cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Current Systems-Level Evidence on Nutrition Interventions to Prevent and Treat Cardiometabolic Risk in the Pediatric Population: An Evidence Analysis Center Scoping Review.

Abstract Improving and maintaining cardiometabolic health remains a major focus of health efforts for the pediatric population. Recent research contributes understanding of the systems-level nutrition factors influencing cardiometabolic health in pediatric individuals. This scoping review examines current evidence on interventions and exposures influencing pediatric cardiometabolic health to inform registered dietitian nutritionists working at each systems level, ranging from individual counseling to public policy. A literature search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Databases of Systematic Reviews, and other databases was conducted to identify evidence-based practice guidelines, systematic reviews, and position statements published in English from January 2017 until April 2020. Included studies addressed nutrition interventions or longitudinal exposures for participants 2 to 17 years of age who were healthy or had cardiometabolic risk factors. Studies were categorized according level of the social-ecological framework addressed. The databases and hand searches identified 2614 individual articles, and 169 articles were included in this scoping review, including 6 evidence-based practice guidelines, 141 systematic reviews, and 22 organization position statements. The highest density of systematic reviews focused on the effects of dietary intake (n = 58) and interventions with an individual child or family through counseling or education (n = 54). The least frequently examined levels of interventions or exposures were at the policy level (n = 12). Registered dietitian nutritionists can leverage this considerable body of recent systematic reviews to inform a systems-level, collaborative approach to prevention and treatment of pediatric cardiometabolic risk factors.
Does Smoking Cessation Prior to Elective Total Joint Arthroplasty Result in Continued Abstinence

Background Smoking tobacco is a known modifiable risk factor for complications in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients. Patients are commonly required to quit smoking prior to TJA. After the early postoperative period, little is known about the long-term implications of this preoperative behavioral change. Our aims were to 1) identify TJA patients that had negative anabasine screen prior to elective TJA and 2) determine the long-term rates of continued smoking abstinence. Methods At our institution, TJA patients identified as smokers undergo urine anabasine testing prior to surgery. Between 2009 - 2018 all patients that had elective primary TJA with pre-operative urine anabasine tests were queried. Patients were called post-operatively at mean 52 months (range 15 - 126 months) and surveyed regarding smoking status. Long-term smoking cessation rates were then analyzed along with relapse time frame. The use of quit aid and patient perspective on importance of quitting were also analyzed. Results 249 smokers that had elective TJA were identified. 124 (50%) participated in the survey, and 93 quit to facilitate surgery. 21 (23%) never resumed smoking, and 32 (34%) were currently abstinent. Just over half of the patients relapsed in the three-month post-operative period (55%). There were no differences in quit aid or patient perspectives between these groups. Conclusion With an increased focus on smoking cessation prior to elective TJA, orthopedics contributes to an important public health initiative. Although national quit rates are in the single digits, 23% of patients were able to quit permanently.Level of Evidence: IV.
Optimal Separation Method of Dynamic Microgrid Operation

The penetration of distributed generation (DG) into the electricity supply mix has increased at the distribution level. The DG size is typically smaller than that of centralized power plants, and thereby the DG is generally decentralized. Thus, this has complicated DG's connection requirements in the grid codes worldwide and brought difficulties in deploying renewable generation. Thus, the paradigm shift at the distribution level brought the concept of microgrids (MG) to reduce the DG's effect on a whole power system. Due to the significant growth of the DG, there has been a need for a methodology to manage MGs to operate MGs optimally and reduce system impact. This paper proposes an optimal separation method of a distribution network consisting of multiple MGs to enable the MGs to respond to unexpected disturbances optimally. To achieve this, the authors enhance a conventional MG-partitioning algorithm by considering supply-demand balance and the minimum number of dispatchable generators in individual MGs. The proposed algorithm's performance was tested using a modified IEEE 33-bus radial distribution system and indicates that the proposed algorithm gains more advantages than the original k-way partitioning scheme.
Contributions of morphological skill to children’s essay writing

Morphological skills have previously been found to reliably predict reading skill, including word reading, vocabulary, and comprehension. However, less is known about how morphological skills might contribute to writing skill, aside from its well-documented role in the development of spelling. This correlational study examines whether morphological skill, as measured by a sentence generation task tapping both derivational morphology and meta-syntactic skills, predicts performance on a standardized essay writing task for fifth- and eighth-grade U.S. students (N = 233), after controlling for grade level, comprehension, and writing fluency. Multilevel analyses indicated that morphological skill and writing fluency were each uniquely predictive of essay quality, and this finding was consistent regardless of whether accurate spelling was required in the morphological task. Our results suggest that morphological skills play an important role in writing, as has been previously documented in reading and spelling.
Multiplexed in situ analysis of protein expression to predict response to trastuzumab

