cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use and Misuse of Small Bowel Video Capsule Endoscopy in Clinical Practice

Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) was introduced into the United States in 2000 and has significantly advanced the ability to visualize the small intestinal mucosa by using noninvasive technology. Compared with traditional imaging with small bowel barium imaging, the use of VCE has demonstrated the ability to enhance diagnostic yield in patients with suspected small bowel pathology by approximately 25%‐50% in patients with suspected small bowel disorders. 1‐3 Although the use of VCE has been recommended as the next step in patients with obscure gastrointestinal hemorrhage after a negative upper and/or lower endoscopic examination, 4 its use in other clinical scenarios such as small bowel inflammatory disorders may not be associated with similar diagnostic yields. The major complication associated with the use of VCE remains small bowel retention. Although the risk of this event is virtually nil in patients with obscure bleeding, it can approach 10% in patients with known inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 5 A critical appraisement of appropriate use of this technology may help physicians and third-party payers to determine which subset of patients with suspected or known small bowel disorders would benefit the most from undergoing a VCE procedure. To critically examine the use of VCE in clinical practice, an evidence-based approach was performed by using the GRADE system, 6,7 and a critical review of the literature on capsule endoscopy was performed by using PubMed, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Database from 2000‐2012. The quality of evidence could range from high (implying that further research was unlikely to change the authors’ confidence in the estimate of the effect) to moderate (further research would be likely to have an impact on the confidence in the estimate of effect) or low (further research would be expected to have an important impact on the confidence in the estimate of the effect and would be likely to change the estimate). The strength of a recommendation was graded as strong when the desirable effects of an intervention clearly outweigh the undesirable effects and as conditional when there was uncertainty about the tradeoffs. The evidence-based statements generated from this review are shown in Table 1. Studies including more than 20 patients were included for each topic to increase data quality when metaanalyses or randomized controlled trials were not available.
The disproportionate effects of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 on radiologists' private office MRI and CT practices compared with those of other physicians.

Purpose The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) sharply reduced technical component payments for private office magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomographic (CT) imaging. Although radiologists have no control over referrals, nonradiologist physicians (NRPs) can potentially make up for revenue shortfalls by self-referring more examinations. The purpose of this study was therefore to compare the effects of the DRA on the in-office MRI and CT practices of radiologists and NRPs. Materials and Methods The nationwide Medicare Part B databases for 2002 to 2007 were studied. All MRI and CT codes were selected. Using Medicare physician specialty and place-of-service codes, examinations performed in private offices by radiologists were identified and compared with those performed by NRPs. Trends in procedure volume and payments were studied. The pre-DRA compound annual growth rates for 2002 to 2006 and the post-DRA one-year rates for 2007 are reported. Results For MRI, radiologists' private office volume increased by 8.4% yearly from 2002 to 2006 but then dropped by 2.0% in 2007. Nonradiologist physicians' office volume increased by 24.8% yearly, then increased by another 7.6% in 2007. Office MRI payments to radiologists increased by 11.2% yearly from 2002 to 2006 but then dropped by 30.1% in 2007. Nonradiologist physicians' office MRI payments increased by 25.7% yearly, then dropped by 23.5% in 2007. For CT imaging, radiologists' private office volume increased by 11.2% yearly from 2002 to 2006 but then increased by only 2.9% in 2007. Nonradiologist physicians' office volume increased by 31.8% yearly, then increased by another 18.1% in 2007. Office CT payments to radiologists increased by 13.4% yearly from 2002 to 2006 but then dropped by 5.2% in 2007. Nonradiologist physicians' office CT payments increased by 34.9% yearly, then increased by another 8.3% in 2007. Conclusion After the DRA took effect, office MRI volume dropped among radiologists but increased among NRPs. Payments for MRI to both dropped, but the percentage decrease to radiologists was greater. Office CT volume increased slightly among radiologists but increased much more among NRPs on a percentage basis. Payments for CT imaging to radiologists dropped, but they increased to NRPs. These results suggest that NRPs may be able to ameliorate the effects of the DRA by increasing self-referral. These trends are of concern and should be scrutinized in future years.
Analyzing liver transplantation for fulminant hepatic failure at UCLA: A retrospective look at 18 years' experience

Objective To analyze outcomes after liver transplantation (LT) in patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) with emphasis on pretransplant variables that can potentially help predict posttransplant outcome. Summary background data FHF is a formidable clinical problem associated with a high mortality rate. While LT is the treatment of choice for irreversible FHF, few investigations have examined pretransplant variables that can potentially predict outcome after LT. Methods A retrospective review was undertaken of all patients undergoing LT for FHF at a single transplant center. The median follow-up was 41 months. Thirty-five variables were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis to determine their impact on patient and graft survival. Results Two hundred four patients (60% female, median age 20.2 years) required urgent LT for FHF. Before LT, the majority of patients were comatose (76%), on hemodialysis (16%), and bound for intensive care. The 1- and 5-year survival rates were 73% and 67% (patient) and 63% and 57% (graft). The primary cause of patient death was sepsis, and the primary cause of graft failure was primary graft nonfunction. Univariate analysis of pre-LT variables revealed that 19 variables predicted survival. From these results, multivariate analysis determined that the serum creatinine was the single most important prognosticator of patient survival. Conclusions This study, representing one of the largest published series on LT for FHF, demonstrates a long-term survival of nearly 70% and develops a clinically applicable and readily measurable set of pretransplant factors that determine posttransplant outcome. (Ann Surg 2003;237:666–676.)
Physiology of Canine Intraventricular Conduction and Endocardial Excitation

