cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anterior tentorium-based epidermoid tumours: results of radical surgical treatment in 96 cases.

A retrospective analysis of 96 surgically treated tentorium and anterior tentorial hiatus-based epidermoid tumours from 1997 – 2004 is presented. The most prominent symptoms were headache (53.1%) and ataxia (44.8%). The average tumour size was 4.4 cm. Surgical approaches included posterior cranial fossa route (85 cases), basal subtemporal middle fossa route (9 cases) and combined posterior fossa and subtemporal routes in two cases. Total tumour resection was performed in 46 patients. Eight and four patients developed transient and sustained postoperative neurological deficits respectively. There was mortality in two patients. There was non-symptomatic recurrence of the tumour in two cases. Ninety-four patients are leading active functional lives. Radical and safe resection of anterior tentorium-based epidermoid tumours is associated with symptomatic relief and lasting cure. Extensive drilling of the petrous bone can be avoided. Gentle dissection of the tumour and capsule from the critical neurovascular st...
Costs of school-based mouthrinsing in 14 demonstration programs in USA

The purpose of this study was to determine the economic costs of school-based mouthrinsing in the demonstration programs. Costs for two complete years were expressed in 1978 dollars, and divided into explicit and implicit categories. Costs per participant were found to vary among programs (ranges of average total costs - period I: $2.35-$8.05, period II: $1.46-$7.94), and a tendency for some average costs to increase with size was identified. That costs were higher than the conventionally reported $0.50-$1.00 reflects 1) the organization of these federally funded programs and, 2) the use of an accounting method which describes the real economic costs of public programs.
Socioeconomic disparities in secondhand smoke exposure among US never-smoking adults: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1988–2010

Background Secondhand smoke (SHS) is a leading preventable cause of illness, disability and mortality. There is a lack of quantitative analyses on socioeconomic disparities in SHS; especially, it is not known how socioeconomic disparities have changed in the past two decades in the USA. Objectives To examine socioeconomic disparities and long-term temporal trends in SHS exposure among US never-smoking adults aged ≥20 years. Methods 15 376 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2010 were included in the analysis of socioeconomic disparities; additional 8195 participants from NHANES III 1988–1994 were included in the temporal trend analysis. SHS exposure was assessed using self-reported exposure in the home and workplace as well as using serum cotinine concentrations ≥0.05 ng/mL. Individual socioeconomic status (SES) was assessed using poverty-to-income ratio. Results During the period 1999–2010, 6% and 14% of participants reported SHS exposure in the home and workplace, respectively; 40% had serum cotinine-indicated SHS exposure. Individual SES was strongly associated with SHS exposure in a dose–response fashion; participants in the lowest SES group were 2–3 times more likely to be exposed to SHS compared with those in the highest SES group. During the period 1988–2010, the prevalence declined over 60% for the three types of SHS exposure. However, for cotinine-indicated exposure, the magnitudes of the declines were smaller for lower SES groups compared with higher SES groups, leading to widening socioeconomic disparities in SHS exposure. Conclusions SHS exposure is still widespread among US never-smoking adults, and socioeconomic disparities for cotinine-indicated exposure have substantially increased in the past two decades.
Fine pitch pad array carrier sockets for multichip modules

A project is currently under way to develop two pad array carrier (PAC) multichip modules using Motorola's H4C123 ASIC family as a test vehicle. A brief summary of Motorola's multichip module test vehicle is first presented. Then, a comparison of three different connector technologies is provided. A limited number of socket manufacturers were evaluated. The main parameters considered from vendor to vendor were contact pitch, contact repairability, clamping force, resistance per contact, inductance per contact, capacitance per contact, insulator resistance, heat sink attach area, availability of comprehensive test data performed on the product, and cost. A discussion of design considerations is included. Two different socket technologies were selected for a 50 and a 100 mil pitch multichip module. >
Net greenhouse gas balance in response to nitrogen enrichment: perspectives from a coupled biogeochemical model.

Increasing reactive nitrogen (N) input has been recognized as one of the important factors influencing climate system through affecting the uptake and emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). However, the magnitude and spatiotemporal variations of N-induced GHG fluxes at regional and global scales remain far from certain. Here we selected China as an example, and used a coupled biogeochemical model in conjunction with spatially explicit data sets (including climate, atmospheric CO2 ,O 3, N deposition, land use, and land cover changes, and N fertilizer application) to simulate the concurrent impacts of increasing atmospheric and fertilized N inputs on balance of three major GHGs (CO2 ,C H4, and N2O). Our simulations showed that these two N enrichment sources in China decreased global warming potential (GWP) through stimulating CO2 sink and suppressing CH4 emission. However, direct N2O emission was estimated to offset 39% of N-induced carbon (C) benefit, with a net GWP of three GHGs averaging � 376.3 ± 146.4 Tg CO2 eq yr � 1 (the standard deviation is interannual variability of GWP) during 2000–2008. The chemical N fertilizer uses were estimated to increase GWP by 45.6 ± 34.3 Tg CO2 eq yr � 1 in the same period, and C sink was offset by 136%. The largest C sink offset ratio due to increasing N input was found in Southeast and Central mainland of China, where rapid industrial development and intensively managed crop system are located. Although exposed to the rapidly increasing N deposition, most of the natural vegetation covers were still showing decreasing GWP. However, due to extensive overuse of N fertilizer, China’s cropland was found to show the least negative GWP, or even positive GWP in recent decade. From both scientific and policy perspectives, it is essential to incorporate multiple GHGs into a coupled biogeochemical framework for fully assessing N impacts on climate changes.
Glass transition and the coulomb gap in electron glasses

