMPs properties for appropriately targeting such wide-spreading application requirements, it becomes necessary to understand the structure/property relationships in SMPs. The literature was reviewed and the recent advances made in the development of SMPs were determined to establish guidelines for composition and structure considerations for designing SMPs with targeted chemical, physical, and shape memory (SM) properties. It was concluded that covalently crosslinked glassy thermosets appear to be better SMP candidates because of their intrinsically higher modulus, greater thermal and chemical stability, higher shape fixity and recovery, and possibly their longer cycle life. However, material design allows for reaching comparable or better properties for all classes of SMPs. This emphasizes that optimization of SMPs requires application-specific molecular, structural, and geometrical design. Current techniques for improving stress recovery and cycle time, which compared to shape memory alloys are the two main limitations of SMPs, are extensively discussed. Understanding the relationships between the composition and structure of an SMP and its SM properties as well as its limitations enables one to better define the development areas for high performance SMPs. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Beta-Catenin Signaling Negatively Regulates Intermediate Progenitor Population Numbers in the Developing Cortex

Intermediate progenitor cells constitute a second proliferative cell type in the developing mammalian cerebral cortex. Little is known about the factors that govern the production of intermediate progenitors. Although persistent expression of stabilized β-catenin was found to delay the maturation of radial glial progenitors into intermediate progenitors, the relationship between β-catenin signaling and intermediate progenitors remains poorly understood. Using a transgenic reporter mouse for Axin2, a direct target of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, we observed that β-catenin signaling is decreased in intermediate progenitor cells relative to radial glial progenitors. Conditional deletion of β-catenin from mouse cortical neural progenitors increased intermediate progenitor numbers, while conditional expression of stabilized β-catenin reduced the intermediate progenitor population. Together, these findings provide evidence that β-catenin signaling in radial progenitors negatively regulates intermediate progenitor cell number during cortical development.
Regioselectivity in lateral deprotonation of an isoxazolecarboxamide of (S)-prolinol. Conformational correlation by crystal structure, solid state and solution 13 NMR

The conformation at the amide functional group in 3,5-dimethylisoxazole-4-(S-2′-hydroxymethyl-N-pyrrolidino) carboxamide (1) has been determined by a single crystal X-ray determination. The 13C nmr in both deuteriochloroform solution and solid state show close agreement. The metalation behaviour of the amide is dependent upon the substitution on the 2′-hydroxymethyl moiety. Dianion studies indicate C-5 lateral metalation under both thermodynamic and kinetic conditions. Protection of this substituent as the methyl ether, 2, gives rise to predominant C-3 lateral metalation under kinetic conditions and C-5 lateral metalation on equilibration. These observations can be explained using the Ireland-Evans model for chelation directed deprotonation.
Purification of human serum angiotensin I-converting enzyme by affinity chromatography

Abstract A relatively simple procedure is described for purifying human serum angiotensin-converting enzyme. The enzyme was purified 130,000-fold to electrophoretic homogeneity using affinity chromatography as the principal purification step. The ligand was an immobilized competitive inhibitor, d -cysteinyl- l -proline. A six-carbon spacer arm was satisfactory for trapping the enzyme; 80% of the bound enzyme was eluted with 3 m urea-1.0 m NaCl-0.1 m Tris, pH 8.3. The specific activity was 39 units/mg protein and the molecular weight (155,000), isoelectric point (4.7), kinetic properties, and the effect of various inhibitors are in agreement with published reports.
Some probabilities for eigenvalues of matrices with entries in finite fields

Abstract Suppose M is an n × n matrix with entries in GF ( q ). For fixed n , we specify the behavior as q → ∞ of the probability that GF ( q ) contains n eigenvalues of M (counting multiplicities).
Involvement of a single hydroxylase species in the hydroxylation of palmitate at the ω—1, ω—2 and ω—3 positions by a preparation from Bacillus megaterium

Abstract A soluble enzyme preparation from Bacillus megaterium , requiring NADPH and O 2 for activity and containing ferredoxin-replaceable and cytochrome P -450- type components, was previously shown to catalyze the conversion of palmitic acid to an isomeric mixture of ω—1, ω—2 and ω—3 hydroxypalmitate. It has now been shown that the ratio of these three positional isomers in the enzymatic product remains unchanged in spite of partial diminution of total hydroxylase activity by heat treatment, pH change or inhibition by p -hydroxymercuribenzoate or carbon monoxide. These findings strongly support the hypothesis that a single hydroxylase with one substrate binding site is responsible for hydroxylation at all three positions of palmitate.
The use of orlistat in the treatment of obesity, dyslipidaemia and Type 2 diabetes.

