cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunosuppressive Medications and Hospitalization for Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), most likely because of increased systemic inflammation. Prior research suggests that immunosuppressive medications may reduce the risk of CVD among RA patients. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of various immunosuppressive medications on the risk of cardiovascular events among a group of older patients with RA. Methods In this nested case-control study, the source cohort was derived from Medicare beneficiaries receiving a drug benefit from the state of Pennsylvania. These individuals were required to have been diagnosed as having RA on at least 2 visits and to have filled a prescription for an immunosuppressive agent. Cases were defined as those patients who were hospitalized for a cardiovascular event such as myocardial infarction or stroke, and 10 control subjects were matched to each case by age, sex, and calendar year of the index date (the time of the first cardiovascular event in each case). Current use of an immunosuppressive medication was defined as having filled a prescription for these agents within the 90 days prior to the index date. Multivariate logistic regression models that included important covariates were assessed to determine the risk of cardiovascular events associated with immunosuppressive agents and their combinations. Results Among the study cohort, we identified 3,501 RA patients who fulfilled our eligibility criteria. During followup of this cohort, 946 patients were hospitalized for a cardiovascular event. Although the 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were wide in adjusted risk regression models with methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy as the reference group, biologic immunosuppressive agents showed neither protective nor deleterious effects (with biologics monotherapy, odds ratio [OR] 1.0, 95% CI 0.5-1.9; with biologics plus MTX combination therapy, OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.3-2.0; and with biologics plus other immunosuppressive agents, OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.7-2.2). Monotherapy with oral glucocorticoids was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.1), and a similar trend in the direction of risk was seen with glucocorticoid combination therapy (OR 1.3, 95% CI 0.8-2.0). Cytotoxic immunosuppressive agents other than MTX (azathioprine, cyclosporine, and leflunomide) were also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events (with both monotherapy and combination treatment, OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-3.0). Conclusion When compared with RA patients receiving MTX monotherapy, those receiving biologic immunosuppressive agents had neither an increased nor decreased risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event, whereas use of oral glucocorticoids and cytotoxic immunosuppressive agents was associated with significant increases in the risk of cardiovascular events.
GABA‐like immunoreactivity of neurons in the chicken diencephalon and mesencephalon

The chick brain is a useful model system for studying the ontogeny and phylogeny of neural circuitry, especially that of the visual system. In this study the distribution of cells and processes showing GABA-like immunoreactivity (GABA+) in the diencephalon and mesencephalon of the posthatch chick was determined immunohistochemically with a polyclonal antibody to GABA and compared with the results of similar studies in mammals. Most of the small GABA+ cells were found in the chick visual centers such as the nucleus lateralis anterior, suprachiasmatic nucleus, ventral lateral geniculate, optic tract, dorsolateralis anterior pars lateralis, lentiformis mesencephali, ectomammillary nucleus, area pretectalis, and the optic tectum. Large GABA+ cells were found in the following nuclei: reticularis superior, posteroventralis thalami, subpretectalis, isthmi pars magnocellularis, interstitio-pretectosubpretectalis, mesencephalicus lateralis pars dorsalis. These large cell-containing nuclei receive projections from visual or auditory centers. GABA+ axons were found throughout the diencephalon and mesencephalon but were especially prominent in the ansa lenticularis, fasciculus medialis longitudinalis, and optic tract. The distribution of GABA+ cells in the chick is more widespread than in rodents and exhibits an increased association with the visual centers suggesting a correlation with the specialized visual requirements of the bird.
Novel cytotoxic chelators that bind iron(II) selectively over zinc(II) under aqueous aerobic conditions.

To achieve cellular iron deprivation by chelation, it is important to develop chelators with selective metal-binding properties. Selectivity for iron has long been the province of certain oxygen-donor chelators such as desferrioxamine, which target Fe(III) and exploit the strength of a relatively ionic Fe(III)-O interaction. We have been studying novel chelators that possess mechanisms to selectively chelate + 2 biometals, particularly tachpyr [ N,N′,N ″-tris(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3,5- cis,cis -triaminocyclohexane] and derivatives from N, N′, N″ -trialkylation and pyridine ring alkylation. Metal-exchange and metal-binding competition reactions have been conducted at pH 7.4, 37°C and time periods until no further change was observed (generally 24–48 h). Under anaerobic conditions, tachpyr is strongly selective for iron, binding 95±5% Fe(II) versus 5±5% Zn(II) in the forms [Fe(tachpyr)] 2+ and [Zn(tachpyr)] 2+ respectively. Under aerobic conditions, tachpyr complexes Fe(II) more effectively than Fe(III), forming iminopyridyl complexes [Fe(tachpyrox- n )] 2+ ( n = 2,4) by O 2 -induced and ironmediated oxidative dehydrogenation. Complexes [Fe(tachpyr-ox- n )] 2+ are also strongly bound forms of iron that are unaffected by an excess of Zn(II) (75 mol zinc:1 mol iron complex). The preference of tachpyr for iron over zinc under aerobic conditions appears to be hindered by oxidation of Fe(II) to Fe(III), such that the proportions bound are 44±10% Fe(II) versus 56±10% Zn(II), in the respective forms [Fe(tachpyr-ox-n)] 2+ and [Zn(tachpyr)] 2+ . However, upon addition of the reducing agent Na 2 S 2 O 4 that converts Fe(III) to Fe(II), the binding proportions shift to 76±10% Fe(II) versus 24±10% Zn(II), demonstrating a clear preference of tachpyr for Fe(II) over Zn(II). Iron(II) is in the low-spin state in [Fe(tachpyr)] 2+ and [Fe(tachpyr-ox n )] 2+ ( n = 2, 4), which is a likely cause of the observed selectivity. N-methylation of tachpyr [giving ( N -methyl) 3 tachpyr] results in the loss of selectivity for Fe(II), which is attributed to the steric effect of the methyl groups and a resulting high-spin state of Fe(II) in [Fe( N -methyl) 3 tachpyr)] 2+ . The relationship of chelator selectivity to cytotoxicity in the tach family will be discussed.
Response of atypical symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux to antireflux surgery.