5028 HER-2 belongs to a family of four Type I tyrosine kinase receptors, including EGFR, HER-3, and HER-4, that homo- and hetero-dimerize to activate distinct cellular programs. In breast cancer, this receptor family also demonstrates cross-talk with the hormone receptors for estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR). Trastuzumab is an antibody-based targeted therapy effective in less than half of the patients that over express HER-2. We hypothesize that assessment of other HER2 family members and related markers could more specifically classify patients and define responders to the therapy. In this study, we quantitatively assessed the expression of ER, PR, and the four HER family proteins in four subcellular compartments using automated quantitative analysis (AQUA), a novel, immunofluorescence-based quantitative method of measuring protein expression in situ. Multiplexing was tested for both prognostic and predictive value. We used unsupervised hierarchical clustering to assess prognostic value in the archival Yale breast cohort (n=656). Six classes were identified, including a small class enriched for HER-2 expression. Disease specific survival of this class was compared to other HER-2 classification methods by Kaplan Meier analysis. The separation of classes by survival was optimal when multiple markers were considered, as the median survival for the HER-2 group dropped from 98 months in the IHC 3+ group, to 55 months for AQUA HER-2 positive, to 43 months for multiplexed clustering positive. To assess predictive value, individual, pair-wise, and multivariate logistic models were constructed with the data from expression of the six proteins in a trastuzumab-treated, retrospectively collected cohort (n=152) from the British Columbia Cancer Agency. Prediction error estimates for dichotomized outcome (complete/partial response vs. stable/progressive disease) were assessed with leave-one-out cross-validation and the corresponding intervals with bootstrap resampling. Using continuous AQUA scores, both low estrogen receptor expression (p=0.027) and high HER-2/neu (p=0.0007) expression were significantly associated with favorable clinical response. A multivariate model including ER, HER-2, EGFR, and HER4 had a misclassification estimate of 31.8% (95% CI 18.9%-44.7%), which was superior to any one protein, traditional IHC, or FISH for prediction of trastuzumab response. In summary, using AQUA, we found that combined analysis of ER, PR, and HER family members improved prognostic classification, and we developed a multivariate logistic model that optimized prediction for trastuzumab response in the metastatic setting. As trastuzumab treatment is extended to patients in the adjuvant setting, development of predictive methods such as these will be valuable to more accurately identify patients that will respond favorably to treatment.
Boron penetration studies from p+ polycrystalline Si through HfSixOy

We present detailed B penetration studies from B-doped polysilicon through alternate gate dielectric candidate HfSixOy films. No detectible B penetration is observed for annealing times as long as 20 s after 950 °C. Considerable B incorporation into the Si substrate is observed for annealing temperatures higher than 950 °C. By modeling the B depth profiles, we calculated the B diffusivities through HfSixOy to be higher than the corresponding diffusivities for SiO2. B diffusion through grain boundaries after HfSixOy crystallization is proposed to be responsible for the enhanced B diffusivity observed.
Marijuana and Cannabinoids

Abstract Marijuana and its major psychoactive component, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), alter resistance to bacterial, protozoan, and viral infections in vivo and in vitro. These alterations have been accompanied by modifications in functional components of the immune system. In addition, marijuana and THC, as well as other cannabinoids, have been reported to directly affect functional activities of lymphocytes, macrophages, natural killer cells, and other immunocytes. These include effects on cytokine production resulting in a shift in the balance of Th1 versus Th2 cytokines. Both receptor and non-receptor mediated modes of action have been proposed as causative of cannabinoid effects. Reports that marijuana and THC alter anti-microbial activity in vivo and in vitro indicate that its use presents a potential risk of decreased resistance to infections. However, few controlled longitudinal epidemiologi-cal and immunological studies have been undertaken to correlate the immunosuppressive effects of mar...
JHK Photometry of Extragalactic Sources Using an Infrared Array Camera

The UCLA two-channel IR camera has been used to perform crowded-field photometry in two distinct classes of extragalactic objects. DAOPHOT was used to reduce images of M 33 and provide JHK color-magnitude diagrams of over 1,700 stars. Galaxy photometry in crowded clusters, e.g. Abell 370, was obtained in JHK and analyzed using FOCAS. In both cases, extensive reductions were performed using synthetic aperture photometry for comparison. Methods and results are summarized.
Facilitating clinical trials: The expanding role of the nurse

Clinical trials are becoming increasingly difficult to carry out in the face of a changing health care delivery system. The reluctance of third party payers to reimburse for experimental therapy and the growing practice of providers to limit resources allocated for the care of cancer patients undergoing such therapies seriously curtail the ability of investigators to test new cancer treatments clinically. In addition, certain beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions held by the public may interfere with patient case accrual. Nurses can help facilitate both accrual to and conduct of clinical research. This article addresses selected consumer- and provider-centered factors that inhibit clinical research. The expanding role of the nurse in the areas of public education, informed consent, direct care, and collaborative research is also described.
Underage drinking: an evolutionary concept analysis.

