cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Epiretinal Membranes Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Objective: To evaluate optical coherence tomography (OCT), a novel noncontact and noninvasive imaging technique, for the diagnosis and quantitative characterization of epiretinal membranes. Methods: Optical coherence tomography is similar to an ultrasound B-scan, except that light rather than sound is used, which enables higher resolution. Over a 2-year period, OCT was used to examine 186 eyes of 160 patients who had a diagnosis of an epiretinal membrane. Optical coherence tomograms were correlated with visual acuity, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fluorescein angiography, and fundus photography. Results: Based on OCT, the epiretinal membrane was clearly separated from the retina with focal points of attachment in 49 eyes and globally adherent (no observed separation) in 125 eyes. Globally adherent membranes were associated with the following features: macular pseudohole (32 eyes), a difference in optical reflectivity between the membrane and retina (65 eyes), and/or a visible membrane tuft or edge (92 eyes). The membrane was undetectable on OCT in 12 eyes. The membrane thickness (mean ± standard deviation) was 61 ± 28 µm in the 169 eyes in which the thickness could be measured with OCT. Mean central macular thickness measured with OCT correlated with visual acuity (R 2 = 0.73). Conclusion: Optical coherence tomography was able to provide a structural assessment of the macula that was useful in the preoperative and postoperative evaluation of epiretinal membrane surgery. Quantitative measurements and the assessment of membrane adherence with OCT may be useful in characterizing the surgical prognosis of eyes with an epiretinal membrane.
PMR relaxation times of micelles of the nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 and mixed micelles with phospholipids.

Abstract Previous pmr studies at 220 MHz have led to the suggestion that phosphatidylcholine and the nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 form mixed micellar structures at high molar ratios of Triton to phospholipid. These mixed micelles provide one form of the phospholipid which the enzyme phospholipase A 2 can utilize as substrate. Spin-lattice relaxation times (T 1 ) and spin-spin relaxation times (T 2 ) obtained from line widths for resolvable protons in Triton X-100 micelles and mixed micelles with egg phosphatidylcholine and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine are reported. They suggest that the structure of the mixed micelles is generally similar to that of pure Triton X-100 micelles. The T 1 values for the phospholipid in the mixed micelles are found to be similar to those reported for phospholipid in sonicated vesicle preparations which are used as membrane models, but the lines are somewhat sharper suggesting the possibility of less anisotropic motion in the mixed micelles than in the vesicles.
EFFECT OF VARIOUS GASEOUS ATMOSPHERES ON THE VITRIFICATION OF CERAMIC BODIES

Various types of ceramic bodies were fired in atmospheres of O2, N2, CO2, H2, And A marked increase in the rate of vitrification occurred when bodies containing feldspar were fired in an atmosphere of H2O. This effect was explained on the basis of a feldspar-water eutectic.
Root and Shoot Initiation in Aspen Callus Cultures

INITIATION of organs on cultured callus tissue has been reported for herbaceous species1,2, but similar reports for woody species have been meagre, and the results sporadic. The control of root rather than shoot initiation has been emphasized3–5. I describe here conditions which control either root or shoot formation in callus cultures of Populus tremuloides Michx.
Feminizing adrenocortical carcinoma in a man

A second instance of a feminizing adrenocortical tumor studied in this laboratory is reported. A marked increase in the production rates of estrone and estradiol was demonstrated as well as in the urinary excretion of estogens. These latter were partitioned into 16-hydroxyestrone, 16-ketoestradiol, and 16-epiestriol as well as the classical estrogens. The secretory rate of cortisol was low whereas that of 11-deoxycortisol was markedly increased. The urinary excretion of testosterone was normal in spite of marked feminization and atrophy of the testes. Of interest was the demonstration of the marked conversion into estrogen of androstenedione and testosterone administered intravenously. In addition, 8 further instances of feminizing adrenocortical carcinoma collected from the literature are reviewed.
DNA replication and models for the origin of piRNAs

The piRNA class of small RNAs are distinct from other small RNAs by their ∼26–31 nucleotide size, single-strandedness and strand-specificity as well as by the clustered arrangement of their origins. Here, we highlight how these features are reminiscent of the mechanisms of DNA replication, and then present three models suggesting that the origin of piRNAs may be mechanistically similar to key processes in DNA replication. BioEssays 29:382–385, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural and Thermodynamic Insight into Spontaneous Membrane-Translocating Peptides Across Model PC/PG Lipid Bilayers