Orlistat (tetrahydrolipstatin) is an inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipases, especially pancreatic lipase. It is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise in order to achieve weight loss in obese individuals (body mass index > 30 kg/m2) or in overweight individuals (body mass index > 27 kg/m2) with other risk factors for atherosclerotic vascular disease, such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia or diabetes. Short- and long-term studies of up to 4 years duration have shown the drug to have significant benefits in weight loss, as well as in the reduction in lipids, glucose and haemoglobin A1c, and in time to onset of Type 2 diabetes compared with diet alone or placebo groups. The incremental amount of weight loss that orlistat produces is modest, but sufficient to result in improvement in obesity comorbidities such as elevated blood pressure, dyslipidaemia and hyperglycaemia compared with diet and exercise alone. Orlistat should only be prescribed for individuals who are motivated to adhere to lifestyle modificatio...
Prevalence of missed adenomas in patients with inadequate bowel preparation on screening colonoscopy

Background The prevalence of missed polyps in patients with inadequate bowel preparation on screening colonoscopy is unknown. Objective To determine the prevalence of missed adenomas in average-risk patients presenting for screening colonoscopy who are found to have inadequate bowel preparation. Design Retrospective chart review. Endoscopy and pathology reports were examined to determine the characteristics of polyps. Data from repeat colonoscopies were collected through 2010. Setting Outpatient endoscopy center at an academic medical center. Patients This study involved patients who underwent outpatient average-risk screening colonoscopy between 2004 and 2009 documented to have inadequate bowel preparation and who had colonoscopy to the cecum. Main Outcome Measurements Initial adenoma detection rate and adenoma detection rate on follow-up examination. Results Inadequate bowel preparation was reported on 373 patients, with an initial adenoma detection rate of 25.7%. Of 133 patients who underwent repeat colonoscopy, 33.8% had at least 1 adenoma detected, and 18.0% had high-risk states detected (≥3 adenomas, 1 adenoma ≥1 cm, or any adenoma with villous features or high-grade dysplasia). Per-adenoma miss rate was 47.9%. Among patients with at least 1 adenoma on repeat colonoscopy, 31.1% had no polyps on initial colonoscopy; mean time between colonoscopies was 340 days. Among patients with high-risk states, 25.0% had no polyps seen on initial colonoscopy; mean time between colonoscopies was 271 days. Limitations Retrospective design. Conclusion Adenomas and high-risk lesions were frequently detected on repeat colonoscopy in patients with inadequate bowel preparation on initial screening colonoscopy, suggesting that these lesions were likely missed on initial colonoscopy.
Experimental studies in natural groundwater-recharge dynamics: The analysis of observed recharge events

Abstract The amounts and time distribution of groundwater recharge from precipitation over an approximately 19-month period were investigated at two instrumented sites in south-central Kansas. Precipitation and evapotranspiration sequences, soil-moisture profiles and storage changes, water fluxes in the unsaturated zone and hydraulic gradients in the saturated zone at various depths, soil temperatures, water-table hydrographs, and water-level changes in nearby wells clearly depict the recharge process. Antecedent moisture conditions and the thickness and nature of the unsaturated zone were found to be the major factors affecting recharge. Although the two instrumented sites are located in sand-dune environments in areas characterized by shallow water table and subhumid continental climate, a significant difference was observed in the estimated effective recharge. The estimates ranged from less than 2.5 to approximately 154 mm at the two sites from February to June 1983. The main reasons for this large difference in recharge estimates were the greater thickness of the unsaturated zone and the lower moisture content in that zone resulting from lower precipitation and higher potential evapotranspiration for one of the sites. Effective recharge took place only during late winter and spring. No summer or fall recharge was observed at either site during the observation period of this study.
Dissociating prefrontal circuitry in intelligence and memory: neuropsychological correlates of magnetic resonance and diffusion tensor imaging.

