cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Socially guided attention influences infants’ communicative behavior

Abstract For effective prelinguistic communication, infants must be able to direct their attention, vocalizations, and nonverbal gestures in social interactions. The purpose of our study was to examine how different styles of caregiver responses influenced infant attentional and communicative behavior in social interactions, based on prior studies that have shown influences of responsiveness on attention, language and cognitive outcomes. Infants were exposed to redirective and sensitive behavior systematically using an ABA design to examine real-time changes in infants’ behavior as a function of caregiver responses. During the two baseline “A” periods, caregivers were instructed to play as they would at home. During the social response “B” period, caregivers were instructed to respond sensitively to infants’ behavior on one visit and redirectively on the other visit. Results demonstrated that when caregivers behaved redirectively, infants shifted their attention more frequently and decreased the duration of their visual attention. Caregiver responses also resulted in changes in vocal and gesture production. Infants decreased their production of caregiver-directed vocalizations, gestures, and gesture-vocal combinations during in the redirective condition. Results suggest that caregiver sensitive responding to infants’ attentional focus may be one influence on infants’ attentional and prelinguistic communicative behavior.
An Examination of the Higher-Order Structure of Psychopathology and its Relationship to Personality.

This study compared a series of higher-order models encompassing symptoms of both clinical and personality disorders. The final model was then correlated with a latent variable model of normal personality traits. A total of 420 undergraduates completed a battery of self-report symptom and personality questionnaires, with informant-reports and diagnostic interviews provided by overlapping subsamples. A three-level model with two factors at the highest level and four factors at the second level was the best fitting model. The higher-order internalizing and externalizing factors were then correlated with 30 latent personality facets. Results demonstrate an elevation on the neuroticism facets for the higher-order internalizing factor, along with low positive emotions, low actions, and low competence. The higher-order externalizing factor was negatively associated with most conscientiousness and agreeableness factors, while showing an elevation on excitement-seeking, impulsivity, and angry hostility. Future st...
Kin recognition by tadpoles and froglets of the wood frog Rana sylvatica.

We investigated kin recognition by the wood frog Rana sylvatica in blind laboratory experiments using spatial proximity as a recognition assay. Tadpoles were tested for the ability to discriminate between: 1) familiar full-sibs and unfamiliar non-kin, 2) unfamiliar paternal half-sibs and unfamiliar non-kin, and 3) familiar and unfamiliar full-sibs. Tadpoles discriminated full- and paternal half-sibs from unrelated conspecifics, but did not discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar full-sibs. Froglets from the same laboratory population were tested for the ability to discriminate between 1) familiar full-sibs and unfamiliar non-kin, and 2) unfamiliar paternal half-sibs and unfamiliar non-kin. Froglets preferentially associated with full- and half-sibs over unrelated conspecifics. Our results show that familiarity, i.e., prior association, is not necessary for kin recognition in tadpoles and froglets. The ability of tadpoles and froglets to recognize unfamiliar paternal half-sibs demonstrates that a common maternal factor is not necessary for kin recognition, and indicates that the recognition cue has a genetic component. Our results add to the increasing evidence that a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate animals have the ability to recognize unfamiliar kin by using genetically specified recognition cues.
Case Report of Hemoglobin A1c and Weight Reduction in Integrative Health Coaching

Integrative health coaching (IHC) offers significant health improvement in biometric measures without pharmaceuticals. In this case of newly diagnosed impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) with obesity, IHC used the patient's strengths to reverse IGT, prevent frank diabetes, and reduce weight by 40 lbs or 21% of her original weight. This intervention included a client self-assessment and 14 in-person health coaching sessions over 11 months. IHC provides a framework to accomplish short-term goals and identify and overcome barriers while drawing on the strengths and aims of the individual.
Aerobraking at Venus: A science and technology enabler☆