Underage drinking is a major cause of morbidity and mortality for American youths and young adults. The negative consequences of underage drinking range from academic problems to intentional and unintentional injuries, acts directed toward self or others, and death. Nurses, regardless of practice settings, are on the frontline of defense. The take-home message is to delay/deter the first drink of alcohol. Language: en
Dynein and dynactin deficiencies affect the formation and function of the Spitzenkörper and distort hyphal morphogenesis of Neurospora crassa.

The impact of mutations affecting microtubule-associated motor proteins on the morphology and cytology of hyphae of Neurospora crassa was studied. Two ropy mutants, ro-1 and ro-3, deficient in dynein and dynactin, respectively, were examined by video-enhanced phase-contrast microscopy and image analysis. In contrast to the regular, hyphoid morphology of wild-type hyphae, the hyphae of the ropy mutants exhibited a great variety of distorted, non-hyphoid morphologies. The ropy hyphae were slow-growing and manifested frequent loss of growth directionality. Cytoplasmic appearance, including organelle distribution and movement, were ostensibly different in the ropy hyphae. The Spitzenkorper (Spk) of wild-type hyphae was readily seen by phase-contrast optics; the Spk of both ro-1 and ro-3 was less prominent and sometimes undetectable. Only the fast-growing ropy hyphae displayed a Spk, and it was smaller and less phase-dark than the wild-type Spk. Growth rate in both wild-type and ropy mutants was directly correlated with the size of the Spk. Spk efficiency, measured in terms of cell area generated per Spk travelled distance, was lower in ropy mutants. Another salient difference between ropy mutants and wild-type hyphae was in Spk trajectory. Whereas the Spk of wild-type hyphae maintained a trajectory close to the cell growth axis, the Spk of ropy hyphae moved much more erratically. Sustained departures in the trajectory of the ropy Spk produced corresponding distortions in hyphal morphology. A causal correlation between Spk trajectory and cell shape was tested with the Fungus Simulator program. The characteristic morphologies of wild-type or ropy hyphae were reproduced by the Fungus Simulator, whose vesicle supply centre (VSC) was programmed to follow the corresponding Spk trajectories. This is evidence that the Spk controls hyphal morphology by operating as a VSC. These findings on dynein or dynactin deficiency support the notion that the microtubular cytoskeleton plays a major role in the formation and positioning of the Spk, with dramatic consequences on hyphal growth and morphogenesis.
2010 Pediatric fatality review of the national poison center database: Results and recommendations

Pediatric deaths are particularly tragic, even more so when the result of a preventable incident such as poisoning. This year, a focused pediatric fatality review team was assembled to evaluate, in...
Plasma Cholesterol Oxidation Products (Oxysterols) in Human Subjects Fed a Meal Rich in Oxysterols

There is no evidence whether humans absorb cholesterol oxidation products (COPS) from food sources. Therefore, (after-meal) absorption of COPS in humans was studied following consumption of a powdered egg meal containing 30–90 ppm each of four different COPS. Both total plasma and plasma chylomicron COPS concentrations increased. By contrast, subjects consuming fresh eggs containing very low levels of the same four COPS (0–2 ppm) demonstrated no significant rise in plasma COPS. We concluded that the human subjects studied had the capacity to absorb COPS from food sources. The brief residence time of COPS observed in both chylomicrons and plasma suggested rapid transfer of COPS among lipoprotein fractions and/or clearance from plasma.
Continuous economies with a finite set of equilibria

Abstract This paper extends the results of G. Debreu's ‘Economies with a Finite Set of Equilibria’, within the context of the finite dimensional space of economies used therein, to the case where demand functions are assumed only to be continuous and to satisfy a certain technical condition. This condition, involving the concept of approximate limit, does not even require that the function be anywhere differentiable. Our main result is that the complement of the set of economies with a finite set of equilibrium prices has Lebesgue measure zero, although it need not be closed and in fact, may very well be dense.
Magnetic susceptibility of the strongly correlated Hubbard model

Using the linked-cluster expansion method, we have calculated the uniform and the staggered susceptibility of a single-band Hubbard model. We make correction of previous results of Kubo and Zhao et al.
Rheological study of crosslinking and gelation in chlorobutyl elastomer systems

Abstract The multiple waveform rheological technique was used to study the crosslinking behaviour of a filled elastomeric system at various temperatures. The gel point could be precisely determined from a single experiment at each temperature using this technique. At the instant of gelation, the storage ( G ′) and loss ( G ″) moduli scale with frequency in an identical manner, i.e. ∼ ω n . The relaxation exponent, n was found to be approximately constant (0.14) in the temperature range studied. Reported values of n for chemically crosslinking systems are typically higher; the low value in this case can be attributed to the high molecular weight of the prepolymer and the presence of filler. The gel times at various temperatures were used to calculate an apparent activation energy of the curing reaction, which was found to be approximately 92 kJ mol −1 .
Chest-wall stimulation: a method of demand QRS-blocking pacemaker suppression in the study of arrhythmias.

