cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of morbidly obese patients before gastric bypass surgery

The prevalence of binge eating disorder (BED) was assessed in a sample of 110 morbidly obese presurgery patients by means of self-report (Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns [QEWP]). Subsequently, patients with (n = 19, 17.3%) and without BED (n = 91, 82.7%) were compared on several eating-related and general psychopathological instruments, as well as an obesity-specific health-related quality-of-life measure. Patients with BED exhibited higher scores than non-BED patients on most of the subscales of two questionnaires measuring eating behavior and attitudes towards eating, shape, and weight (Three Factor Eating Questionnaire [TFEQ], Eating Disorders Examination-questionnaire version [EDE-Q4]) with the exception of the respective restraint subscales. The two groups also differed significantly on the disease-specific quality-of-life measure (Impact of Quality of Life Questionnaire-Lite [IWQOL-Lite]). No differences were found for measures of severity of depressive symptoms (Inventory of Depressive Symptoms [IDS]) and impairment of self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire [RSE]). Our findings replicate the results of other studies comparing patients with and without BED in samples with different degrees of obesity and extend the results to an obesity-specific quality-of-life measure. Further research needs to investigate the short- and long-term impact of presurgery BED on surgery outcome, as well as the impact of surgery on binge eating and eating-related psychopathology.
Interrelationships among College Supervisor, Supervising Teacher, and Elementary Pupil Ratings of Student Teaching Performance

The validity of elementary school pupil ratings of the teaching performance of thirty-three student teachers was examined. Ratings of college supervisors and supervising teachers were criteria for contrast of validity coefficients of pupil ratings. The measures of student teacher performance were the nine competencies (30 indicators) of the Teacher Performance Assessment Instruments (TPAI). Results of the analyses of variance indicated that elementary school pupil ratings were statistically significantly lower than either college supervisor or supervising teacher ratings on four of the nine teacher competencies. In addition, correlations between the TPAI ratings of college supervisors and supervising teachers were moderately high, with a median correlation of .55. However, pupil ratings were not significantly related to either college supervisor or supervising teacher ratings (criterion measure), with median correlations of .19 and .18, respectively. The data were interpreted as suggesting that elementary...
Overview of the performance of the W.M. Keck Observatory

The performance goals of the telescope are reviewed and compared with the achieved values. The optical performance is close to the original goals, but our initial observations support evidence from other observatories that Mauna Kea seeing is even better than was assumed in setting the goals; so it is important not to lower our aims. The primary mirror active control system performance is summarized as well as the pointing the tracking performance. The telescope is substantially operational and since January 1994 we have been devoting the majority of nights to astronomical science.
Effects of chronic leptin infusion on subsequent body weight and composition in mice: Can body weight set point be reset?

Circulating leptin concentrations correlate with fat mass and signal the status of somatic energy stores to the brain. Previous studies suggest that diet-induced elevations of body weight increase body weight “set-point”. To assess whether chronic hyperleptinemia is responsible for this shift in defended body weight, we elevated circulating leptin concentrations in lean mice to those comparable to diet-induced obese mice for eighteen weeks. We hypothesized that following cessation of leptin infusion, a higher body weight would be defended. Compared to saline-infused controls, leptin-infused mice had elevated circulating leptin concentrations, gained less weight, yet had similar metabolic rates. Following cessation of leptin administration, leptin-infused mice gained some weight yet plateaued at 5–10% below controls. These results suggest that, unlike mice rendered hyperleptinemic by diet-induced weight gain, leptin-infused mice do not subsequently “defend” a higher body weight, suggesting that hyperleptinemia per se does not mimic the CNS consequences of chronic weight gain.
Liver function after irradiation based on computed tomographic portal vein perfusion imaging.

Purpose To determine whether individual and regional liver sensitivity to radiation could be assessed by measuring liver perfusion during a course of treatment using dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography scanning. Methods and Materials Patients with intrahepatic cancer undergoing conformal radiotherapy underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (to measure perfusion distribution) and an indocyanine extraction study (to measure liver function) before, during, and 1 month after treatment. We hoped to determine whether the residual functioning liver ( i.e. , those regions showing portal vein perfusion) could be used to predict overall liver function after irradiation. Results Radiation doses from 45 to 84 Gy resulted in undetectable regional portal vein perfusion 1 month after treatment. The volume of each liver with undetectable portal vein perfusion ranged from 0 to 39% and depended both on the patient's sensitivity and on dose distribution. There was a significant correlation between indocyanine green clearance and the mean of the estimated portal vein perfusion in the functional liver parenchyma ( p Conclusion This study reveals substantial individual variability in the sensitivity of the liver to irradiation. In addition, these findings suggest that hepatic perfusion imaging may be a marker for liver function and has the potential to be a tool for individualizing therapy.
Coccidiosis in Reptiles