The sequence of conduction through the intraventricular conducting system and endocardial muscle was studied by microelectrode mapping of large areas of isolated canine ventricular tissue. We found that most of the endocardium of the right ventricular free wall is activated simultaneously whereas the left endocardial muscle is activated in an apex-to-base sequence. Right septal activation is from apex to base, and the left septum is activated first at the junction of the middle and lower thirds of the septum and then as a bidirectional wave front toward the apex and the base. These right-left differences occur because the sites of impulse input into muscle on the right encompass the entire free wall, base of the papillary muscle, and the lowermost septum, and on the left are primarily limited to the lower ventricular cavity, lower septum, and bases of the papillary muscles. These patterns of left ventricular excitation relate to the presence of a functionally continuous ring of conducting tissue formed by a merger of the major divisions of the left bundle branch on the upper left ventricular free wall. The "ring" itself is electrophysiologically isolated from muscle, but connects to a network of subendocardial conducting tissue extending to the apex and having input to muscle only in its lower portions.
Discovery of substrate cycles in large scale metabolic networks using hierarchical modularity

A substrate cycle is a set of metabolic reactions, arranged in a loop, which does not result in net consumption or production of the metabolites. The cycle operates by transforming a cofactor, e.g. oxidizing a reducing equivalent. Substrate cycles have been found experimentally in many parts of metabolism; however, their physiological roles remain unclear. As genome-scale metabolic models become increasingly available, there is now the opportunity to comprehensively catalogue substrate cycles, and gain additional insight into this potentially important motif of metabolic networks. We present a method to identify substrate cycles in the context of metabolic modules, which facilitates functional analysis. This method utilizes elementary flux mode (EFM) analysis to find potential substrate cycles in the form of cyclical EFMs, and combines this analysis with network partition based on retroactive (cyclical) interactions between reactions. In addition to providing functional context, partitioning the network into modules allowed exhaustive EFM calculations on smaller, tractable subnetworks that are enriched in metabolic cycles. Applied to a large-scale model of human liver metabolism (HepatoNet1), our method found not only well-known substrate cycles involving ATP hydrolysis, but also potentially novel substrate cycles involving the transformation of other cofactors. A key characteristic of the substrate cycles identified in this study is that the lengths are relatively short (2–13 reactions), comparable to many experimentally observed substrate cycles. EFM computation for large scale networks remains computationally intractable for exhaustive substrate cycle enumeration. Our algorithm utilizes a ‘divide and conquer’ strategy where EFM analysis is performed on systematically identified network modules that are designed to be enriched in cyclical interactions. We find that several substrate cycles uncovered using our approach are not identified when the network is partitioned in a more generic manner based solely on connectivity rather than cycles, demonstrating the value of targeting motif searches to sub-networks replete with a topological feature that resembles the desired motif itself.
Impact of Community-Based Larviciding on the Prevalence of Malaria Infection in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The use of larval source management is not prioritized by contemporary malaria control programs in sub-Saharan Africa despite historical success. Larviciding, in particular, could be effective in urban areas where transmission is focal and accessibility to Anopheles breeding habitats is generally easier than in rural settings. The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a community-based microbial larviciding intervention to reduce the prevalence of malaria infection in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania. Larviciding was implemented in 3 out of 15 targeted wards of Dar es Salaam in 2006 after two years of baseline data collection. This intervention was subsequently scaled up to 9 wards a year later, and to all 15 targeted wards in 2008. Continuous randomized cluster sampling of malaria prevalence and socio-demographic characteristics was carried out during 6 survey rounds (2004-2008), which included both cross-sectional and longitudinal data (N = 64,537). Bayesian random effects logistic regression models were used to quantify the effect of the intervention on malaria prevalence at the individual level. Effect size estimates suggest a significant protective effect of the larviciding intervention. After adjustment for confounders, the odds of individuals living in areas treated with larviciding being infected with malaria were 21% lower (Odds Ratio = 0.79; 95% Credible Intervals: 0.66-0.93) than those who lived in areas not treated. The larviciding intervention was most effective during dry seasons and had synergistic effects with other protective measures such as use of insecticide-treated bed nets and house proofing (i.e., complete ceiling or window screens). A large-scale community-based larviciding intervention significantly reduced the prevalence of malaria infection in urban Dar es Salaam.
Profiles of Christian College Presidents: How They Differ From Other College Presidents

The purpose of this study was to see if the profiles of 44 Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) presidents and 55 Lilly Fellows Program Network of Colleges and Universities (LFN) ...
Ultrafast spectroscopy and computational study of the photochemistry of diphenylphosphoryl azide: direct spectroscopic observation of a singlet phosphorylnitrene.