Background: Atypical manifestations of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) include asthma, chest pain, cough and hoarseness. The effectiveness of antireflux surgery for these symptoms is uncertain. The present study compared symptomatic response rates for typical and atypical GOR symptoms after fundoplication. Methods: Between October 1991 and January 1998, 324 patients underwent laparoscopic fundoplication at Emory University Hospital and returned postoperative questionnaires. Severity of typical (heartburn) and atypical (asthma, chest pain, cough and hoarseness) GOR symptoms was reported by patients on a 0–4 scale before surgery, and at 6 and 52 weeks after operation. Patients were stratified based on preoperative symptoms into three groups: group 1 (severe heartburn/minimal atypical symptoms), group 2 (severe heartburn/severe atypical symptoms) and group 3 (minimal heartburn/severe atypical symptoms). Results: In group 1 (n = 173) heartburn improved in 99 per cent and resolved in 87 per cent. In group 2 (n = 95) heartburn improved in 95 per cent and resolved in 76 per cent, and atypical symptoms improved in 94 per cent and resolved in 42 per cent. In group 3 (n = 56) atypical symptoms improved in 93 per cent and resolved in 48 per cent. Although all symptoms were improved by fundoplication, resolution was more likely for heartburn than for atypical symptoms. Conclusion: Atypical symptoms of GOR are improved by fundoplication, but symptom resolution occurs in fewer than 50 per cent of patients. © 2001 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd
Evaluation of a new organic azide: Hexakis(azidomethyl)benzene (HAB)

HAB is a thermally- and hydrolytically-stable solid, easily prepared from available raw materials. It is not highly sensitive to shock, friction, or electrostatic charge, but is sensitive to some types of impact, although not to others. It shows preliminary promise for possible use as a substitute for normal lead styphnate in less-sensitive bridgewire detonators, and as a substitute for tetracene in percussion detonators, e.g. the M-42 primer. Easy ignition, and a high burning rate without detonation, suggest application as an igniter. HAB is not sufficiently powerful to dent an aluminum witness block; therefore, it would not be suitable as a replacement for lead azide as an intermediate detonator charge.
Effect of scattering and contacts on current and electrostatics in carbon nanotubes

We computationally study the electrostatic potential profile and current carrying capacity of carbon nanotubes as a function of length and diameter. Our study is based on solving the nonequilibrium Green’s function and Poisson equations self-consistently, including the effect of electron-phonon scattering. A transition from the ballistic to diffusive regime of electron transport with an increase of applied bias is manifested by qualitative changes in the potential profiles, differential conductance, and electric field in a nanotube. In the low-bias ballistic limit, most of the applied voltage drop occurs near the contacts. In addition, the electric field at the tube center increases proportionally with diameter. In contrast, at high biases, most of the applied voltage drops across the nanotube, and the electric field at the tube center decreases with an increase in diameter. We find that the differential conductance can increase or decrease with bias as a result of an interplay of nanotube length, diameter, and a quality factor of the contacts. From an application viewpoint, we find that the current carrying capacity of nanotubes increases with an increase in diameter. Finally, we investigate the role of inner tubes in affecting the current carried by the outermost tube of a multiwalled nanotube.
On the Usage of Near-Infrared Spectral Reconstruction

Since the advent of near-infrared reflectance analysis (NIRA), there have been numerous attempts to give "traditional" spectroscopic explanations for the successful empirical and statistical calibrations of a wide variety of components in different products.
SU-FF-T-204: The Determination of Optimal Hounsfield Unit Assignment of Materials in a 2 Dimensional Diode Array Used in the Calculation of Rotational Therapy Verification Plans