We examined intelligence and memory in 25 healthy participants who had both prior magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of gray matter volumes of medial orbital frontal cortex (mOFC) and rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC), along with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of posterior and anterior mOFC-rACC white matter microstructure, as assessed by fractional anisotropy (FA). Results showed distinct relationships between these basic structural brain parameters and higher cognition, highlighted by a highly significant correlation of left rACC gray matter volume with memory, and to a lesser extent, though still statistically significant, correlation of left posterior mOFC-rACC FA with intelligence. Regression analyses showed that left posterior mOFC-rACC connections and left rACC gray matter volume each contributed to intelligence, with left posterior mOFC-rACC FA uniquely accounting for between 20.43 and 24.99 % of the variance in intelligence, in comparison to 13.54 to 17.98 % uniquely explained by left rACC gray matter volume. For memory, only left rACC gray matter volume explained neuropsychological performance, uniquely accounting for a remarkably high portion of individual variation, ranging from 73.61 to 79.21 %. These results pointed to differential contributions of white mater microstructure connections and gray matter volumes to individual differences in intelligence and memory, respectively.
Mutual coupling analysis of a conformal array of elements on a cylindrical surface

The analysis of multiport antennas may be approached by resorting to the powerful concept of eigenexcitations of the structure. They may be defined as the eigenvectors of the admittance matrix, i.e., those sets of voltages and currents at the antenna terminals which are related simply by a proportionality factor (eigenvalue of the admittance matrix). Similarly, the eigenexcitations may be alternatively defined as the eigenvectors of the scattering matrix. The analysis for this special kind of excitation is sometimes relatively easy. The general case may then be treated by utilizing superposition principle. An array of infinitely long longitudinal slots equispaced on a conducting cylinder is analyzed in detail. The eigenvectors of the admittance and scattering matrices are easily found because of the symmetry of the structure. Expressions for the eigenvalues of these matrices, and for the radiation patterns due to the array eigenexcitations, are found in the form of infinite series rapidly convergent (even for cylinders of large radius). By using linearity an expression for the radiation pattern of the single excited element in the array environment (the main result of this paper) is then established. Expressions are also given for the coupling (or scattering) coefficients. A number of numerical examples with different cylinder radii are discussed in detail.
Masses and excitation energies of some proton-rich nuclei

Abstract The Q -values for seven ( 3 He, n) reactions have been measured, using a silicon semiconductor detector as a fast-neutron spectrometer, with the following results (final nuclei, Q -values in keV): 26 Si, 85±18; 30 S, −573±15; 34 Ar, −759±15; 42 Ti, −2865±6; 48 Cr, 5550±18; 56 Ni, 4513±14 and 60 Zn, 818±18. The following excited states (excitation energies in MeV) were also seen: 26 Si, 1.79, 2.80; 30 S, 2.19; 34 Ar, 2.06; 48 Cr, 0.72?, 56 Ni, 2.69, 3.95, 6.60 and 60 Zn, 1.02. Rough measurements of the 0°( 3 He,n) cross sections are given. Neutron angular distributions for 28 Si( 3 He, n) to the ground and first excited states of 30 S are consistent with assignments of 0 + and 2 + . Two gamma rays observed with energies 1.28±0.06 and 2.66±0.1 MeV are attributed to the reaction 54 Fe( 3 He, nγ) 56 Ni. The ( 3 He, p) Q -values of nuclear reactions forming 48 V, 56 Co and 60 Cu have been measured with a magnetic spectrometer. Ground state Q -values for 56 Co and 60 Cu are 7410±10 keV and 5770±12 keV. Many excited states were seen, viz. 48 V(3), 56 Co(15) and 60 Cu(23).
Mapping and verification of susceptibility loci for smoking quantity using permutation linkage analysis

Nicotine dependence is the most prevalent form of drug addiction in the US and throughout the world. Epidemiological studies demonstrate that genetics accounts for at least 50% of the liability to nicotine dependence. However, there have been very limited linkage studies providing convincing evidence of susceptibility genomic loci for this disorder. In this study, we conducted genome-wide permutation linkage analyses on the smoking data collected between 1970 and 1972 of the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) to account for the abnormality associated with the smoking quantity (defined as the number of cigarettes smoked per day). We used empirical thresholds obtained from permutation tests to determine the significance of each genomic region. The variance component method implemented in SOLAR was used for the analysis. Under the empirical genome-wide thresholds determined specifically for the FHS smoking data, we found two highly or near-highly significant linkages of nicotine dependence on chromosomes 1 and 4 (P=0.001) and eight significant linkages on chromosomes 3, 7, 8, 9, 11, 16, 17, and 20 (P<0.05). These findings strongly indicate that some of these regions may harbor susceptibility loci for nicotine dependence. Further analysis of these positive regions by fine mapping and/or association analysis is warranted. To our knowledge, this study presents the most convincing linkage evidence for nicotine dependence in the field.
Matrix polynomial solutions of tangential lagrange-sylvester interpolation conditions of low Mcmillan degree

