cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
540 consecutive robotic mitral valve repairs including concomitant atrial fibrillation cryoablation.

Background The first complete robotic mitral valve repairs (RMVP) and RMVP with CryoMaze (RMVP+C) were done in the United States in May 2000 and October 2003, respectively. We have previously reported our initial 300 isolated RMVPs. Our current study evaluates our consecutive RMVP series, including patients undergoing concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) cryoablation. Methods Between May 2000 and April 2010, patients with symptomatic, nonischemic, moderate to severe mitral insufficiency with or without AF were studied. Robotic CryoMaze included both right and left atrial lesion sets. Data were collected prospectively on all patients. Procedures were performed with the three-dimensional da Vinci telesurgical system. Postoperative rhythm was followed up 6 weeks later; 3, 6, and 12 months later, and yearly thereafter with the Cardionet home monitoring system, Holter monitor, and/or serial electrocardiograms. An unpaired two-tailed t test was used for statistical analysis. Results Five hundred forty patients with either 3+ or 4+ mitral insufficiency underwent repair. Of those 540, 454 (84.1%) underwent RMVP and 86 (15.9%) underwent RMVP+C. The patients' mean ages in the RMVP and RMVP+C groups were 56.1 ± 12.9 and 65.6 ± 10.8 years, respectively (mean ± SD) (p Conclusions Although patients were significantly older and operative times were significantly longer for patients having RMVP+C, the results for both successful repair and conversion to sinus rhythm were comparable to published standards. As comfort level is achieved and robotic technology advances, endoscopic repairs and surgical treatment for AF may become a standard.
Estimating Equations with Nuisance Parameters: Theory and Applications

In a variety of statistical problems the estimate Θn of a parameter Θ is defined as the root of a generalized estimating equation Gn(Θnγn)=0 where γn is an estimate of a nuisance parameter γ. We give sufficient conditions for the asymptotic normality of #x0398;n defined in this way and derive their asymptotic distribution. A circumstance under which the asymptotic distribution of #x0398;n will not be influenced by that of γn) is noted. As an example, we consider a covariance structure analysis in which both the population mean and the population fourth-order moment are nuisance parameters. Applications to pseudo maximum likelihood, generalized least squares with estimated weights, and M-estimation with an estimated scale parameter are discussed briefly.
HISTOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS ACIDS AND GASEOUS HYDROGEN CHLORIDE ON BEAN LEAVES

Primary leaves of Phaseoulus vulgaris L. (pinto bean), 9 or 12 days from sowing, were exposed to aqueous acids, chloride salts, or hydrogen chloride gas. Leaves were examined for the presence and severity of resultant visible injury and samples for light and scanning electron microscopy. Exposure to 0.06 N HCl, HNO/sub 3/, H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/ or 14.5-19.0 mg m/sup -3/ gaseous HCl for 20 min evoked similar foliar injury including glazing and necrosis of the laminas. This injury appeared to result initially from plasmolysis and collapse of the epidermis and subsequently of the underlying mesophyll. Cellular injury was accompanied by various cytoplasmic alterations. Microscopic symptoms observed in leaves exposed to gaseous HCl or aqueous acids included vesicles and particulates within the larger vacuoles. Similar symptoms were present in leaves exposed to polyethylene glycol 6000. Differential effects included formation of necrotic pits and preferential injury to paravascular tissues in leaves treated with aqueous acids and crystalline chloroplast inclusions in gaseous HCl-treated and water-stressed leaves. The visible and microscopic appearances of leaves exposed to aqueous acids or gaseous HCl were compared and related to injury stemming from acid precipitation and a possible mechanism of action for gaseous HCl phytotoxicity.
U.S. clinicians' perspectives on less frequent routine gynecologic examinations.

Abstract Objective With newer recommendations for less frequent cervical cancer screening, longer intervals between routine gynecologic examinations might also be considered. Methods A nationally representative mailed survey of U.S. obstetrician–gynecologists (n = 521, response rate 62%) was conducted in 2010–11. Clinicians were asked their views on annual gynecologic examinations and on the consequences of extending the interval from annually to every 3 years for asymptomatic patients. Results Over two-thirds considered annual gynecologic examination very important for women in their reproductive years (69%); fewer consider it very important for women in menopause (55%). Most anticipated that shifting examinations to every 3 years would result in lower patient satisfaction (78%), contraceptive provision (74%), and patient health and well-being (74%). Decreases in clinic volume (93%) and financial reimbursement (78%) were also expected. Anticipated effects of longer intervals varied by provider characteristics, geography, and practice setting. Conclusion Obstetrician–gynecologists in the U.S. believed that longer intervals between routine examinations would have negative repercussions for patients and medical practice, but there were differences by region, practice, and personal characteristics. Redefining annual gynecologic visits as contraceptive counseling and health maintenance visits could address financial and patient volume concerns, and perspectives from patients and other providers might reveal possible benefits of less frequent gynecologic examinations.
Banach Algebras where the Singular Elements Are Removable Singularities