We establish the connection between the presence of a glass phase and the appearance of a Coulomb gap in disordered materials with strongly interacting electrons. Treating multiparticle correlations in a systematic way, we show that in the case of strong disorder a continuous glass transition takes place whose Landau expansion is identical to that of the Sherrington-Kirkpatrick spin glass. We show that the marginal stability of the glass phase controls the physics of these systems: it results in slow dynamics and leads to the formation of a Coulomb gap.
Actuation Timing Strategies for a Portable Powered Ankle Foot Orthosis

Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are used to assist persons with lower-limb neuromuscular impairments. We have developed the portable powered AFO (PPAFO). This device uses a bidirectional pneumatic actuator powered by a CO2 bottle to provide dorsiflexor and plantarflexor torque assistance. The PPAFO operates tether-free, allowing for use outside of the laboratory. This system has been tested on one impaired and multiple healthy subjects. Timing of the assistance provided by the PPAFO has been determined by: 1) direct event detection using sensor feedback with threshold triggers, and 2) state estimation in which gait events are estimated using a cross-correlation based algorithm. Direct event detection, while simple to implement, can be unreliable for subjects with certain gait impairments. State estimation, while more complicated to implement, provides access to state information that cannot be directly measured by the AFO, which allows for greater flexibility in assistance timing. Current hardware limitations and future work are also discussed.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Barriers to Divorce When Are They Effective? When Are They Not?

This study explores the perceived importance of eight barriers to divorce, their correlation with objective circumstances, and the effectiveness of both perceived barriers and objective indicators of barriers as predictors of subsequent divorce. The findings indicate that married individuals perceive a variety of barriers to be very important to keeping one's marriage intact. However, perceived barriers do not correlate substantially with objective circumstances nor are they very effective in deterring subsequent divorce—especially after accounting for respondents' divorce proneness. Objective indicators have slightly stronger associations with subsequent divorce but do not weaken the conclusion that barriers are not very effective deterrents to divorce.
Employment Hardship Among Mexican-Origin Women

This study compares the prevalence and causes of employment hardship between Mexicanorigin and White women. Data come from the March 1992, 1996, and 2000 Current Population Surveys. Using logistic ...
A fuzzy set delay representation for computer network routing algorithms

The authors present a novel approach for routing path delay estimation and manipulation in wide area networks. Routing is an important functional aspect of a data communication network that handles data packets during their transit from source to destination. The efficiency of a distributed dynamic routing algorithm depends on how well it adapts to the traffic and topology changes in the network. The nodes in the network periodically exchange information regarding these changes for efficient routing. The information used by the algorithms to arrive at the routing paths suffers from uncertainty due to a variety of reasons. Certain aspects of fuzzy sets are applied to model the uncertainty in the delay information and this new delay representation is used to improve the performance of one particular class of routing algorithms in computer networks. The results of some simulation studies of these algorithms are presented. >
Autoclaved Egg White as a Protein Source for Chick Diets Low in Zinc

Abstract Spray-dried egg white was evaluated either as the sole source or the primary source of protein in purified, low-zinc diets for chicks. The effects of unheated and autoclaved egg white were compared for chicks fed diets supplemented with graded amounts of biotin. Growth rate and pancreas weight were used as the criteria of nutritional adequacy. The data indicated that extra biotin did not completely overcome the adverse effects of unheated egg white. Chicks fed unheated egg white and excess biotin had decreased body weights and showed signs of pancreatic hypertrophy, probably due to proteinase inhibitors in the egg white. Autoclaving rehydrated and spray-dried egg white for 30 rain at 121C, but not at 80 C, markedly reduced the biotin-binding and proteinase-inhibitor activities of unheated egg white. Extracting autoclaved egg white with water did not improve the growth rate or reduce the amount of zinc in the egg white. Chicks fed diets of autoclaved egg white and gelatin with low concentrations of zinc showed symptoms of severe zinc deficiency. Chicks fed diets with adequate concentrations of zinc had body weights similar to those fed casein-gelatin control diets. When graded amounts of zinc were added to the diet, the growth rate of the chicks and the tissue concentration of zinc reflected zinc intake. These data demonstrated that rehydrated, spray-dried egg white autoclaved for 30 min at 121 C is an excellent source of protein for use in low-zinc diets for chicks.
Properties of spontaneous growth hormone secretory bursts and half-life of endogenous growth hormone in boys with idiopathic short stature. Genentech Collaborative Group.