The photochemistry of diphenylphosphoryl azide was studied by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, by chemical analysis of light-induced reaction products, and by RI-CC2/TZVP and TD-B3LYP/TZVP computational methods. Theoretical methods predicted two possible mechanisms for singlet diphenylphosphorylnitrene formation from the photoexcited phosphoryl azide. (i) Energy transfer from the (π,π*) singlet excited state, localized on a phenyl ring, to the azide moiety, thereby leading to the formation of the singlet excited azide, which subsequently loses molecular nitrogen to form the singlet diphenylphosphorylnitrene. (ii) Direct irradiation of the azide moiety to form an excited singlet state of the azide, which in turn loses molecular nitrogen to form the singlet diphenylphosphorylnitrene. Two transient species were observed upon ultrafast photolysis (260 nm) of diphenylphosphoryl azide. The first transient absorption, centered at 430 nm (lifetime (τ) ∼ 28 ps), was assigned to a (π,π*) singlet S1 ex...
Inclusion of two-body effects in calculating nuclear level densities

Abstract The nuclear level density is normally addressed through the use of non-interactive Fermion models. These are easy to understand, involve minimal input and are efficient for making calculations. There are some questions about the use of these models off of the stability line and in regions of extreme deformation. New developments in the theory of moment methods allow better calculations involving a two-body interaction. These techniques and some results will be presented.
Metrically homogeneous sets

A subset of a metric space is called metrically homogeneous if the set of distances from a chosen point of the subset to all the other points of the subset is independent of the chosen point. The main result of the paper is a complete characterization of the compact, metrically homogeneous subsets of the Euclidean plane.
Muscle function in a canine model of X-linked myotubular myopathy.

Introduction: We established a colony of dogs that harbor an X-linked MTM1 missense mutation.Muscle from affected male dogs exhibits reduction and altered localization of the MTM1 gene product, myotubularin, and provides a model analogous to X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM). Methods: We studied hindlimb muscle function in age-matched canine XLMTM genotypes between ages 9 and 18 weeks. Results: By the end of the study, affected dogs produce only ∼15% of the torque generated by normals or carriers (0.023 ± 0.005 vs. 0.152 ± 0.007 and 0.154 ± 0.003 N-m/kg body mass, respectively, P < 0.05) and are too weak to stand unassisted. At this age, XLMTM dogs also demonstrate an abnormally low twitch:tetanus ratio, a right-shifted torque-frequency relationship and an increase in torque during repetitive stimulation (P < 0.05). Conclusions: We hypothesize that muscle weakness results from impaired excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling. Interventions that improve E-C coupling might be translated from the XLMTM dog model to patients. Muscle Nerve 46: 588–591, 2012
Endogenous opiates: 1995

This article is the eighteenth installment of our annual review of research concerning the opiate system. It includes articles published during 1995 reporting the behavioral effects of the opiate peptides and antagonists, excluding the purely analgesic effects. The specific topics covered this year include stress: tolerance and dependence; eating; drinking; gastrointestinal, renal, and hepatic function; mental illness and mood; learning, memory, and reward; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; seizures and other neurological disorders; electrical-related activity; general activity and locomotion; sex, pregnancy, and development; immunological responses; and other behaviors.
Neonatal and pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation provides an external circulation for the critically ill patient with components capable of supporting the cardiorespiratory system while the patient’s innate organs recover from the primary insult. This therapy is often used in children with relatively well-elucidated indications. Although initially used in the setting of neonatal respiratory failure, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for pediatric respiratory and cardiac indications is not uncommon. The complications and the outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation compare favorably with other forms of conventional therapy.
Non-pilot based synchronization for ACO-OFDM

Cyclic-prefix-based synchronization has been used in radio-frequency OFDM for tracking both the timing and frequency offset. The idea behind cyclic-prefix based synchronization is to use the redundancy that is already inherent in the symbol and avoid additional pilots. Asymmetrically-clipped Optical Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (ACO-OFDM) is a power-efficient form of intensity-modulated/direct-detection (IM/DD) OFDM that avoids the use of a DC-bias. Like OFDM, ACO-OFDM has a cyclic prefix, but it also has additional redundancy in the signal due to the fact that information is transmitted only on the odd carriers. This paper introduces a way to exploit this additional redundancy along with the cyclic-prefix for time-synchronization in ACO-OFDM systems.
Extracellular polyanions in digested sludge: Measurement and relationship to sludge dewaterability