Purpose: To determine the optimal Hounsfield unit (HU) assignments for the materials in a two dimensional diode detector array used for the quality assurance of rotational radiotherapy.Method and Materials: A 2 dimensional diode array (MapCheck, Sun Nuclear Corporation) with a surrounding uniform density phantom (MapPhan) was imaged with 2.5 mm CT slices. The array contains a plane of 445 solid state detectors in contact on both the top and bottom with a fiberglass pc board and polycarbonate plate. The attenuating properties of this entire detector assembly were modeled in the eclipse planning system by assigning different HU to the materials and comparing calculated (AAA 8.2.23 algorithm, Varian Medical Systems) and measured dose. The diodes were assigned HU of −50, 0, 50 or 3000, and the polycarbonate plates were assigned HU of −50, 0, 50, 150, 250 or 350. Rectangular fields of length 25cm and widths of 5cm, 10cm and 30cm, were planned with different HU assignments and measured in a 358° arc. Results: Comparisons were made using the agreement rate between calculated and measured results within 2% dose. The phantom defined by uniform density had 99.1%, 95.7% and 92.4% agreement for HU values of −50, 0, and 50 respectively. Definitions of the polycarbonate plates of HU of 50, 150, 250, and 350 yielded calculation agreements with measurement of 96.4%. 93.3%, 90.3% and 84.5%. When each of the 445 diodes is assigned 3000 HU, the 2% dose agreement rate is 94.2% and pixel density correction yielded an agreement of 60.4%. Conclusion: The best results were obtain with uniform HU assignments of 0 or −50 HU or by defining the polycarbonate plates with a HU of 50 and the remainder of the assembly 0 HU. Unacceptable results are obtained when using pixel based density corrections.
Anatomic and functional significance of a hypotensive response during supine exercise radionuclide ventriculography

The significance of a decline in systolic blood pressure (BP) during supine exercise was examined in 820 patients who underwent both supine exercise gated equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography and coronary angiography. Twenty-seven patients, 3% of the study population, had a decrease in systolic BP at peak exercise of more than 10 mm Hg from the systolic BP at rest. Other indicators of ischemia--angina, ST-segment depression, a decrease in ejection fraction and wall motion abnormality during exercise--were present frequently but not uniformly in these patients. Although most patients had a decline in ejection fraction and a new wall motion abnormality with exercise, 4 patients had an increase in ejection fraction with exercise without any regional wall motion abnormalities. Coronary angiography in the 27 patients with systolic hypotension demonstrated severe coronary artery disease (CAD). Twenty-two patients (81%) had 3-vessel or left main CAD. Twenty of these 22 patients with 3-vessel CAD had at least 2 arteries with 90% or more diameter stenoses. Systolic hypotension during supine exercise radionuclide angiography is infrequent, usually associated with evidence of global and regional left ventricular dysfunction, and a marker of very severe CAD.
Towards a Higgs factory/muon collider

The physics issues of a muon collider Higgs factory are discussed. Conversion of a neutrino factory to a Higgs factory and progress in R&D towards a muon collider are summarized.
Rapid Manufacturability Evaluation of Die-Cast Components:

This paper presents a methodology for the evaluation of manufacturability of die-cast components. The methodology defines and determines parameters pertaining to manufacturability of the die-cast parts, namely shape complexity, die complexity, cycle time, machine size and processing parameters. The evaluator assists in examining design alternatives at preliminary design stages where geometric data is minimal or on detailed designs. Numerical analyses are conducted with Finite Element Method (FEM) to assess the accuracy of the rapid evaluation results. The paper presents a case study of a part for which die-casting is considered as a process alternative.
Cloning and sequence analysis of an XbaI fragment of rainbow trout mitochondrial DNA

A 2.4 kbp Xbal fragment of rainbow trout mitochondrial DNA was cloned into pTZ18R. DNA sequence analysis reveals that this segment of the genome encodes URF3, tRNAArg, URF4L and URF4 in the same orientation as other vertebrate mitochondrial genomes. Comparison of these segments of the rainbow trout mitochondrial genome with the corresponding sequences in human mitochondrial DNA shows that approximately 60% of the nucleotides are the same in both species.
A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO CALCULATING COSTS OF EQUITY FOR INVESTMENTS IN EMERGING MARKETS

While most financial economists argue that multinational corporations (MNCs) should use discount rates that reflect only “systematic” or “covariance” risks when evaluating offshore projects, the managers of most MNCs do not appear to follow this prescription of the CAPM. Instead they favor use of discount rates that reflect the “total risk” of emerging-market investments (as evidenced, for example, by the comments of the executives in the Roundtable discussion that immediately precedes this article). The authors defend this practice by noting that emerging countries are generally in the midst of profound economic and political transformations; and, although an MNC's shareholders may be willing to accept considerably lower rates of return on emerging-markets projects because of the expected portfolio diversification benefits, the managements of MNCs are likely to find that using higher discount rates for emerging-markets investments does a better job of accomplishing what a capital budgeting system is supposed to do—namely, to send strategic planners clear signals of the full extent of project risks and to set high standards of profitability for overseas operating managers. After describing the “total-risk” focus of corporate planners, the authors present a “practical model” for calculating discount rates for emerging countries that incorporates two dimensions of risk: (1) credit quality, which is intended to capture political or “sovereign” risks; and (2) business volatility, which reflects primarily the commercial risks of operating in a given country. Credit-quality risk is measured by the credit spread (over U.S. Treasuries) of a country's sovereign debt denominated in dollars or other reserve currency. Business volatility is captured by an additional risk premium that reflects the volatility of the local stock market relative to the volatility of the domestic (U.S.) market. And, because these two sources of risk are not completely independent, the authors propose a downward adjustment to compensate for any “double counting” inherent in the method.
Decreased Growth of Established Human Prostate LNCaP Tumors in Nude Mice Fed a Low-Fat Diet