We analyzed endogenous GH secretory dynamics and MCRs by a novel quantitative deconvolution technique in 20 boys with idiopathic short stature (ISS) and 35 boys of normal stature in Tanner stage I of puberty. We tested the null hypotheses that 1) ISS is not associated with any alterations in the frequency, mass, amplitude, or duration of spontaneous GH secretory bursts and/or the 24-h GH production rate; and 2) the half-life of endogenous GH is not altered in ISS. The boys with ISS had a mean (+/- SEM) bone age of 8.0 +/- 0.42 yr and a chronological age of 10 +/- 0.50 yr. The latter was similar to the chronological (and bone) age of the normal boys of 9.8 +/- 0.23 (and 9.3 +/- 0.34) yr. Mean height SD scores were significantly lower in ISS boys, viz. -2.7 +/- 0.15 in ISS vs. +0.34 +/- 0.13 in normal boys (P less than 0.001). Plasma insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations were similar in the two groups, as were (24-h) mean serum GH concentrations, viz. 3.5 +/- 0.29 micrograms/L in ISS and 4.1 +/- 0.49 micrograms/L in normal boys (P = NS). Deconvolution analysis revealed that the mean number of GH secretory events per 24 h was similar in normal and ISS boys, viz. 9.6 +/- 0.76 (normal) vs. 8.4 +/- 0.55 (ISS), and that there was no significant difference in mean GH interburst intervals. The amplitude, mass, and duration of computer-resolved GH secretory bursts also did not differ in normal and ISS boys. The half-lives of endogenous GH were estimated to be 16 +/- 0.77 min in the ISS and 18 +/- 0.93 min in the control boys (P = NS). The calculated daily GH secretion rate per unit distribution volume was not significantly reduced in ISS, i.e. 194 +/- 19 micrograms/L.day in ISS vs. 177 +/- 19 micrograms/L.day in control boys. Moreover, daily GH secretion rates corrected for body mass index (weight/height2) in the twp groups were not significantly different. In summary, the present cohort of boys with ISS manifested no significant alterations in GH secretory burst frequency, duration, mass, or amplitude or in the half-life of endogenous GH compared to normal boys in Tanner stage I of pubertal development. Indeed, whether daily GH secretion rates are expressed per unit distribution volume or per unit body mass index, groups of boys with ISS and normal height controls secrete similar total amounts of GH. We conclude that the overall dynamics of GH secretion and clearance in boys with ISS considered as a whole cannot be distinguished readily from physiological patterns observed in prepubertal boys of normal height.
Progress in Understanding Genetic Contributions in Syndromic and Non-Syndromic Disorders Associated with Congenital, Neuromuscular, and Idiopathic Scoliosis

Vertebral development occurs through a sequential and highly orchestrated series of interconnected events involving fibroblast growth factor (FGF), WNT, Notch, and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) receptor signaling pathways. Perturbations in these pathways can result in the development of both congenital (curvature of the spine due to an abnormality in vertebral formation) and idiopathic scoliosis (spinal curvature associated with normal vertebral morphology and in the absence of secondary causes such as Marfan syndrome, chromosome abnormality, or neuromuscular etiology). This chapter will focus on syndromic conditions that are associated with scoliosis and how understanding these conditions may contribute to identification of genes for idiopathic scoliosis. A large number of syndromes are associated with idiopathic scoliosis, resulting in connective tissue alteration or a neuromuscular basis for spinal curvature.
Reproductive Health of Homeless Adolescent Women in Seattle, Washington, USA

ABSTRACT Objectives: Homeless adolescent women are at high risk for negative health outcomes including early unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The purpose of this study was to hear the perspectives of homeless adolescent females on the topics of health issues, self-care and fertility control, as well as on lessons from being homeless. Design: The research was descriptive, using semi-structured interviews and focus groups with a purposeful sample of 20 clinic-based female youth ages 15–23 years. The data were coded and analyzed following standard qualitative techniques. Results: The youth described female-specific health issues of being homeless, such as problems with hygiene, sexual exploitation, survival sex. Most knew of homeless female youth who had tried self-induced abortions through drugs, herbs or physical abuse. They spoke of fertility control practices of young women living on the streets. The women also spoke of the lessons they had learned while being homeless, including th...
Calcium sensor regulation of the CaV2.1 Ca2+ channel contributes to short-term synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons

Short-term synaptic plasticity is induced by calcium (Ca(2+)) accumulating in presynaptic nerve terminals during repetitive action potentials. Regulation of voltage-gated CaV2.1 Ca(2+) channels by Ca(2+) sensor proteins induces facilitation of Ca(2+) currents and synaptic facilitation in cultured neurons expressing exogenous CaV2.1 channels. However, it is unknown whether this mechanism contributes to facilitation in native synapses. We introduced the IM-AA mutation into the IQ-like motif (IM) of the Ca(2+) sensor binding site. This mutation does not alter voltage dependence or kinetics of CaV2.1 currents, or frequency or amplitude of spontaneous miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs); however, synaptic facilitation is completely blocked in excitatory glutamatergic synapses in hippocampal autaptic cultures. In acutely prepared hippocampal slices, frequency and amplitude of mEPSCs and amplitudes of evoked EPSCs are unaltered. In contrast, short-term synaptic facilitation in response to paired stimuli is reduced by ∼ 50%. In the presence of EGTA-AM to prevent global increases in free Ca(2+), the IM-AA mutation completely blocks short-term synaptic facilitation, indicating that synaptic facilitation by brief, local increases in Ca(2+) is dependent upon regulation of CaV2.1 channels by Ca(2+) sensor proteins. In response to trains of action potentials, synaptic facilitation is reduced in IM-AA synapses in initial stimuli, consistent with results of paired-pulse experiments; however, synaptic depression is also delayed, resulting in sustained increases in amplitudes of later EPSCs during trains of 10 stimuli at 10-20 Hz. Evidently, regulation of CaV2.1 channels by CaS proteins is required for normal short-term plasticity and normal encoding of information in native hippocampal synapses.
Improved Methods for Preparing Asymmetric Vesicles using Methyl-Alpha-Cyclodextrin