The polyanionic fraction of digested sludge extracellular material was quantified using an in situ dye adsorption method, and the relationships between measured extracellular polyanion (ECPA) concentrations and sludge dewaterability were investigated. Measured ECPA concentrations were 18–30% of the sludge total solids (32–46% of the volatile solids), when expressed as equivalents of sodium alginate. These values may be an overestimate of the true value, but are likely a more accurate estimate than those derived from extraction-based methodologies. The relationship between total ECPA concentration and digested sludge dewaterability was dependent on digester feed composition, suggesting that specific ECPA biochemical characteristics are more significant than total concentration as an influence on dewaterability. The influence of the soluble/colloidal fraction of the total ECPA on digested sludge dewaterability was consistently adverse, but from a full-scale dewatering perspective was insignificant.
American Indian Tribal/State Title IV-E Intergovernmental Agreements: An Update on the Challenges and Opportunities for Accessing Foster Care and Adoption Assistance

Title IV-E of the Social Security Act is one of the most important funding sources available to American Indian tribes for child welfare services. A nationwide content analysis of existing Title IV-E agreements was conducted, as well as qualitative surveys with tribal and state officials in states with IV-E agreements. Results of this study revealed that most IV-E agreements contain provisions for administrative costs and foster care maintenance payments. Roughly half of the agreements analyzed contain provisions for adoption maintenance payments. Findings are discussed in light of current legislation and recommendations are made to help facilitate effective IV-E agreements.
A Standardized Technique for the Separation of Steroids by Thin-layer Chromatography

THE thin-layer chromatographic separation of steroids on silica-gel chromatoplates is a rapid and useful preparative and analytical technique1–4. However, the ascending organic solvent development of chromatoplates in an atmosphere of variable temperature and humidity produces streaking and poor resolution of C-19 and C-21 steroids. This communication describes a method which eliminates these difficulties.
Modeling, Control, and Design of Flexible Structures: A Survey

Large structures used in space applications, are made flexible to reduce the high cost of lifting mass to orbit. These highly flexible structures will inevitably be vulnerable to dynamic excitations caused by the slewing/pointing maneuvers, thermal transients, operations of on-board coolers and generators, etc. Thus the aspects of modeling and control become extremely important for the safe and effective operation of large flexible structures (LFS’s). The theoretical, computational, and practical methodologies developed during the last decade along with the latest trends in this area are described. The research work addressing the aspects of model reduction, passive and active control, hierarchical/decentralized control, integrated structural and control design, optimal design, and sensor/actuator location selection problem for large flexible structures is discussed.
Electrically Biased NO x Sensing Elements with Coplanar Electrodes

Fabrication and characterization of electrically biased NO x sensing elements operative at 500-600°C are described. The sensing elements were produced by screen-printing Pt and transition metal oxide electrodes on yttria-stabilized zirconia substrates. DC electrical biasing greatly enhanced the response of the sensing elements to nitric oxide (NO), with voltage changes on the order of 10% observed as the sensing response to 450 ppmv NO at 600°C and 7 vol % O 2 . Voltage and current biasing techniques were employed with a sensing element using NiCr 2 O 4 as the oxide, and the computed changes in resistance due to NO were nearly identical, suggesting that the response mechanism of the elements is a change in dc electrical resistance. The sensing response was minimally affected by O 2 concentrations between 7 and 20 vol % at [NO] concentration levels from 0 to 1500 ppmv. These sensing elements and techniques may be useful in sensors for measuring [NO] at temperatures near 600°C.
A mathematical model of turbulence in flows with uniform stationary velocity gradients

Certain cases of turbulence as a postinstability state of a fluid in motion modeled by the introduction of multivalued velocity fields are examined. The turbulence is regarded as occurring in the form of random pulsations which grow until the external energy input in the average flow is balanced by the dissipated energy of pulsations by means of turbulent friction. Closed form analytic solutions are shown to be possible when the considered velocity fields, the pulsation velocity and the fluid velocity, are decoupled.
In Conversation Joint Action, Shared Intentionality and Ethics

The conversational background to our lives is strange in that we cannot turn it around into an object of thought, to be explained like all else in our world in terms of either rules, theories or mo...
Females' participation in psychopharmacology research as authors, editors, and subjects.

This study determined the involvement of women as first authors and other authors for every article published in Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, and Psychopharmacology in 1991, 1996, 2001, and 2006. Their involvement as editors also was determined. Women’s participation as authors, but not as editors, slightly increased over time. In 2006, 43% of first authors, 38% of other authors, and 24% of editors were women. The gender of subjects was examined for the same years and journals, but could not be determined for 6% and 9% of articles employing nonhuman and human subjects, respectively. In 2006, when subjects’ gender could be determined, 77% of articles involving nonhuman subjects used only males, 9% only females, and 14% both males and females. In articles using human subjects in that same year, 17% involved only males, 6% only females, and 77% both males and females. Women researchers clearly make substantial contributions to the psychopharmacology literature, but are nonetheless underrepresented as editors. Findings regarding subjects indicate that there is growing recognition of the importance of gender as a determinant of drug effects, although the vast majority of nonhuman studies continue to involve only male subjects.
The amorphous phase in high-speed spun PET fibers

Two phenomenogical descriptions of oriented semicrystalline polymers, the series-parallel model and the series-aggregate model, were applied to poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers obtained at different spinning speeds. The mechanical behavior of the fibers conformed well to both models. The analyses indicate that PET fibers obtained by high-speed spinning possess a more compliant interfibrillar amorphous phase. This feature may account for both the greater dimensional stability, as well as the more reversible mechanical behavior, exhibited by high-speed spun PET. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Investigating Behavioral Dynamics With A Fixed-time Extinction Schedule And Linear Analysis.