Background : Geographic variation in the incidence of clinically detected prostate cancer is considerable, with a 120-fold greater incidence in the United States than in China. The incidence of latent prostate cancer, however, shows little variation worldwide, with approximately 30% of men older than age 50 years having microfocal disease (determined by autopsy). Some epidemiologic studies have suggested that a high intake of dietary fat may constitute a risk factor for the development of advanced prostate cancer. Purpose : We studied the influence of dietary fat content on the growth of tumors established in athymic nude mice with androgen-sensitive, human prostatic adenocarcinoma cells (LNCaP cells). We also investigated whether manipulation of dietary fat content altered prostate-specific antigen (PSA) production by these tumors. Methods : Tumors were induced in nude mice by subcutaneous injection of 10 6 LNCaP cells. Both the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) LNCaP cell line and a more androgen-responsive subline derived from it (i.e., the Harris LNCaP cell line) were used. Mice were fed a 40.5-kcal% fat diet at the time of tumor cell injection. Three weeks later, after measurable tumors were formed, the animals were assigned to receive diets with one of the following fat contents : 40.5, 30.8, 21.2, 11.6, or 2.3 kcal% fat. Food intake, animal weights, and tumor volumes were recorded weekly ; serum PSA and testosterone levels were measured at the termination of the study. Post hoc multiple comparisons were made using the Student-Newman-Keuls procedure. Two-sided tests of statistical significance were used to evaluate pairwise comparisons. Results : Tumor growth rates, final tumor weights, and ratios of final tumor weights to animal weights were substantially greater in groups that continued to receive a 40.5-kcal% fat diet than in groups whose diets were changed to 2.3 kcal%, 11.6 kcal%, or 21.2 kcal% fat (all P values <.04). Comparison of these parameters among the 2.3-kcal%, 11.6-kcal%, and 21.2-kcal% dietary fat groups did not reveal any statistically significant differences. No statistically significant differences were noted in total ingested calories, animal weight gain, serum testosterone levels, or histopathologic characteristics of the tumors among the tested dietary groups. Serum PSA levels were highest in the 40.5-kcal% fat group and lowest in the 2.3-kcal% fat group (evaluated only for ATCC LNCaP cells ; P<.05). Conclusions : Reduction of dietary fat substantially slows the growth of tumors established from human prostatic adenocarcinoma cells in a murine xenograft model. A positive association persists between tumor volumes and serum PSA levels even after extreme modification of dietary fat content.
Control method for multi-microgrid systems in smart grid environment—Stability, optimization and smart demand participation

This paper presents a control strategy for microgrids in smart grid environment. A hierarchical control strategy is developed to ensure stability and to optimize operation of microgrid. Communication, control and advanced metering infrastructure of smart grids are used to facilitate this control strategy. The control strategy incorporates storage device, electric car, various distributed energy resources and loads. Proposed control strategy considers microgrid operation in island and grid-connected mode. Island microgrid is stabilized by managing storage devices, dispatchable energy units and controllable loads. The control strategy is based on demand participation while stability of system has the highest priority. Theoretical discussion beyond presented algorithms reveal evidently the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
The application of new technologies to seed conditioning

Abstract The need to establish a database of seed physical properties is identified. An algorithm was developed to obtain dimensional data using a Machine Vision System (MVS). Length, width, and shape data were collected using the MVS. A compact data structure was utilized to maintain a manageable database size. Reflectance data is presented for two wheat seed types. The spectral data showed a 30% difference at 700 nm. A device was constructed to allow the collection of drop time data for crop seeds and contaminants. The system timing precision (s.d. = 0·003) was checked using a glass sphere. A computer program was developed to calculate terminal velocity using the equation of motion and the measured drop-time for a free-falling particle.
Interaction Between Dislocations in a Couple Stress Medium

Taylor's theory of crystal plasticity is reformulated for dislocations in a couple stress medium. The divergence between Taylor's approach and an approach that includes the effects of couple stresses on dislocation interactions is demonstrated. It is shown that dislocations separated by a distance that is comparable to a characteristic material length scale, have mutual interaction somewhat weaker than that predicted by classical elasticity.
Lingual flap retraction and prevention of lingual nerve damage associated with third molar surgery: a systematic review of the literature.

