cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Urinary metals and metal mixtures in midlife women: the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN).

Abstract Background Little is known about the extent of exposure to metals and metal mixtures among midlife women. Objectives We assessed exposure to multiple metals in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a multi-site, multi-racial/ethnic cohort of women at midlife. Methods We measured urinary concentrations of 21 metals (arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, cesium, copper, mercury, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, lead, platinum, antimony, tin, thallium, uranium, vanadium, tungsten and zinc) using high-resolution inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry among 1335 white, black, Chinese and Japanese women aged 45–56 years at the third SWAN annual visit (1999–2000). Least squared geometric mean concentrations were compared across race/ethnicity, education, financial hardship, smoking, secondhand smoking, seafood intake and rice intake groups. Overall exposure patterns of multiple metals were derived using k-means clustering method. Results The percentage of women with detectable concentrations of metals ranged from 100% for arsenic, cesium, molybdenum and zinc, to less than 5% for platinum; 15 metals had detection rates of 70% or more. Asian women, both Chinese and Japanese, had higher urinary concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, copper, mercury, molybdenum, lead and thallium, compared with other race/ethnic groups, independent of sociodemographic, lifestyle, dietary, and geographic characteristics. Seafood and rice intake were important determinants of urinary arsenic, cesium, mercury, molybdenum and lead levels. Two distinct overall exposure patterns- “high” vs. “low” -- were identified. Women in the “high” overall exposure pattern were more likely to be Asians, current smokers, and to report high consumption of seafood and rice. Black women were less likely to have the high exposure pattern. Conclusions Metal exposure of midlife women differs by racial/ethnic, sociodemographic, lifestyle, dietary, and geographic characteristics. Asian women may be experiencing the highest exposures to multiple metals compared with other racial/ethnic groups in the United States.
Ab initio molecular dynamics simulation of Na-doped aluminosilicate glasses and glass-water interaction

The structure and properties of sodium aluminosilicate (NAS) glasses are investigated using ab initio molecular dynamics and density functional calculations. Four NAS glass models of about 700 atoms with composition (SiO2)0.6(Al2O3)0.4-x(Na2O)x with Na/Al ratio R = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 are constructed corresponding to x = 0, 0.135, 0.20 and 0.24. Detailed information on network coordination, electronic structure, interatomic bonding and partial charge distribution, mechanical and optical properties of these models are presented and fully analyzed. The structural details for each R are discussed in terms of short- and intermediate-range order manifested in the coordination number, atomic pair and bond angle distributions. It is shown that the mechanical strength of NAS glasses decreases with increasing Na content, indicating that pure aluminosilicate glass is stronger than the alkali-doped glasses. We use the novel concept of total bond order density to characterize the internal cohesion of the NAS glasses. In the case of R = 1 NAS model, 12 water molecules are added to investigate the solvation effect and hydrolysis in NAS glass.
Bosonic discrete supersymmetry for quasi-two-dimensional optical arrays

We apply the notion of discrete supersymmetry based on matrix factorization to quantum systems consisting of coupled bosonic oscillators to construct isospectral bosonic quantum networks. By using the algebra that arises due to the indistinguishability of bosonic particles, we write down the Schrodinger equations for these oscillators in the different boson-number sectors. By doing so, we obtain, for every partner quantum network, a system of coupled differential equations that can be emulated by classical light propagation in optical waveguide arrays. This mathematical scheme allows us to build quasi-two-dimensional optical arrays that are either isospectral or share only a subset of their spectrum after deliberately omitting some chosen eigenstates from the spectrum. As an example, we use this technique (which we call bosonic discrete supersymmetry or BD-SUSY) to design two optical, silica-based waveguide arrays consisting of six and three elements, respectively, with overlapping eigenspectrum.
Outcomes specific to patient sex after open ventral hernia repair

Abstract Background Male and female hernia patients often have different surgical history, fat distribution, and medical comorbidities. Female surgical patients seemingly experience worse outcomes after open ventral hernia repair. This study evaluates the impact of sex and the distribution of abdominal adiposity on outcomes after open ventral hernia repair. Methods A prospective hernia database was queried for patients from 2007 to 2018 with a computed tomography within 1 year of open ventral hernia repair. Three-dimensional volumetric analysis was performed. Demographics, abdominal fat distribution, operative characteristics, and outcomes were evaluated by sex using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results A total of 1,178 patients were identified, 57.8% were female. Compared with males, females had higher mean body mass index (34.8 ± 8.5 vs 31.7 ± 6.4 kg/m2, P Conclusion Female hernia patients in our population are more comorbid, with higher body mass index, thicker subcutaneous fat volume and a higher ratio of hernia volume to intra-abdominal fat volume. These differences are associated with more extensive surgical intervention, such as panniculectomy and higher rates of adverse outcomes after open ventral hernia repair. However, these differences are not fully explained by identified comorbidities and warrant further investigation.
Evaluation of Teacher Practices and Student Achievement in High-Poverty Schools:

This investigation examined whether teacher practices, as measured by the Classroom Strategies Assessment System (CSAS), were associated with students’ proficiency and gain scores, as measured by t...
Nosocomial Infections: A History of Hospital-Acquired Infections

In the United States, healthcare acquired infections (HAIs) or nosocomial infections are the sixth leading cause of death. This article reviews the history, prevalence, economic costs, morbidity and mortality, and risk factors associated with HAIs. Types of infections described include bacterial, fungal, viral, and multidrug resistant infections that contribute to the most common causes of HAIs, which include catheter- associated urinary tract infections, hospital-acquired pneumonias, bloodstream infections, and surgical site infections. Most nosocomial infections are preventable and monitoring and prevention strategies are described.
Occupational standing and change in the Ankle-Brachial Index: the Jackson Heart Study

Background A growing interest in reducing occupational sitting has resulted in public health efforts to encourage intermittent standing in workplaces. However, concerns have been raised that standing for prolonged periods may expose individuals to new health hazards, including lower limb atherosclerosis. These concerns have yet to be corroborated or refuted. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between occupational standing and adverse changes in the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI). Methods We studied 2121 participants from the Jackson Heart Study, a single-site community-based study of African-Americans residing in Jackson, MS. Occupational standing (‘never/seldom’, ‘sometimes’, ‘often/always’) was self-reported at baseline (2000–2004). ABI was measured at baseline and again at follow-up (2009–2013). Results Over a median follow-up of 8 years, 247 participants (11.6%) exhibited a significant decline in ABI (eg, ABI decline >0.15). In multivariable-adjusted models, higher occupational standing was not significantly associated with ABI decline (occupational standing sometimes vs never/seldom: OR 1.05; 95% CI 0.67, 1.66; occupational standing often/always vs never/seldom: OR 1.22; 95% CI 0.77, 1.94). Similarly, higher occupational standing was not associated with low ABI at follow-up reflective of peripheral artery disease (ABI 1.40). Conclusions In this community-based study of African-Americans, we found no evidence that occupational standing is deleteriously associated with adverse changes in ABI over a median follow-up of 8.0 years. These findings do not provide evidence implicating occupational standing as a risk factor for lower limb atherosclerosis.
Isolation in Coordination: Challenges of Caregivers in the USA

As the global population ages and the prevalence of chronic conditions and acute infections rise, it is becoming imperative to understand the many forms of caregiving labor and create sociotechnical systems that support them. In this paper, we report results of a large survey study with 2000 informal caregivers in the USA, highlighting the fundamental challenges that different types of caregivers face when coordinating care with others. Our findings support previous findings on caregivers’ coordination challenges, while also offering insights into the situational, mediating factors that influence the extent to which care coordination challenges are felt. These mediating factors include caregivers’ relationships, access to a variety of resources including physical, social, and financial support, and physical and mental barriers. We discuss these challenges and mediating factors, and conclude with a discussion on how they can be considered in the design of future sociotechnical systems.
Acute and chronic hematologic implications of emergency and elective splenectomy.

ABSTRACT Introduction Thrombocytosis and leukocytosis are common after splenectomy. The potential effect of emergency surgery on these postoperative findings is unknown. We hypothesized that emergency splenectomy leads to a more profound and persistent hematologic change as compared to elective splenectomy. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent elective or trauma splenectomy. Records were queried for platelet (PLT) and white blood cell (WBC) count prior to splenectomy, on postoperative days 1-5, and at day 14, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Complications, including thromboembolic events, infection, need for repeat operation, and readmission within 30 days of discharge, were recorded. Results 463 patients were identified as being eligible for the study, with 173 patients in the elective cohort and 145 patients in each of the isolated trauma splenectomy and polytrauma cohorts. Both cohorts had peak thrombocytosis at week 2 postoperatively. However, polytrauma patients had a significantly higher peak platelet count (P Conclusions While trauma splenectomy resulted in more profound postoperative leukocytosis and thrombocytosis, there was no correlation with timing of infection or risk of thromboembolic events. These findings suggest that thrombocytosis and leukocytosis may be associated with thrombotic and infectious events but their presence alone does not indicate direct risks of concomitant infection or thrombosis.
Are Readmission and Reoperation Rates for Lower Extremity Necrotizing Fasciitis Different Between Patients With and Without Diabetes Mellitus

Necrotizing fasciitis is a condition associated with high morbidity and mortality unless emergent surgery is performed. This study aims to understand the hospital course of diabetic and nondiabetic patients managed for lower-extremity necrotizing fasciitis by identifying factors contributing to readmissions and reoperations. About 562 patients treated for lower-extremity necrotizing fasciitis were selected from the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database between 2012 and 2017. The unplanned reoperation and readmission rates for all patients during the 30-day postoperative period were 9.4% and 5.3%, respectively. Out of 562 patients with lower-extremity necrotizing fasciitis, 326 (58.0%) patients had diabetes. Diabetes patients were more likely to undergo amputation (p 30 kg/m2 was associated with decreased odds of readmission. In multiple logistic regression, surgical site infection was the only predictor of reoperation (adjusted odds ratio 7.32, 95% confidence interval 2.76-19.1), and any amputation was associated with readmission (adjusted odds ratio 4.53, 95% confidence interval 1.20-29.6). Further study is needed to understand patient characteristics to better direct management. However, the current study elucidates patient outcomes for a relatively rare condition.
Acknowledgments and LMIC