Abstract Let A be a C*-algebra with identity and suppose A has real rank 0. Suppose a complex-valued function is holomorphic and bounded on the intersection of the open unit ball of A and the identity component of the set of invertible elements of A. We show that then the function has a holomorphic extension to the entire open unit ball of A. Further, we show that this does not hold when A = C(S), where S is any compact Hausdorff space that contains a homeomorphic image of the interval [0, 1].
Contact thermal resistance of Li-ion cell electrode stack

Abstract Lithium-ion batteries are widely used for portable energy storage in space power and consumer electronics applications. While the performance of these batteries is mainly depended upon the electrochemical aspects and contact electrical resistance of the cell stack, issues relating to contact thermal resistance between various layers of the cell stack could become more relevant under high rate of charge/discharge and extreme temperature operating conditions. An experimental program was carried out to establish the contact thermal resistance of a typical cell stack comprising graphite-coated copper anode, lithium cobalt oxide-coated aluminum cathode, polyethylene/polypropylene separator and electrolyte under various contact pressures and temperatures. The cell stack was not electrically charged or discharged during present experiments. Tests were conducted over a range of temperatures from −20 to 50 °C and pressures from 0 to 250 psi (1.72 MPa). The results show that, in general, resistance increases with decreasing pressure and the effect is significant when the pressure is reduced below 100 psi. Damage to the separator due to hot spots was observed at interface temperatures greater than 80 °C. Present results indicate that extreme operating temperatures may affect the performance of Li-ion batteries.
Optimal foraging by predaceous diving beetle larvae on toad tadpoles

The feeding behavior of predaceous beetle larvae (Dytiscus fasciventris) on American toad (Bufo americanus) tadpoles was investigated in the laboratory. The rate of food extraction from an individual tadpole decreases as the prey item is being depleted. Beetles hand fed single tadpoles were shown to have a significantly longer mean handling time than beetles capturing similar size tadpoles from constant prey densities of 5 or 20 tadpoles/1. Handling times were not correlated with mean intercatch intervals but were found to decrease throughout a 10-tadpole catch sequence at all prey densities. Beetles allocated less time per unit weight to large prey items than to smaller tadpoles. However, the marginal ingestion rate (amount consumed/unit of handling time) did not differ with prey size throughout a 10-tadpole catch sequence. These results support the rate expectation hypothesis (Charnov 1976) as an explanation for time allocation to patches.
Improvement of the corrosion behavior of electrodeposited CoFeCu thin films

The limited range of Cu that must be added to achieve reasonable magnetic and corrosion properties during the deposition of CoFeCu alloy-based thin films is a stringent control issue in manufacturing. The use of limited amount of phosphorus added in the bath to confer better corrosion properties on the thin film is considered in this work. Potentiodynamic polarization technique in 2.5 wt.% NaCl solution was used to study the corrosion properties of electrochemically deposited CoFeCu thin films that contained varying amounts of phosphorus. The results indicate that the addition of limited amount of phosphorus improves the passivity of the CoFeCu thin film. The range of the amount of phosphorus required to be added in the alloy for best corrosion properties was defined. For the bath chemistry and composition studied, the level of corrosion resistance improvement was found to be limited to a phosphorus-alloy content of between 3.0 and 5.3 at. wt.%. (above this phosphorus-alloy content, a fully amorphous alloy is thought to be deposited).
Vocal function exercises for presbylaryngis: a multidimensional assessment of treatment outcomes.

ObjectivesPresbylaryngis, or aging of the larynx, can adversely affect vocal function and quality of life in the elderly. This preliminary investigation examined the effects of vocal function exerc...
Introduction: Symposium on Robert Burns's A Theory of the Trial

Robert P. Bums's A Theory of the Trial should be required reading for scholars interested in law and society. In this introduction to the Law & Social Inquiry symposium on the book (originally presented as a panel at the Law and Society Association 2002 annual meeting), I note three things the book does. I hope to provide enough of a sense of the book that readers can follow the symposium contributions and be inspired to read the book themselves.
Spacial isolation of protein kinase C activation in thrombin stimulated human platelets.

Summary Thrombin stimulation of human platelets is associated with turnover of inositol phospholipids, mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ stores, and activation of protein kinase C. However, within 5 minutes, the thrombin receptor desensitizes, but can be re-coupled to its effectors by stimulation of α2-adrenergic receptors (Crouch and Lapetina, J. Biol. Chem. 263, 3363–3371, 1988). This effect of epinephrine was found to be inhibited by preincubation of platelets with phorbol ester, suggesting that protein kinase C was inhibitory. However, since thrombin also activated protein kinase C and epinephrine was active following thrombin stimulation of platelets, this implied that thrombin activation of protein kinase C may have been spacially isolated near the thrombin receptor and could not inactivate α2-receptor activity. In the present paper, we have tested this possibility, and we present evidence which strongly favours the possibility that protein kinase C activation by receptors induces its local translocation to the cell membrane.
Synthesis and characterization of rigid‐chain polyacenaphthylene