Abstract Objective: Lingual nerve damage sometimes occurs after the removal of third molars. The use of a lingual retractor has been advocated to protect the lingual nerve. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to evaluate the incidence of lingual nerve damage after third molar surgery and the effect of a lingual retractor on nerve damage. Study Design: An exhaustive computerized search of several databases and references cited in the various studies was performed. Predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to identify the 8 published studies acceptable for detailed analysis. The incidence and spontaneous recovery of lingual nerve injury for the following 3 surgical techniques were evaluated: the buccal approach with lingual flap retraction (BA+), or the buccal approach without lingual flap retraction (BA–), and the lingual split technique with lingual flap retraction (LS). Results: In the 8 selected articles, lingual nerve injury occurred in 9.6%, 6.4%, and 0.6% of the pooled LS, BA+, and BA– procedures, respectively. On the basis of risk ratios comparing combined incidence rates, lingual nerve injury is 8.8 times more likely to occur in BA+ than in BA– procedures (CI = 4.3-17.8), 13.3 times more likely to occur in LS than in BA– procedures (CI = 6.6-26.9), and 1.5 times more likely to occur in LS than in BA+ procedures (CI = 1.2-1.8). Permanent lingual nerve injury occurred in 0.1%, 0.6%, and 0.2% of the combined LS, BA+, and BA– procedures, respectively. The combined permanent incidence risk ratios were not calculated because of the low permanent incidence rates. Conclusions: The use of a lingual nerve retractor during third molar surgery was associated with an increased incidence of temporary nerve damage and was neither protective nor detrimental with respect to the incidence of permanent nerve damage. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2001;91:395-401)
Systematic Inclusion of Stator Transients in Reduced Order Synchronous Machine Models

This paper illustrates a systematic approach to the inclusion of stator transients in a reduced order synchronous machine model. The technique provides a mathematically consistent approach to the derivation of the reduced order model so that a means for capturing the fundamental dynamics is made possible. The method appears to be applicable to a large class of problems where stator or network transients are traditionally neglected.
Automatic Lens Design Methods

Optical design may be thought of as an exercise in the solution of sets of simultaneous, nonlinear, algebraic equations with prescribed boundary conditions. Several methods for solving such sets of equations are discussed, and numerical examples are given for some of them. These methods are believed suitable for use with automatic computing machinery.In the optical problem there are usually many more equations than variables, so that an exact solution is seldom possible. If, however, the quality of a system is specified by a merit function φ, then a set of parameters which make φ a minimum can be interpreted as a solution of the equations.
Is routine rapid-staged bilateral pulmonary artery banding before stage 1 Norwood a viable strategy?

Objective We adopted a policy of rapid-staged bilateral pulmonary artery banding (bPAB) before the Norwood (NW) procedure for all patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. We hypothesized that this strategy might mitigate some of the traditional risk factors and that postponing a major bypass procedure beyond the newborn period could have both short- and long-term benefits. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of this strategy with respect to the short-term outcomes. Methods From 2008 to 2010, 14 patients underwent bPAB and maintenance of ductal patency with prostaglandin E1 infusion before stage 1 NW. For reference, we also reviewed the data from patients who had undergone the primary NW procedure in the 2 years immediately before the study period. Results The bPAB was performed at a median age of 6 days (range, 2-39), gestational age of 38.5 weeks (range, 36-41), and weight of 2.75 kg (range, 2.3-3.6). The subsequent NW was performed at a gestational age of 43.5 weeks (range, 41-51) and weight of 3.2 kg (range, 2.2-4.9). When the NW procedure was eventually performed on the pBAB group, the maximum blood lactate levels within the first 24 hours after the NW were lower than those in the earlier primary NW group (2.8 ± 0.9 vs 10.1 ± 6.5 mmol/dL, P = .0002) and the urine output in the first 24 hours after the NW was greater in the pPAB group (4.1 ± 2.1 vs 2.2 ± 1.5 mL/kg/h; P = .0051). Conclusions These data suggest that rapid-staged bPAB before NW can reduce the challenge of postoperative management in the early postoperative period after the NW procedure and have potential to improve the outcomes.
Explicit results for wear processes in a Markovian environment

We consider the reliability of a single-unit system whose cumulative damage over time is a continuous wear process {X(t):t>=0} that depends on an external environment process {Z(t):t>=0}. We explicitly derive the failure time distribution and moments in terms of Laplace-Stieltjes transforms by analyzing the Markov additive process {(X(t),Z(t)):t>=0} and demonstrate its applicability on an example problem.
Measurement of Roton Energies and Linewidths in He 3 - He 4 Solutions

Using Raman scattering from rotons in liquid ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$-${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ solutions for ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ concentrations $0l~Xl~0.11$ at $T=0.60$ \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, we have measured the two-roton energy and linewidth. Our measurements indicate no change in the single-roton energy as a function of concentration, whereas the single-roton linewidth increases nonlinearly with $X$.
Nuclear Accumulation of Stress Response mRNAs Contributes to the Neurodegeneration Caused by Fragile X Premutation rCGG Repeats