Abstract Venus remains one of the great unexplored planets in our solar system, with key questions remaining on the evolution of its atmosphere and climate, its volatile cycles, and the thermal and magmatic evolution of its surface. One potential approach toward answering these questions is to fly a reconnaissance mission that uses a multi-mode radar in a near-circular, low-altitude orbit of ∼400 km and 60–70° inclination. This type of mission profile results in a total mission delta-V of ∼4.4 km/s. Aerobraking could provide a significant portion, potentially up to half, of this energy transfer, thereby permitting more mass to be allocated to the spacecraft and science payload or facilitating the use of smaller, cheaper launch vehicles. Aerobraking at Venus also provides additional science benefits through the measurement of upper atmospheric density (recovered from accelerometer data) and temperature values, especially near the terminator where temperature changes are abrupt and constant pressure levels drop dramatically in altitude from day to night. Scientifically rich, Venus is also an ideal location for implementing aerobraking techniques. Its thick lower atmosphere and slow planet rotation result in relatively more predictable atmospheric densities than Mars. The upper atmosphere (aerobraking altitudes) of Venus has a density variation of 8% compared to Mars' 30% variability. In general, most aerobraking missions try to minimize the duration of the aerobraking phase to keep costs down. These short phases have limited margin to account for contingencies. It is the stable and predictive nature of Venus' atmosphere that provides safer aerobraking opportunities. The nature of aerobraking at Venus provides ideal opportunities to demonstrate aerobraking enhancements and techniques yet to be used at Mars, such as flying a temperature corridor (versus a heat-rate corridor) and using a thermal-response surface algorithm and autonomous aerobraking, shifting many daily ground activities to onboard the spacecraft. A defined aerobraking temperature corridor, based on spacecraft component maximum temperatures, can be employed on a spacecraft specifically designed for aerobraking, and will predict subsequent aerobraking orbits and prescribe apoapsis propulsive maneuvers to maintain the spacecraft within its specified temperature limits. A spacecraft specifically designed for aerobraking in the Venus environment can provide a cost-effective platform for achieving these expanded science and technology goals. This paper discusses the scientific merits of a low-altitude, near-circular orbit at Venus, highlights the differences in aerobraking at Venus versus Mars, and presents design data using a flight system specifically designed for an aerobraking mission at Venus. Using aerobraking to achieve a low altitude orbit at Venus may pave the way for various technology demonstrations, such as autonomous aerobraking techniques and/or new science measurements like a multi-mode, synthetic aperture radar capable of altimetry and radiometry with performance that is significantly more capable than Magellan.
Three-year clinical comparison of 3-piece acrysof and SI-40 silicone intraocular lenses

Abstract Purpose: To compare the 3-year performance of the 3-piece AcrySof® (Alcon) and the SI-40 silicone (Allergan) intraocular lenses (IOLs). Setting: John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Methods: In this retrospective study, patients with no complications and at least a 3-year follow-up after IOL implantation were examined for signs of inflammation, visual function, posterior capsule opacification (PCO), and satisfaction. Results: One hundred eleven patients were enrolled with equivalent visual acuity, inflammation, and PCO parameters. The AcrySof eyes had less anterior capsule opacification and more intralenticular inclusions than the other group. Complete anterior capsule overlap was associated with decreased PCO, and significantly more SI-40 eyes had complete anterior capsule overlap. Conclusions: The second-generation silicone IOL was equivalent to the 3-piece AcrySof in patient satisfaction, visual function, inflammation, and PCO. The amount of anterior capsule overlap on the IOL may help to explain the study differences.
Effects of F-strain Mycoplasma gallisepticum inoculation at twelve weeks of age on the blood characteristics of commercial egg laying hens

In two trials, the effects of an F-strain Mycoplasma gallisepticum (FMG) inoculation at 12 wk of age on the blood characteristics of commercial Single Combed White Leghorn laying hens were investigated throughout lay. Variables measured in both trials were whole blood hematocrit, plasma protein (PP), and serum cholesterol, triglycerides (ST), and calcium. In both trials, hematocrit at 20 wk of age was significantly increased in birds inoculated with FMG. In trial 1, ST and PP were significantly increased at 22 wk of age by FMG, while ST and PP were significantly decreased in FMG-inoculated birds at wk 54 and 52, respectively. When combined with the establishment of an FMG infection, the initial weeks of egg production become particularly stressful to the bird. Increases in these independent blood parameters between 8 and 10 wk postchallenge are suggestive of compensatory responses in these birds to an FMG challenge. Postpeak decreases in both ST (54 wk) and PP (52 wk) in FMG-infected birds may be the result of a more chronic effect of FMG on lipid and protein synthesis in the liver. These data are the first to suggest that alterations in egg production in response to FMG-infection in commercial layers, as noted in a previous report, may be associated with changes in hematocrit. However, because ST and PP were not affected by FMG in both trials, the responses of these blood parameters to FMG-infection may be inconsistent among flocks.
Relative effects of feeding saturated fats and cholesterol on fluidity of rabbit lipoproteins.

Abstract 1. 1. The effects of saturated fat and cholesterol on lipoprotein fluidity were tested in New Zealand white rabbits fed diets containing corn oil (CO) or cocoa butter (CB) with and without added 0.2% cholesterol. 2. 2. Saturated fats had little effect on fluidity in any lipoprotein fraction. 3. 3. Cholesterol feeding dramatically reduced fluidity in VLDL and LDL, but minimal change was noted in HDL. 4. 4. Cholesterol-fed rabbits were hypercholesteroloemic throughout the 10-month study. 5. 5. The rabbits became adapted to cholesterol feeding as VLDL became more fluid with time.
Liquid-like interface complexion: From activated sintering to grain boundary diagrams

This article reviews recent experimental and theoretical results that elucidate the mysterious subsolidus activated sintering mechanism. A related new concept of liquid-like interface complexion and its broad applications in comprehending microstructural evolution and materials properties are discussed. A recently proposed thermodynamic model is discussed and further elaborated with new analyses that have not been published before. A long-range scientific goal is to develop quantitative and predictive grain boundary diagrams as a new tool for realizing predictable fabrication of materials by design.
Chylous ascites following abdominal aortic surgery