Abstract A matrix polynomial of Mcmillan degree n −1 which satisfies n tangential Lagrange interpolation conditions is constructed explicitly in realization form. Analogous results are given for more general bitangential Lagrange-Sylvester interpolation conditions. A corollary is a type of Euclidean algorithm for matrix polynomials and McMillan degree. The main tool is the recent parametrization of all matrix polynomial solutions of a set of Lagrange-Sylvester interpolation conditions due to Ball, Gohberg, and Rodman.
Tidal and subtidal water volume exchange in an estuarine system

Abstract Estuarine water movements occur over a broad range of time scales. In this study, moored current meter data were used to investigate water volume exchange in the tidal passes of Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana on the tidal and subtidal time scales. A calibration technique, employing cross-channel measurements of water velocity, was used to calibrate the moored current meters, thus allowing for calculation of volume flow over a 35-day period. The local diurnal tide accounted for 50% of the total volume exchange, the rest being due to subtidal events (frontal passage). This subtidal exchange occurs primarily as large-scale events characterized by volume fluxes up to six times greater than the normal tidal prism. Neglecting this subtidal component in the determination of the volume fluxes for a system such as Lake Pontchartrain, could result in substantial underestimation (by as much as 50%) of these volume and their corresponding material fluxes.
FORMS AND ACCUMULATION OF SOIL P IN NATURAL AND RECENTLY RESTORED PEATLANDS—UPPER KLAMATH LAKE, OREGON, USA

Abstract Forms, amounts, and accumulation of soil phosphorus (P) were measured in natural and recently restored marshes surrounding Upper Klamath Lake located in south-central Oregon, USA to determine rates of P accumulation in natural marshes and to assess changes in P pools caused by long-term drainage in recently restored marshes. Soil cores were collected from three natural marshes and radiometrically dated to determine recent (137Cs-based) and long-term (210Pb-based) rates of peat accretion and P accumulation. A second set of soil cores collected from the three natural marshes and from three recently restored marshes was analyzed using a modification of the Hedley procedure to determine the forms and amounts of soil P. Total P in the recently restored marshes (222 to 311 μg cm−3) was 2–3 times greater than in the natural marshes (103 to 117 μg cm−3), primarily due to greater bulk density caused by soil subsidence, a consequence of long-term marsh drainage. Occluded Fe- and Al-bound Pi, calcium-bound ...
Make, Buy or Ally? Theoretical Perspectives on Knowledge Process Outsourcing through Alliances

Outsourcing knowledge and innovation activities offer cost savings and superior performance, but can also put a firm's unique resources and capabilities at risk. Characterizations of outsourcing as a make-or-buy decision do not fit well with decisions on knowledge process outsourcing (KPO). KPO is a make-or-ally decision, as firms seek a governance structure that will both protect and leverage their strategic knowledge assets, with the final decision often coming down to a choice between different alliance forms. Our new conceptualization provides an integrated perspective on resource integration and transaction specificity in the knowledge governance decision. The model illustrates the dynamics and learning involved in knowledge outsourcing by identifying two distinct paths to KPO alliances.
Promoting adolescent sense of coherence: Testing models of risk, protection, and resiliency

Sense of coherence (SOC) is a dispositional trait that has been linked to well-being in a broad range of populations and contexts. Little is known, however, about the factors associated with SOC development and maintenance across the lifespan. Conceptualized as a condition of resiliency, SOC in adolescents was explored via measures of risk and protection as reported on by 8th and 10th grade students (N = 1619). Employing cumulative indexes of protection and risk, analyses focused on testing four models of resiliency. Further, the relative and cumulative effects of protection and risk were explored across ecological domains. Analyses revealed support for the compensatory model of resiliency for males and females, while the challenge model also was supported for females. Analyses also revealed that protection and risk influencing SOC emerge at multiple domains for males and females. In addition, protective factors present at multiple domains were related to higher SOC while risk factors present at multiple domains were related to lower SOC regardless of gender. Results suggest a resiliency framework that considers multiple ecological domains is useful for understanding SOC in adolescents. Implications for additional research are presented. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bandwidth and Consistency Evaluation of a Hybrid Peer-to-Peer Massively Multiplayer Framework