This paper describes the behavioral adaptation observed for 16 pigeons responding to a step transition in the reinforcement rate in a repeated-trial design. Within each trial, following exposure for a fixed period to a variable-interval schedule, there was an unsignaled change in the schedule to extinction. The step transition allowed an experimental test of the applicability of a linear analysis to steady-state dynamic behavior. The computations required for this test yielded, as an intermediate result, transfer functions for each of the 16 birds from 1 mHz to 256 mHz. The transfer functions obtained show greater responsiveness to lower frequencies (i.e., longer time-scale structures in the reinforcement schedule); hence, the pigeons have the characteristics of a low-pass filter. The outcome of the test is that some predictability of the pigeons' future behavior is possible.
Ordering at diblock copolymer surfaces

Mesure par spectrometrie XPS de l'exces de polystyrene a la surface de copolymeres bisequences symetriques styrene-co-methacrylate de methyle presentant une separation de microphase, en fonction de la temperature et du nombre de segments du polymere
Special Invited Lecture: Integration of Nanostructures with Microsystems

In the past decades, the application of microelectronic and micro/nanotechnologies to the fabrication of solid-state devices stimulated emerging research in micro/nano sensors and actuators. The versatility of semiconductor and micro/nano materials promise new systems with better capabilities and improved performance-to-cost ratio over those of conventionally machined devices. In recent development of nano devices, one key bottleneck has been the integration of nanostructures with Microsystems. This talk will discuss state-of-art integration methodologies of nanostructures with Microsystems using past and on-going efforts. These research results cover various issues in the synthesis and assembly of one-dimensional nanostructures and heterogeneous integration using MEMS as the building blocks including synthesis and assembly of carbon nanotubes, silicon nanowires and zinc oxide nanowires. One common innovation in these projects is the use of localized heating and synthesis such that nanostructures can be grown in a room temperature chamber. Synthesis, directional growth and self-assembly of one-dimensional nanostructures with Microsystems have been demonstrated by means of localized resistive heating, inductive heating: and local electrical field directed, in-situ monitored self-assembly processes. Current research programs will be briefed in the following areas: integrated nanoelectromechanical systems using nanotubes, nanowires and electrospun nanofibers. This talk will conclude with discussions on future research directions.
Temperature-dependent void formation and growth at ion-irradiated nanocrystalline CeO2–Si interfaces

Abstract Ceria is a thermally stable ceramic that has numerous applications in the nuclear industry, including use in nuclear fuels and waste forms. Recently, interest has surged in nanostructured ceria due to its increased mechanical properties and electronic conductivity in comparison with bulk ceria and its ability to self-heal in response to energetic ion bombardment. Here, nanocrystalline ceria thin films grown over a silicon substrate are irradiated to fluences of up to ∼4 × 10 16 ions/cm 2 under different irradiation conditions: with differing ion species (Si + and Ni + ), different ion energies (1.0–1.5 MeV), and at varying temperatures (160–600 K). While the nanocrystalline ceria is found to exhibit exceptional radiation resistance under all tested conditions, severe ion irradiation-induced mixing, void formation, and void growth are observed at the ceria/silicon interface, with the degree of damage proving to be temperature dependent.
A lower bound for the number of solutions of equations over finite fields

Abstract Let f ( X 1 ,…, X n ) be an absolutely irreducible polynomial with coefficients in a finite field. Elementary methods are used to derive an explicit lower bound for the number of zeros of f .
A new method to measure anatomic knee alignment: a tool for large studies of OA?

s / Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 20 (2012) S10–S53 S20 considered severely degenerated. Two independent readers performed histological scoring of the PCLs (Inter-observer class coefficient 1⁄4 0.87). PCL scores were compared to ACL scores from same knees. Results: All knees had an intact, non-ruptured PCL. PCL grade: 76% of the knees showed a mild PCL degeneration; 12%, moderate; and 9%, severe. Fiber disorientation was the most prevalent and severe change (1.2 0.66) followed by mucoid denegation (0.84 0.77), chondroid metaplasia (0.81 0.73), cystic changes (0.54 0.87), and inflammation (0.46 0.66). All criteria showed strong correlations to the total PCL score (range r1⁄40.5-0.76), the highest being mucoid degeneration. Comparison of histological grades of PCL and ACL showed a close relationship with the exception that significantly fewer PCL than ACL were in the “severe” group (Figure 1). There was lower correlation between total histological PCL scores and aging (R1⁄40.29) compared to ACL scores and aging (r1⁄40.45). ACL scores correlated well with total cartilage scores (r1⁄40.56) while PCL scores increased with severity of OA from grades 0 to III but not between OA grades III to IV (r1⁄40.31, Figure 2). In knees with ruptured ACL, the PCL scores correlated with the cartilage score of the lateral compartment (femur r1⁄4 0.65, tibia r1⁄4 0.57). Conclusions: Significant percentages (w 25%) of patients with OA have a deficient ACL, while all PCL were macroscopically intact with weak correlations between PCL degeneration and aging. PCL histological scores were lower in knees with grade IV compared to grade III cartilage suggesting that the PCL is at lower risk for acute or chronic injury than the ACL. The PCL has a significantly different pattern of degeneration. The lack of correlation with age or OA grade indicates independent pathways for PCL versus ACL degeneration.
WNT SIGNALING INDUCES ELECTRICAL REMODELING IN POSTNATAL CARDIOMYOCYTES