We appreciate the help of the individuals, organizations, and firms that have contributed to the beef research program through financial support, product donations, or services. The Livestock and Meat Industry Council also helps support animal agriculture research, teaching, and education. Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: http://newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol1/iss1/18 Cattlemen's Day 2015 KA NSA S STATE UNRSITY CTTLEMEN’S DAY 2 015 Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service 1 Acknowledgements We appreciate the help of the individuals, organizations, and firms that have contributed to the beef research program through financial support, product donations, or services. Alltech, Nicholasville, Kentucky American Angus Association, St. Joseph, Missouri American Hereford Association, Kansas City, Missouri Archer Daniels Midland, Decatur, Illinois Bayer Animal Health, Shawnee Mission, Kansas Lee Borck, Larned, Kansas Cargill Corn Milling (Sweet Bran), Blair, Nebraska Cattlemen’s Beef Board, Centennial, Colorado Elanco Animal Health, Indianapolis, Indiana Electrostatic Spraying Systems, Inc., Watkinsville, Georgia Gardiner Angus Ranch, Ashland, Kansas Innovative Livestock Services, LLC, Great Bend, Kansas Iowa Limestone Company, Des Moines, Iowa Kansas Artificial Breeding Service Unit, Manhattan, Kansas Kansas Beef Council, Topeka, Kansas Kansas Livestock Association, Topeka, Kansas Kenny Knight, Lyons, Kansas Kent Nutrition Group, Muscatine, Iowa Lhoist North America, Fort Worth, Texas Livestock and Meat Industry Council (LMIC), Manhattan, Kansas Merck Animal Health, Summit, New Jersey Merial, Duluth, Georgia MS-Biotec, Wamego, Kansas National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Centennial, Colorado NBO3 Technologies, Manhattan, Kansas New Generation Feeds, Belle Fourche, South Dakota Porter Farms, Reading, Kansas Pratt Feeders, Pratt, Kansas R&R Machine Works, Inc., Dalhart, Texas R.W. Leighton, Quinter, Kansas Roto-Mix, Scott City, Kansas Select Sires, Inc., Plain City, Ohio Top Dollar Angus, Brighton, Colorado U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska USDA, Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service, Washington, DC USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Washington, DC Zoetis Animal Health, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey
Collection, Chemical Fractionation, and Mutagenicity Bioassay of Ambient Air Particulate

Our industrial society has created thousands of synthetic xenobiotics to support our modern lifestyle. Many of these substances, and their by-products, enter our atmosphere in the form of vapor-phase and particulate pollutants that can be ingested by respiration and skin contact. The insults to human health and the ecosystem from these airborne organic pollutants are due mainly to polycyclic organic matter, specific industrial emissions such as halogenated hydrocarbons, and end-use chemicals such as pesticides (Fishbein, 1976). Polycyclic organics associated with air particulates are believed to result primarily from incomplete combustion of organic matter (Mo11er and Alfheim, 1980). These carcinogenic components, (benzo(a)pyrene (B[a]P), benz(a) anthracene) and other polycyclics have been well characterized chemically (Shubik and Hartwell, 1969). As population and industrial activity increase, the growing health hazards associated with ambient air pollution must be further assessed and evaluated.
The Dual Specificity of Virus-Immune T Cells

A current obsession of cellular immunology is the definition of the T-cell receptor repertoire. Many of the questions that have been raised derive from experiments with virus systems (Doherty et al., 1976a; Zinkernagel and Doherty, 1979). How do we explain the apparent dual specificity for major histocompatibility (MHC) components and for virus?
An examination of the third stage in the analogy process: verification-based analogical learning

Many studies of analogy in Artificial Intelligence have focused on analogy as a heuristic mechanism to guide search and simplify problem solving or as a basis for forming generalizations. This paper examines analogical learning, where analogy is used to conjecture new knowledge about some domain. A theory of Verification-Based Analogical Learning is presented which addresses the tenuous nature of analogically inferred concepts and describes procedures that can be used to increase confidence in the inferred knowledge. The theory describes how analogy may be used to discover and refine scientific models of the physical world. Examples are taken from an implemented system, which discovers qualitative models of processes such as liquid flow and heat flow.
Victims of Avicularia

. .The function of the sessile “trap-door” avicularia of cheilostome bryozoans has been the subject of much speculation but relatively little observation. During studies of reef dwelling cheilostomes, avicularia of this type were seen to capture syllid polychaetes. This diverse group of small predatory worms, commonly found in the same habitats as bryozoan colonies, may be important factors in bryozoan ecology and evolution.
How to Understand and Outwit Adaptation