This paper presents the overlay consistency and network bandwidth utilization results of a hybrid peer-to-peer massively multiplayer framework. Previous work in this area has focused on model proposals and simulation based results. The work in this paper is novel in that it describes a real-world implementation and presents results from actual network traces and live recorded overlay data. The implementation demonstrates the potential for the model and the results show the network bandwidth utilization is well within the current capabilities of residential broadband.
Role of the Sodium-Dependent Phosphate Cotransporter, Pit-1, in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Calcification

Vascular calcification is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Hyperphosphatemia is an important contributor to vascular calcification. Our previous studies demonstrated that elevated phosphate induces calcification of smooth muscle cells (SMC) in vitro. Inhibition of phosphate transport by phosphonoformic acid blocked phosphate-induced calcification, implicating sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporters in this process. In the present study, we have investigated the role of the type III sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter, Pit-1, in SMC calcification in vitro. Human SMC stably expressing Pit-1 small interfering double-stranded RNA (SMC-iRNA) were established using a retroviral system. SMC-iRNA had decreased Pit-1 mRNA and protein levels and sodium-dependent phosphate transport activity compared with the control transduced cells (SMC-CT) (2.9 versus 9.78 nmol/mg protein per 30 minutes, respectively). Furthermore, phosphate-induced SMC calcification was significantly inhibited in SMC-iRNA compared with SMC-CT at all time points examined. Overexpression of Pit-1 restored phosphate uptake and phosphate-induced calcification in Pit-1 deficient cells. Mechanistically, although Pit-1-mediated SMC calcification was not associated with apoptosis or cell-derived vesicles, inhibition of phosphate uptake in Pit-1 knockdown cells blocked the induction of the osteogenic markers Cbfa-1 and osteopontin. Our results indicate that phosphate uptake through Pit-1 is essential for SMC calcification and phenotypic modulation in response to elevated phosphate.
Medical futility and psychiatry: Palliative care and hospice care as a last resort in the treatment of refractory anorexia nervosa

Objective The concept of medical futility is accepted in general medicine, yet little attention has been paid to its application in psychiatry. We explore how medical futility and principles of palliation may contribute to the management of treatment refractory anorexia nervosa. Method We review the case of a 30-year-old woman with chronic anorexia nervosa, treated unsuccessfully for several years. Results Ongoing assessment, including ethical consultation, determined that further active treatment was unlikely to resolve her condition. The patient was referred for palliative care and hospice care, and ultimately died. Discussion Although circumstances requiring its use are rare, palliative care may play a role in the treatment of long suffering, treatment refractory patients. For poor prognosis patients who are unresponsive to competent treatment, continue to decline physiologically and psychologically, and appear to face an inexorably terminal course, palliative care and hospice may be a humane alternative. © 2009 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2010
THE IMPACT OF ADDING TROPONIN I TO THE INTERMOUNTAIN RISK SCORE AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING ANGIOGRAPHY

The Intermountain risk score (IMRS) is an exceptional predictor of mortality. Troponin-I (TropI) is a marker of acute myocardial injury used to diagnose MI and has been shown to have general prognostic utility. This study evaluated whether the addition of TropI to the IMRS improves risk
Visualization and Animation of State Estimation Performance

Reliable real time system "visibility" depends on a reliable and accurate state estimator. Present experience with state estimators indicates that its reliability is below expectations (an average of 5% non-convergent cases). The causes of this poor performance have been identified in earlier work by the authors and alternative robust state estimators have been proposed. For any state estimator, it is important to develop techniques for monitoring the performance of the state estimator and identification of potential problems such as bad sensors, consistent errors, modeling errors, etc. The paper presents visualization and animation methods that assist this process. It is demonstrated that bad data many times can be detected via visualization methods. The methodologies are demonstrated with a hybrid three-phase state estimator which addresses the issue of systematic errors from modeling and imbalance errors. This estimator is enhanced by visualization and animation methods that provide valuable information to users and system operators "at a glance". The procedure and the visualization techniques are demonstrated on TVA's 500 kV transmission system.