Fragile X–associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a neurodegenerative disorder seen in Fragile X premutation carriers. Previous studies found that Fragile X rCGG repeats are sufficient to cause neurodegeneration and that the rCGG repeat-binding proteins Pur α and hnRNP A2/B1 can modulate rCGG–mediated neuronal toxicity. To explore the role of Pur α in rCGG–mediated neurodegeneration further, we took a proteomic approach and identified more than 100 proteins that interact with Pur α. Of particular interest is Rm62, the Drosophila ortholog of p68 RNA helicase, which could modulate rCGG–mediated neurodegeneration. Here we show that rCGG repeats decreased the expression of Rm62 posttranscriptionally, leading to the nuclear accumulation of Hsp70 transcript, as well as additional mRNAs involved in stress and immune responses. Together these findings suggest that abnormal nuclear accumulation of these mRNAs, likely as a result of impaired nuclear export, could contribute to FXTAS pathogenesis.
Organizational Techniques for Educational Reform

Presents an introduction to the article “360-Degree Assessment: Time for Reinvention,” by Ginka Toegel and Jay A. Conger, which was published in the September 2003 issue of the periodical “Academy ...
Patient Factors in the Selection of Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment for Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

Background: The influence of demographic, medical history, and treatment variables on the maintenance of nonoperative care or progression to operative intervention in Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfuc...
Further Studies of Alternative Jet Fuels

Future gas turbine technology may require that liquid fuels play an additional role as a coolant over a wide range of combustion-chamber operating conditions. Additionally, in order to satisfy greater efficiency and performance goals, gas turbine operating temperatures and pressures are steadily increasing. Given the desire to reduce dependence on foreign fuels and that current hydrocarbon fuels, such as JP-8, are prone to thermal or catalytic decomposition at such elevated conditions, there is great interest in utilizing alternatively-derived liquid fuels. The successful development of a versatile, multiple-use fuel must achieve the desired operational characteristics of high combustion efficiency, excellent combustion stability, acceptable pollutant emission levels, and compatibility with current engine seals. Combustion instability represents a critical area of concern for future gas turbine engines that may burn alternative fuels. Combustion instability is characterized by large, unsteady combustion-chamber pressure oscillations which occur at the characteristic frequencies associated with the acoustic modes of the combustor. The occurrence of combustion-driven instabilities is closely tied to the details of the injection and fuel-air mixing processes, the heat release characteristics, and the degree to which heat release rate couples with the acoustics of the combustor. Additionally, the efficiency and emissions characteristics are also largely determined by the fuel injection, atomization, and mixing processes associated with combustion. As fuel properties and composition vary, effects on combustion efficiency and emissions, especially the formation of nitrogen oxides (NOx ) and soot, can be expected. Therefore, changes in these processes attributed to differing fuel properties can have a dramatic affect on the combustion characteristics and require careful consideration through a well-coordinated combustion research program. The current study investigates whether a coal-based aviation fuel, JP-900, which has the required thermal stability attributes, also satisfies the engine combustion requirements. Additionally, a Fischer-Tropsch fuel and a volumetric 50/50 blend of JP-8 and the Fischer-Tropsch fuel are studied. Previous studies of coal-based fuels have shown that soot production can be a significant problem due to the higher aromatic content than found in conventional fuels. However, improvements in the fuel refinement processes have helped reduce this problem. Experiments included in this current research effort involve studying the combustion instability patterns, the pollutant emission levels, and sooting propensity of coal-based and Fischer-Tropsch fuels as compared to JP-8. The experimental setup consists of an optically-accessible model gas turbine dump combustor, with provisions for laser extinction measurements, which utilizes a Delavan hollow-cone pressure atomizer for fuel injection.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Cardiovascular function in potassium-depleted dogs.

Abstract Chronic potassium depletion in the dog is associated with multiple cardiovascular alterations. The rate of automaticity of the S-A node appears diminished and its response to a chronotropic stimulus is impaired. The reduced peripheral resistance causes a decline in the characteristic hypertensive response to pentobarbital anesthesia. Cardiac function is not impaired, in the absence of arrhythmias, and contractility seems enhanced since potassium depletion produces a significant increase in the mean systolic ejection rate, a rise in LV dpdt, and a higher LVSW and a trend to increased LVMW at similar levels of LVEDP. These hemodynamic alterations are not associated with light microscopic changes in cardiac muscle.
Are Latina Women Ambivalent About Pregnancies They Are Trying to Prevent? Evidence from the Border Contraceptive Access Study

CONTEXT: Womens retrospective reports of their feelings about a pregnancy and of its intendedness are often inconsistent particularly among Latinas. Interpretation of this incongruence as ambivalence overlooks the possibility that happiness about the prospect of pregnancy and desire to prevent pregnancy need not be mutually exclusive. METHODS: Data from the 2006-2008 Border Contraceptive Access Study--a prospective study of 956 Latina oral contraceptive users aged 18-44 in El Paso Texas--were used to compare womens planned pill use and childbearing intentions with their feelings about a possible pregnancy. Associations between womens feelings and their perceptions of their partners feelings were examined using logistic regression. Prospective and retrospective intentions and feelings were compared among women who became pregnant during the study. RESULTS: Forty-one percent of women who planned to use the pill for at least another year and 34% of those who wanted no more children said they would feel very or somewhat happy about becoming pregnant in the next three months. Perceiving that a male partner would feel very upset about a pregnancy was negatively associated with happiness about the pregnancy among both women who planned to continue pill use and those who wanted no more children (coefficients -4.4 and -3.9 respectively). Of the 36 women who became pregnant during the study 24 reported feeling very happy about the pregnancy in retrospect while only 14 had prospectively reported feeling happy about a possible pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Intentions and happiness appear to be distinct concepts for this sample of Latina women. Copyright (c) 2013 by the Guttmacher Institute.
Some effects of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone on the calcium and phosphorus metabolism of bone in vitro.