Adaptation is the ability of a system to respond and reset itself even in the continuing presence of a stimulus. On one hand, adaptation is a physiological necessity that enables proper neuronal signaling and cell movement. On the other hand, adaptation can be a source of annoyance, as it can make biological systems resistant to experimental perturbations. Here we speculate where adaptation might live in eukaryotic chemotaxis and how it can be encoded in the signaling network. We then discuss tools and strategies that can be used to both understand and outwit adaptation in a wide range of cellular contexts.
Access to international volunteering

Using the 2005 U.S. Current Population Survey, we identify the demographic profile of international volunteers from the United States. According to logistic regression results, those most likely to volunteer internationally are young, white, male, highly educated, foreign-born individuals without dependent children in the home and not employed full time. These findings are discussed through the lens of access and inclusion, examining the possible influences of individual choice and programmatic structure on this demographic profile. Implications are drawn for future research.
Differentiating Abnormal Cells in Valencia Orange Vesicles

Metamorphosing cells developing thick cell walls in the juice vesicle of granulated Valencia oranges, which cannot be detected by ordinary microscopical examination, may be differentiated in an early stage for microchemical analysis in lignification studies. Thick sections of the juice vesicle are treated overnight in a 1:10,000 aqueous solution of ruthenium red, followed by 5-10 minutes in a 1:5,000 aqueous solution of methylene blue, and then differentiated in water.
Tolerance of wheat to Russian wheat aphids: Nitrogen fertilization reduces yield loss

Abstract The influence of nitrogen nutrition and Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia Mordvilko) infestation on morphology and grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was studied in growth chamber experiments. Plants were grown with nutrient solution containing 100, 50, 10, or 0 percent of the normal complement of nitrogen. Plants were infested with eight apterous adult Russian wheat aphids at the flag leaf stage (approximately 53 days after planting). The aphids remained on the plant for a period of 25 days. Aphid infestation reduced mature plant height across all nutrient solution nitrogen concentrations tested. Grain yield was reduced by aphid infestation under all nutrient solution nitrogen concentrations except 0 percent. However, the percentage of yield loss caused by aphid infestation was reduced by increased levels of nitrogen in the nutrient solution. These results suggest that nitrogen fertilization might be a useful strategy for limiting yield loss caused by Russian wheat aphid in plants th...
Explaining All Three-Alternative Voting Outcomes

Abstract A theory is developed to explain all possible three-alternative (single-profile) pairwise and positional voting outcomes. This includes all preference aggregation paradoxes, cycles, conflict between the Borda and Condorcet winners, differences among positional outcomes (e.g., the plurality and antiplurality methods), and differences among procedures using these outcomes (e.g., runoffs, Kemeny's rule, and Copeland's method). It is shown how to identify, interpret, and construct all profiles supporting each paradox. Among new conclusions, it is shown why a standard for the field, the Condorcet winner, is seriously flawed. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: D72, D71.
Association of manganese superoxide dismutase expression with progression of carcinogenesis in Barrett’s Esophagus

Abstract Introduction: There is increasing evidence that oxidative stress plays a key role in the development from Barrett's Esophagus (BE) to dysplasia to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalyzes the dismutation of one of the most common oxidative stress elements, superoxide radical (O2-) to H2O2 and O2. Deficiency in the expression mitochondrial manganese (Mn) SOD, has been reported to promote carcinogenesis. The aim of our study was to evaluate MnSOD expression in a established groups of progressive BE. Methods: MnSOD immunohistochemistry was performed using rabbit polyclonal IgG and graded separately on a two-category ordinal scale in relation to the mucosa and submucosa with immunostaining assessed 0 (no staining) to 3 (strong). The total grading score of SOD immunoreactivity was the addition of mucosa and submucosa intensity, 0 (no immunoreactivity in any of the anatomic sites) to a maximum score of 6 (strong-staining reaction in each of the histoanatomic sites). Results: Ninety-two samples were evaluated for MnSOD expression. MnSOD expression was found to be significantly reduced in samples with specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM), indefinite/low-grade dysplasia (I/LGD), high-grade dysplasia (HGD), and EAC when compared to normal esophagus (NE). MnSOD expression was similar for EAC and HGD. HistologynMnSOD expression (mean ± SD)p ValueNE173.9 ± 2.2SIM221.8 ± 1.50.002I/LGD222.2 ± 1.70.015HGD162.4 ± 1.80.043EAC152.4 ± 1.70.038 Conclusions: MnSOD Expression is significantly reduced in patients with BE and HGD and EAC. MnSOD is significantly related to the progression of BE and may represent one of the primary factors in oxidative stress protection. Further evaluation within genotypic expression and the role of anti-oxidants is needed in the effective screening and treatment of BE.
Proposals to reform the U.S. health care system: a critical review.