Three patients, two women, one man (mean age 74 years), who had abdominal aortic aneurysms (2) or aortobifemoral surgery (1), developed chylous ascites postoperatively. They were studied to determine their clinical course and develop a plan for management of this complication. In each patient, the ascites was not manifest until abdominal swelling developed two weeks after operation, and the problem was confirmed by the finding of milky fluid on paracentesis. A low serum albumin (mean 2.6 gm) was also characteristic. The ascites was not altered by parenteral nutrition or reduction of dietary fat and ingestion of medium chain triglycerides. In one patient (man, age 93) the ascites resolved spontaneously two months after abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery. Another (woman, age 70) was cured following operative ligation of a lymphatic fistula identified at operation five weeks after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. In the third (woman, age 60), the ascites resolved immediately following placement of a peritoneal venous shunt six weeks after an aortobifemoral bypass. Chylous ascites is rare after aortic surgery and manifests itself about two weeks after operation, at times after discharge from hospital. It has an indolent course, but may resolve spontaneously up to two months after operation. Its course appears not to be foreshortened by diet, including omission of fat, but can be successfully treated surgically with a shunt or fistula ligation. If done early a protracted hospital course may be avoided.
Stable aqueous colloidal solutions of intact surfactant-free graphene nanoribbons and related graphitic nanostructures

Here we demonstrate a simple, nondestructive method for the preparation of stable aqueous colloidal solutions of graphene nanoribbons and carbon nanotubes. The method includes sonication of carbon nanomaterials in hypophosphorous acid, filtration accompanied by washing the solids with water and dispersion of the solids in a fresh portion of water to form colloidal solutions.
BIOLOGY OF PACHYLOBIUS PICIVORUS (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE) IN THE GEORGIA PIEDMONT

Pachylobius picivorus (Germar) is one of the weevils which is assuming increased importance as a pest of natural and planted pine seedlings. Brood development requires from 100 to 128 days during the summer. Weevils are long lived, with oviposition occurring at a rate of approximately 0.7 eggs per day per female for the life of the insect. There are two population peaks during the year in the Georgia Piedmont. These peaks reflect the response of the weevils to temperature and to developmental cycles.
Differential surface tension measurements at thin solid metal electrodes

A new technique has been developed for measuring the differential interfacial tension as a function of potential at solid-solution interfaces. The technique utilizes the bending experienced by a thin electrode, insulated on one side, when the interfacial tension is changed. Potentials of zero charge are reported for gold in KCl solution and platinum in H2SO4 solution.
Nondegeneracy of coverings of minimal tori and Klein bottles in Riemannian manifolds

We say that a parametrized minimal torus or Klein bottle in an ambient Riemannian manifold is Morse nondegenerate if it lies on a nondegenerate critical submanifold which is also an orbit for the group of isometries of the flat metric of total area one. We show that for a generic choice of a Riemannian metric on a compact manifold of dimension at least four, unbranched multiple covers of prime minimal tori or Klein bottles are Morse nondegenerate. A similar result holds for harmonic tori and Klein bottles. The proofs require a modification of techniques of Bott for studying iterations of smooth closed geodesics.
Chemical analysis of sea ice vein μ-environments using Raman spectroscopy

Sea ice is a unique environment providing a vast habitat for a variety of life, including microscopic organisms. It accounts for roughly 5–6% of the surface area of the oceans. It is a complex porous structure of crystalline water, gas bubbles, and pockets of brine, as well as a connected structure composed of macro- and micro-porosity filled with concentrated aqueous liquids. Using micro-Raman spectroscopy, it is possible to characterise features of ice at a spatial resolution of a few to tens of micrometers, the scale of relevance to trapped microorganisms, by providing information concerning the presence and amount of molecular species present in the trapped liquids. We have applied this technique to determine the spatial distribution of sulphate, phosphate and carbonate anions in sea-ice veins using ice obtained from the vicinity of the Palmer Station, Antarctica. The observed sulphate concentrations were approximately 20–30% higher than nominal surface seawater concentrations, consistent with the concentration of brine in vein and inclusion liquids during the ice formation process. This concentration was lower than that in veins present in laboratory-prepared ice. Carbonate and dibasic phosphate anions were also observed in the sea ice. This speciation is consistent with an alkaline environment in the sea-ice aqueous system. The mean dibasic phosphate concentration found throughout the sample was 648 mM, while, for carbonate, it was 485 mM. However, these anions showed extremely high spatial variability. The high phosphate and carbonate enhancements observed relative to sulphate point to the influence of processes other than brine formation controlling the chemistry of these anions in sea ice.
In vitro corneal endothelial permeability in rabbit and human: the effects of age, cataract surgery and diabetes.