Rigid-chain polyacenaphthylene (PAcN) was synthesized by a novel emulsion polymerization method that besides water and the sodium oleate emulsifier consisted of a water-soluble initiator, K2S2O8, and the water-insoluble (at the polymerization temperature 50°), crystalline monomer acenaphthylene. The molecular weight of the emulsion PAcN was 150, 000 by gel permeation chromatography (gpc). With the exception of a C13 nuclear magnetic resonance study, the PAcN was characterized in the bulk state by infrared spectroscopy and x-ray and electron diffraction. The C13 nmr spectrum in solution suggests a macromolecular association. The infrared spectra indicate that the PAcN can be either paracrystalline or amorphous. An amorphous infrared band at 670 cm−1 was identified. The emulsion PAcN is predominantly threo-disyndiotactic, and it is possible, therefore, to have a mesophase of nematic type in the bulk state. The paracrystallinity or ordered structure of PAcN is supported by wide-angle x-ray and electron diffraction patterns.
The pheromone of the cave cricket, Hadenoecus cumberlandicus, causes cricket aggregation but does not attract the co-distributed predatory spider, Meta ovalis.

Food input by the cave cricket, Hadenoecus cumberlandicus Hubble & Norton (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae), is vital to the cave community, making this cricket a true keystone species. Bioassays conducted on cave walls and in the laboratory show that clustering in H. cumberlandicus is guided by a pheromone, presumably excreta. This aggregation pheromone was demonstrated by using filter paper discs that had previous adult H. cumberlandicus exposure, resulting in > 70% response by either nymphs or adults, prompting attraction (thus, active component is a volatile), followed by reduced mobility (arrestment) on treated surfaces. Adults were similarly responsive to pheromone from nymphs, agreeing with mixed stage composition of clusters in the cave. Effects of [0.001M – 0.1M] uric acid (insect excreta's principle component) on H. cumberlandicus behavior were inconsistent. This pheromone is not a host cue (kairomone) and is not used as a repellent (allomone) as noted through lack of responses to natural H. cumberlandicus pheromone and uric acid concentrations by a co-occurring predatory cave orb weaver spider, Meta ovalis Gertsch (Araneae: Tetragnathidae). This pheromone is not serving as a sex pheromone because nymphs were affected by it and because this population of H. cumberlandicus is parthenogenic. The conclusion of this study is that the biological value of the aggregation pheromone is to concentrate H. cumberlandicus in sheltered sites in the cave conducive for minimizing water stress. Rather than signaling H. cumberlandicus presence and quality, the reduced mobility expressed as a result of contacting this pheromone conceivably may act as a defense tactic (antipredator behavior) against M. ovalis, which shares this favored habitat site.
Sharing of Virulent Escherichia coli Clones among Household Members of a Woman with Acute Cystitis

Background. Within-household transmission of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) may contribute to the pathogenesis of urinary tract infection (UTI), but this is poorly understood.Methods. A woman with acute UTI, 4 human household members who cohabitated with her, and the family's pet dog underwent prospective longitudinal surveillance for colonizing E. coli for 7–9 weeks after the woman's UTI episode. Unique clones were resolved by random amplified polymorphic DNA and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis. Virulence genes, phylogenetic group, and O types were defined by PCR. Comparisons with reference strains were made using random amplified polymorphic DNA profiling.Results. Serial fecal and urine samples from the 6 household members yielded 7 unique E. coli clones (4 of which were ExPEC and 3 of which were non-ExPEC). For 3 clones, extensive among-host sharing was evident in patterns suggesting host-to-host transmission. The mother's UTI clone, which represented E. coli O1:K1:H7, was the clone that was most extensively shared (in 5 hosts, including the dog) and most frequently recovered (in 45% of samples and at all 3 time points). The other 3 ExPEC clones corresponded with E. coli O6:K2:H1, O1:K1:H7, and O2:F10,F48.Conclusions. E. coli clones, including ExPEC, can be extensively shared among human and animal household members in the absence of sexual contact and in patterns suggesting host-to-host transmission.
Recovery and Purification of Lactic Acid from Fermentation Broth by Adsorption

Riedel-de-Haen VI-15, Dowex MWA-1 and Amberlite IRA-35 were employed for lactic acid recovery using model fermentation broth. The broth was first acidified by using a cation exchanger before sorption of lactic acid onto the basic sorbents. Lactic acid was completely recovered from the VI-15 column after 7 bed volumes (BV) of methanol, whereas only 64% was recovered from MWA-1 after 4.5 BV and 18% from IRA-35 after 5 BV. The 5% NH4OH eluted all lactic acid from the MWA-1 column in 1.5 BV with a maximum effluent concentration of 113 mg/mL. The simple recovery scheme employed was not sufficient to produce heat-stable lactic acid. Other broth components were also adsorbed by the basic sorbents and could not be removed during the rinse step, but eluted with lactic acid during the desorption step.
Diminished responsibility and the drug scene