The objective is to provide an overview and analysis of the current discussion of ways to reform the U.S. health care system. A common analytic framework is needed to evaluate the alternative approaches that are being advocated. Such a framework, organized around seven general questions, is developed and discussed. The analytic framework is then applied to five specific reform proposals, selected to be representative of the range of options being considered. The results are used to identify the basic choices that are inherent in the current discussion of health system reform. A discussion of the political realities of the health system reform movement in the U.S. concludes that an incremental reform measure will be implemented at the federal level in the near future and that the reform measure will give the federal government increased control over the health care sector. However, the pressure for more fundamental reform will continue to grow.
A role for single-strand breaks in bacteriophage φX174 genetic recombination

Formation of genetic recombinants in bacteriophage φX174 is stimulated up to 50-fold in host cells carrying the recA^+ allele by subjecting the virus particles to ultraviolet irradiation before infection, or by starving the host cell for thymine during infection; in recA host strains no such increases are observed. φX174 replicative form DNA molecules formed in vivo from ultraviolet-irradiated bacteriophage consist of an intact, circular full-length viral (+) strand and a partially complete complementary (−) strand extending from the point of origin of complementary strand DNA synthesis to an ultraviolet lesion. φX174 replicative form DNA molecules formed in thymine-deficient host strains during thymine starvation have nearly complete circular viral (+) and complementary (−) strands, which contain random single-strand nicks or gaps. Correlation of these structures with the observed increases in recombination suggests that single-strand “breaks” are aggressive intermediate structures in the formation of φX174 genetic recombinants mediated by the host recA^+ gene product.
Assessment of Perinatal Risk Factors.

The test-retest stability of the Maternal Perinatal Scale (MPS) was examined for a random sample of 41 mothers. The stability of items over a two-day period ranged from 1.00 to .85 (r) for items with an underlying normal distribution and from 1.00 to .86 (Cramer's V or Phi coefficient) for nominal items. Moreover, 90% of the coefficients exceeded .90. Intercorrelations between specific information assessed by the items were consistent with clinical obstetric and research evidence. The results were interpreted as lending support to the clinical and research potential of a systematic self-report format in the assessment of perinatal histories.
Should Intraoperative Frozen Section Evaluation of Breast Lumpectomy Margins Become Routine Practice

operative frozen section examination of breast lumpectomy margins was associated with a substantial reduction in the rate of reexcision. In their retrospective study, at some time after the initial lumpectomy a reexcision was performed in 48.9% of patients who did not have frozen section margin evaluation compared with only 14.9% of those in whom frozen section evaluation of the margins was performed. Further, these investigators developed a technique to overcome the methodological difficulties of attempting to cut frozen sections of fatty tissue such as margins of breast specimens. So if it is now technically feasible to obtain adequate frozen sections from lumpectomy margins and if intraoperative frozen section evaluations of these margins can reduce the need for a subsequent reexcision by almost 70%, should pathologists the world over be gearing up to routinely freeze margins of breast lumpectomy specimens? To answer this question, we must first review some fundamental data on lumpectomy margins and their association with local recurrence, and put these data into current clinical context. Various patient factors, treatment factors, and pathologic factors have been reported to be associated with an increased risk of recurrence in the ipsilateral breast (local recurrence) after breast-conserving treatment for invasive breast cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Arguably the most important of these is the status of the microscopic margins of excision of the resected breast specimen. Positive margins (ie, invasive carcinoma or DCIS at an inked tissue edge) have consistently been associated with a higher risk of local recurrence than negative margins. 2
All-optical femtosecond switch using two-photon absorption

Utilizing a two-photon absorption scheme in an alkali-metal vapor cell, we suggest a technique where a strong laser beam switches off another laser beam of different wavelength in femtosecond time scales.
Mo1321 Safety of an Endoscopic Bipolar Radiofrequency Probe in the Management of Malignant Biliary Strictures: A Single Center Experience

Anatomy: Roux-Y hepaticojejunostomy: liver transplant (live donor, N 8; cadaveric, N 3), cholecystectomy injury revision (N 9), other (N 7). Technical Success: 94% in OA-ERCP vs. 73% in PTBD (p 0.27). Median months to resolve AS: 2 (0-9.5) in OA-ERCP vs. 7.5 (3-34) in PTBD (p 0.03). Number of subsequent procedures in OA-ERCP vs. PTBD group were 28 (median 1, range 0-10) vs. 104 (median 5, range 2-43)(p 0.002). OA-ERCP group had 42 (median 2, range 1-11) total interventions: dilation and/or cautery (N 22), dilation/ cautery/stent (N 3), subsequent PTBD (N 18). PTBD group had 111 (median 6, range 3-44) total interventions: int/ext drain placement(N 11), balloon dilation/ drain exchange(N 27), drain exchanges only (N 60), drain removals (N 11), and subsequent ERCP to traverse AS (N 2). Complications: OA-ERCP perforation (N 2; non-operative) and bleeding (N 1); PTC cholangitis(N 2), fistula (N 1), and bacteremia/sepsis (N 2)(19% vs. 46%, p 0.21). Median postprocedural hospitalization days in OA-ERCP 0 (0-1) vs. 2 (1-51)in PTBD (p 0.0002). Follow-up for median 11 months (1-42) in 25/27 (92.6%) patients. Clinical improvement in OA-ERCP vs. PTBD group was 86% vs 60%, respectively (p 0.19). None of the ERCP and 9.1% in PTBD group required surgical intervention (p 0.48). Conclusions: 1)OA-ERCP is associated with fewer procedures and post-procedural hospitalization days to achieve success rates similar to PTBD. 2) Clinical improvement is seen in the majority of patients with documented anastomotic strictures treated by OA-ERCP or PTBD. 3) In expert hands, OA-ERCP for treating AS may be the preferred choice due to the need for fewer procedures and a shorter duration of treatment to achieve AS resolution.
Long-term survival of a lung cancer patient treated with photodynamic therapy.