Endothelial permeability was examined in rabbit and human corneas using an in vitro perfusion system with 5(6)-carboxyflurorescein as the permeability tracer. Following endothelial removal, the permeability of de-epithelialized rabbit corneas increased from 3·19×10−4 cm min−1 to 31·21×10−4 cm min−1, and de-epithelialized human donor corneal permeability values increased from 2·26 to 12·85. In human corneas, no correlation was seen between endothelial permeability and donor age, moist chamber storage time, endothelial cell density, coefficient of variation of cell area, or percent hexagonal cells. A positive correlation was found between permeability and time between donor death and enucleation. Donor eyes from three separate populations, having undergone cataract surgery prior to death (aphakic, posterior and anterior chamber implants), all showed a significant increase in permeability. Neither Type I nor Type II diabetes had an effect on the endothelial permeability of human donor corneas.
Repair of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula via thoracotomy: a contemporary series

Abstract Background A recent series detailing thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) reported lower complication rates compared with historic controls. This study provides a contemporary cohort of patients repaired via thoracotomy for comparison with the recent large multi-institutional thoracoscopic series. Methods Records of patients with EA/TEF between 1993 and 2008 were reviewed. Attention was focused on demographics and complications including anastomotic leak, recurrent fistulae, stricture formation, and need for fundoplication. Results Seventy-two patients underwent repair of EA/TEF via thoracotomy. Complication rates in the current series compared with the thoracoscopic series were anastomotic leak, 2.7% versus 7.6%; recurrent fistulae, 2.7% versus 1.9%; stricture, 5.5% versus 3.8%; and need for fundoplication, 12% versus 24%. Differences in complication rates did not reach statistical significance. Two children in this cohort developed mild scoliosis attributed to congenital vertebral anomalies, neither of whom required intervention. Conclusions Thoracoscopic repair of EA/TEF yielded complication rates similar to this contemporary series; however, trends toward increased anastomotic leaks and greater need for fundoplication were noted. No musculoskeletal sequelae were directly attributable to thoracotomy.
Actual and ideal professional support for African-American family members

The purposes of this study were to describe and compare, specifically, African American family members of critically ill adults' perceptions of the professional support they would like (ideal) to receive with the professional support they received (actual) from critical care nurses. The Professional Support Questionnaire for Critical Care Nurses Working With Family Members (PSQ) was administered by mail or telephone to 36 African American family members. The PSQ consists of three domains of support--information, comfort, and assurance. Paired t-test analyses indicated there were differences between the descriptions of professional nursing support expected (ideal) by family members and the professional support provided (actual) by critical care nurses. Although there was not an absence of professional nursing support, the degree and frequency to which African American family members wanted nurses to support them were not comparable to the support that nurses provided them.
Protonic conduction in totally deuterated ammonium dihydrogen phosphate

Abstract The conductivity of deuterated ammonium dihydrogen phosphate single crystals was measured as a function of temperature. Crystals doped with deuterated NH4HSO4 were also studied. The results parallel those for NH4H2PO4 to the extent that defects in the hydrogen-bond network give rise to the conductivity. One difference in the results for the two crystals is the temperature which marks the onset of a high temperature conductivity distinguished by plotting log σT versus 1 T and observing a break in the straight line. This break temperature is different for the hydrogen versus the deuterated crystal in NH4H2PO4 as it is for other isomorphous salts.
Ordinal ranking methods for multicriterion decision making

Given multiple criteria and multiple alternatives, the goal is to aggregate the criteria information and obtain an overall ranking of alternatives. An ordinal ranking method requires only that the rank order of the alternatives be known for each criterion. We compare and illustrate the ordinal ranking methods devised by Borda, Bernardo, Cook and Seiford, Kohler, and Arrow and Raynaud. We show whether each method places the Condorcet winner (if it exists) in first place, ranks the alternatives according to the Condorcet order (if it exists), and satisfies two principles of sequential independence. We also consider the application of these methods to cost and operational effectiveness analyses (COEAs). © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Impacts of Social Factors on Free-Living Eating Rate as Assessed by Multi-Pass, 24-hour Recalls

Slower eating rates have been associated with decreased food intake in laboratory settings. Free-living eating rate methods however are limited and inconsistent. This studyutilized24-hour recalls for free-living eating rate assessment and determined effects of social aspects on free-living eating behaviors using this method.Twenty-threeoverweight females20 2.6yearsoldwererecruited from auniversity campus. Laboratoryeating ratewascovertlymeasuredduringastandardized lunch on a Universal Eating Monitor (UEM). During 3 non-consecutive multi-pass, 24-hour recalls, subjects provided information onmeal duration, location, and people present. Free-living eating rate was calculated (kcal/min and g/min) and compared to the standard UEM. Laboratory and free-living data, meals eaten alone and socially, eating occasion type, and settingwere compared using ANOVA. Free-living eating meal durations were 13 minutes longer (F 8.0,P 0.05), gram intakewashigher (F 4.182,P 0.05), and eating rate (kcal/ min) was slower (F 21.7,P 0.001) than the laboratory, when controlling for people present. There were no significant differences in kcal intake and g/min between methods. Free-living meal duration and kcal intake were higher with peoplepresent thanalone (F 19.6,13.3;P 0.001). Eating rate (kcal/min)wasnot significantly different, but faster in (g/min) in alone conditions thanwhen eating with others (F 10.57;P 0.001). Eating rate results were inconsistent between laboratory and free-living assessments. Futurework is needed to further develop methods to explore free-living social aspects. Free-living eating shows similar gram intake in alone and social conditions so slower eating rates aremediatedby longer meal durations. Trends showed associations between social settings and greater calorie intake.
Algebraic perturbation methods for the solution of singular linear systems