This article sets out the provisions of S.2 (1)-(3) of the Homicide Act 1957 and the judicial interpretations placed thereon and relates the importance of this section to the offence of murder and considers the province of the expert in regard to the Act and the difficulties encountered when experts interpret the words 'disease' and 'injury'. This is illustrated in relation to a recent Murder case where the Defendant had taken LSD and cannabis voluntarily, and deals with the question as to whether construction of the Act involves any assumption that permanent injury and non-self-induced injury are necessary ingredients to bring the defendant within provisions of S.2 (1), i.e. abnormality of mind induced by injury substantially impairing mental responsibility. Similarities are suggested between persons suffering from hallucinations, due to delirium tremens, severe concussion cases and LSD trip cases, and the question is posed as to whether it would be logical to say that temporary injury to the brain by poisoning has occurred in situations where there is a motiveless and bizarre killing following ingestion of large quantities of alcohol or drugs.
Dynamic Protonation of Biomolecules in Molecular Simulation

Using molecular simulation to model a biological phenomenon requires the selection of an assumed static set of ionization states that reflects the experimental conditions. We have developed a general approach to allow for these ionization states to change dynamically during the simulation. Moreover, our framework allows for the theoretical or experimental input of ionization states as the simulation proceeds.
Structure and anatomy of the aortic root

The aortic root is a composite structure of several elements, not only the valvar leaflets. Understanding its central location in the heart is crucial to understanding the anatomy of the aortic root and why its location impacts on interventional procedures in and around the root. The valvar leaflets have a unique shape with deep closure lines buttressed by the nodule of Arantius. The scalloped configuration of the hingelines of the leaflets cross the ventriculo-arterial junction, leaving interleaflet fibrous triangles between the sinuses that are anatomically aortic but haemodynamically ventricular. Variations in leaflet structure and their arrangements result in valvar stenosis or regurgitation, or both. Often, diseases of the aortic root involve more than one structural element. The leaflets and their hingelines, aortic sinuses, interleaflets triangles sinutubular junction, and ventriculo-arterial junction and their structures adjoining the junctions need to be taken into account when considering the aortic root.
Differential alterations in microvascular perfusion in various organs during early and late sepsis.

Although cellular dysfunction occurs very early in sepsis, it remains controversial whether this is solely due to a decrease in tissue perfusion. Recent studies have indicated that while active hepatocellular function was depressed, hepatic surface microvascular blood flow (MBF) increased in early sepsis but decreased in late sepsis as produced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). However, it is not known whether microvascular hyperperfusion in early sepsis and microvascular hypoperfusion in late sepsis are common events in other organs under such conditions. To study this, rats were subjected to sepsis by CLP, after which these and the corresponding shams received 3 ml/100 g body wt normal saline. Microvascular perfusion and MBF in various tissues were assessed by colloidal carbon infusion and laser-Doppler flowmetry, respectively, at 5 h (i.e., early sepsis) or 20 h (late sepsis) after CLP or sham operation. Carbon-perfused areas were quantitated by an Optomax image analyzer. The results indicate that the carbon-perfused areas and MBF in the liver, renal cortex, spleen, and small intestinal serosa (only MBF) increased significantly 5 h after CLP. In late sepsis, however, the carbon-perfused areas and MBF were found to be significantly decreased. A highly linear relationship was observed between the changes of carbon-perfused areas and MBF during sepsis in the tested organs. Thus the microvascular responses in the fluid-resuscitated sepsis model are characterized by hyperperfusion in the early stage and hypoperfusion in the late stage of sepsis in the tested tissues. The cellular dysfunctions observed during the early stage of sepsis are, therefore, not due to any reduction in tissue perfusion.
Adipocyte differentiation in Sod2(-/-) and Sod2(+/+) murine bone marrow stromal cells is associated with low antioxidant pools.

Objective Adipocytogenesis in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) from manganese-superoxide dismutase–deficient ( Sod2 −/− ) and wild-type ( Sod2 +/+ ) mice and the effect of antioxidant pool size were determined. Methods BMSCs from Sod2 −/− or Sod2 +/+ mice were cultured with and without adipocytogenic supplements including: 10 μg/mL insulin, 1 μM dexamethasone, and 100 μM indomethacin. Oil Red-O-positive cells and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction measurement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) were measured. Antioxidant glutathione levels (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase activity (GPX) were determined. Results Sod2 −/− cells demonstrated constitutive adipocytogenesis in basal medium and generated 34% more adipocytes in adipocytogenic media. Growth of cells in the free radical scavenger antioxidant, amifostine (WR2721; 4 mM) decreased numbers of adipocytes in Sod2 −/− BMSCs in both basal (38.0%, p = 0.037) and adipocytogenic (37.5%, p = 0.021) media and reduced to undetectable the levels of expression of PPARγ and LPL. In contrast, Sod2 +/+ cells showed no detectable constitutive adipocytogenesis but formed adipocytes in adipocytogenic medium, with a decrease (43.7%, p = 0.001) by addition of WR2721. In basal conditions, Sod2 −/− cells had lower GSH (78.6%; p = 0.0089) and GPX (52.7%; p Sod2 +/+ cells, which were increased in either medium by WR2721 treatment of Sod2 −/− or Sod2 +/+ cells (all p r = −0.9427, p = 0.0167). Sod2 −/− long-term bone marrow cultures had decreased hematopoiesis compared to those from Sod2 +/− or Sod2 +/+ mice. Conclusion The cellular redox pathway has a role in adipocyte differentiation of cells of the hematopoietic microenvironment.
A Meta Linear Logical Framework