Background: Wnt signaling plays crucial roles in heart development but becomes silent in postnatal hearts. It is reactivated in arrhythmogenic heart diseases, such as cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. We explored the potential role of Wnt signaling in arrhythmogenic electrical remodeling by examining ion channel and connexin changes in postnatal cardiomyocytes with activated Wnt signaling. Methods: Neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) were prepared and treated with either recombinant Wnt3a protein (0.1–1.0 μg/mL) or CHIR99201 (CH, 3 μM, a glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitor) to activate Wnt signaling. Gene expression was assayed by real-time RT-PCR. Western blot and immunocytostaining were used to investigate protein level changes. Ionic currents were recorded with the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Results: Treatment of NRVMs with either Wnt3a or CH caused (Po.01, n 1⁄4 3) a dose-dependent increase in Wnt target gene expression (Axin2 and Lef1), indicating activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Cardiac Naþ current (INa) density was reduced (Po.01, n 1⁄4 10) by Wnt3a (–20 4 vs control –59 7 pA/pF, at –30 mV) or CH (–22 5 pA/pF), without changes in steady-state inactivation or repriming kinetics. Wnt3a and CH also produced dose-dependent reductions in the mRNA level of Scn5a (the cardiac Naþ channel α subunit gene), as well as a 60% reduction in Nav1.5 protein level. Consistent with INa reduction, action potentials in Wnt3atreated NRVMs had lower (Po.01, n 1⁄4 5) upstroke amplitude (91 3 vs control 137 2 mV) and decreased maximum upstroke velocity (70 10 vs control 163 15 V/s). In contrast, mRNA and protein levels of the cardiac L-type Ca2þ channel α subunit (Cacna1c and Cav1.2) were not affected by Wnt3a (p 1⁄4 0.36, n 1⁄4 5). Wnt3a treatment also led to a 60% reduction (Po.01, n 1⁄4 3) in total connexin 43 (Cx43) protein level. Immunocytostaining verified Cx43 protein reduction at the cell junctional areas, suggesting impaired electrical coupling among cardiomyocytes. Conclusions: The Wnt/β-catenin pathway suppresses INa and Cx43 expression in postnatal cardiomyocytes and may contribute to arrhythmogenic remodeling in heart failure. Thus, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway may be a novel therapeutic target for cardiac arrhythmias.
Community innovation in hazardous materials management: progress in implementing SARA Title III in the United States

Abstract Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA Title III) established a new federal approach to managing toxic chemical hazards. This legislation required industry to disclose the type and quantity of such chemicals and also required the establishment of state and local government organizations to receive those data, evaluate community vulnerability, develop local emergency response plans, and communicate with the public. This paper reviews the law’s historical context and empirical studies of its implementation. The available evidence suggests that significant progress has been made in reducing chemical hazards but there is considerable variation across jurisdictions in the effectiveness of the law’s implementation. The research results reviewed here suggest a variety of ways in which SARA Title III implementation can be improved.
Efficient XML query using Relational Data Model

XML files are effective for data store, search and query when used as a single entity. However, when it comes search and query to multiple XML files, performance and efficiency are the ones that are to be degradated. To cope with such degradation, we are proposing an efficient way of merging XML files into a relational database for permanent storage and take advantage of relational database management system's search and query features to locate certain record. Once the resulting record - used to be an XML file - is located, it will be converted back to an XML file for further use. Upon completion on further use, the XML is merged back to the database. To accommodate such need, multiple tables are created according to the XML file's tag structure. In our approach, there are two data transformation functions - one is to conver XML to relational data model and the other is relational data model to XML. We have developed a prototype conversion system for the technical feasibility analysis. For the sake of our experiment, we have used a virtual collaboration system called VCEI where for each discussion session, all the discussion or conference content are stored in a single XML file. Over the times, the number of discussions grows big and so is the number of XML files. The prototype also demonstrates the functional extension of the existing remote conferencing system.
Genetic predisposition, Western dietary pattern, and the risk of type 2 diabetes in men