Many living cell membranes display lipid asymmetry, with a distinct difference between the phospholipids of the inner and outer leaflets of the lipid bilayer. Although artificial lipid vesicles have long been an important tool to study biological membranes, they are limited due to their lack of lipid asymmetry. We have recently developed methods to prepare asymmetric lipid vesicles using cyclodextrins, and improved methods using alpha-cyclodextrins. These hexasaccharide rings can promote the exchange of lipids between vesicles, but do not transport sterols. This allows the efficient and selective replacement of the outer leaflet lipids of lipid vesicles while at the same time tightly controlling sterol content. As a result, asymmetric vesicles can now be constructed using a range of lipids which closely mimic the natural asymmetry and content of mammalian plasma membranes. Here we show that methyl-alpha-cyclodextrin is an efficient tool for constructing asymmetric vesicles with asymmetric phospholipid distribution closely resembling that of natural mammalian plasma membranes. Progress in using methyl-alpha-cyclodextrin to prepare “inside-out” asymmetric vesicles, in which the lipids that normally face the cytosolic side of plasma membranes (PE and PS) are in the outer leaflet while those normally on the extra-cellular leaflet (SM and PC) are in the inner leaflet, and in developing improved assays for lipid asymmetry, will also be described.
SPM-927 (Schwarz Pharma).

Abstract Schwarz Pharma, under license from Harris FRC, is developing SPM-927, synthesized by researchers at the University of Houston, for the potential treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
MALFORMATION OF THE LOWER SPINE BASED ON A ROENTGENOGRAPHIC STUDY OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS

It would seem from this study that variations in the lumbo-sacral region occur frequently in persons who have never had any symptoms of back-ache and that some of these variations are very marked and severe. They also occur in persons who lead an active life and who work hard. It is probable that these variations predispose to back-ache, but that posture, muscle relaxation, and ligamentous strain are the actual causes.
Pavel Shlossberg, Crafting Identity:Transnational Indian Arts and the Politics of Race in Central Mexico

In Crafting Identity: Transnational Indian Arts and the Politics of Race in Central Mexico, communication scholar Pavel Shlossberg examines traditional Mexican mask making as a form of media widely perceived to communicate about indigenous identity. The study complements research on cultural citizenship exploring the flow of indigenous images, symbols, and artifacts within a variety of media and popular culture venues (Brady, 2009, 2011; Ginsburg, Abu-Lughod, & Larkin, 2002; Marchi, 2009). Interrogating theoretical understandings of identity and cultural citizenship through the lens of Mexican masks and festivals, the author illustrates how dominant institutions of cultural production mediate Mexico’s arte popular. The term arte popular (“art of the people”) is used throughout Latin America to refer to handicrafts and folk art considered to be authentic embodiments of a country’s cultural traditions. This art is typically created by economically impoverished indigenous peoples and rural mestizos (individuals of mixed indigenous and nonindigenous ancestry).
Designing with scattered-light photoelasticity

Scattered-light photoelasticity can be utilized in locating ‘critical’ stress points in a structural component and can be further utilized in experimentally reshaping the structural component's surface to minimize stress in critical regions. The theory and techniques to accomplish this experimental design are noted in the paper.
Black Feminist Me: Answering the Question ‘Who Do I Think I Am’:

In this paper, I offer a partial picture of my conceptual location as a US black feminist, professional philosopher and, by doing so, illustrate one of the ways Africana philosophy is being shaped and engaged. I offer a portrait of my conceptual location by identifying a value shared by some ‘anti-theory’ black feminists and some Africana professional philosophers in the US that ultimately recommends a consistent engagement in black feminist/philosophical praxis.
Neprilysin Regulates Mouse Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype

Rationale: Neprilysin (NEP) is a cell surface zinc metallopeptidase, which cleaves and inactivates peptides important in regulating pressor responses in the vasculature, and migration and proliferation of cancer cells. Loss of NEP in mice increases vascular remodeling and pulmonary hypertension in response to hypoxia. Understanding how NEP affects pathways that contribute to vascular cell migration and proliferation could provide a better understanding of the role of NEP in the pulmonary circulation. This study was performed to determine whether increased medial thickening observed in pulmonary arteries (PA) of hypoxia-exposed NEP-/mice is due to differences in migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMC). Methods and Results: PASMCs isolated from NEP+/+ and NEP-/mice were used to measure migration and proliferation in response to serum (0.2%) and PDGF-BB (10ng/ml). Our results show that PASMCs from NEP-/mice exhibit enhanced migration and proliferation which is attenuated by adding back NEP. NEP-/cells had decreased levels of smooth muscle (SM) contractile proteins, α-SM-actin, calponin and SM-22 which was restored by expression of lentivirus expressing full length human NEP. Inhibition of NEP in NEP+/+ cells by phosphoramidon (10μM) or knock down by siRNA resulted in an increase in basal migration and proliferation and a decrease in expression of SM-contractile proteins. To understand how loss of NEP results in altered PASMC phenotype we examined the interaction of NEP with the PDGF receptor (PDGFR). In NEP+/+ cells, NEP, PDGFR and PTEN were present in caveoli. Interaction of PTEN with NEP stabilized its expression and limited PDGFR signaling, maintaining PASMC in a differentiated state. Further analysis showed that loss of NEP led to increase in PDGF receptor associated src kinase activity and inactivation of PTEN by phosphorylation resulting in its constitutive activation. This was accompanied by a decrease in expression of serum response factor (SRF), a transcription important in regulation of smooth muscle genes. Inhibition of PDGFR with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor attenuated the increased migration and proliferation and restored levels of SRF and α SMactin. Conclusion: Loss of NEP increases migration and proliferation of PASMC in response to PDGF and induces a dedifferentiated phenotype. Increased src kinase associated with PDGFR in NEP-/cells results in its constitutive activation resulting in increased migration and proliferation. The results may help explain how increased pulmonary vascular remodeling occurs in the hypoxia-exposed NEP-/mice
Controlling effects of different insecticides against mosquitoes and flies in nets in earthquake disaster area

Objective To study the field controlling effects against mosquitoes and flies with aerosol,smog ball and spray fluid. Methods Observing the controlling effects of field experiments. Results The smog ball and aerosol could rapidly kill the mosquitoes and flies,the killing rates varied from 93.6% to 100%,72.09% to 100% after one hour and 24 hours.Spray fluid could rapidly kill the mosquito and fly too,the killing rates were 88.35% and 87.65% after one hour.It could keep to be valid for 3~4 days to mosquitoes and 2~3 days to flies.Conclusion The smog ball and the aerosol have good controlling effect on insects such as mosquito and fly,spray fluid have continue effect.
Gamma-scintigraphy and early hepatocellular dysfunction during posttraumatic sepsis.

BACKGROUND To determine whether the hepatic conjugation-detoxification function was altered during sepsis, the metabolism of bilirubin was measured with gamma-scintigraphy. METHODS Time-activity curves were generated after a radiolabeled bilirubin analog (technetium 99m-mebrofenin, hepatoiminodiacetic acid [HIDA]) was administered to anesthetized (fentanyl) mongrel pigs in the following conditions: control (n = 16); 30 minutes after 5 micrograms/kg intravenous Escherichia coli endotoxin (LPS; n = 6); 30 minutes after trauma (40% arterial hemorrhage plus soft tissue injury, n = 9); 72 hours after sham trauma (n = 6); 72 hours after fluid resuscitated trauma either before (n = 9) or 30 minutes after (n = 10) LPS administration. All were ventilated with 65% O2 and instrumented with pulmonary artery oximetric catheters. RESULTS After trauma plus LPS, the rate of HIDA uptake was depressed 20% to 30% (p < 0.05), whereas its elimination half-time was increased almost threefold (p < 0.05) relative to before LPS administration. At the corresponding time after trauma alone or LPS alone, uptake was not altered and elimination was prolonged less than twofold (p < 0.05) relative to control. Perfusion differences could not explain these data because cardiac index (CI, ml/min/kg) was reduced to the same extent after trauma alone (62 +/- 10), LPS alone (79 +/- 6), or trauma plus LPS (71 +/- 6) compared with control (102 +/- 5), sham (112 +/- 11), or pre-LPS (120 +/- 10) (p < 0.05, respectively). Levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and creatine kinase were both elevated (p < 0.05) 72 hours after resuscitation, but there were no added increments caused by LPS administration. Levels of other enzymes and plasma bilirubin were not increased by trauma or LPS alone or in combination. Changes in HIDA uptake-excretion within 30 minutes of LPS after resuscitated trauma coincided with neutropenia and pulmonary hypertension and preceded a hyperdynamic inflammatory state characterized by increased CI (194 +/- 19 ml/min/kg, p < 0.05) at 90 +/- 13 minutes, decreased systemic vascular resistance (0.48 +/- 0.04 mm Hg per ml/min/kg, p < 0.05 relative to 1.08 +/- 0.07 for control or 0.88 +/- 0.08 for pre-LPS) at 81 +/- 8 minutes, and increased systemic O2 consumption (6.96 +/- 0.93 vs 4.16 +/- 0.23 ml O2/min/kg, p < 0.05 relative to pre-LPS) at 96 +/- 12 minutes. CONCLUSIONS (1) A prior episode of resuscitated traumatic shock exhausts hepatic reserve and this occult dysfunction in the conjugation-detoxification system or bilirubin metabolism is unmasked by LPS; (2) hepatic dysfunction could have a role in the pathogenesis of the hyperdynamic circulatory response evoked by LPS because HIDA clearance was reduced before CI increased or systemic vascular resistance decreased; (3) HIDA clearance is a rapid, reliable, and inexpensive estimate of bilirubin metabolism that may have a practical application in patients with septic trauma or others with occult liver dysfunction.
[Analysis of the tandem-repeat polymorphisms in DC-SIGNR alleles among drug users population with or without HIV/HCV infection].