A 63–year-old male, status post-right pneumonec-tomy, presented with hemoptysis. Although chest X-ray and CAT scan film findings were negative, bronchoscopy with biopsy from the left mainstem bronchus demonstrated squamous cell carcinoma. Because of the inoperable location of the lesion, the patient was treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) in February 1984. At present, the patient is cancer free more then 6 years after PDT.
Staphylococcus aureus pyomyositis compared with non-Staphylococcus aureus pyomyositis.

Summary Objectives Pyomyositis is an acute bacterial infection of skeletal muscle not arising from contiguous infection. It is often hematogenous in origin and typically associated with abscess formation. Our objective was to determine if there were any differences in the clinical presentation of disease between Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and non- Staphylococcus aureus pyomyositis. We also sought to determine if methicillin-resistant SA (MRSA) occurred more frequently during the final years of the study period. Methods A retrospective chart review study at three institutions in two cities. Results Sixty cases of pyomyositis were identified between 1990 and 2010. Twenty-nine patients were infected with SA while 31 had other bacterial etiologies or were culture negative. Those with a traumatic event prior to the onset of infection were more likely to have a SA infection while SA infected patients were younger. Our first documented case of MRSA occurred in 2005, but the frequency of MRSA infection remained static over the following five years. Conclusions Pyomyositis is an emerging infection that is underappreciated by many physicians. While MRSA has emerged as the foremost cause of SA infections in a majority of clinical conditions, in this series most patients still had methicillin-sensitive SA as their cause of pyomyositis. In light of the severity of pyomyositis and the potential for bacteremia (either as a source or complication of the infection), empiric SA therapy should be initiated in all patients until the culture results are available.
Making WAAVES in the vocalization community, but how big is the splash?

Reno and colleagues (2013) recently published a ﬁrst of itskind article describing their development and use of a novelalgorithm for the automatic detection of ultrasonic vocalizations(USVs). The WAAVES (Wav-ﬁle Automated Analysis of Vocaliza-tions Environment Speciﬁc) procedure is designed to effectivelydetect ﬁxed-frequency (FF) and frequency modulated (FM) ultra-sonic vocalizations using MATLAB’s Signal and Image ProcessingToolbox.The authors should be applauded for their efforts. Indeed, mod-els of addiction, mood disorders, or pain and discomfort (amongstothers) can beneﬁt from the automation of ultrasonic vocalizationdetection andscoring.However,effortstoautomateUSVdetectionhave beenrelativelyabsentfromtheliterature.Beyondthepreclin-ical value of USV detection, it seems that WAAVES is particularlyadvantageous for a number of other reasons: (1) MATLAB providesa quasiopen-sourcemethodforfurtherdevelopingdetectionalgo-rithms. Thus, the USV community as a whole might contribute inorder to improve the results of the detector should the authorschoose to publish the source code alongside the article. (2) Thedetector has been explicitly tuned for USVs in both the 22- and 50-kHz rangesandhasbeendesignedtoﬁlterartifactscommontoUSVrecordings in drug abuse paradigms—artifacts that make a numberof commonbioacoustictechniqueslikeamplitudedetectorsnearlyuseless for drug abuse data. (3) The signal detection proceduresused in WAAVES might prove beneﬁcial in other bioacoustic signaldetection applications (i.e. birdsong analysis) should the correctmodiﬁcations be made.Clearly, this novel procedure should be further evaluated andempirically tested by other laboratories. Indeed, the details pro-vided by the authors are somewhat sparse and the authors do not
Reaction time variability associated with reading skills in poor readers with ADHD.

AbstractLinkages between neuropsychological functioning (i.e., response inhibition, processing speed, reaction time variability)and word reading have been documented among children with attention-deﬁcit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) andchildren with Reading Disorders. However, associations between neuropsychological functioning and other aspectsof reading (i.e., ﬂuency, comprehension) have not been well-documented among children with comorbid ADHD andReading Disorder. Children with ADHD and poor word reading (i.e., r25th percentile) completed a stop signal task(SST) and tests of word reading, reading ﬂuency, and reading comprehension. Multivariate multiple regression wasconducted predicting the reading skills from SST variables [i.e., mean reaction time (MRT), reaction time standarddeviation (SDRT), and stop signal reaction time (SSRT)]. SDRT predicted word reading, reading ﬂuency, and readingcomprehension. MRT and SSRT were not associated with any reading skill. After including word reading in modelspredicting reading ﬂuency and reading comprehension, the effects of SDRT were minimized. Reaction time variability(i.e., SDRT) reﬂects impairments in information processing and failure to maintain executive control. The pattern ofresults from this study suggest SDRT exerts its effects on reading ﬂuency and reading comprehension through its effecton word reading (i.e., decoding) and that this relation may be related to observed deﬁcits in higher-level elements ofreading. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–10)Keywords: Response time, Inhibition, Executive function, Information processing, Cognition, Developmental readingdisorder
Heritability of growth in larvae and juveniles of Mytilus edulis