The eimeriid coccidia, single-celled intracellular parasites that pass oocysts in the feces of their definitive hosts, are discussed. The characteristics separating the genera of these parasites are included and the orders of reptiles that are infected by each genus are listed. The generalized life cycle is discussed, as well as host specificity and host range. Examples in which coccidia are pathogenic to reptiles and a brief discussion on treatment and prevention are also included in this review. Oocysts of the main genera of coccidia in reptiles are illustrated. The lack of zoonotic potential or concern for human health and the potential for vertical transmission are discussed.
Configuration Mixing in the C 14 Ground State

An analysis of recent C/sup 14/(d,t)C/sup 13/ experiments is presented which indicates that there is considerable configuration mixing in the C/sup 14/ ground state. With a rather arbitrary choice of the C/sup 14/ and N/sup 14/ state wave functions, there seems to be enough mixing to produce the required cancellation of the C/sup 14/ to N/sup 14/ beta-decay matrix element, without invoking any tensor forces. In order to make a numerical estimate of the amount of admixture, the experimentally determined reduced widths are used. (M.H.R.)
Ecocentrism and anthropocentrism: Moral reasoning about ecological commons dilemmas

Abstract When do humans extend their ethical scope to include nature? Anthropocentrism and ecocentrism are two ways of understanding an extension of ethics to nature. In an anthropocentric ethic nature deserves moral consideration because how nature is treated affects humans. In an ecocentric ethic nature deserves moral consideration because nature has intrinsic value. In two experiments participants (n=91 and 84) generated moral reasoning responses to ecological moral dilemmas. The reasoning was coded as ecocentric, anthropocentric, or nonenvironmental (i.e., social contracts, truthfulness). Individual differences and situational variables were examined in relation to moral reasoning about ecological dilemmas. Pro-environmental attitudes were related to more ecocentric and anthropocentric and less nonenvironmental reasoning. The presence of information about the impact of ecological damage on the environment, especially a more “wild” environment, elicited more ecocentric reasoning, while the presence of a social commitment elicited more nonenvironmental moral reasoning. The implications of the research for conflicts over environmental commons dilemmas are discussed.
Linking Sensory Descriptors to Volatile and Nonvolatile Components of Fresh Tomato Flavor

ABSTRACT: Twelve tomato selections were evaluated for their flavor components using sensory and chemical/instrumental measurements. Regression analysis was performed to develop prediction models for the sensory descriptors. Significant prediction models were obtained for most descriptors. Both volatile and nonvolatile flavor components influenced the aromatic descriptors, but the volatile components provided more consistent relationships. Sucrose equivalents provided more significant correlations with descriptors than did soluble solids. Tomatoes described as full flavored by the breeder were characterized by higher sugars, soluble solids, aromatic volatile compounds, and lower amounts of organic acids than those considered to be of poorer flavor by the breeder. These data provide quantitative linkages of aromatic volatile compounds, sugars, and acids with specific flavor notes.
Direct Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Supercritical Fluid Extraction Products

Abstract A method is described for the direct mass spectrometric analysis of the products of supercritical fluid extraction processes. A sample placed in an extraction cell is pressurized to supercritical conditions with a high pressure pump. The extracted products are continuously analyzed by direct fluid injection of a small sample (<50 μL/min) into a mass spectrometer chemical ionization ion source. The extraction process can be observed as a function of pressure to determine “threshold pressures” for individual solutes or as a function of temperature at constant pressure for nonisothermal kinetic studies. The method is demonstrated for a supercritical fluid extraction of a bituminous coal using a n-pentane-isopropanol mixture at 280°C and pressures of 10 to 100 atm.
The new international population movement: a framework for a constructive critique.