Abstract Low amplitude electrical stimuli delivered to the chest wall from a portable pacemaker may be used to suppress the implanted QRS-blocking, demand-type pacemaker. This technique allows analysis of the underlying electrocardiogram. The value of this method in the study of the natural history of conduction system disease, pacemaker-conduction system interaction, and in management of patients wearing these devices is illustrated.
Smoothing evolution equations and boundary control theory

We establish a relationship between the local smoothing properties of evolution equations and boundary control theory. This relationship extends to hyperbolic equations, as well as equations of the Schrodinger type.
Heritability Estimates of Semen Ejaculate Volume in Medium White Turkeys

Abstract Wrolstad strain Medium White turkeys were divergently selected for low (L) and high (H) semen ejaculate volumes for 13 generations. A mean volume difference of .34 mL was obtained in the 13th generation, with Line L averaging .21 mL and Line H .55 mL. Heritability estimates (χ ± SE) determined by full-sib correlations averaged .61 ± .13 and .54 ± .15 for Lines L and H, respectively. Realized heritabilities, calculated as the ratio of total response to total selection differential for Lines L and H, were 1.47 ± .40 and .35 ± .08, respectively. Realized heritabilities (χ ± SE), calculated as regressions of cumulative response on cumulative selection differential in Lines L and H, were 1.34 ± .42 and .41 ± .08, respectively. The results indicate that heritability for increased semen ejaculate volume is moderate to high.
Genetic locus determining resistance to phage BF23 and colicins E 1 , E 2 and E 3 in Escherichia coli.

The gene for resistance to phage BF23 and colicins E1, E2 and E3, bfe, was mapped by a combination of conjugation and transduction crosses. Co-transduction of bfe was found with markers in the region between 76 and 79 min on the Escherichia coli genetic map. The highest frequency of co-transduction was found with argH (47%). Three-factor transductional crosses showed unambiguously that bfe lies between argH and supM, at about 77·5 min on the map.
Emergent macrophytes in phosphorus limited marshes: do phosphorus usage strategies change after nutrient addition?

Two strategies for phosphorus (P) economy in P-limiting environment are conservation of use and enhanced acquisition. Using two wetland macrophytes as an example, we show how these strategies change when the P-limitation is removed. Phosphorus resorption and activities of root phosphatases were evaluated over 4 years in Eleocharis cellulosa Torr. and Typha domingensis Pers. from nutrient addition experiment (P, N, N&P, control) established in 15 P limited marshes of Belize. We hypothesized that after P addition both species will increase tissue P content and decrease P resorption efficiency and root phosphatase activity. Initially high phosphorus resorption efficiency, PRE, significantly decreased in Eleocharis 2 years after the first nutrient addition, while no significant decrease was recorded for Typha. Even more dramatic was 5- to 6-fold increase in P in senescent tissues of Eleocharis as compared to less than 2-fold increase in Typha. Root phosphatase activity was high for both species from control plots. After P addition, Eleocharis showed 35% to 70% decrease in enzyme activity correlated to availability of inorganic P in sediments. Eleocharis and Typha employ the “conservation of use” strategy when growing in P limited oligotrophic marshes. In addition, Eleocharis is also using the “enhanced acquisition” strategy. These strategies change when the P limitation is removed but the response varies between the two species and thus changes in the proportion of these two species in a community may result in differences in ecosystem processes such as decomposition.
Boot Camp: A Novel Intensive Approach to Voice Therapy

It is well known in the disciplines of neurobiology, exercise physiology, motor learning, and psychotherapy that desirable learning and behavior changes occur primarily from practice that involves high-intensity overload, variability, and specificity of training. We propose a novel treatment approach called intensive short-term voice therapy that uses these practice parameters for recalcitrant dysphonia. Intensive short-term voice therapy involves multiple sessions with a variety of clinicians, incorporating multiple simultaneous therapeutic approaches. The intensive short-term voice therapy approach is characterized by voice therapy for 1-4 successive days each with an average of 5 hours of therapy and five clinicians. This form of intensive voice therapy provides rigorous practice, involving not only overload but also opportunities for specificity and individuality thereby facilitating better transfer of learned skills. This article discusses the conceptual, theoretical, and practical foundations of this novel therapy approach.
Resampling-based information criteria for best-subset regression

When a linear model is chosen by searching for the best subset among a set of candidate predictors, a fixed penalty such as that imposed by the Akaike information criterion may penalize model complexity inadequately, leading to biased model selection. We study resampling-based information criteria that aim to overcome this problem through improved estimation of the effective model dimension. The first proposed approach builds upon previous work on bootstrap-based model selection. We then propose a more novel approach based on cross-validation. Simulations and analyses of a functional neuroimaging data set illustrate the strong performance of our resampling-based methods, which are implemented in a new R package.
The mode shape reversal

Abstract Given an arbitrary modal matrix describing the vibrational displacements of a discrete, linear, undamped shear building, a theoretical solution is presented to find the mass and stiffness coefficients of the system; thereby reversing the usual vibration problem. The solution requires solving a set of simultaneous equations which are always singular, so that a computational algorithm is required. The solution is cumbersome, and is at present limited to systems of a relatively small size.
The McCollough effect: Influence of several kinds of visual stimulation on decay rate