Logical frameworks serve as meta languages to represent deductive systems, sometimes requiring special purpose meta logics to reason about the representations. In this work, we describe L"@w^+, a meta logic for the linear logical framework LLF [Iliano Cervesato and Frank Pfenning. A linear logical framework. In E. Clarke, editor, Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual Symposium on Logic in Computer Science, pages 264-275, New Brunswick, New Jersey, July 1996. IEEE Computer Society Press.] and illustrate its use via a proof of the admissibility of cut in the sequent calculus for the tensor fragment of linear logic. L"@w^+ is first-order, intuitionistic, and not linear. The soundness of L"@w^+ is shown.
Exciting-Force Operators for Ship Propellers

The unsteady transfer functions or vibratory-exciting force and moment operators for any ship propeller are found by a procedure which employs an existing computer program. These functions can then be applied to any given radial variation of a spatially varying hull wake or inflow to yield three forces, three moments, and the blade bending moments. With these operators (which can be found once and for all for a systematic series of propellers), the task of predicting the vibratory-exciting forces and moments acting on the bearings of a particular ship is reduced to a simple calculation that can be made with a desk calculator in a matter of minutes. Thus, once a complete set of operators are obtained from the elaborate computer program, subsequent applications to any specific wakes does not require the computer program. Application of the method to a 5-bladed propeller is given in a worked example using simple formulas and tabulated values of the operators.
RETROSPECTIVE COMPARISON OF RADICAL RETROPUBIC PROSTATECTOMY AND125 IODINE BRACHYTHERAPY FOR LOCALIZED PROSTATE CANCER

AbstractPurpose: Favorable results with125 iodine (I) brachytherapy have been reported in select patients with localized prostate cancer. We evaluate the results of radical prostatectomy in patients matched for similar pretreatment clinicopathological characteristics.Materials and Methods: From May 1983 to April 1998, 1 surgeon (W. J. C.) performed radical retropubic prostatectomy in 1,952 men (mean age plus or minus standard deviation 63 +/− 7 years), of whom 1,364 had Gleason score 6 or less on preoperative needle biopsy, a preoperative serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) value available and clinical stage T1 or T2 disease. We categorized all patients by preoperative Gleason score, preoperative PSA and clinical stage. For each Gleason score-by-PSA stratum we randomly selected by computer the number of men necessary to achieve the same overall distribution of clinical characteristic as in a series of patients treated with brachytherapy. All men were followed with semiannual PSA measurements and annual ...
Role of barium esophagography in evaluating dysphagia

Patients with dysphagia can initially undergo either endoscopic or radiologic evaluation, depending on the clinical history and physician preference. We usually recommend that most patients with dysphagia initially undergo barium esophagography, and in this paper we discuss its role in evaluating dysphagia.
A TAXONOMIC REVISION OF THE GENUS CORDYLOSPASTA (COLEOPTERA: MELOIDAE) WITH AN ANALYSIS OF GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION IN C. OPACA

Distributional and anatomical characteristics of the species of the western North American genus Cordylospasta are analyzed. The current concept of this genus is a considerable modification from that of earlier classifications. Of the two species belonging to Cordylospasta , C . fulleri Horn is unique among North American blister beetles in having antennae with 8 to 10 antennal segments. This species is strictly allopatric to the second species, C . opaca (Horn), in which the antennae are 11-segmented. Step-clinal geographic variation in seven anatomical characters is recorded for C . opaca . On this basis six biological races are recognized as occurring in central and southern California. These are considered the equivalent of subspecies. An informal approach to the recognition of these infraspecific taxa is followed since, due to limited material, interracial reproductive relationships cannot be inferred confidently at the present time.
Infection, Inflammation, and Bone Regeneration a Paradoxical Relationship

Various strategies have been developed to promote bone regeneration in the craniofacial region. Most of these interventions utilize implantable materials or devices. Infections resulting from colonization of these implants may result in local tissue destruction in a manner analogous to periodontitis. This destruction is mediated via the expression of various inflammatory mediators and tissue-destructive enzymes. Given the well-documented association among microbial biofilms, inflammatory mediators, and tissue destruction, it seems reasonable to assume that inflammation may interfere with bone healing and regeneration. Paradoxically, recent evidence also suggests that the presence of certain pro-inflammatory mediators is actually required for bone healing. Bone injury (e.g., subsequent to a fracture or surgical intervention) is followed by a choreographed cascade of events, some of which are dependent upon the presence of pro-inflammatory mediators. If inflammation resolves promptly, then proper bone healing may occur. However, if inflammation persists (which might occur in the presence of an infected implant or graft material), then the continued inflammatory response may result in suboptimal bone formation. Thus, the effect of a given mediator is dependent upon the temporal context in which it is expressed. Better understanding of this temporal sequence may be used to optimize regenerative outcomes.
Second‐phase hepatitis C virus RNA decline during telaprevir‐based therapy increases with drug effectiveness: Implications for treatment duration