Abstract A singular matrix A is perturbed algebraically to obtain a nonsingular matrix B . Particular solutions of Ax = b can be found as unique solutions of Bx = d , where d is an algebraic perturbation of b . More specially, null vectors and generalized null vectors of A can be found as unique solutions of linear systems. It is shown also that B −1 AB −1 is a generalized inverse of A .
THE UPWARD TRANSLOCATION OF FOODS IN WOODY PLANTS. I. TISSUES CONCERNED IN TRANSLOCATION

It seems to be very generally believed that in shrubs and trees there is storage of organic matter in the lower part of the trunk and in the roots, and that, as growth starts in the spring, this food becomes soluble and passes upward through the xylem to the developing shoots and leaves. The fact that has been most commonly offered as proof of upward translocation through the xylem is that the xylem tissues of woody plants commonly contain quantities of organic storage products, particularly sugars and starches. It has been shown by Atkins (I9I6), Fischer (I89I), and others that not only the living parenchyma cells but also the water-conducting cells proper, the tracheae and tracheids, contain appreciable quantities of soluble carbohydrates, and Atkins has found these to be present at all seasons of the year. The latter considers that sugars are commonly carried through the xylem. He even goes so far as to say that ". . . the transference of carbohydrates can no longer be regarded as an occasional and accessory function of the vessels, but is certainly a continual and principal function . . . .." It may well be, however, that there is no flow of solution through the xylem for any great distance, for a possible frequent interposition of living cells across the water-conducting tissues may prevent such a flow. Atkins himself clearly recognizes that water may flow across tissues containing a high solute content without carrying the solutes with it. Experiments performed by Hartig (I858) are also commonly cited in texts as offering proof of upward translocation through the xylem. Hartig ringed a number of trees early in the summer and found early in the following spring that the starch stored below the ring had disappeared. He concluded that the storage products must have been translocated upward through the xylem. It might be, however, that the food stored below the ring was used locally for growth in diameter, or that it was translocated downward through the phloem and was used in root growth. In order to determine more definitely whether the upward translocation of food takes place primarily through the phloem or through the xylem, the writer has conducted a series of experiments part of which are reported in this paper. Some of these experiments also throw light on the matter of food movement from roots or trunks to growing shoots. The discussion therefore naturally falls into two main parts: (i) When upward translocation of organic matter takes place, as it certainly must for at least short distances, does it take place through the water-conducting tissues, the xylem, or
Mass Spectrometry in the Postgenomic Era

Mass spectrometry (MS) is rapidly becoming an essential tool for biologists and biochemists in their efforts to throw light on molecular mechanisms within cellular systems. Used in unison with genome sequence data, MS has developed into the method of choice for identifying proteins, elucidating their posttranslational modifications, and reading out their functional interactions. Variations of the method have even begun to enable accurate mass determination of intact protein complexes, allowing for direct determination of subunit stoichiometry and the interactions between the subunits. Advances in mass spectrometric technologies have also led to great improvements in our ability to probe and define many of the other key molecular players in cells, including the all important lipid components. We provide here some perspectives on the explosion of applications of MS to protein science, systems biology, proteomics, lipidomics, and cell biology in general.
Ligand-dependent Interaction of Estrogen Receptor-α with Members of the Forkhead Transcription Factor Family *

Estrogen acting through the estrogen receptor (ER) is able to regulate cell growth and differentiation of a variety of normal tissues and hormone-responsive tumors. Ligand-activated ER binds DNA and transactivates the promoters of estrogen target genes. In addition, ligand-activated ER can interact with other factors to alter the physiology and growth of cells. Using a yeast two-hybrid screen, we have identified an interaction between ERα and the proapoptotic forkhead transcription factor FKHR. The ERα-FKHR interaction depends on β-estradiol and is reduced significantly in the absence of hormone or the presence of Tamoxifen. A glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay was used to confirm the interaction and localized two interaction sites, one in the forkhead domain and a second in the carboxyl terminus. The FKHR interaction was specific to ERα and was not detected with other ligand-activated steroid receptors. The related family members, FKHRL1 and AFX, also bound to ERα in the presence of β-estradiol. FKHR augmented ERα transactivation through an estrogen response element. Conversely, ERα repressed FKHR-mediated transactivation through an insulin response sequence, and cell cycle arrest induced by FKHRL1 in MCF7 cells was abrogated by estradiol. These results suggest a novel mechanism of estrogen action that involves regulation of the proapoptotic forkhead transcription factors.
Emergency department rectal temperatures in over 10 years: A retrospective observational study