Objective To study the distribution of DC-SIGN/DC-SIGNR alleles among drug user (DUs)populations with or without HIV/HCV infection in Shenzhen,and to evaluate the role of these alleles in the construction of genetic resistance to HIV or HCV and screen out the anti-HIV/HCV gene in Shenzhen.Methods All 500 DU blood samples were collected from Shenzhen Detoxification Center,including 313 from injected drug users(IDUs).All samples were screened for HIV and HCV antibody by means of ELISA.The genomic DNA were extracted and amplified bv PCR The neck domain repeat regions of DC-SIGN/DC-SIGNR were sequenced directly from the PCR products to confirm the amplification for some samples and all positive PCR products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis.Results Of 500 samples,97 were found HIV positive,all of which were IDUs and HCV positive.The total positive rate of HCV among all HIV negative DU was 57.57%(232/403),and it was 63.89%(138/216)among IDUs;in comparing to the 50.26%(94/187)of DUs with other manners there showed significant difference(x2=7.61,P=0.0058).Among HIV+DUs,there was a higher proportion of patient with the DC-SIGNR 5/6 and 5/8(Fisher's exact,P=0.043 and P=0.034)with statistical significance:there was no statistically significant difierence between HCV+and HCV-DUs and no significant difierenee between IDUs and other DUs for the DC-SIGNR polymorphisrn.Conclusion The results might indicate that DC-SIGN/DC-SIGNR polymorphism might not influence the susceptibility to HCV.Genotype 5/6 might probably have a relation with HIV infection,but still need further investigation for the low frequency. Key words: Hepacivirus; HIV; Polymorphism,single nucleotide; Mutation
Marketed sperm: use and regulation in the United States

Objective To collate information relating to the current use of marketed semen for therapeutic donor insemination (DI) in the United States. Data Identification Literature was identified by Medline search and government document review. Literature Selection Materials selected for review included empirical studies, policy reviews, legal documents, and government surveys relating to use of donor sperm. Results Use of marketed (donor) sperm is associated with significant medical, genetic, and psychological risk. These risks directly affect the individuals involved in therapeutic DI. Also, the public's health is involved because these risks include transmission of infectious disease and genetic anomalies. Legal and social concerns associated with therapeutic DI include offspring's knowledge of genetic endowment, parental responsibility, and donor confidentiality. This analysis shows that policies currently in place regarding the use of marketed semen in therapeutic DI do not ensure consumer safety and do not protect society's interest. Conclusions Current policies need to be improved to protect those directly involved in the therapeutic DI process and to address public health and societal concerns. Recommendations include: [1] programs to assure quality and safety of marketed sperm, [2] implementation of a central registry to collect information about the use and outcomes of therapeutic DI, and [3] expansion of available therapeutic DI guidelines to address psychological and social support for persons involved in therapeutic DI.
The Hilbert Function of a Gorenstein Artin Algebra

The self-duality of a Gorenstein Artin algebra A with maximal ideal m over a field k = A/m carries over in a weaker form to the associated graded algebra A* = Gr m A=⊗A i , where A i = m i /m i +1. If j = max{i | Ai ≠ 0} is the socle degree of A, then A* has a canonically defined decreasing sequence of ideals A* = C(0) ⊃ C(1) ⊃ ⋯ ⊃ C(j+1) = 0, whose successive quotients Q(α) = C(α)/C(α+1) are reflexive A*-modules. For α = 0,…, j, Q(α) I = Hom(Q(α) j −α−I , k), and up to a shift in grading Q(α) = Hom k (Q(α),k). We define the i-th graded piece C(α) i ⊂ A i of C(α) by $$C{\left( a \right)_i} = {{\left( {\left( {0:{m^{j + 1 - a - i}}} \right) \cap {m^i}} \right)} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\left( {\left( {0:{m^{j + 1 - a - i}}} \right) \cap {m^i}} \right)} {\left( {\left( {0:{m^{j + 1 - a - i}}} \right) \cap {m^{i + 1}}} \right).}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\left( {\left( {0:{m^{j + 1 - a - i}}} \right) \cap {m^{i + 1}}} \right).}}$$
Nature and Feeling: The Constitutive and the Subjective

By directing attention to Nature and feeling we automatically deal with postmedieval concerns in our Judeo-Christian tradition. And if we take the Renaissance as the beginning of an intellectual emancipation from a primarily spiritual preoccupation with man’s salvation after death, we are not far, historically, from the greatest English representatives of the new spirit, namely, John Locke and Isaac Newton in philosophy and science and Dryden, Pope, and Dr. Johnson in the field of literature.
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome secondary to lupus nephritis, responsive to eculizumab