We present results of Martini coarse-grained force field simulations to estimate the potentials of mean force for a series of recently screened spontaneous membrane-translocating peptides, SMTPs. We consider model bilayer composed of POPC and POPG, the latter providing the anionic component as used in experimental studies. We observe a significant barrier for translocation in the case of the canonical cationic cell-penetrating peptide nona-arginine, ARG9. In the case of the TP1, TP2, and TP3 peptides, potentials of mean force are systematically lower relative to the ARG9 case. Though the barriers predicted by the simulations, on the order of 20 kcal/mol, are still rather large to recapitulate the experimental kinetics of internalization, we emphasize that the qualitative trend of reduction of barrier heights is a significant result. Decomposition of the PMFs indicates that though there is a substantial entropic stability when the peptides reside at bilayer center, barriers as predicted from these force field-based studies are largely determined by enthalpic (potential energy) interactions. We note that the binding of the SMTPs is critically dependent on the mix of hydrophilic and hydrophobic residues that constitute the amino acid motif/sequence of these peptides. For the cationic ARG9 which only contains hydrophilic residues, there is no tight binding observed. The specific motif $$\varPhi \mathrm{R} \varPhi \varPhi \mathrm{R}$$ (where $$\varPhi$$ is a general residue) is a potential sequence in drug/peptide design. The SMTPs with this motif are able to translocate into membrane at a significantly lower free energy cost, compared to the negative control peptides. Finally, we compare the different membrane perturbations induced by the presence of the different peptides in the bilayer center. In some cases, hydrophilic pores are observed to form, thus conferring stability to the internalized state. In other cases, SMTPs are associated only with membrane defects such as induced membrane curvature. These latter observations suggest some influence of membrane rigidity as embodied in the full range of membrane undulatory modes in defining pore-forming propensities in bilayers.
Modified sodium diuranate process for the recovery of uranium from uranium hexafluoride transport cylinder wash solution

A sodium diuranate (SDU) process was studied to determine how completely it would recover uranium from a UF6 transport cylinder wash solution and convert it into pure uranyl peroxide solid for recycle into the nuclear fuel cycle and fuel fabrication. The initial process separated residual iron from the wash solution by precipitating it out as Fe(OH)3, then precipitated the uranium from the solution as SDU. A carbonate extraction was used to strip the uranium from the SDU as a uranyl carbonate complex solution, and the uranium was separated from this carbonate complex solution as a UO4·nH2O solid precipitate. Experimentation showed the process to be generally successful, but led to modifications and improvements to enhance the separation of uranium. The modified process did recover essentially all of the uranium from the wash solution and converted it into a very pure UO4 solid. The purity of the separated product was confirmed with mass spectrometry. An analogous potassium diuranate (KDU) process was also...
Peripheral neuropathy as a component of the neuroleptic malignant syndrome

The neuroleptic malignant syndrome, an idiosyncratic reaction to antipsychotic medication, is defined by the tetrad of autonomic dysfunction, rigidity, fever, and altered mental status. Two patients in whom this syndrome developed acquired severe peripheral neuropathies during the course of their illness. This demyelinative polyneuropathy has not been reported previously as occurring in the neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Expression and purification of 15 kDa granulysin utilizing an insect cell secretion system

Granulysin is an antimicrobial and proinflammatory protein expressed in activated human T cells and natural killer cells. A single mRNA produces the 15 kDa isoform which is then cleaved at the amino and carboxy termini to produce the 9 kDa isoform. Recombinant 9 kDa granulysin has been studied in detail but little is known about the function of the 15 kDa isoform, and no protocol has been published describing expression and purification of this form. Two commercially available preparations of the recombinant 15 kDa granulysin contain tags that may affect function. Here we describe for the first time a method to produce 15 kDa granulysin as a secreted protein from insect cells. The 15 kDa granulysin is purified using a HiTrap Heparin column and a Resource S column. A typical a yield of purified 15 kDa granulysin is 0.6 mg/L of insect cell supernatant.
Multi-element heavy metal ion sensors for aqueous solutions

Abstract Multi-element microelectrode arrays were fabricated using microdisks and a novel microband geometry for the detection of trace metals in aqueous solutions using anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). By fabricating each array from different materials, (Hg, C, Ag, Au, and Pt) the number of measurable analytes is increased over single material microelectrodes. In some instances, electrodes made from different materials responded differently to the same solution which suggests that intermetallic compound formation may be dependent on the surface on which the compound is formed. Comparisons between the microdisk and microband structures indicate that the microband structure is a better geometry for ASV-based sensors.
The effect of prepayment penalties on the pricing of subprime mortgages

Abstract This paper investigates the effect of prepayment penalties on the pricing of subprime residential mortgages. The paper is the first to consider that mortgage price and prepayment penalty may be chosen jointly, making single-equation estimates of the effect of prepayment penalty on price biased. Using a model that accounts for endogeneity of price, loan to value, and prepayment penalty, we find that prepayment penalties are associated with lower loan prices. This finding is important because perceptions that prepayment penalties harm borrowers have led many states to restrict their use, regulation that may reverse the gains in credit availability achieved over the last decade.
Correlation of Isotropic and Anisotropic Chemical Shifts in Solids by Two‐Dimensional Variable‐Angle‐Spinning NMR

We describe a new solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique for correlating anisotropic and isotropic chemical shifts in powdered samples. Two-dimensional (2D) NMR spectra are obtained by processing signals acquired in independent experiments for different angles between the sample spinning axis and the Zeeman magnetic field. This 2D NMR approach can therefore resolve individual static anisotropic lineshapes according to their isotropic chemical shift frequencies, without use of sudden mechanical motions or multiple-pulse irradiation schemes. Applications of the technique are illustrated with an analysis of the chemical shift anisotropy for the eight distinct 13C sites in tyrosine.
Skyrmion solutions to the Weinberg-Salam model.