RESULTS: The mean difference in temperatures between the initial temperature and the rectal temperature was 1.3 °F ( P<0.001), with 25.9% of the patients having higher rectal temperatures !2 °F, and 5.0% having higher rectal temperatures !4 °F. The mean difference among the patients who received oral, axillary, and temporal temperatures was 1.2 °F ( P<0.001), 1.8 °F ( P<0.001), and 1.2 °F (P<0.001) respectively. About 18.1% of the patients were initially afebrile and found to be febrile by rectal temperature, with an average difference of 2.5 °F ( P<0.001). These patients had a higher rate of admission (61.4%, P<0.005), and were more likely to be admitted to the hospital for a higher level of care, such as an intensive care unit, when compared with the full cohort (12.5% vs. 5.8%, P<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: There are significant differences between rectal temperatures and noninvasive triage temperatures in this emergency department cohort. In almost one in five patients, fever was missed by triage temperature.
Social Exclusion, Poverty, and Educational Inequity in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: Which Development Framework

In the oil-rich Niger Delta, the three dimensions of exclusion - social, economic, and political - have systematically uprooted millions. Solutions must be sought in a framework of development with focus on non-market measures. Three most important challenges of government are how to incorporate, re-enfranchise, and empower the marginalized and excluded people of the Niger Delta. Meeting these challenges requires understanding the processes of inequalities and historical evolution, and the inadequacies of the failed neoliberal economic model. The IFAD/UNDP non-market approach considers these factors in analyzing the present crisis and emphasizes participation and ownership achieved through quality education that promotes human development and sustainable development in the Niger Delta. The lesson is that even with new economic growth, the necessities of ownership cannot be fostered simply with markets. In this vein, building on the strength and values of stakeholders is about enlarging their opportunities to pursue developmental goals that they value, both collectively and as individuals, motivating them to play their roles as stewards of their destiny and holders of unique cultural heritages.
Local therapy for rectal cancer

Abstract In selected patients with early rectal cancer, local therapy is an effective alternative to radical resection and offers minimal morbidity and the avoidance of a colostomy. Several techniques are described: transanal excision, dorsal approaches (York–Mason or Kraske procedures), transanal endoscopic microsurgery, endocavitary radiation, and transanal fulguration. Among these, transanal excision is favored for the low rate of complications, promising outcomes, and ability to secure tissue for pathology. Patients with T1 lesions with favorable histologic features may undergo local excision alone, while those with T2 lesions require adjuvant chemoradiation. The data currently available do not support the use of local therapy with curative intent for tumors that are advanced (T3 or T4), poorly differentiated, or have other negative pathologic characteristics. In carefully selected patients for local excision, local recurrence and survival rates are similar to traditional radical resection. Following local excision, patients require close observation for recurrence. Most patients with local recurrence can be salvaged by radical resection, though the long-term outcome is unknown.
Studies Using Recombinant Fragments of Human TSH Receptor Reveal Apparent Diversity in the Binding Specificities of Antibodies That Block TSH Binding to Its Receptor or Stimulate Thyroid Hormone Production

Patients with Graves' disease have autoantibodies that bind to the TSH receptor and stimulate the thyroid, leading to hyperthyroidism. Earlier studies have shown that the ectodomain of the glycosylated human TSH receptor contains epitopes that could adsorb these pathogenic antibodies. Further studies with mutated cDNAs, chimeric proteins, peptides, and antipeptide antibodies suggested that alterations in the conformation of the protein could lead to loss of reactivity, and that thyroid-stimulating antibodies interact with the N-terminal region of the TSH receptor. Although many of these studies provided valuable insights, they were somewhat inconclusive due to limitations inherent to each of the approaches. In an attempt to further define regions within the TSH receptor with which thyroid-stimulating antibodies interact, we expressed seven recombinant TSH receptor fragments in insect cells and tested them for their ability to neutralize TSH binding inhibitory Igs and thyroid-stimulating antibody activity in the sera of patients with Graves' disease. The fragments containing amino acids 22-305 were able to neutralize the TSH binding inhibitory Ig activity, whereas a fragment containing amino acids 54-254 was able to neutralize the thyroid-stimulating antibodies. Fragments containing additional amino acids, flanking residues 54-254, failed to neutralize the thyroid-stimulating antibody activity, suggesting that thyroid-stimulating antibody epitopes are masked. Our studies show that thyroid autoantibodies, with different functional properties, bind to distinct conformational epitopes on the TSH receptor.
Computing Per-Process Summary Side-Effect Information

This paper presents a static algorithm, based on standard iterative dataflow techniques, for computing per-process memory references to shared data in coarse-grained parallel programs. The algorithm constructs control flow graphs for families of processes by recognizing predicates used in control statements whose values are invariant relative to any one process, but vary across processes. It is used in conjunction with interprocedural flow-insensitive side-effect analysis techniques to identify data objects accessed by each process. Dynamically allocated objects and descriptors for sections of arrays are incorporated into the general framework.
Detection of stepping stone attack under delay and chaff perturbations