Among the spectrum of disease manifestations associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis is particularly concerning due to the potential for renal failure. This autoimmune attack may not, however, be limited to the kidney and is increasingly being recognized as a trigger for atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS). Atypical HUS falls under the spectrum of the thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs) – a group of disorders characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and end organ damage. Although plasma exchange is considered first-line therapy for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura – a TMA classically associated with autoimmune depletion of ADAMTS-13 – aHUS demonstrates less reliable responsiveness to this modality. Instead, use of the late complement inhibitor Eculizumab has emerged as an effective modality for the management of such patients. Diagnosis of aHUS, however, is largely clinically based, relying heavily upon a multidisciplinary approach. Herein we present the case of a patient with atypical HUS successfully treated with Eculizumab in the setting of Class IV-G (A) lupus nephritis and hypocomplementemia.
INTERNATIONALIZATION OF SECURITIES MARKETS: A CRITICAL SURVEY OF U.S. AND EEC DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

This Article examnes the disclosure systenis in the EEC and the U.S. considering the trend towards internationahzation of capital narkets. The Article suggests that present U.S. requirements for foretgn issuers do not adequately address the similartties of the two disclosure regimes. Tie Artitcle discusses the recent proposal of the SEC to facilitate multinational securttr offerings in light of these considerations and suggests that the proposal provides an opportunity to make U.S. requirements more reflective of the internationahzation trend.
Comparison of In-Hospital Outcomes After Percutaneous Revascularization for Peripheral Arterial Disease in Patients With a Body Mass Index of >30 kg/m2 Versus ≤30 kg/m2 (from the National Inpatient Sample).

Obesity is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality which may affect the outcomes of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). However, the exact role of obesity in patients with PAD who underwent percutaneous revascularization is not well defined. We sought to analyze in-hospital outcomes and characteristics in obese patients who underwent percutaneous treatment for PAD. We identified study cohorts who underwent percutaneous treatment for PAD from 2012 to 2014 using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnostic and procedures codes specific for PAD and endovascular treatment. Endovascular treatment included a drug-eluting stent, a bare metal stent, and an atherectomy or angioplasty in the lower extremities. Obesity was defined as a body mass index of >30 kg/m2. Patients below 18 years of age were excluded. A total of 62,445 (weighted 312,225) patients were identified. The mean age was higher in the nonobese group (64.2 vs 69.0 years, p ≤0.001). No difference existed in the primary outcome, in-hospital mortality, with the propensity score matched (1:10) analysis. Renal failure and the composite of complications were increased in obese patients. Percutaneous treatment of PAD was associated with increased length of stay (7.7 vs 7.0 days, p ≤0.001) and median cost of hospitalization ($30,602 vs $28,692, p ≤0.001) in obese patients. In conclusion, obesity did not impact in-hospital mortality in patients who underwent peripheral percutaneous revascularization. Increased adverse events, however, were seen in the obese population. The increased cost associated with the hospitalization of obese patients may be attributed to longer length of stay and greater complication.
Some Reflections on Thirty-Five Years of Ocean Color Remote Sensing

In the first 15 or so years of my 35-year involvement in ocean color remote sensing, I was fortunate to have witnessed and participated in much of the early development of this enterprise. In this chapter I relate those that had a significant impact on the subject and on my own work, and try to describe the historical setting in which they took place. These were very exciting and sometimes trying times for the members of the CZCS Experiment Team. I hope I can convey some of that excitement and frustration, and along the way, a few details about the subject.
Infants make more attempts to achieve a goal when they see adults persist

Persistence, above and beyond IQ, is associated with long-term academic outcomes. To look at the effect of adult models on infants’ persistence, we conducted an experiment in which 15-month-olds were assigned to one of three conditions: an Effort condition in which they saw an adult try repeatedly, using various methods, to achieve each of two different goals; a No Effort condition in which the adult achieved the goals effortlessly; or a Baseline condition. Infants were then given a difficult, novel task. Across an initial study and two preregistered experiments ( N = 262), infants in the Effort condition made more attempts to achieve the goal than did infants in the other conditions. Pedagogical cues modulated the effect. The results suggest that adult models causally affect infants’ persistence and that infants can generalize the value of persistence to novel tasks.
Using proton radiation from the moon to search for diurnal variation of regolith hydrogenation

Abstract With the help of a new observing technique, we have detected diurnal variations in both lunar albedo protons and incident galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) at the Moon. Using the Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation (CRaTER) instrument on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), we have combined specific, targeted observations of the lunar horizon with our nominal nadir-viewing data to find a tentative enhancement in the yield of lunar albedo protons at the local sunrise terminator of the Moon relative to the local sunset terminator. A diurnal variation in hydrogenation in the top few cm of regolith is one possible interpretation of this result. We have also measured an unanticipated AM/PM difference in the arriving GCRs at the Moon which can be explained by a known streaming anisotropy. The relatively small data set used here (compared to previous mapping studies of CRaTER data) and heretofore untried horizon observations required us to develop improved data analysis techniques, which we will use in the future to revisit previous data sets and to analyze planned new horizon observations of lunar albedo protons.
Early therapeutic persistence on dabigatran versus warfarin therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation: results from the Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (ORBIT-AF) registry.