We find a spherically symmetric solution to the gauged ${\mathrm{SU}(2)}_{L}\ensuremath{\bigotimes}{\mathrm{SU}(2)}_{R}$ chiral model. It corresponds to a new classical solution to the Weinberg-Salam model in the limit of infinite self-coupling and ${sin}^{2}{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{\mathrm{W}}=0$. It has an energy of 11.6 TeV and is classically unstable under small perturbations of the fields. Quantum corrections may stabilize the solution via the introduction of higher-order terms in the effective action. We then investigate the solutions when a particular choice of a correction, the Skyrme term, is added to the Lagrangean. The energies of the (presumably) classically stable solutions are in the teraelectronvolt region.
Meeting the Needs of Struggling Readers: Using Reading Assessments in a Graduate-level Reading Course

The purpose of this research is to share the reading assessments that graduate students selected for their clinical practice with struggling readers. After a careful look at assessments, their place in the recent shift to Response to Intervention (RTI), specifically regarding reading instruction and the preparation of reading specialists/interventionists, this article includes several sample assessments and critiques from reading masters graduate students. Finally, future implications are discussed.
Changing Media, Changing Politics

All the News That's Fit to Sell. By James Hamilton. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2004. 264 pages. $37.95 cloth. $18.95 paper.Soft News Goes to War: Public Opinion and American Foreign Policy in the New Media Age. By Matthew Baum. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2003. 291 pages. 19.95 paper.The way we think about news should be changed by two recent books: James Hamilton's All the News That's Fit to Sell: How the Market Transforms Information into News and Matthew Baum's Soft News Goes to War. Both present surprising findings that challenge conventional wisdom. And, read together, they presage a new line of research into how entrepreneurial politicians, all over the world, are changing politics through their responses to changing media.Samuel L Popkin is Professor of Political Science at University of California, San Diego (spopkin@ucsd.edu). This essay was inspired by Elizabeth Eisenstein's pioneering research on the effects of the printing press and Ithiel Pool's analyses of the discrepancies between the expected and actual effect of new communications technologies from the printing press through the digital revolution. It was written during a fellowship at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences. I am indebted to Gerald Gamm, Delynn Kaufman, Gary Jacobson, Arthur Lupia, Samuel Kernell, Michael Schudson and Bob Kaiser for their comments.
ENDOCRINOLOGY IN PREGNANCY: Management of the pregnant patient with a prolactinoma

A woman with a prolactinoma is usually infertile. Dopamine agonists usually restore ovulation and fertility and such treatment generally is preferred over transsphenoidal surgery because of higher efficacy and safety. Cabergoline is usually preferred over bromocriptine because of its better efficacy with fewer adverse effects. Either drug increases the rates of spontaneous abortions, preterm deliveries, multiple births, or congenital malformations over what may be expected. However, the number of pregnancies reporting such experience is about sevenfold greater for bromocriptine. Tumor growth causing significant symptoms and requiring intervention has been reported to occur in 2.4% of those with microadenomas, 21% in those with macroadenomas without prior surgery or irradiation, and 4.7% of those with macroadenomas with prior surgery or irradiation. Visual fields should be assessed periodically during gestation in women with macroadenomas. If significant tumor growth occurs, most patients respond well to reinstitution of the dopamine agonist. Delivery of the baby and placenta can also be considered if the pregnancy is sufficiently advanced. Transsphenoidal debulking of the tumor is rarely necessary.
Reconstructive myofascial skull-base flaps: Normal appearance on CT and MR imaging studies

On imaging studies, the tendon and fractured coronoid process are clues to the presence of a temporalis myofascial flap. A large, bulky muscle and subcutaneous fat are characteristic of a free flap with microvascular anastomosis. The enhancing, thin, curvilinear pericranial flap bridges an osseous defect of the anterior skull base. Familiarity with these features is essential to avoid misdiagnosis of normal flap as tumor and to identify tumor recurrence.
The Effectiveness of Situational Awareness Learning in Response to Video Tennis Match Situations

The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of specially designed instructions on tennis match play training on situation awareness (SA), anticipation (A), and decision-making (DM). Response speed and accuracy measures were taken in videoed match play tennis situations and the effect of perceptual skills training on these behaviors was recorded in a primary and two related tennis situations. Intermediate tennis players (N = 59, M = 21.75 years old, SD = 4.96) were randomly assigned to one of five groups. After receiving instructions, participants responded to a series of edited video clips. A 5 × 3 × 3 (Groups × Condition x Shot Type) repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to determine differences in perceptual training and learning strategies across three conditions and multiple shot types. Findings indicated that combinational SA/A/DM perceptual training effectively improved performance; however, no difference was found between implicit and explicit lear...
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase 1 Regulates Resistance to Infection

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1)-deficient mice are resistant to Pseudomonas aeruginosa corneal infections. Corneas healed completely in TIMP-1-deficient mice, and infections were cleared faster in TIMP-1-deficient mice than in wild-type littermates. Genetic suppression studies using matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-deficient mice showed that MMP-9, MMP-3, and MMP-7 but not MMP-2 or MMP-12 are needed for resistance. Increased resistance was also seen during pulmonary infections. These results identify a novel pathway regulating infection resistance.
Are State Non-Need, Merit-Based Scholarship Programs Impacting College Enrollment?.