Background: A widely held hypothesis is that interactions between genetic predisposition and Western-type lifestyle contribute to the epidemic of type 2 diabetes (T2D). No study has tested this hypothesis. Objective: The objective was to assess whether established genetic variants, mainly from genomewide association studies, modify dietary patterns in predicting diabetes risk. Design: We determined 10 polymorphisms in a prospective, nested, case-control study of 1196 diabetic and 1337 nondiabetic men. A genetic risk score (GRS) was generated by using an allele counting method. Baseline dietary intakes were collected by using a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. We used factor analysis to derive Western and ‘‘Prudent’’ dietary patterns from 40 food groups. Results: A significant interaction (P ¼ 0.02) was observed between the GRS and Western dietary pattern. The multivariable odds ratios (ORs) of T2D across increasing quartiles for the Western dietary pattern were 1.00, 1.23 (95% CI: 0.88, 1.73), 1.49 (1.06,2.09), and 2.06 (1.48, 2.88) among men with a high GRS (� 12 risk alleles; P for trend ¼ 0.01). The Western dietary pattern was not associated with diabetes risk among those with a lower GRS. In addition, we found that intakes of processed meat, red meat, and heme iron, which characterized the Western dietary pattern, showed significant interactions with GRS in relation to diabetes risk (P for interaction ¼ 0.029, 0.02, and 0.0004, respectively). The diet-diabetes associations were more evident among men with a high GRS (� 12) than in those with a low GRS. Conclusion: Genetic predisposition may synergistically interact with a Western dietary pattern in determining diabetes risk in men. Am J Clin Nutr 2009;89:1453–8.
Effect of temperature on the survival of porcine circovirus type 2b in fresh pork

Abstract Porcine circovirus type 2b (PCV2b) causes PCV-associated disease in pigs. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of temperature on the survival of PCV2b in fresh pork. Several pieces of longissimus dorsi muscle were injected with 100 μL of a suspension containing 105.2 TCID50 (50% tissue culture infective doses) of the virus. Virus-inoculated pieces of pork were stored at 25 °C, 4 °C and −20 °C and tested for the presence of infectious virus after different times of storage. PCV2b was found to survive in fresh pork for up to 2 days post inoculation (dpi) at room temperature, for 6 dpi at 4 °C and for up to 30 dpi at −20 °C indicating that the survival of PCV2b in fresh pork depends on temperature of storage.
IDENTITY OF THE PINK-PIGMENTED METHANOL-OXIDIZING BACTERIA AS VIBRIO EXTORQUENS.

Stocks, Peter K. (Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge), and C. S. McCleskey. Identity of the pink-pigmented methanol-oxidizing bacteria as Vibrio extorquens. J. Bacteriol. 88:1065–1070. 1964.—Pink-pigmented bacteria isolated from enrichment cultures of methane oxidizers were found to possess similar morphological, cultural, and physiological characteristics. All the strains utilized methanol, formate, oxalate, succinate, glycerol, and benzene as sole carbon sources; methanol, formate, and glycerol afforded best growth. Most strains utilized fructose and ribose; other carbohydrates tested were not available as carbon and energy sources. There was strain variation in the use of hexane, heptane, n-propanol, n-butanol, acetate, and propionate. Methane, ethane, n-propane, and n-butane were not utilized. Our isolates, and Pseudomonas methanica of Harrington and Kallio (not the methane-dependent P. methanica of Dworkin and Foster), Pseudomonas AM1 of Peele and Quayle, Pseudomonas PRL-W4 of Kaneda and Roxburgh, and Protaminobacter ruber den Dooren de Jong are nearly identical with Vibrio extorquens (Bassalik) Bhat and Barker, and should be considered the same species.
Legal Philosophy in the Twentieth Century: The Common Law World

Volume 11, the sixth of the historical volumes of A Treatise of Legal Philosophy and General Jurisprudence, offers a fresh, philosophically engaged, critical interpretation of the main currents of jurisprudential thought in the English-speaking world of the 20th century. It tells the tale of two lectures and their legacies: Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.'s "The Path of Law" (1897) and H.L.A. Hart's Holmes Lecture, "Positivism and the Separation of Law and Morals" (1958). Holmes's radical challenge to late 19th century legal science gave birth to a rich variety of competing approaches to understanding law and legal reasoning from realism to economic jurisprudence to legal pragmatism, from recovery of key elements of common law jurisprudence and rule of law doctrine in the work of Llewellyn, Fuller and Hayek to root-and-branch attacks on the ideology of law by the Critical Legal Studies and Feminist movements. Hart, simultaneously building upon and transforming the undations of Austinian analytic jurisprudence laid in the early 20th century, introduced rigorous philosophical method to English-speaking jurisprudence and offered a reinterpretation of legal positivism which set the agenda for analytic legal philosophy to the end of the century and beyond. A wide-ranging debate over the role of moral principles in legal reasoning, sparked by Dworkin's fundamental challenge to Hart's theory, generated competing interpretations of and fundamental challenges to core doctrines of Hart's positivism, including the nature and role of conventions at the foundations of law and the methodology of philosophical jurisprudence.
Liver disease in Egypt: Hepatitis C superseded schistosomiasis as a result of iatrogenic and biological factors