The influence of Vitamin D on serum calcium levels cannot be explained by the effect on intestinal absorption of calcium alone. Rather, some alteration in the distribution of calcium between bone and the circulating fluids must occur, a concept that has received in-direct experimental support. In the study reported below bone (calvaria from mice) was incubated in vitro until a steady-state equilibrium for calcium and phosphorus between the bone and the incubating fluid was reached, thus at the end of the incubation simulating the situation in vivo. The concentrations of these ions that bone from animals pre-treated with Vitamin D maintained in their surrounding fluids were significantly higher than Vitamin D deficient controls demonstrating directly the calcium-mobilizing effect of the vitamin. Further, Vitamin D increased the passive solubility of the bone mineral and lactate production by bone cells, suggesting modifications of bone cell metabolism. In the absence of Vitamin D, parathyroid hormone had the same effects as reported for the vitamin, indicating that the function of parathyroid hormone is independent of the presence of Vitamin D. Some evidence is presented that in mice deprived of Vitamin D secondary hyperparathyroidism exists.
Dehydropeptide production in the radiolysis of solid peptides: a radiolytic synthesis of pyrazine derivatives from cyclic dipeptides.

AMONG the chemical changes observed on radiolysis of compounds containing the peptide bond are those attributed1–3 to the production of unsaturated linkages which may be represented in terms of the tautomeric structures, ∼ CON = C(CH2R) ∼ ⇐ ∼ CONH—C(=CHR) ∼ . Compounds containing this type of chemical function have been designated dehydropeptides; such compounds are stable in water yet are readily hydrolysed to yield ammonia and a carbonyl product on heating in dilute mineral acid, ∼ CON = C(CH2R) ∼ + 2H2O → ∼ COOH + NH3 + RCH2CO ∼ (ref. 4). The experimental evidence for production of dehydropeptides in the radiolysis of proteins and simpler peptide systems has recently been reviewed5. Identification has been based primarily on studies of the formation of ammonia and carbonyl function during hydrolysis of the irradiated peptide system. For example, the hydrolytic production of ammonia and pyruvic acid from γ-irradiated acetylalanine (solid, evacuated) has been found to parallel very closely the hydrolytic degradation of authentic acetyldehydroalanine.
Thin Layer Chromatographic Analysis of Free Pool Amino Acids in Cercariae, Rediae, Encysted Metacercariae, and Excysted Metacercariae of Echinostoma caproni

Abstract Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used to determine the free pool amino acid content of four larval stages (rediae, cercariae, encysted metacercariae, and excysted metacercariae) of the medically important digenetic trematode, Echinostoma caproni. These larval stages were obtained from experimentally infected Biomphalaria glabrata snails. Larvae were pooled, extracted in ethanol, and their free pool amino acids separated using four types of layers with different separation mechanisms. Zones were detected with ninhydrin spray and quantified by densitometry. Qualitative analysis revealed the presence of valine, leucine, lysine, histidine, and alanine in rediae; histidine in cercariae; histidine and alanine in encysted metacercariae; and histidine, alanine, and leucine in excysted metacercariae. Quantitative analysis showed that rediae contained 0.76 ± 0.20 ng of lysine per organism and excysted metacercariae contained 0.16 ± 0.05 ng of leucine per organism.
Conformational changes in histone IV.

Conformational change of histone IV, induced by phosphate, have been investigated by observing the intrinsic fluorescence of tyrosine residues and circular dichroism (CD). There is a fast conformational change upon the addition of phosphate, followed by a slow process with time constants in the range of minutes to hours depending upon both the phosphate and histone concentrations. The CD results indicate α-helix formation in the fast process, and β-sheet formation in the slow one, although other secondary and tertiary structural changes also may occur. The histone concentration dependence of the fast process is consistent with dimerization. Divalent phosphate is about ten times more effective than monovalent phosphate in inducing conformational changes. All of the changes are reversible.
Effects of analyzed signal duration and phase on the results of fast fourier transform analysis of the surface electrocardiogram in subjects with and without late potentials