Abstract This study examines whether non-need, merit-based scholarship programs are effective in encouraging students to enroll in postsecondary education and, more specifically, attend an in-state college. National residence and migration data from 1992 to 2004 (alternating even years) were used within a fixed effect regression framework. This approach, combined with interaction terms that capture different program implementation periods, is an attempt to enhance the current understanding of scholarship programs on college enrollment. The results suggest that these programs have a significant impact on college enrollment after controlling for state-level factors, but the effect depends on when the program was implemented, who is eligible to receive aid, and how much aid these students are awarded.
Smilax saülensis (Smilacaceae), a new species from French Guiana

Botanical exploration of the vicinity of Saul, French Guiana, with the goal of producing a manual of the vascular plant flora, has yielded a new species ofSmilax. A diagnostic characteristic that differentiates this new species from all other species ofSmilax known from the Guianas and the Amazonian region is the admedial ramified branching pattern of the tertiary leaf veins.
Genetic changes contributing to the parallel evolution of red floral pigmentation among Ipomoea species

The repeated, independent evolution of phenotypic traits reflects adaptation to similar selective pressures. In some circumstances, parallel phenotypic evolution has a common genetic basis. Here, we investigate the types of genetic change responsible for the repeated evolution of red flowers among Ipomoea species. We identified three independent transitions from cyanidin- (blue/purple) to pelargonidin-type (red) anthocyanin pigments among Ipomoea species. The genetic basis for these transitions was examined using transgenics and gene expression assays. Using a literature survey to estimate the expected spectrum of mutation types capable of producing red flowers, we evaluated whether the observed distribution of mutation types differed from expectation. In these species, red floral pigmentation appears to be caused by the disruption of flux through the anthocyanin pathway at the same position. Results implicate tissue-specific regulatory changes in the same gene, which suggests the possibility that flower color evolved independently via the same genetic mechanism. Although multiple molecular mechanisms are capable of producing red flowers, we found a deviation between the distributions of observed and expected mutation types responsible for these evolutionary transitions. Regulatory mutations thus appear to be preferentially targeted during evolutionary change between species. We discuss possible explanations for this apparent bias.
Vitamin B3 and sirtuin function.

Sirtuins are NAD + -dependent protein deacetylases that are involved in transcriptional regulation, metabolism, apoptosis, differentiation and ageing. These unique enzymes are inhibited by nicotinamide, which is a form of vitamin B 3 . Recent studies have uncovered the molecular basis for nicotinamide inhibition, and provided the framework to understand the physiological processes mediated by sirtuins and to develop strategies to modulate their cellular activity.
Optimization of Sotalol Floating and Bioadhesive Extended Release Tablet Formulations

AbstractA novel extended release sotalol HC1 tablet formulation which possesses a unique combination of floatation and bioadhesion for prolonged residence in the stomach has been developed. Tablets were produced by direct compression. A two-factor factorial, central, composite Box-Wilson experimental design was employed to develop and optimize the tablet formulation containing 240 mg sotalol HC1. The ratio of two major bioadhesive agents, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) to hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), and the ratio of two direct compressible diluents, ethylcellulose (EC) to crosspovidone, were used as formulation variables (independent variables) for optimizing tablets response parameters, such as dissolution bioadhesive capability, tablet density and required compression force for producing 6 Kg hardness tablets. The data were also analyzed by means of quadratic response surface model. Response surfaces were generated as a function of formulation variables. An optimum direct compression, bi...
Influence of Structure and Interfacial Chemistry on the Permeability of Particle Clusters

The permeability of small (10 μm) clusters of carbon black and larger (2 mm) clusters of silica particles was determined through sedimentation experiments. Examination of carbon black clusters composed of different types of particles illustrates the influence of particle morphology on cluster permeability. The influence of packing on permeability was examined using silica clusters of different densities. The effect of interfacial chemistry was addressed by soaking and sedimenting the particles in fluids or combinations of fluids having a range of polarity. The fraction of the cluster voids filled by host fluid during the soaking process was also calculated from the sedimentation data.
Turning Pages of 3D Electronic Books