An experiment was conducted to determine whether the decay rate of the McCollough effect could be differentially influenced by the type of visual stimulation that followed its induction. After acquiring this effect, Os were exposed to achromatic gratings, homogeneous chromatic fields, natural visual stimulation, or complete darkness. Exposure to achromatic gratings caused a marked fading of the effect; the other types of stimulation were associated with similar and much less rapid decay.
Investigating Walking Environments in and around Assisted Living Facilities: A Facility Visit Study

Objective:This study explores assisted living residents' walking behaviors, locations where residents prefer to walk, and walking environments in and around assisted living facilities.Background:Re...
Regulation of Bach2 by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a mechanism for suppression of B-cell differentiation by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

Exposure to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) alters B-cell differentiation and suppresses antibody production. Previous genomic studies in mouse B cells identified Bach2 as a direct target of the AHR. Bach2 is known to repress expression of Prdm1, a key transcription factor involved in B-cell differentiation, by binding to Maf elements (MAREs) in the regulatory regions of the gene. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by quantitative PCR in TCDD-treated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated B cells showed increased binding of the AHR within the first intron in the Bach2 gene. The binding was further confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). TCDD also induced expression of Bach2 in activated as well as resting B cells from 2 to 24 h post-treatment in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Expression of Prdm1 was decreased by TCDD at 24 h and was consistent with repression by Bach2. Increased DNA binding activity to the intron 5 MARE with increasing TCDD concentrations was observed by EMSA. Supershifts identified the presence of Bach2 in the DNA binding complex associated with the intron 5 MARE of Prdm1. Functional validation of the role of Bach2 in the suppression of B-cell differentiation by TCDD was performed using RNA interference (RNAi). Knockdown of Bach2 showed approximately 40% reversal in the TCDD-induced suppression of IgM secretion when compared to controls. The results suggest that the transcriptional regulation of Bach2 by the AHR is one of the mechanisms involved in the suppression of B-cell differentiation by TCDD.
Possible interpretation of the ρ′(1600) as a threshold enhancement

The possibility that the ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{\ensuremath{'}}(1600)$ is not a true resonance is examined. In the model considered the reactions $\ensuremath{\gamma}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\rho}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}p$ and ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\rho}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ proceed through the production of a virtual $\ensuremath{\rho}$ meson. The threshold factors associated with the opening of the $\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\pi}$ channel are shown to combine with the virtual-$\ensuremath{\rho}$ propagators to produce peaks in the $\ensuremath{\rho}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ mass spectra, similar in mass and width to the experimental spectra. However, a comparison of the relative magnitudes of the two reactions, when combined with experimental limits on the reaction ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\Delta}}^{++}\ensuremath{\rho}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, rules out this mechanism. The roles of final-state interactions and of the virtual-mass dependence of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\rho}p$ production amplitude are considered. It is then assumed that the ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ is a real resonance. The ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coupling and the ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{\ensuremath{'}}p$ total cross section are extracted. We find $\frac{f_{{\ensuremath{\rho}}^{\ensuremath{'}}}^{}{}_{}{}^{2}}{4\ensuremath{\pi}}=21\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10$ and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{{\ensuremath{\rho}}^{\ensuremath{'}}p}=23\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4$ mb, as compared with the $\ensuremath{\rho}$-meson values of 2.1 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.5 and 22.2 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 2.6 mb. The background due to a $\ensuremath{\rho}$ tail in the production of the recently reported ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{\ensuremath{'}}(1250)$ is briefly discussed.
Phase diagram and spin-canting effects in electron-doped La Mn O 3

In hole-doped $\mathrm{La}\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, i.e., La is partially substituted by Ca or Sr, the manganese ions are in a mixed-valent state of two magnetic configurations, ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{4+}$ (spin $3∕2$) and ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{3+}$ $(S=2)$, while in electron-doped $\mathrm{La}\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, where La is partially replaced by Ce, the two mixed-valent configurations are ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{3+}$ and ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ (${S}^{*}=5∕2$, half-filled shell). The ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{3+}$ configuration can be considered an ${e}_{g}$ hole in the half-filled shell. The ${e}_{g}$ holes are allowed to hop between the Mn sites with hopping amplitude $t$, but the multiple occupancy of the ${e}_{g}$ levels is excluded at each site by a large Coulomb energy. This hopping of the ${e}_{g}$ holes gives rise to the ferromagnetic double-exchange mechanism, which competes with the antiferromagnetic superexchange $J$ between the localized spins $S$. By using a mean-field slave-boson formulation, we calculate the ground state energy of the system for the localized spins oriented in the magnetic configurations of the A, B, C, and G phases of ${\mathrm{La}}_{1\ensuremath{-}y}{\mathrm{Ce}}_{y}\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ as a function of $y$ and one model parameter, $J∕t$. Although the models are quite different, the phase diagram for electron doping is similar to that for hole doping. The effect of canting of the spins on the band structure of the itinerant ${e}_{g}$ electrons and the stability of the A and B phases toward canting are discussed.
Changes during the holocene in the size of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from central Illinois