Abstract Heritabilities are estimated for growth in shell length in larvae and juveniles of Mytilus edulis, based on a nested design, involving 27 families (27 females, 9 males). Very high heritabilities (hD2 > 0.6 and hS2 > 0.5) were found for growth in both larvae and juveniles. The mean improvement in shell length growth by selection is estimated at 24–35% per generation.
Size- and Shape-Dependent Transformation of Nanosized Titanate into Analogous Anatase Titania Nanostructures

A size- and shape-dependent morphological transformation was demonstrated during the hydrothermal soft chemical transformation, in neutral solution, of titanate nanostructures into their anatase titania counterparts. Specifically, lepidocrocite hydrogen titanate nanotubes with diameters of ∼10 nm were transformed into anatase nanoparticles with an average size of 12 nm. Lepidocrocite hydrogen titanate nanowires with relatively small diameters (average diameter range of ≤ 200 nm) were converted into single-crystalline anatase nanowires with relatively smooth surfaces. Larger diameter (>200 nm) titanate wires were transformed into analogous anatase submicron wire motifs, resembling clusters of adjoining anatase nanocrystals with perfectly parallel, oriented fringes. Our results indicate that as-synthesized TiO2 nanostructures possessed higher photocatalytic activity than the commercial titania precursors from whence they were derived.
Refinements to depth-first iterative-deepening search in automatic theorem proving (research note)

Abstract This paper will discuss two refinements to the depth-first iterative-deepening search strategy. The first refinement, the priority system, is an attempt to simulate best-first search using depth-first iterative-deepening search. A new data structure, the priority list, is introduced into depth-first iterative-deepening search by the refinement. Some complexity results about the priority system are also given. The second refinement is based on a syntactic viewpoint of proof development, which views the process of finding proofs as an incremental process of constructing instances with a certain property. We quantify this process to control the depth-first iterative-deepening search. Both refinements have been implemented in a sequent-style back chaining theorem prover and tested on a large number of problems and have been shown to be effective.
Duality, triality and complementary extremum principles in non-convex parametric variational problems with applications

This paper presents a reasonably complete duality theory and a nonlinear dual transformation method for solving the fully nonlinear, non-convex parametric variational problem inf(W(Λu - μ) - F(u)), and associated nonlinear boundary value problems, where Λ is a nonlinear operator, W is either convex or concave functional of p = Λu, and μ is is a given parameter. Detailed mathematical proofs are provided for the complementary extremum principles proposed recently in finite deformation theory. A method for obtaining truly dual variational principles (without a dual gap and involving the dual variable p * of Λu only) in n-dimensional problems is proposed. It is proved that for convex W(p), the critical point of the associated Lagrangian L μ (u, p * ) is a saddle point if and only if the so-called complementary gap function is positive. In this case, the system has only one dual problem. However, if this gap function is negative, the critical point of the Lagrangian is a so-called super-critical point, which is equivalent to the Auchmuty's anomalous critical point in geometrically linear systems. We discover that, in this case, the system may have more than one primal-dual set of problems. The critical point of the Lagrangian either minimizes or maximizes both primal and dual problems. An interesting triality theorem in non-convex systems is proved, which contains a minimax complementary principle and a pair of minimum and maximum complementary principles. Applications in finite deformation theory are illustrated. An open problem left by Hellinger and Reissner is solved completely and a pure complementary energy principle is constructed. It is proved that the dual Euler-Lagrange equation is an algebraic equation, and hence, a general analytic solution for non-convex variational-boundary value problems is obtained. The connection between nonlinear differential equations and algebraic geometry is revealed.
Evaluation of the toxicity of marine sediments and dredge spoils with the Microtox bioassay

The MicrotoxR bioassay was used to evaluate the toxicity of sediment and dredge spoil elutriates from several potentially-contaminated sites in Mobile and Pascagoula Bays. Elutriates were prepared using either local seawater or distilled deionized water (osmotically adjusted with NaCl prior to testing), and MicrotoxR assays were performed with the elutriates and three reference toxicants. There were marked differences in the toxicity of several elutriates and reference toxicants in the two different waters, with the seawater generally resulting in the same or lesser toxicity than the osmotically-adjusted distilled deionized water.
Transcriptional Analysis of the Streptococcus pyogenes Salivaricin Locus