Taking the form of physical books, virtual 3D books can be used as basic components of e-book systems, information workspaces, and digital libraries. This paper describes the page turning design of 3Book, a 3D book system that we recently developed. Our design aims to find a sensible balance among important factors such as visual realism, readability, interactivity, and scalability. To convey the impression of reading or viewing an actual physical book, we model all the faces of the book and synchronize the movements of various portions of the book during page turning. Our design delivers a seamless transition between two states of the book (i.e., when it is lying still and when it is turning pages). In addition, we deform the turning pages around an imaginary cone of changing sizes to produce realistically-looking curved pages.
By Inhibiting Replication, the Large Hepatitis Delta Antigen Can Indirectly Regulate Amber/W Editing and Its Own Expression

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) expresses two essential proteins with distinct functions. The small hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg-S) is expressed throughout replication and is needed to promote that process. The large form (HDAg-L) is farnesylated, is expressed only at later times via RNA editing of the amber/W site, and is required for virion assembly. When HDAg-L is artificially expressed at the onset of replication, it strongly inhibits replication. However, there is controversy concerning whether HDAg-L expressed naturally at later times as a consequence of editing and replication can similarly inhibit replication. Here, by stabilizing the predicted secondary structure downstream from the amber/W site, a replication-competent HDV mutant that exhibited levels of editing higher than those of the wild type was created. This mutant expressed elevated levels of HDAg-L early during replication, and at later times, its replication aborted prematurely. No further increase in amber/W editing was observed following the cessation of replication, indicating that editing was coupled to replication. A mutation in HDAg-L and a farnesyl transferase inhibitor were both used to abolish the ability of HDAg-L to inhibit replication. Such treatments rescued the replication defect of the overediting mutant, and even higher levels of amber/W editing resulted. It was concluded that when expressed naturally during replication, HDAg-L is able to inhibit replication and thereby inhibit amber/W editing and its own synthesis. In addition, the structure adjacent to the amber/W site is suboptimal for editing, and this creates a window of time in which replication can occur in the absence of HDAg-L.
INFLUENCES OF ESTABLISHED TREES ON MYCORRHIZAS, NUTRITION, AND GROWTH OF QUERCUS RUBRA SEEDLINGS

Established plants may facilitate the regeneration of closely related seedlings if they increase populations of mutualistic symbionts that would otherwise be limiting. In this study we examined the influence of ectomycorrhizal and vesicular-arbuscular mycor- rhizal (VAM) trees on Quercus rubra seedlings to determine how trees influence mycorrhizal infection, nutrient uptake, and growth of seedlings. In two related experiments, we planted Q. rubra acorns adjacent to stump sprouts of Q. montana (=Near-Quercus) and Acer rubrum (=Near-Acer), and, in the second experiment, near Quercus spp. stumps that had not re- sprouted (=Near-Dead-Quercus). Congeneric Quercus were used to prevent root grafting; using stump sprouts minimized aboveground differences between treatments by limiting canopy size. In both experiments, Near-Quercus seedlings were infected by ectomycorrhizal fungi to a significantly greater extent than Near-Acer or Near-Dead-Quercus seedlings. Near-Quercus seedlings were also infected by a different and more diverse community of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Cenococcum geophilum, the only ectomycorrhizal fungus more abundant on Near-Acer seedlings than on Near-Quercus seedlings, appears to be relatively ineffective at increasing seedling nutrient uptake. Near-Quercus seedlings had greater con- centrations and contents of N and P than other seedlings in both experiments. In the first experiment, Near-Quercus seedlings had greater growth than Near-Acer seedlings, although it was not clear if this represented beneficial influences of Q. montana, or an undetermined negative influence of A. rubrum. No significant growth responses were found in the second experiment; severe drought may have prevented the expression of growth potential. The results demonstrate indirect facilitation of seedlings by established congeneric trees through increased seedling ectomycorrhizal infection.
Sleep-disordered breathing and agitation in institutionalized adults with Alzheimer disease.

Objective The authors examined the relationship between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and agitation in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods Thirty-eight AD patients (29 women, 9 men) in nursing homes in San Diego, CA participated. The mean age was 82.3 years, with a range of 61 to 95 years. Mean Mini-Mental State Exam score was 6.5 (range: 0–16). Sleep was recorded for one night, and agitation was measured with behavioral observations and ratings by nursing staff. Results SDB was very prevalent in this sample and was related to some types of agitation during the day but not in the evening or night. Aggressive Agitation on the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory and Manual Manipulation on the Agitated Behavior Rating Scale were greater with more severe SDB. Searching and wandering agitation decreased with more severe SDB. Conclusion This study supports the hypothesis that SDB is related to agitation in AD, although the results are specific to certain types of agitation. Treatment of SDB may decrease agitation, easing the burden of caregiving and prolonging the time that patients are able to remain at home.
Ischemic Duodenal Ulcer, an Unusual Presentation of Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is caused by molecular abnormalities in the formation of hemoglobin, leading to pain crisis from recurrent vascular occlusion by sickled hemoglobin. Impaired flow in the microvasculature can lead to ischemia, tissue infarction and ulceration. Abdominal pain, a common complaint in sickle cell disease, can be due to an uncommon etiology, ischemic duodenal ulceration. This is due to primary mucosal infarction caused by sickling, leading to poor healing of infarcted areas. Prompt endoscopic and/or urgent surgical intervention should be considered, particularly if anticoagulation is an issue, as proton pump inhibitor use is ineffective in healing this type of ulcer.
The People's Nuclear Weapon: Strategic Culture and the Development of China's Nuclear Weapons Program