This paper suggests that the old (neo-Malthusian) ideological orthodoxy which informed much of the population policy debate until the mid-1980s is in danger of being replaced by a new orthodoxy which is also unduly one-sided and simplistic. In addition, this new ideology, which received such a boost at the Cairo conference, is under even less pressure to re-evaluate some of its premises because it is motivated by more obviously altruistic and egalitarian concerns, and a challenge to its premises runs the risk of being interpreted as a challenge to these humane goals. However, letting ideology inform research and policy can have self-defeating consequences when it ignores the complexity of the real world, the frequency of trade-offs, and the many ways in which there may be a conflict between policy-relevant empirical findings and these ideological goals. The paper explores some of these issues in the context of Cairo and presents a framework which may be used to develop a constructive critique of the new international population policy agenda. Traditional population policy received a major drubbing at the United Nations Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo in 1994. But the Cairo statement was actually the culmination of a long-simmering discontent with the ideology and methods of traditional population policy: a discontent that had manifested itself in several forums in the 1980s but required the political clout of the international women’s movement to enter the public and policy consciousness. In many of these critiques, population policy is rightly equated with family planning policy. In addition, these critiques have often gone further to criticize the ideological and political underpinnings of traditional population research as well, the main criticism being that such research was often little more than a means of justifying or legitimizing family planning policy, or else refining the operational aspects of family planning programs (see, for example, Hodgson 1983; Demeny 1988; Greenhalgh 1996). The last ten years therefore have witnessed an accumulation of writing and discussion on the negative features of traditional population policy and the need for a paradigm shift. Around and since the Cairo conference, the dominant or at least most visible feature of this paradigm shift involved a move from notions of population control to notions of reproductive health. If one sifts through this large and still burgeoning writing, a few distinct strands of criticism emerge as the key complaints of population policy and its old staple, the family planning program. First, family planning programs are driven entirely by demographic goals and targets. That is, what they seek is a reduction in population growth rates, with little concern for client needs and problems, or what is called the ‘user perspective’.
Architecture design of a multiaxis cellular actuator array using segmented binary control of shape memory alloy

A new approach to artificial muscle actuator design is presented, and is implemented using shape memory alloys (SMA). An array of SMA actuators is segmented into many independently controlled, spatially discrete volumes, each contributing a small displacement to create a large motion. The segmented cellular architecture of SMA wires is extended to a multiaxis actuator array by arranging the segments in a two-dimensional (2-D) array. The multiaxis control is streamlined and coordinated using a 2-D segmentation method in order to activate multiple links of a robot mechanism in a coordinated manner. The basic principle of segmented binary control (SBC) is first presented, followed by multiaxis segmentation theory and a design procedure. The method is applied to a five-fingered robotic hand capable of taking a variety of postures. A 10-axis SMA actuator array is built, and SBC is implemented using Peltier-effect thermoelectric devices for selective local heating and cooling. Experiments demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the new method
dE/dx Electronics for Mark II Experiment at SLAC

This paper describes a 100 MHz pulse digitizer for dE/dx measurements on the MARK II drift chamber at SLAC. The electronics provides the read-out of the detector's 5832 sense wires, organized in 336 wires/FASTBUS crate. The system is based on a 16-channel FASTBUS module. The basic element of the module is the TRW 6-bit Flash-ADC.
ER-2 Doppler Radar Investigations of the Eyewall of Hurricane Bonnie during the Convection and Moisture Experiment-3

Abstract A persistent, mesoscale region of intense eyewall convection contained within Hurricane Bonnie on 23 August 1998 is examined from multiple observations synthesized from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration ER-2 and DC-8 aircraft. The intense convection occurred late in the day as Bonnie was attaining its minimum central pressure and during a stage when the inner core featured a markedly asymmetric structure. The internal structure of this convective burst and its relationship to the warm core are presented using a synthesis of high-resolution satellite, aircraft radar, and in situ data. An exceptionally vigorous eyewall tower within the burst and penetrating to nearly 18 km is described. A second intense eyewall tower, adjacent to the eye, is shown to be associated with a mesoscale subsiding current of air, with vertical velocities on the order of several meters per second that descends at least 9 km and extends horizontally nearly 25 km into the eye interior. The subsidence is a muc...
Interactions between PTEN and receptor tyrosine kinase pathways and their implications for glioma therapy.

Gliomas are the most common and deadly form of malignant primary brain tumors. Loss of the tumor-suppressor PTEN and activation of the receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) EGF receptor, c-Met, PDGF receptor and VEGF receptor are among the most common molecular dysfunctions associated with glioma malignancy. PTEN interacts with RTK-dependent signaling at multiple levels. These include the ability of PTEN to counteract PI3K activation by RTKs, as well as possible effects of PTEN on RTK activation of the MAPK pathway and RTK-dependent gene-expression regulation. Consequently, PTEN expression affects RTK-induced malignancy. Importantly, the PTEN status was recently found to be critical for the outcome of RTK-targeted clinical therapies that have been developed recently. Combining RTK-targeted therapies with therapies aimed at counteracting the effects of PTEN loss, such as mTOR inhibition, might also have therapeutic advantage. This article reviews the known molecular and functional interactions between PTEN and ...
Normal estimation for point clouds: a comparison study for a Voronoi based method