Anticoagulation is highly effective for the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) but it is dependent on patients continuing therapy. While studies have demonstrated suboptimal therapeutic persistence on warfarin, few have studied persistence rates with non vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) such as dabigatran. We examined rates of continued use of dabigatran versus warfarin over 1 year among AF patients in the ORBIT-AF registry between June 29, 2010 and August 09, 2011. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify characteristics associated with 1-year persistent use of dabigatran therapy or warfarin. At baseline, 6.4 and 93.6% of 7150 AF patients were on dabigatran and warfarin, respectively. At 12 months, dabigatran-treated patients were less likely to have continued their therapy than warfarin-treated patients [Adjusted persistence rates: 66% (95% CI 60-72) vs. 82% (95% CI 80-84), p < .0001]. Predictors of dabigatran persistence included: CHA2DS2-VASc risk scores ≥ 2 OR 5.69, (95% CI 1.50-21.6) and BMI greater than 25 mg/m2 but less than 38 kg/m2 1.05 (1.01-1.09). Predictors of persistence on warfarin included: African American race (vs. White) 1.53 (1.07-2.19), Hispanic ethnicity (vs. White) 1.66 (1.06-2.60), paroxysmal and persistent AF (vs. new-onset) 1.68 (1.21-2.33) and 1.91 (1.35-2.69) respectively, LVH 1.40 (1.08-1.81), and CHA2DS2-VASc risk scores ≥ 2 1.94 (1.18-3.19). While 1-year persistence rates for dabigatran were lower than warfarin, persistence rates for both agents were not ideal. Future studies evaluating contemporary persistence are needed in order to assist in better targeting interventions aimed to improve anticoagulation persistence.
Polynomial Chaos modeling for jitter estimation in high-speed links

Determination of the data dependent jitter and its effect on the eye diagram is a challenging task in modern high-speed links; therefore, novel statistical approaches are required to expedite this task. Most of the current methods for jitter estimation are only applicable to linear systems, while nonlinear components play an essential role in the high-speed link response. Therefore, this paper introduces a new data dependent jitter estimation approach by using stochastic analysis. In this approach generalized Polynomial Chaos theory is utilized, where linear regression is used to create surrogate models for the link. Statistics of the output signal and jitter calculation are then directly obtained from these models. Two numerical examples are provided to evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed approach showing good match with the traditional transient eye analysis with good speedup.
Utility of en-face imaging in diagnosis of occult macular dystrophy with RP1L1 mutation: A case series.

Abstract Purpose To report en-face imaging findings at the level of ellipsoid zone (EZ) in two cases of occult macular dystrophy (OMD) with retinitis pigmentosa 1-like 1 (RP1L1) p.Arg45Trp mutation. Observations In both patients who presented with decreased vision, pupillary examination, intraocular pressure, and anterior examination were normal. Ophthalmoscopic examination showed prominent choroidal marking whereas fundus autofluorescence was unremarkable. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) showed subtle gaps between EZ and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The photoreceptor disruption became more evident with en-face imaging at the EZ plane. Conclusions and importance This is a report of two patients with EZ en-face imaging that aided in the diagnosis of OMD where other structural imaging was largely unremarkable. The en-face imaging modality can also be used to monitor OMD progression.
Minimally Invasive Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Perfusion for Gastric Cancer

Patients diagnosed with stage IV gastric adenocarcinoma have traditionally been offered definitive chemotherapy or best supportive care. However, patients with metastases restricted to the peritoneal cavity, either with carcinomatosis or positive peritoneal cytology, may represent a population with further therapeutic options. Laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been shown to be a safe operation for patients with carcinomatosis and positive peritoneal cytology from metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma and may lead to gastrectomy for select patients. Direct application of cytotoxic therapy to the peritoneum via HIPEC has been traditionally performed via laparotomy and has led to high morbidity. This innovative minimally invasive approach for select patients with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma presents an opportunity for further treatment options with much lower morbidity.
Tourniquet use and factors associated with hematoma formation in free tissue transfer

Abstract Purpose Our objective was to understand which variables are associated with hematoma formation at both the donor and recipient sites in head and neck free tissue transfer and if hematoma rates are affected by tourniquet use. Methods Patients were identified who underwent free tissue transfer at three institutions, specifically either a radial forearm free flap (RFFF) or a fibula free flap (FFF), between 2007 and 2017. Variables including use of tourniquet, anticoagulation, treatment factors, demographics, and post-operative factors were examined to see if they influenced hematoma formation at either the free tissue donor or recipient site. Results 1410 patients at three institutions were included in the analysis. There were 692 (49.1%) RFFF and 718 (50.9%) FFF. Tourniquets were used in 764 (54.1%) cases. There were 121 (8.5%) hematomas. Heparin drips (p Conclusions Heparin Drips and DVT prophylaxis significantly increased hematoma rates in free flap patients while tourniquets did not affect rates of hematoma.
In Pursuit of Respect: The Adult Learner Attending Community College in the “New Economy”

This qualitative study of 43 adult learners in an urban community college critically examines the theory of andragogy’s relevance in today’s “New Economy.” Findings encompass 1) an individual dimen...