The sal lantibiotic locus plays an important role in the virulence of Streptococcus pyogenes. Our transcriptional analysis of the sal locus provides new information on the complex regulation of this operon. Transcription of the operon is regulated by a promoter upstream of the operon and by a second internal promoter upstream of the salKRZ genes. Here we identify the location of the internal promoter and provide information on how this promoter is autoregulated by proteins within the locus. We determined by primer extension that the salKR promoter is located within the salY gene and identified several regulatory regions important for expression. The higher activity of the promoter in a salKR deletion strain indicates a role in repression by the SalR response regulator. Further, this promoter had higher activity in a salA deletion strain, implicating corepression or a signaling role for the SalA peptide. Finally, we demonstrate that this promoter can be controlled by host factors. Analysis of transcriptional regulation of this locus provides a better understanding of the function of the sal locus in S. pyogenes pathogenesis.
Intersexes and Sex Determination in Chickens

Chickens sexed as females in commercial flocks show a low frequency of intersex individuals. Gross anatomical examination of the intersexes revealed malformed gonads. Histological examination proved that these gonads were not ovotestes but were composed of testicular tissues. Karyotype analysis of 15 intersex individuals showed 13 of them to be 3A-ZZW triploids (normal females are 2A-ZW) while the other 2 were mosaic for male and female karyotypes. Red blood cell volume accurately reflects the ploidy level and is suggested for use in screening for polyploids. Intersex triploids may develop parthenogenetically or from fertilization between reduced and unreduced gametes.
Length-frequency statistics for written English

The results of a tabulation of word frequencies in a sample of written English are analyzed in terms of word length and syntactic function. It is found that a simple stochastic model gives a rough prediction for the results obtained when all words are combined, but not when words are classified as function or content words. Function words are short and their frequency of occurrence is a decreasing function of their length; content words are longer and their probability is relatively independent of length.
Effect of Cyclophosphamide on in Vitro Phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus

An increase in susceptibility to infection in an untoward effect common to nearly all immunosuppressive agents. The present investigation was designed to examine potential causes of this decreased resistance to disease. Rats were treated with low dosages of cyclophosphamide, and the effect of such therapy on the in vitro phagocytic capabilities of polymorphonuclear leukocytes was examined. Intracellular destruction of phagocytized bacteria was not significantly altered as a result of treatment. However, the ingestion of Staphylococcus aureus was significantly impaired in the presence of serum from treated animals. Enzymatic analyses for various hydrolytic enzymes associated with reticuloendothelial tissue were also undertaken. Decreased levels of acid phosphatase within alveolar tissue was the only significant change noted as a result of treatment. The reduced phagocytic powers and enzyme levels observed in this investigation offer a partial explanation for the increased susceptibility to disease after treatment with cyclophosphamide.
Gender, mental health service use and objectively measured physical activity: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2003–2004)

Objective To examine the relationship between physical activity levels measured objectively by accelerometry and the use of mental health services (MHS) in a representative sample of males and females.
Rooting-enhancement of Rosa hybrida for tissue culture propagation

Abstract The effect of combinations of auxin sources and concentrations, temperature shifts, light intensity and light reduction on shoot-tips were studied relative to root formation of Rosa hybrida L. ‘Bridal Pink’ propagated in vitro. 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid alone was almost ineffective, and similarly its combinations with other auxins were less effective than other auxin combinations. While indolebutyric acid (IBA) alone did not stimulate rooting, both indoleacetic acid (IAA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) were effective. Combinations of NAA and IBA and NAA and IAA were equally effective in stimulating rooting and also enhanced rooting more than IAA, IBA or NAA alone. When root quality is considered, the combination of NAA and IBA was better than that of NAA and IAA. An additive effect on rooting existed between NAA and IAA at most concentrations used. A similar effect was evident between NAA and IBA except when NAA was used at 0.025 mg/l, in which cases synergistic effects were observed. Light reduction to the rooting area, light intensities of 1.0 K lux or lower and holding the cultures for 1 week at 5°C all enhanced rooting.
Rethinking natural altruism: Simple reciprocal interactions trigger children’s benevolence

A very simple reciprocal activity elicited high degrees of altruism in 1- and 2-y-old children, whereas friendly but nonreciprocal activity yielded little subsequent altruism. In a second study, reciprocity with one adult led 1- and 2-y-olds to provide help to a new person. These results question the current dominant claim that social experiences cannot account for early occurring altruistic behavior. A third study, with preschool-age children, showed that subtle reciprocal cues remain potent elicitors of altruism, whereas a fourth study with preschoolers showed that even a brief reciprocal experience fostered children’s expectation of altruism from others. Collectively, the studies suggest that simple reciprocal interactions are a potent trigger of altruism for young children, and that these interactions lead children to believe that their relationships are characterized by mutual care and commitment.
Aftermarket power and foremarket competition

I revisit the issue of aftermarkets by developing an infinite period model with overlapping consumers. If the aftermarket is characterized by constant returns to scale, then social surplus and consumer surplus are invariant with respect to aftermarket power. Under increasing returns to scale, however, greater aftermarket power leads to: greater concentration in the foremarket; higher barriers to entry; higher social surplus; and possibly higher consumer surplus.