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from central Illinois varied in size during the Holocene. The record, which extends back to 8450 yr B.P., indicates small deer through the mid-Holocene until 3650 yr B.P., after which size increases. Although influences of winter climate, seasonality, anthropogenic effects, and other ecological factors should not be discounted, an intriguing possible cause of the deer size shifts is insolation-driven summer climate and its influence on food resources. In the Holocene, small deer size is correlated with high summer insolation and with low winter insolation. Climatic models indicate that in spite of changes in insolation, Holocene winters did not vary greatly through time, especially in contrast to summers, which were dynamic. Physiological constraints peculiar to O. virginianus make critical the quality of summer forage for determining final adult size. Summer temperature averaged 2°C warmer than present during the middle Holocene, which increased evaporation and probably reduced the period of availability of high-quality forage low in fiber and high in protein. Consequently, less fuel for growth was consumed by mid-Holocene deer and only small body size was achieved. Other possible causes (e.g., Bergmann's rule, seasonality) of clinal variation are considered with reference to central Illinois deer, but at present the most parsimonious explanation appears to be the summer insolation hypothesis.
Atmospheric Turbidity and Surface Temperature on the Polar Ice Sheets

DATA relevant to the causation of climatic change, particularly changes in mean annual temperature at the surface over intervals of from 10 to 105 yr, have been accumulating gradually in various laboratories engaged in studying the two long ice cores from Camp Century, Greenland, and “New” Byrd Station, Antarctica. This note consolidates these and other data and interprets them in the framework of existing theory. It appears that millenial and longer variations in cloud-level temperature on the polar ice sheets have been caused by changing atmospheric turbidity over the past 105 yr.
W-Band Silicon-Based Frequency Synthesizers Using Injection-Locked and Harmonic Triplers

Two monolithically integrated W-band frequency synthesizers are presented. Implemented in a 0.18 μm SiGe BiCMOS with fT/fmax of 200/180 GHz, both circuits incorporate the same 30.3-33.8 GHz PLL core. One synthesizer uses an injection-locked frequency tripler (ILFT) with locking range of 92.8-98.1 GHz and the other employs a harmonic-based frequency tripler (HBFT) with 3-dB bandwidth of 10.5 GHz from 90.9-101.4 GHz, respectively. The measured RMS phase noise for ILFT- and HBFT-based synthesizers are 5.4° and 5.5° (100 kHz to 100 MHz integration), while phase noise at 1 MHz offset is -93 and -92 dBc/Hz, respectively, at 96 GHz from a reference frequency of 125 MHz. The measured reference spurs are <; -52 dBc for both prototypes. The combined power consumption from 1.8- and 2.5-V is 140 mW for both chips. The frequency synthesizer is suitable for integration in millimeter-wave (mm-wave) phased array and multi-pixel systems such as W-band radar/imaging and 120 GHz wireless communication.
Maternal Undernutrition Influences Placental-Fetal Development

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy has a pivotal role in the regulation of placental-fetal development and thereby affects the lifelong health and productivity of offspring. Suboptimal maternal nutrition yields low birth weight, with substantial effect on the short-term morbidity of the newborn. The placenta is the organ through which gases, nutrients, and wastes are exchanged between the maternal-fetal circulations. The size, morphology, and nutrient transfer capacity of the placenta determine the prenatal growth trajectory of the fetus to influence birth weight. Transplacental exchange depends on uterine, placental, and umbilical blood flow. Most important, maternal nutrition influences factors associated not only with placental homeostasis but also with optimal fetal development. This review associates fetal growth with maternal nutrition during pregnancy, placental growth and vascular development, and placental nutrient transport.
ULTRAVIOLET, VISIBLE, and NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROPHOTOMETERS

Spectrophotometers for the ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) regions will be discussed in this chapter. Typically, the UV region is considered to extend from 190 to 350 nm, th...
Perceived value and psychological thresholds: implications for marketing

Individual decisions fall in the broad categories of instinctive, automatic, intuitive, deliberate, and impulsive. Decisions may be conscious, pre‐conscious, or unconscious. These broad categorizations serve as background for the thrust of this paper. Decisions occur if certain forces exceed a threshold. This paper centers on issues related to action thresholds in the context of marketing. The approach characterizes decision space of an individual in the context of multidimensional utility‐psychic space. Variables of different characteristics influence decision space and thresholds. Asserts that variables of influence in the psychic region of the mind play an especially important role in this decision space and in marketing. Offers a conceptual background on this decision space and thresholds and focuses on implications for marketing.
Equilibrium Control of Crystal Thickness and Melting Point through Block Copolymerization