Network based attackers often relay attacks through intermediary hosts (i.e., stepping stones) to evade detection. In addition, attackers make detection more difficult by encrypting attack traffic and introducing delay and chaff perturbations into stepping stone connections. Several approaches have been proposed to detect stepping stone attacks. However, none of them performs effectively when delay and chaff perturbations exist simultaneously. In this paper, we propose and analyze algorithms which represent that attackers cannot always evade detection only by adding limited delay and independent chaff perturbations. We provide the upper bounds on the number of packets needed to confidently detect stepping stone connections from non-stepping stone connections with any given probability of false attribution. We compare our algorithms with previous ones and the experimental results show that our algorithms are more effective in detecting stepping stone attacks in some scenarios.
Mechanism of de novo mineral formation by matrix vesicles.

Matrix vesicles (MV) induce mineralization by compartmentalization of ion accumulation and crystal nucleation within membrane-enclosed extracellular microstructures. MV derive from cell surface microvilli by processes that cause selective enrichment of specific proteins, enzymes, lipids, and electrolytes. Incubated in synthetic cartilage lymph (SCL), MV accumulate Ca2+ and Pi, inducing mineral formation in a sequence of stages that can be altered by specific affectors. Rapid uptake of mineral ions by MV precedes formation of the first crystalline phase, octacalcium phosphate (OCP), which later converts to apatite (HAP). Early uptake of Ca2+ and Pi by MV is pH and protease sensitive, and is stimulated by o-phenanthroline (OP), a Zn2+ chelator. Recent studies reveal that a quantitatively major group of MV proteins bind to Ca2+ with high affinity in a lipid-dependent manner. These MV proteins appear to be involved in transport and accumulation of Ca2+ and Pi by MV, and may catalyze nucleation of the first mi...
Interleukin-5 is a potential mediator of angiotensin II-induced aneurysm formation in apolipoprotein E knockout mice

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to evaluate alterations in Th1 and Th2 cytokines during experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation. Methods AAAs were induced in apolipoprotein E null mice by infusing angiotensin II (Ang II, 1000 ng/kg/min). Aortic homogenates were assessed at 0, 7, 14, and 28 d ( n = 11/time point) for select Th1 and Th2 cytokines by ELISA. Additional mice had co-administration of anti-IgG ( n = 20) or anti-IL-5 ( n = 20) and were assessed at 28 d for AAA. Aortic homogenates were assessed forMMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. Mouse aortic SMC (MASMC) and peritoneal-derived macrophages were treated with IL-5 (0–40 ng/mL), and cell extracts and media (0–48 h) were assessed for MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. Results Ang II infusion was associated with a 3.4-fold ( P P P P Conclusions Ang II induces increased Th2 cytokines IL-5 and IL-10 early in the course of experimental AAA formation, and inhibition of IL-5 prevents AAA formation suggesting an important role. While IL-5 is capable of up-regulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in MASMC, investigations into alternate roles in AAA formation is warranted.
Coprime factor based closed-loop model validation applied to a flexible structure

This paper addresses the problem of checking the consistency of experimental closed-loop frequency-domain data with uncertainty models that are structured using coprime factorizations. The uncertainty models presented in this paper use the knowledge of a stabilizing feedback controller to structure and formulate the uncertainty on a model. Subsequently, the controller dependent coprime factor uncertainty model can be used to formulate model (in)validation tests on the basis of closed-loop data. The model (in)validation is performed on sample data from a flexible structure to illustrate the presented model validation results. An open-loop based uncertainty model is also used to demonstrate the benefits of closed-loop uncertainty modeling over open-loop uncertainty modeling.
Ambulatory 24–hour cardiac oxygen consumption and blood pressure–heart rate variability: effects of nebivolol and valsartan alone and in combination

Abstract We compared an angiotensin receptor blocker (valsartan; VAL), a beta–blocker (nebivolol; NEB) and the combination of NEB/VAL with respect to 24–hour myocardial oxygen consumption (determined by 24–hour ambulatory heart rate–central systolic pressure product [ACRPP]) and its components. Subjects with hypertension (systolic blood pressure >140 or diastolic blood pressure >90; n = 26) were studied in a double–blinded, double-dummy, forced–titration, crossover design with 3 random-order experimental periods: VAL 320 mg, NEB 40 mg, and NEB/VAL 320/40 mg daily. After 4 weeks of each drug, ambulatory pulse wave analysis (MobilOGraph) was performed every 20 minutes for 24 hours. All three treatments resulted in nearly identical brachial and central systolic blood pressures. NEB alone or in combination with VAL resulted in lower ACRPP (by 11%–14%; P P
Realistic scheduling: compaction for pipelined architectures