China's nuclear weapons modernization during the last 25 years has spawned analyses regarding the strategic intent behind these technological developments, to include the possibility of a Chinese challenge to U.S. military superiority in the Asia–Pacific region. Yet analysis of the historical development trajectory of China's nuclear weapons program suggests it was never intended to support a direct military challenge. Indeed, after developing a nuclear-weapons capability in the 1960s, China produced only a small number of vulnerable nuclear weapons against the expectation of nuclear deterrence theory and despite confrontational relations with both nuclear superpowers. To explain China's nuclear choices, I utilize newly available information to argue that China's Mao-era strategic culture—with its emphasis on conventional weaponry utilized according to People's War principles—limited the initial scope of its nuclear weapons program.
Clinical assessment and neurodiagnostics.

Abstract Effective brain resuscitation demands the expert clinical assessment skills of a multidisciplinary team. The nurse's role in the evaluation of a patient with acute brain injury is the ongoing monitoring of vital signs and neurological status. A comprehensive clinical evaluation includes obtaining a medical history, performing a clinical examination, and securing appropriate neurodiagnostic tests. The initial assessment of the brain-injured patient focuses on an evaluation of cardiopulmonary as well as neurological function. Priority in brain resuscitation is given to the evaluation of the adequacy of oxygenation and circulation. Once circulation is re-established, specific brain-oriented evaluation begins. This assessment includes a comprehensive neurological exam, as well as an evaluation of metabolic factors believed to influence neuronal recovery. Data derived from the clinical assessment is useful in guiding therapy and determining patient prognosis. This information is critical to informed decision-making regarding the appropriateness of aggressive therapy.
The Role of Compound Electronic Structure in Ce-Valence Instabilities

The transition metals are the largest and most chemically diverse group of the periodic table. This has naturally lead transition metal compounds to a prominent position in the study of rare earth valence instabilities—a field where chemical flexibility and diversity are crucial to exploring the instability.1–4 Indeed, experience has shown that differing host electronic structure can alter the often subtle balance between magnetism, spin fluctuations, charge fluctuations and superconductivity in systems near to a valence instability.1–4 In this paper we explore the Ce valence instability in several very broad classes of transition metal compounds. We have several objectives in doing so. First, we wish to illustrate how rare earth valence state determination via L3 x-ray absorption spectroscopy can help draw together materials “tricks of the trade” into a more coherent picture of the underlying valence instability—electronic structure coupling. Second, these L3-valence measurements and their electronic structure tends can be used to efficiently identify new materials in the most interesting portion of the instability6. Finally, we wish to advance the notion that the 4f levels of an unstable valence atom can serve as a marker in the electronic structure of its host material. Moreover, that reading of this marker (via L3-valence determination for example) can in turn be thought of as a probe of the host electronic structure.
Nuclear transfer nTreg model reveals fate-determining TCR-β and novel peripheral nTreg precursors.

To study the development and function of “natural-arising” T regulatory (nTreg) cells, we developed a novel nTreg model on pure nonobese diabetic background using epigenetic reprogramming via somatic cell nuclear transfer. On RAG1-deficient background, we found that monoclonal FoxP3+ CD4+ Treg cells developed in the thymus in the absence of other T cells. Adoptive transfer experiments revealed that the thymic niche is not a limiting factor in nTreg development. In addition, we showed that the T-cell receptor (TCR) β-chain of our nTreg model was not only sufficient to bias T-cell development toward the CD4 lineage, but we also demonstrated that this TCR β-chain was able to provide stronger TCR signals. This TCR-β–driven mechanism would thus unify former per se contradicting hypotheses of TCR-dependent and -independent nTreg development. Strikingly, peripheral FoxP3− CD4+ T cells expressing the same TCR as this somatic cell nuclear transfer nTreg model had a reduced capability to differentiate into Th1 cells but were poised to differentiate better into induced nTreg cells, both in vitro and in vivo, representing a novel peripheral precursor subset of nTreg cells to which we refer to as pre-nTreg cells.
Knowledge Discovery in Maintenance Databases: Enhancing the Maintainability in Higher Education Facilities

Facilities are a major component of colleges and universities. They play a significant role in sustaining the quality of life for students, faculty, and staff. The physical inventory supports the learning areas, living quarters, research spaces, and work areas. Facilities require capital throughout their life cycles to maintain functionality and provide adequate service for their users. Presently, the rate of deterioration in United States' higher education facilities is increasing due to constraint budgets and the accumulation of deferred maintenance. Facility performance is considerably influenced by how well the project is planned, developed, designed, and constructed; considerations of maintenance requirements during the pre-construction phase may lower the operations and maintenance cost of the facility. Therefore, it is important to take a proactive approach to plan and design better facilities. This paper presents the preliminary results of a research that focuses on the knowledge discovery in maintenance databases. Applying the knowledge discovery process to higher education maintenance databases can help to discover knowledge on the parameters that increase or decrease maintenance cost, find patterns in building systems interaction and their environment, and identify the influence of planning and design on operations and maintenance. The case study illustrates one type of data-mining goals on a facility condition assessment database. It shows the clustering of building deficiencies and how they are unique to their relative building type.
Sorghum midge and midge parasitism on Johnsongrass