While the crystal thickness and melting point in crystallizable homopolymers are kinetically controlled, an equilibrium degree of chain folding is predicted for crystalline−amorphous block copolymers. We demonstrate this effect in a series of diblock copolymers of hydrogenated polynorbornene and hydrogenated poly(ethylidene norbornene), hPN/hPEN, where the hPN block is induced to fold as many as four times by the attachment of progressively longer amorphous blocks. These diblocks all crystallize from homogeneous melts, permitting the equilibrium solid-state structure to be approached. Increased chain folding produces thinner crystals with lower melting points; these stable melting points can be reproducibly tuned over a 30 °C range through the choice of the amorphous block length. Finally, the end group on the hPN chain is shown to influence the melting point as well through its impact on the crystal surface energy.
Screening for Patent Foramen Ovale and Prevention of Paradoxical Embolus

Paradoxic embolus is uncommon. Definite diagnosis requires demonstration of thrombus astride a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a patient presenting cerebral or peripheral arterial embolism. With current echocardiography techniques, it is now possible to identify subjects with a PFO at risk for paradoxal embolism, however, the possibility of screening rekindles debate on prophylaxis and treatment. In the present report, we describe a case involving a woman who presented acute ischemia of the lower extremities with all the pathophysiologic features of paradoxical arterial embolism.
Jensen inequalities for functions with higher monotonicities

We investigate generalizations of the classical Jensen and Chebyshev inequalities. On one hand, we restrict the class of functions and on the other we enlarge the class of measures which are allowed. As an example, consider the inequality (J)ϕ(∫f(x) dμ) ⩽ A ∫ ϕ(f(x) dμ, d∫ dμ = 1. Iff is an arbitrary nonnegativeL x function, this holds ifμ ⩾ 0,ϕ is convex andA = 1. Iff is monotone the measure μ need not be positive for (J) to hold for all convex ϕ withA = 1. If ϕ has higher monotonicity, e.g., ϕ′ is also convex, then we get a version of (J) withA < 1 and measures μ that need not be positive.
Evaluation of approaches to estimate biogenic particulate trace metals in the ocean

Abstract The metal contents of marine plankton are of significant interest but are difficult to measure due to relatively low concentrations of labile particulate metals, as well as the high metal content of co-occurring authigenic and lithogenic particles. Surface ocean particle assemblages from the North Atlantic Ocean were analyzed with three bulk techniques commonly used to estimate biogenic metals: leaching of labile elements with an acetic acid and hydroxylamine solution (HAc); calculation of ‘excess’ metal concentrations from total particulate concentrations using assumed element stoichiometries for lithogenic materials; or soaking of particles with a complexing solution of EDTA and oxalate to remove adsorbed metals prior to total analyses. Procedural blanks were generally highest for the HAc leach, but HAc data were most consistent between elements and stations. Concentrations determined with HAc or through lithogenic correction were comparable at many stations, but calculated excess concentrations of Fe and Ti were also negative at many stations, demonstrating the significant uncertainty introduced by assumptions of lithogenic composition. Oxalate treatment leaves lithogenic particles largely intact and thus requires subsequent corrections for metal contributions from these as well, adding further uncertainty. Comparisons with direct measurements of elements in phytoplankton cells from the same stations demonstrate that all three bulk methods include metals beyond those associated with cells, primarily oxyhydroxides likely to be of most importance in high-iron coastal areas. The acetic acid–hydroxylamine leach is concluded to be the best approach to quantifying biogenic and associated labile particulate phases likely to be cycled through biota. Calculation of excess metal concentrations is highly dependent upon the lithogenic material chosen for the calculation, while the oxalate soak underestimates the concentrations of some labile elements in the biogenic phase and fails to remove refractory Fe, Al, and Ti.
Photodissociation of Acrylic Acid at 193 nm

This paper describes the photolysis of acrylic acid (H2CCHCOOH) monomers upon π → π* excitation at 193 nm. The photofragment velocity distribution measurements indicate that only primary C−C and C−O bond fissions are major photodissociation pathways; molecular decarboxylation and decarbonylation reactions do not occur to a significant extent. There are two different primary C−C bond fission channels resulting in the production of HOCO radicals in the ground and first electronically excited states. We also determine an upper limit on the C−C bond strength of about 100 kcal/mol; this agrees with the value we calculate from literature heats of formation but is considerably less than that assumed by previous workers.
Hyperpolarization by cyclic AMP (activation of diphosphoinositide kinase)

In-vitro-und In-vivo-Versuche beweisen, dass ein molekularer Mechanismus fur das Zustandekommen der Membran-Hyperpolarisation verantwortlich ist.
Acute suppression of apo B secretion by insulin occurs independently of MTP.