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA decay during antiviral therapy is characterized by a rapid first phase, followed by a slower second phase. The current understanding of viral kinetics attributes the magnitude of the first phase of decay to treatment effectiveness, whereas the second phase of decay is attributed to the progressive loss of infected cells. Here, we analyzed data from 44 patients treated with telaprevir, a potent HCV protease inhibitor. Using a viral kinetic model that accounts for the pharmacokinetics of telaprevir, we found the second-phase slope of viral decline to be strongly correlated with treatment effectiveness and to be roughly four-fold more rapid than has been reported with interferon-based therapies. Because telaprevir is not known to increase the death rate of infected cells, our results suggest that the second-phase slope of viral decline is driven not only by the death of infected cells, but may also involve other mechanisms, such as a treatment-effectiveness–dependent degradation of intracellular viral RNA. As a result of the enhanced viral decay caused by the high antiviral effectiveness of telaprevir, we predict that if drug resistance could be avoided by using an appropriate combination of antiviral agents, treatment duration needed to clear HCV might be dramatically shortened. Indeed, we predict that in 95% of fully compliant patients, the last virus particle should be eliminated by week 7 of therapy. If the remaining infected hepatocytes act as a potential reservoir for the renewal of infection, no more than 10 weeks of treatment should be sufficient to clear the infection in 95% of fully compliant patients. However, if patients miss doses, treatment duration would need to be extended. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;)
An experimental technique for in vivo permittivity measurement of materials at microwave frequencies

A procedure for making in vivo dielectric measurements with an open-ended coaxial line probe is discussed. The theory behind the technique is discussed, along with a correction method to account for the system imperfections. Experimental results are compared with data for the lumped parameter model approach and a mathematically sound integral equation method available in the literature. The results show good agreement, with the exception of the lumped parameter technique, which deviates at higher frequencies. The limitations of this technique are considered. >
Mentoring Special Educators: The Roles of National Board Certified Teachers

Although mentoring programs for novice special education teachers have been highly touted, there is scant research describing either novice needs or mentor roles. This study is based on a sample of 66 randomly selected national board certified teachers (NBCTs) in special education in an effort to determine the nature and extent of their involvement in mentoring junior colleagues, both formally and informally. A previously published instrument was modified to determine the frequency of their engagement in various mentoring roles. Results indicated that formal mentoring involved more of the 19 identified mentor activities than did informal mentoring. Implications include a need for mentor training for NBCTs and for further exploration of mentoring roles in the professional literature.
Carbon Monoxide Mass Transfer for Syngas Fermentation in a Stirred Tank Reactor with Dual Impeller Configurations

This study compares the power demand and gas-liquid volumetric mass transfer coefficient, kLa, in a stirred tank reactor (STR) (T = 0.211 m) using different impeller designs and schemes in a carbon monoxide-water system, which is applicable to synthesis gas (syngas) fermentation. Eleven different impeller schemes were tested over a range of operating conditions typically associated with the "after large cavity" region (ALC) of a Rushton-type turbine (D/T = 0.35). It is found that the dual Rushton-type impeller scheme exhibits the highest volumetric mass transfer rates for all operating conditions; however, it also displays the lowest mass transfer performance (defined as the volumetric mass transfer coefficient per unit power input) for all conditions due to its high power consumption. Dual impeller schemes with an axial flow impeller as the top impeller show improved mass transfer rates without dramatic increases in power draw. At high gas flow rates, dual impeller schemes with a lower concave impeller have kLa values similar to those of the Rushton-type dual impeller schemes but show improved mass transfer performance. It is believed that the mass transfer performance can be further enhanced for the bottom concave impeller schemes by operating at conditions beyond the ALC region defined for Rushton-type impellers because the concave impeller can handle higher gas flow rates prior to flooding.
Role of 12-lipoxygenase in hypoxia-induced rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation.

The 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism stimulates cell growth and metastasis of various cancer cells and the 12-LO metabolite, 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [12(S)-...
Singles and Mental Health

The media, and even scientific journals, are filled with claims that marriage is good for health and well-being. A closer look at the research, though, with an eye on the methodological biases, shows that such claims often misrepresent or exaggerate the results of the research.
The TSC1–TSC2 Complex: A Key Signal-Integrating Node Upstream of TOR

Publisher Summary The complexity and breadth of the signaling network upstream of the TSC1 (hamartin)–TSC2 (tuberin) complex is a testament to the importance of proper regulation of mTORC1 in the tight control over cellular growth and proliferation. The TSC1–TSC2 complex negatively regulates TORC1 through its guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase)-activating protein (GAP) activity toward the small G-protein Ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb), an essential activator of TORC1. In contrast, TORC2 in mammalian cells is positively regulated by the TSC1–TSC2 complex through both Rheb and TORC1-dependent and independent mechanisms. The regulatory relationship between the TSC1–TSC2 complex and TORC1 appears to be conserved in most eukaryotes, including species of yeast. Multisite phosphorylation of both TSC1 and TSC2 promotes or inhibits the ability of the complex to inhibit Rheb downstream of a wide variety of kinases and signaling pathways. Several of these pathways include important oncogene products and tumor suppressors that can promote inhibition of the TSC1–TSC2 complex and contribute to the aberrantly elevated levels of mTORC1 signaling detected in the majority of human cancers. Inactivating mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes give rise to a multifaceted tumor syndrome known as “tuberous sclerosis complex.”
An Integrated Methodology to Assess Compliance with Delphi Survey Key Components of Yoga Interventions for Musculoskeletal Conditions as Applied in a Systematic Review of Fibromyalgia Studies.