Johnsongrass, Sorghum halepense L., in the soft dough stage was the optimal spikelet developmental stage for monitoring sorghum midge and its hymenopterous parasites in Johnson grass. The soft dough stage contained the greatest percentage of late instar sorghum midge, Contarinia sorghicola (Coquillett) and hymenopterous larvae and pupae. The parasite, Tetrastichus near blastophagi (Ashmead) emerged significantly earlier than midge parasites Eupelmus popa Girault, Aprostocetus diplosidis Crawford, or T . near venustus Gahan. Mean emergence times for E. popa, A. diplosidis , and T . near venustus were not Significantly different from each other. T . near blastophagi was obtained only from pedicellate spikelets, whereas midges and the other three collected parasites were obtained from both pedicellate and sessilespikelets.
Rationalizing Salesmen's Compensation Plans

Here is an answer to the need for a compensation plan closely tailored to management objectives, and to the abilities and needs of the individual salesman.
Passive Parity-Time Symmetry in Organic Thin Film Waveguides

Periodic media are fundamentally important for controlling the flow of light in photonics. Recently, the emerging field of non-Hermitian optics has generalized the notion of periodic media to include a new class of materials that obey parity-time (PT) symmetry, with real and imaginary refractive index variations that transform into one another upon spatial inversion, leading to a variety of unusual optical phenomena. Here, we introduce a simple approach based on interference lithography and oblique angle deposition to achieve PT-symmetric modulation in the effective index of large area organic thin film waveguides with the functional form Δneff(z) ∼ eiqz. Passive PT symmetry breaking is observed through asymmetry in the forward and backward diffraction of waveguided light that maximizes at the exceptional point, resulting in unidirectional reflectionless behavior that is visualized directly via leakage radiation microscopy. These results establish the basis for organic PT waveguide media that can be tuned...
Wearable at-home recording system for sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is characterized by a cessation in breathing during periods of sleep. Sleep apnea affects over 46 million Americans, with 80% of them undiagnosed. Diagnosis methods are expensive and uncomfortable. Sleep assessment methods can be performed either at a sleep lab in a clinic or at home. In-lab sleep tests, called polysomnograms, are considered uncomfortable due to not sleeping in one's customary environment, and having over 10 electrodes or attachments touching the body on the head, nasal cannula, and limbs. At-home tests may be hard to set up correctly, and some have many wires and attachments that reduce comfort. We are developing a simpler sleep apnea recording system that restricts the electrodes and sensors to the area of a shirt. Electrocadiogram signals are recorded by three electrodes, and electromyogram of the intercostal muscles are recorded to monitor respiratory activity. A prototype has been made from an athletic shirt which houses all electronics. Custom made LabView programs analyze and plot the signals for assessment of variability of the heart rate and respiration rate, which may be used to identify possible episodes of sleep apnea. Further development and testing are necessary toward wider application.
Emerging therapies in narcolepsy-cataplexy.

In the past, narcolepsy was primarily treated using amphet- amine-like stimulants and tricyclic antidepressants. Newer and novel agents, such as the wake-promoting compound modafinil and more se- lective reuptake inhibitors targeting the adrenergic, dopaminergic, and/or serotoninergic reuptake sites (ie, venlafaxine, atomoxetine) are better-tol- erated available alternatives. The development of these agents, together with sodium oxybate (a slow-wave sleep-enhancing agent that consoli- dates nocturnal sleep, reduces cataplexy, and improves sleepiness), has led to improved functioning and quality of life for many patients with the disorder. However, these treatments are all symptomatically based and do not target hypocretin, a major neurotransmitter involved in the pathophysi- ology of narcolepsy. In this review, we discuss emerging therapies in the area of narcolepsy. These include novel antidepressant or anticataplectic, wake-promoting, and hypnotic compounds. We also report on novel strat- egies designed to compensate for hypocretin deficiency and on the use of immunosupression at the time of narcolepsy onset.
The Psychology of Black Males Attending Urban Private Colleges and Universities

The purpose of this study is to describe the psychology of Black males attending private, not-for-profit, colleges and universities in urban areas. Surveys were administered over three semesters to...
Focus in Indian English and Hindi late and simultaneous bilinguals