A microcomputer-based system capable of performing time- and frequency-domain analysis on the same set of acquired and signal-averaged raw data was used to correlate late potentials detected in the time domain with the results of frequency-domain analysis. Ten patients with spontaneous or inducible sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) known to have abnormal late potentials in the time-domain signal-averaged electrocardiogram and 10 normal subjects without late potentials were studied. Fast Fourier transform analysis was performed on a segment that comprised the last 40 ms of the QRS and the ST segment up to the onset of the T wave as identified visually. The high-frequency signal content, expressed as the area ratio or the peak magnitude, was found to be markedly dependent on the length of the analyzed QRS-ST segment. A change of as little as 3 ms in the duration of the estimated QRS-ST segment changed the results of the frequency analysis across proposed boundaries of normalcy in normal subjects and in patients with VT. This resulted in both false-negative and false-positive conclusions. Similar results were obtained when the effects of varying analyzed signal length or phase were studied using a pure synthesized sine wave signal. For frequency analysis to be clinically useful and reproducible, standards of normalcy must be established for a signal region of fixed duration or the technique must be modified so as to be insensitive to duration of signal sample.
Nonsmooth adaptive stabilization of cascade systems with nonlinear parameterization via partial-state feedback

We prove that under an appropriate input-to-state stability condition, it is possible to achieve global adaptive stabilization for a class of nonlinearly parameterized cascade systems, using a C/sup 0/ partial-state adaptive regulator. This result complements the earlier work on adaptive control of inherently nonlinear uncertain systems with uncontrollable unstable linearization, which cannot be dealt with by any smooth adaptive control scheme.
Exploring the etiology of ethnic self-hatred: Internalized racism in Chicana/o and Latina/o college students

Internalized racism is rarely discussed in student affairs. Despite the negative effects of internalized racism on the mental health and identity development of college students of color, little is known about its etiology. Based on theoretical conceptions, the author explores if perceived racism and/or U.S. acculturation act as predictors of internalized racism in the Chicana/o and Latina/o community. Using multiple linear regression, U.S. cultural identity and perceived interpersonal racism acted as predictors of internalized racism for Chicana/o and Latina/o college students. The implications of these findings and the need for further research are discussed.
Synchronization in arrays of chaotic circuits coupled via hypergraphs: static and dynamic coupling

When an array of circuits is coupled via coupling elements which connects two circuits at a time, the underlying coupling topology can be represented as a graph. When the coupling element connects more than two circuits at a time, the underlying coupling topology can be represented as a hypergraph. In this paper, we study the synchronization properties in arrays of chaotic circuits where the underlying coupling topology is a hypergraph. We consider the case where the coupling is due to memoryless (static) components, and the case where the coupling is due to dynamic circuit components. We introduce the algebraic connectivity of a hypergraph and show how it can be used to derive sufficient conditions for synchronization.
A flexible biocompatible graphene sensor for real-time monitoring of PH and protein

This paper presents the preliminary results of graphene biosensors for the measurement of pH and protein concentration. Graphene is a semiconductor, and its conductivity can be modulated by the field effect of surrounding charged biomolecules and applied voltage. We used mechanical exfoliation to produce high-quality graphene, and monitored the change of conductance in the solutions of different pH and different protein concentration (bovine serum albumin, BSA). We observed negatively charge hydroxyl ions and BSA induces electron holes in graphene, making the Dirac point shift to the positive voltage, and changing its conductance.
Nonlinear evolution of plasma instabilities in a plasma with counterstreaming ion beams

Summary form only given, as follows: Linear instabilities of counterstreaming ion beams are well known. We have studied here the nonlinear evolution of such instabilities using a 2.5-D particle-in-cell code. The instabilities lead to the generation of non-resonant zero-frequency and a resonant ion cyclotron modes. For sufficiently large counterstreaming velocities, the non-resonant mode dominates. The anomalous cyclotron resonance of this mode with the beam ions causes a strong pitch angle scattering, generating hat-shaped velocity distribution functions in the phase space perpendicular to the ambient magnetic field. The scattering can be effective in trapping the ions in a magnetic mirror.
Utilizing the 5S Methodology for Radiology Workstation Design: Applying Lean Process Improvement Methods

p s t a o w n b fl The Toyota Production System, also known as Lean, is a quality improvement methodology developed by Toyota over the past 50 years to transform the automotive manufacturing process. This methodology has been tailored with success to health care environments [1]. Lean is a collection of tools coupled with an overall philosophy to deliver value by reducing waste through continuous improvement. Waste has a broad definition as anything that does not add value to a process [2]. Radiologists spend on average more than 8 hours a day in front of computers. Small inefficiencies, such as poor ergonomics, software application layouts, or desktop clutter, can lead to significant time loss and even potential injury. In one study of 73 radiologists in 2008, 58% reported repetitive stress symptoms, and 38% had prior diagnoses of repetitive stress syndrome [3]. Considering that diagnostic radiologists spend the majority of their time at their workstations, this is an area where the principles of 5S can be effectively used with only minimal investments of time and resources. In patient care, the value added of a diagnostic radiologist is largely defined by rendering accurate, timely diagnoses and reports. For radiologists, waste is any distraction that does not contribute to patient care (eg, time spent acclimating to different, unstandardized workstations or searching for frequently used information). Working in a clean, organized, and predictable environment can allow radiologists to spend more time with their eyes on the images and, ultimately, adding value to patient care.