Abstract Secretion of apolipoprotein (apo) B-containing lipoproteins by the liver depends mainly upon apo B availability and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) activity and is subject to insulin regulation. Hepatic MTP mRNA expression is negatively regulated by insulin which correlates with inhibition of apo B secretion suggesting that insulin might suppress apo B secretion through an MTP-dependent mechanism. To investigate this possibility, we examined the acute effect of insulin on hepatic MTP expression and activity levels in vivo utilizing apobec-1−/− mice. Insulin did not significantly alter hepatic MTP mRNA levels or lipid transfer activity 2 h following injection, but suppressed expression of genes important in gluconeogenesis. To study the specific role of MTP, we expressed human MTP (hMTP) in primary rat hepatocytes using adenoviral gene transfer. Increased expression of hMTP resulted in a 47.6 ± 17.9% increase in total apo B secreted. Incubation of hepatocytes with insulin suppressed apo B secretion by 50.1 ± 10.8% in cells over-expressing hMTP and by 53.0 ± 12.4% in control transfected hepatocytes. Results indicate that even under conditions of increased hepatic apo B secretion mediated by MTP, responsiveness of hepatocytes to insulin to suppress apo B secretion is maintained.
On the corner tensor in three-dimensional linear elasticity

The subject of this paper is the corner tensor C that appears in the free term in a boundary integral equation formulation for three-dimensional linear elasticity. A general corner, locally composed of piecewise flat and curved surfaces, is considered in explicit fashion. The solid angle at the corner appears in the expression for C. A new formula for the solid angle at a general corner, in terms of line integrals, is derived in this paper. Finally, examples for cones are presented and discussed.
The ascent of cholecystokinin (CCK) — From gut to brain

Abstract Cholecystokinin (CCK), a classical gastrointestinal polypeptide hormone, appears to have an equally important role as a brain neurotransmitter. CCK is widely distributed throughout both the central and peripheral nervous system. Of the known brain peptides, only CCK and VIP are predominately cerebral cortical peptides. In the pituitary, CCK is found in the posterior pituitary, while gastrin-like peptides are present in the anterior and intermediate lobes. Phylogenetically, gastrin-CCK-like peptides arose extremely early in evolution being present in the primitive nerve cells of the coelenterate, Hydra. Specific high affinity CCK-receptors have been demonstrated in rat and guinea-pig brains with highest concentrations in the cerebral cortex, caudate nucleus and olfactory bulb. Alterations in CCK binding have been reported during fasting and in genetically obese rats and mice. The low levels of CCK receptors in patients with Huntington's Chorea, the coexistance of CCK with dopamine in the same mesolimbic neurons and the rotational syndrome produced after central administration in rats suggests a potential physiological role for CCK in the regulation of extra-pyramidal function. CCK and/or gastrin have been demonstrated to have a number of effects on anterior pituitary hormones and the high concentrations in the posterior pituitary suggest a possible neuromodulatory role in the regulation of vasopressin and/or oxytocin release. CCK is a putative satiety hormone which appears to produce satiety both by peripheral and central effects. The presence of CCK in the periaqueductal gray and the fact that it produces naloxone reversible analgesia suggest a potential role for CCK in the regulation of pain perception. Central administration of CCK produces hyperglycemia which appears to be partly mediated via an adrenal mechanism. CCK also produces mild hypothermia and appears to be a central nervous system depressant. Present evidence indicating that CCK is a central neurotransmitter or neuromodulator includes its regional distribution with localization within neuronal cell bodies and axons; the demonstration that it can be synthesized in neuronal tissue; the fact that it is released by depolarizing stimuli in vitro ; the presence of specific, high affinity receptors for CCK in the brain; and the finding that it can activate isolated neurons. The high concentrations of CCK in the cerebral cortex suggest that future studies will produce further surprises concerning the physiological role of this gall-bladder contracting hormone which came of age with the discovery of its wide distribution in the central nervous system.
Economic Comparison of Current Endoscopic Practices: Barrett’s Surveillance vs. Ulcerative Colitis Surveillance vs. Biopsy for Sprue vs. Biopsy for Microscopic Colitis

Health care costs are an increasingly important study outcome. Endoscopic practice consumes a large proportion of gastroenterology-related health expenses. An economic comparison of several currently accepted endoscopic practices was performed, ranking them according their cost-effectiveness, as viewed from the payer perspective. The cost-effectiveness of four currently accepted standard endoscopic practices was examined: small bowel biopsy to assess for celiac sprue, colonoscopic biopsy to assess for microscopic colitis, surveillance of Barrett’s esophagus, and surveillance of chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC). Parameter estimates were obtained from the published literature. Charges were based on Medicare professional plus facility/technical fees. Performing colonoscopic biopsies for microscopic colitis in the setting of chronic nonbloody diarrhea was the most cost-effective practice ($2447/case detected), while small bowel biopsy for sprue in the setting of a patient with a first−degree relative with sprue ($3042/case detected) or with anemia ($2982/case detected) was also a cost−effective approach. Small bowel biopsy in the setting of diarrhea ($3900/case detected) was less cost-effective, while CUC surveillance ($14,119/detection of dysplasia) and performance of small bowel biopsy in an asymptomatic patient ($15,209/case detected) were clearly the least economical. As efforts are made to reduce the costs of health care, more attention will be focused on the cost-effectiveness of routine endoscopic practices. Although, our findings put endoscopic practices into economic perspective, future perspective, future prospective trials are required to confirm the validity of these findings.