Objective The objective of this article was to present a methodology incorporating existing guidelines and tools for systematic reviews and to evaluate the Delphi survey 33 key component recommendations of yoga interventions for musculoskeletal conditions as a tool for a systematic review in fibromyalgia studies. Data Sources Databases searched included PubMed, Ovid Medline, PsychINFO, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, ALT HealthWatch, PEDro, and Web of Science. Article Selection Selected were articles published between November 14, 2004 and November 13, 2014, written in English, reporting original research of yoga interventions for adults with fibromyalgia. Data Extraction and Synthesis Six articles met the inclusion criteria, revealing that three yoga styles ("Relaxing" yoga, Yoga of Awareness, and Hatha yoga) have been assessed in persons with fibromyalgia. Overall, reporting compliance with the 33 key components ranged from 39.4% to 84.8%, with a mean adherence rate of 62.63% ± 17.74. None of the authors used an accepted reporting guideline; specific components of asana, pranayama, relaxation, and mindfulness practices that would have been incorporated into the interventions tested were identified in only 33.33% of the articles reviewed; and none of the articles included detailed, replicable descriptions of the interventions. Conclusions This systematic review supports the need for comprehensive yoga research guidelines. Findings reveal a lack of reporting of intervention details, the need to report a disease-specific rationale for selection of the particular yoga style used for the intervention, and that a limited number of yoga styles have been investigated in persons with fibromyalgia.
ANSID: A Solid-Phase Proteomic Approach for Identification and Relative Quantification of Aromatic Nitration Sites

Nitration of tyrosine and other aromatic amino acid residues in proteins occurs in the setting of inflammatory, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases – importantly, this modification has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diverse diseases and the physiological process of tissue aging. To understand the biological consequences of aromatic nitration in both health and disease, it is critical to molecularly identify the proteins that undergo nitration, specify their cognate modification sites and quantify their extent of nitration. To date, unbiased identification of nitrated proteins has painstakingly employed 2D-gel electrophoresis followed by Western Blotting with an anti-nitrotyrosine antibody for detection. Apart from being relatively slow and laborious, this method suffers from limited coverage, the potential for false-positive identifications and failure to reveal specific amino acid modification sites. To overcome these shortcomings, we have developed a solid-phase, chemical-capture approach for unbiased and high-throughput discovery of nitrotyrosine and nitrotryptophan sites in proteins. Utilizing this method, we have successfully identified several endogenously nitrated proteins in rat brain and a total of 244 nitrated peptides from 145 proteins following in vitro exposure of rat brain homogenates to the nitrating agent peroxynitrite (1 mM). As expected, Tyr residues constituted the great majority of peroxynitrite-mediated protein nitration sites; however, we were surprised to discover several brain proteins that contain nitrated Trp residues. By incorporating a stable-isotope labeling step, this new Aromatic Nitrtion Site IDentification (ANSID) method was also adapted for relative quantification of nitration site abundances in proteins. Application of the quantitative ANSID method offers great potential to advance our understanding of the role of protein nitration in disease pathogenesis and normal physiology.
Custody: In-Custody Deaths – United States of America

The authors define and discuss in-custody deaths in the United States of America, a category of death investigation fraught with technical, logistical, medical, and potentially political ramifications. Such deaths require interaction with and cooperation by multiple entities, including law enforcement, corrections, medical, and death investigation officials.
SPECTRA: A Framework for Thermal Reliability Management in Silicon-Photonic Networks-on-Chip

Silicon nanophotonics technology is being considered for future networks-on-chip (NoCs) as it can enable high bandwidth density and lower latency with traversal of data at the speed of light. But the operation of photonic NoCs (PNoCs) is very sensitive to temperature variations that frequently occur on a chip. These variations can create significant reliability issues for PNoCs. For example, a microring resonator (MR) may resonate at another wavelength instead of its designated wavelength due to thermal variations, which can lead to bandwidth wastage and data corruption in PNoCs. This paper proposes a novel run-time framework called SPECTRA to overcome temperature-induced reliability issues in PNoCs. The framework consists of (i) a device-level reactive MR assignment mechanism that dynamically assigns a group of MRs to reliably modulate/receive data in a waveguide based on the chip thermal profile, and (ii) a system-level proactive thread migration technique to avoid on-chip thermal threshold violations and reduce MR tuning/trimming power by dynamically migrating threads between cores. Experimental results indicate that SPECTRA can satisfy on-chip thermal thresholds and maintain high NoC bandwidth while reducing total power by up to 61%, and thermal tuning/trimming power by up to 71% over state-of-the-art thermal management solutions.
Same language, different functions: A cross-genre analysis of Chinese EFL learners’ writing performance