This paper presents an approach for the development of microcode for parallel and pipelined machines. The approach is geared towards mapping programs with real-time constraints and/or massive time requirements onto synchronous parallel computers (VLIW's, superscalars and microengines). In order to exploit the maximal parallelism from such machines, both spatial (multiple functional units) and temporal (pipelined) capabilities of the architecture need to be exploited. Until now, parallelizing compilers for parallel machines have not fully taken advantage of pipelining capabilities: they have either assumed that all operations take one cycle or have added pipelining as an after thought. These approaches restrict the speed-up. The authors build a system which is based on a set of low-level transformations called pipelined percolation scheduling (PPS). The transformations integrate the exploitation of temporal and spatial parallelism. Although these low-level transformations are integrated into the system they are self-contained and may be used separately by applying 'higher level' transformations (on top of PPS) to optimize performance for a target architecture. >
New phenomenon of abnormal auditory perception associated with emotional and head trauma: Pathological confirmation by SPECT scan

We report the case of an immigrant who suffered from death threats and head trauma while a prisoner of war in Kuwait. Two months later, he began to hear conversations that had taken place previously. These perceptions occurred spontaneously or were induced by the patient's effortful concentration. The single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan performed during this abnormal perceptual experience indicated an increase in regional cerebral blood flow in the left temporal lobe and in the brainstem.
Global Temperature Patterns in Past Centuries: An Interactive Presentation

The recent availability of global networks of annual or sea- sonal resolution proxy data, combined with the few long instrumental and historical climate records available during the past few centuries, make it possible now to reconstruct annual and seasonal spatial patterns of temperature variation, as well as hemispheric, global-mean, and regional temperature trends, several centuries back in time. Reconstructions of large-scale global or hemispheric trends during centuries past can place the instrumental assessments of climate during the twentieth century in a longer-term perspective and provide more robust evidence re- garding the roles of potential climate forcings over time. The reconstructed
Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos Behaviors in the REIT Industry: A Pre- and Post-1993 Comparison

This study examines the nonlinear dynamic and chaos behavior of real estate investment trust (equity, mortgage, and hybrid) returns during the pre- and post-1993 REIT organizational and structural ...
Verbal Feedback Facilitates Heart Rate Discrimination and Differentiation

The effects of verbal feedback on runners’ ability to accurately estimate their heart rate (HR) was assessed in a reversal-replication (ABAB) design with staggered, multiple baselines among ten par...
Discriminative Stimulus- vs. Conditioned Reinforcer-Induced Reinstatement of Drug-Seeking Behavior and arc mRNA Expression in Dorsolateral Striatum

Drug seeking in the context of stimuli associated with drug use contributes to recidivism in drug-addicted people. Although numerous brain areas have been implicated in mediating the effects of drug-conditioned cues on drug-seeking behavior, the role of the dorsolateral striatum in such cue-induced reinstatement is less clear. Particularly, the neuronal populations in which plasticity occurs and in which subsequent activity produces the effects of these cues on drug-seeking behavior are not known. Cellular compartment analysis of temporal activity by fluorescence in situ hybridization (catFISH) identifies whether the same neurons are activated by temporally discrete events. We applied this approach to brains from animals trained to both initiate cocaine self-administration in response to a discriminative stimulus and to reinstate/maintain responding to gain access to a conditioned reinforcer to examine whether the same neuronal ensembles are activated in the dorsolateral striatum by these two types of cues. CatFISH experiments did not reveal significant increases in the number of cells with arc mRNA expression in animals reinstating drug seeking relative to control animals exposed to the same stimuli. However, there was a significant correlation between arc mRNA expression and cue-induced operant responding on the test day, suggesting that the dorsolateral striatum in general, and arc expression in particular, may play a role in cue-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior.
Methionine Overcomes Neural Tube Defects in Rat Embryos Cultured on Sera from Laminin-Immunized Monkeys

Sera from laminin-immunized monkeys were previously found to cause neural tube defects in cultures of whole rat embryos by unknown mechanisms. In the present study, adding L-methionine to either the culture media or to the diets of the monkeys overcame the toxicity of the serum from one of these monkeys (LAM3) but not the other (LAM4). The antilaminin antibody levels and avidities for isolated murine laminin of sera from the two monkeys were comparable. However, when yolk sac homogenates were tested on ELISA, antibodies from LAM4 had greater binding than LAM3, which was further supported by immunoelectron microscopy. These differences in antibody binding were explained by the findings that antibodies from LAM4 recognized more epitopes than LAM3 and that LAM4 recognized specific epitopes not recognized by LAM3. These antibodies caused reductions in the number of microvilli on the cells and the cell sizes of the yolk sac endoderm. In addition, uptake of [ 14 C]methionine, [ 14 C]sucrose and [ 14 C]valine by yolk sacs from embryos cultured on serum from LAM4 was less than that for LAM3. We suggest that the neural tube defects caused by the antilaminin antibodies were a result of reduced nutrient flow caused by the reduction in the number of microvilli on the cells of the yolk sac endoderm.