The main objective of this study is to investigate the acoustic correlates of focus in late and simultaneous bilinguals of Hindi and Indian English (IE). The main acoustic correlates of focus in American/British English are duration, amplitude and F0 and in Hindi are duration, F0 excursion and post-focal pitch compression. In the present study, I look at duration, RMS amplitude and F0 excursion in broad focus, narrow focus and post-focus declarative present tense, past tense and perfect aspect (both transitive and intransitive verbs) Hindi and IE sentences, to explore if there are any differences in the two bilingual groups and to understand the acoustic correlates of focus in IE and Hindi.
Bright LEDs using position-controlled MOCVD growth of InP nanopillar array on a silicon substrate

We demonstrate catalyst-free metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) growth of position-controlled InP nanopillars on Si substrates for the first time. The nanopillars were grown at a low growth temperature of 460°C, compatible with CMOS back-end integration and resulting arrays of nanopillars show high yield of ∼97%. Nanopillars grow vertically, in single-phase, wurtzite crystalline form. The taper angle of the nanopillars can be engineered by tuning growth parameters. Site-controlled nanopillars show excellent optical properties- narrow linewidth (∼50 meV), long lifetimes ∼4 ns, and high internal quantum efficiency. Core-shell p-n junction devices were grown on n-Si by introducing dopants. InGaAs/InP quantum wells were incorporated in the active region of the diode heterostructure to obtain silicon transparent electroluminescence (λ ∼ 1500nm) from the nanopillar LED. Position controlled InP-based diodes on silicon have tremendous implications for on-chip emitters and detectors in Si photonics links.
Understanding the sepsis mortality belt: time to buckle down!

Despite a documented decrease in sepsis-associated mortality in the developed world over the past decade, sepsis remains a major public health problem that claims more than 200,000 deaths each year in the United States (US) alone (1,2). The ongoing challenge to understand the complex biological mechanisms underlying susceptibility to infection and organ dysfunction and its associated mortality is complemented by the persistent need for high-quality clinical epidemiology studies that provide investigators and health-policy makers with updated data about disease patterns.
Abstract P3-07-11: Retrospective database review of outcomes in invasive lobular carcinoma and invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast

Background. Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) are histologically distinct breast cancer subtypes. While ILC and IDC have similar disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), the patterns of metastatic recurrence are suspected to differ due to differing adhesion markers. Methods. Retrospective review of a cohort of breast cancer patients treated at a tertiary academic medical center from May 1999 to April 2012 was performed. Demographic, pathologic, treatment and follow-up data were collected from a cancer database and the institutional medical records. Results. There were 179 ILC and 358 IDC (1:2 stage-matched) patients in the study period. Mean age (59 vs. 58 years), gender, race (88% vs. 80% Caucasian), menopause state (71% vs. 66% post-menopausal), and family history (48% vs. 42% positive for breast cancer) were similar in the two groups. Median follow-up was 4.7 years. ILC patients had more negative mammograms upon diagnosis (6.8% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.001), and their breast cancers were more likely to be hormone-receptor-positive/HER2-negative (90% vs. 69%, p Conclusions. Compared to ductal breast cancers, lobular breast cancers recur more often in the abdominal cavity. Both ILC and IDC have comparable surgical and medical treatment outcomes, including resection number, positive margin of resection, breast conservation rate, recurrence rate, and survival. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-07-11.
Homeostatic Cell Growth Is Accomplished Mechanically through Membrane Tension Inhibition of Cell-Wall Synthesis

Feedback mechanisms are required to coordinate balanced synthesis of subcellular components during cell growth. However, these coordination mechanisms are not apparent at steady state. Here, we elucidate the interdependence of cell growth, membrane tension, and cell-wall synthesis by observing their rapid re-coordination after osmotic shocks in Gram-positive bacteria. Single-cell experiments and mathematical modeling demonstrate that mechanical forces dually regulate cell growth: while turgor pressure produces mechanical stress within the cell wall that promotes its expansion through wall synthesis, membrane tension induces growth arrest by inhibiting wall synthesis. Tension inhibition occurs concurrently with membrane depolarization, and depolarization arrested growth independently of shock, indicating that electrical signals implement the negative feedback characteristic of homeostasis. Thus, competing influences of membrane tension and cell-wall mechanical stress on growth allow cells to rapidly correct for mismatches between membrane and wall synthesis rates, ensuring balanced growth.
Landscape Installation Firms: I. Business Characteristics and Trends Affecting Industry Performance

Abstract A survey of landscape installers in Georgia gathered information that would help segments of the green industry work together more effectively. We received 80 completed questionnaires for a 42.3% response rate. Approximately 76% of the firms surveyed were in the metro Atlanta area with 79% of all landscape projects located in Atlanta, Georgia. Georgia firms conducted approximately 98% of their business in Georgia. Three size classes of firms were established based on the 1993 wholesale value of plant material purchased, small (≤ $50K), medium ($50K-$200K), and large (> $200K). Approximately 20% of the firms accounted for 80% of the plants purchased. Large firms had a higher percentage of their projects designed by a landscape architect as compared to small or medium sized firms. Industry trends most frequently identified as having a potential positive impact on the industry over the next five years were: (1) an improving economy due to low interest rates (25.4%), (2) growing consumer interest in ...