Abstract Secondary-school learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) in China constitute a rapidly growing yet understudied population. This study examined Chinese secondary-school EFL learners’ writing performance in two genres, argumentative essays and narratives. Crossgenre research on native language writing has documented that, at the macro-text level, secondary-school students’ narratives are typically of higher quality than their written essays; while at the lexico-syntactic level, essays display higher complexity than narratives. To investigate cross-genre differences in EFL learners, 200 English written texts (100 essays; 100 narratives) were collected from 100 EFL Chinese secondary school learners and scored for quality, lexico-syntactic, and genrespecific discourse features. Unlike prior research on native language writing, no significant differences in quality ratings were found across the two genres. However, in line with prior research, results revealed that argumentative essays displayed a higher lexico-syntactic complexity. Regression analyses identified distinct sets of predictors of writing quality ratings for each genre. Controlling for length, lexico-syntactic complexity and diversity of organizational markers were identified as predictors of argumentative essay quality. Conversely, controlling for length, narrative quality was only predicted by the frequency of stance markers. Results are discussed in relation to pedagogical implications and directions for future research.
Planning in Conoco

In August 1981 Conoco became a wholly-owned subsidiary of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. Du Pont, with sales of $35.4 bn and net income of $1.1 bn,1 was listed in 1983 as the seventh largest US industrial corporation and the ninth largest industrial corporation in the world. Conoco’s sales (petroleum and coal) in 1983 were $20.1 bn with an after-tax operating income of $621 m.2 Had Conoco not been bought by Du Pont, it would have been the thirteenth largest industrial corporation in the USA and the eighteenth largest in the world.
Condensation Oligomers with Sequence Control but without Coupling Reagents and Protecting Groups via Asymmetric Hydroformylation and Hydroacyloxylation

A novel strategy, free of coupling reagents and protection/deprotection steps, for the synthesis of oligo(2-hydroxyacid)s containing up to four monomer units with atom economy, sequence specificity, and control of stereocenter configuration is described. The strategy comprises an iterative application of the sequence asymmetric hydroformylation/oxidation/alkyne hydroacyloxylation that features catalytic, atom-economical C–C and C–O bond forming reactions. Asymmetric hydroformylation with Rh-bisdiazaphospholane catalyst introduces each stereocenter with high enantio- (ca. 93% e.e.), diastereo- (up to 25:1 d.r.), and regioselectivity (>50:1) at low catalyst loadings and mild pressures. The side chain in each monomer is tailored by choosing from a variety of readily available alkynes.
Noninvasive Neuroimaging Techniques for the Study of Primate Brain Development

We now know that early environmental influences in childhood can affect adult mental health (Heim and Nemefoff, 2001; Johnson et al., 2002; Repetti et al., 2002). Presumably, this association is mediated by neurodevelopmental processes that alter function in the adult brain. Using nonhuman primate models, we can evaluate this hypothesis systematically by isolating and manipulating aspects of the early social environment and describing the neurobiological sequelae of the manipulations. For example, we can rear infants with their mothers or in a primate nursery and then examine the neurodevelopmental consequences of the two rearing conditions (Sanchez et al., 1998).
Evaluating the Effect of Oxygen Concentrations on Antibiotic Sensitivity, Growth, and Biofilm Formation of Human Pathogens:

Standard antimicrobial susceptibility tests are performed in vitro under normal room oxygen conditions to predict the in vivo effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the effect of different oxygen levels on the antibiotic susceptibility of two strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. It was found that anoxic conditions caused reduced sensitivity of bacteria to aminoglycoside antibiotics in four of six bacteria used in the study. In addition, oxygen limitation decreased the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa strains and K. pneumoniae strains to piperacillin/tazobactam and azithromycin, respectively. In contrast, five of six bacteria became more susceptible to tetracycline antibiotics under oxygen-limiting conditions. Our data highlight the importance of considering the potential in vivo oxygen levels within the infection site when setting susceptibility breakpoints for evaluating the therapeutic potential of a drug and its effect on antibiotic sensitivity of the pathogen.
Voices of Adults Living with Sickle Cell Disease Pain

During this study, Dr. Adegbola was supported by a NINR Postdoctoral Fellowship “Pain and Associated Symptoms: Nurse Research Training” -T32 NR11147 at the University of Iowa College of Nursing. The research project was supported by a grant from Sigma Theta Tau International, Delta Theta chapter.
Phase relationships in the CeFe8Co3Ti1−ySiy system

Abstract The phase formation behavior of the nominal CeFe 8 Co 3 Ti 1 − y Si y system is investigated for 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.6 by powder x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy for ingots formed by arc-melting then annealing at 1000 °C and quenching to room temperature. The ingots are seen to nearly single phase for y ≤ 0.4 and are multi-phase for y ≥ 0.5 though a compound of the ThMn 12 type does indeed form for all values of y . The saturation magnetizations ( M s ), Curie temperatures ( T C ), and magnetic anisotropy fields ( H a ) are measured for the y ≤ 0.4 samples and the values of M s and H a appear to be nearly identical for all y ≤ 0.4 . T C , however, is seen to increase about 20 °C in this range for increasing y .