In Egypt, schistosomiasis was traditionally the most important public health problem and infection with Schistosoma mansoni the major cause of liver disease. From the 1950s until the 1980s, the Egyptian Ministry of Health (MOH) undertook large control campaigns using intravenous tartar emetic, the standard treatment for schistosomiasis, as community-wide therapy. This commendable effort to control a major health problem unfortunately established a very large reservoir of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the country. By the mid-1980s, the effective oral drug, praziquantel, replaced tartar emetic a s treatment f o r schistosomiasis in the entire country. This both reduced schistosomal transmission and disease and interrupted the "occult" HCV epidemic. It was evident when diagnostic serology became available in the 1990s that HCV had replaced schistosomiasis as the predominant cause of chronic liver disease. Epidemiological studies reported a high prevalence and incidence of HCV, particutarly within families in rural areas endemic for schistosomiasis. Clinical studies showed 70% to 90% of patients with chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma had HCV infections. Co-infections with schistosomiasis caused more severe liver disease than infection with HCV alone. Schistosomiasis was reported to cause an imbalance in HCV-specific T-cell responses leading to increased viral load, a higher probability of HCV chronicity, and more rapid progression of complications in co-infected persons. As complications of HCV usually occur after 20 years of infection, the peak impact of the Egyptian outbreak has not yet occurred. Efforts have been initiated by the Egyptian MOH to prevent new infections and complications of HCV in the estimated 6 million infected persons.
Evidence-based family psychoeducational interventions for children and adolescents with psychotic disorders

Introduction: Family psychoeducational interventions have consistently been found to impact families positively and reduce relapse rates in individuals with psychotic disorders. Research finds that, for adults, family psychoeducational interventions are effective in preventing relapse and improving social and occupational functioning. Psychotic disorders are increasingly recognized as having early onset, yet limited psychoeducational evidence-based intervention services are available and no intervention has centered exclusively on youth with a psychotic disorders and their families. Method: This article reviews the evidence-based literature on family psychoeducational interventions for persons with a psychotic disorder, with a specific focus on the gaps, strengths, and limitations of family psychoeducational treatment for children and adolescents. This article incorporates current research in the proposed development of a family psychoeducational intervention exclusively for adolescents with a psychotic disorder and their parents. Results: A conceptual psychoeducational multiple family group intervention (PMFG) for adolescents with a psychotic disorder is presented. Conclusion: The impact of these disorders affects not only the diagnosed adolescents and their families, but places a significant burden on the health care system and society. This article adapts an evidence-based intervention to improve prognosis, social and peer functioning, and reduce relapse in children and adolescents throughout their life cycle.
Effects of Surface-Film Formation on the Electrochemical Characteristics of LiMn2O4 Cathodes of Lithium Ion Batteries

4The electrochemical performance of the cathode is measured in terms of its charge capacity, rate capability, cyclability, and coulombic efficiency CE, and all these parameters are closely related to the efficiency and the reversibility of Li + intercalation/deintercalation in the active material. The cathode’s properties, however, can also be affected by its chemical and electrochemical reactions with the surrounding electrolyte. These reactions often generate surface films on the cathode that can undergo further chemical and structural changes when the battery is charged‐discharged. A complex interplay of these reactions with those of Li insertion/extraction then controls the cathode’s functions. A similar type of surface film, commonly known as the “solid electrolyte interphase” SEI, is associated with carbonaceous anodes of Li ion batteries, and these anode films have been extensively studied. 5-7 In comparison, the characteristic properties/effects of the cathode surface films CSFs have remained relatively underexplored. 8-11 Our present work is aimed at understanding these electrochemical effects of CSFs by employing a prototypical experimental system.
Expression of NGF receptor in the developing and adult primate central nervous system

Monoclonal antibodies against human NGF receptor have been used for immunocytochemical localization of NGF receptors in the CNS of macaques and baboons at various stages of development. In the adult, neurons in most brain regions are devoid of detectable NGF receptors. However, abundant NGF receptor immunoreactivity is present on a population of neurons in basal forebrain, which, on the basis of appearance and pattern of distribution, probably correspond, at least in part, to magnocellular cholinergic neurons of this region. NGF receptors were also associated with the vasculature in most brain regions. NGF receptor immunoreactivity is present on Mueller glia of neural retina. In macaque fetuses, approximately 1 month prenatally, retinal Mueller glia possess lower levels of receptor, while higher levels of receptor are present in the retinal nerve fiber layer. In fetal cerebellum, abundant receptor immunoreactivity is present on Purkinje cells, granule cells of the premigratory zone of the external granule layer, and neurons of the deep nuclei. Immunoreactivity decreases with subsequent development and is absent in the adult. In cerebellum, levels of NGF receptor assayed by affinity crosslinking to radioiodinated NGF, and levels of NGF receptor mRNA assayed by Northern blot analysis decrease dramatically during the last month of fetal life.
Color for philosophers: A précis

(1991). Color for philosophers: A precis. Philosophical Psychology: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 19-26.