Many applications that process a point cloud data benefit from a reliable normal estimation step. Given a point cloud presumably sampled from an unknown surface, the problem is to estimate the normals of the surface at the data points. Two approaches, one based on numerical optimizations and another based on Voronoi diagrams are known for the problem. Variations of numerical approaches work well even when point clouds are contaminated with noise. Recently a variation of the Voronoi based method is proposed for noisy point clouds. The centrality of the normal estimation step in point cloud processing begs a thorough study of the two approaches so that one knows which approach is appropriate for what circumstances. This paper presents such results.
The acquisition of post-depositional detrital remanent magnetization in a variety of natural sediments

Summary. Post-depositional detrital remanent magnetization (pDRM) is the primary means whereby many sediments acquire their palaeomagnetic signal. We have studied the acquisition of this magnetization in a variety of natural sediments. Our technique involves determining the magnetic direction recorded by a sediment as a function of the water content present in the sediment when the sediment experiences a change in the direction of the applied magnetic field. Most of the sediments used in this study were collected wet from natural environments and were preserved in their original state until they were used in the experiments. Grain sizes were measured by the settling tube method which led to the determination of the clay, silt and sand fractions in each sediment. Isothermal remanent magnetization acquisition studies indicated that the predominant magnetic carriers were magnetite. In the pDRM acquisition studies two distinct modes of behaviour were found. For sediments with a sand content less than 60 per cent, the original direction of magnetization was preserved regardless of the water content. Such behaviour is not consistent with a theoretical model which assumes that at high water contents the magnetic carriers remain mobile within fluid-filled voids and hence are able to realign along a new magnetic field direction. For sediments with a sand content in excess of 60%, remagnetization along a new magnetic field direction occurred as expected, provided the sediments were sufficiently wet. Studies of natural sediments and corresponding samples of dried and reconstituted sediments have demonstrated that the magnetic characterization of a sediment can be reliably determined even for older, desiccated Sediments.
The Sorghum Genome Sequence: A Core Resource for Saccharinae Genomics

As a taxon noted for large and complex polyploid genomes, a facile genomic model is of especially great importance to the Saccharinae. The genome of Sorghum bicolor (sorghum) offers numerous advantages as such a model, with a physical size (about 730 mbp) that is only moderately larger than that of rice, and enjoying the same low level of gene duplication as rice by virtue of a lack of genome duplication for 70 million years. Saccharinae, especially sugarcane, researchers have long exploited comparative genomics to leverage the small and well-mapped sorghum genome in the study and improvement of more complex genomes. The sequencing of the sorghum genome further enhances such leveraging opportunities, also providing insights into genes and genomic features that may contribute to distinguishing features of the Saccharinae. A host of postgenomic tools for sorghum, many described elsewhere in this volume, provide the foundation for use of sorghum as a Saccharinae functional genomics model. Here, we revisit the sequencing and initial analysis of the sorghum genome, providing more detail than could be included in the primary description of the genome and also highlighting planned efforts to increase knowledge of sequence diversity in the species and the genus.
Long-term Follow-up after TIPS: Use of Doppler Velocity Criteria for Detecting Elevation of the Portosystemic Gradient☆

Purpose To evaluate the performance of Doppler ultrasound as a screening test for detecting elevated portosystemic gradients in failing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS). Materials and Methods Twenty-seven of 61 patients who underwent TIPS creation between November 1991 and March 1996 were studied. At routine intervals, angle-corrected velocity measurements of portal venous and intrashunt blood flow (at the portal venous, middle, and hepatic venous levels of the shunt) were obtained. These were compared with portal hemodynamics for diagnostic accuracy in predicting clinically significant elevation of the portosystemic gradient. Venographic and manometric correlations were obtained on all patients available for follow-up and were not limited to those with symptoms or “abnormal” Doppler studies. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were done. Linear regression was done to study correlation of shunt velocities with portal pressure, and logistic regression was done to predict shunt stenosis with use of shunt velocities. Results The most accurate location for shunt velocity measurement was the main portal vein, but this had an area under the ROC curve of only 0.70. Accuracy of any velocity threshold (including maximum shunt velocity) was no greater than 70%. Maximum shunt velocity of less than 60 cm/sec was 93% specific for detecting shunt restenosis, but only 25% sensitive, for an overall accuracy of 64%. High sensitivity ( 90%) could only be achieved with poor specificity ( Conclusions Intrashunt and portal venous Doppler velocities alone do not accurately predict elevation of the portosystemic gradient on long-term follow-up after TIPS.
The Psychology and Technology of Talking Heads: Applications in Language Learning

Given the value of visible speech, our persistent goal has been to develop, evaluate, and apply animated agents to produce accurate visible speech. The goal of our recent research has been to increase the number of agents and to improve the accuracy of visible speech. Perceptual tests indicted positive results of this work. Given this technology and the framework of the fuzzy logical model of perception (FLMP), we have developed computer-assisted speech and language tutors for deaf, hard of hearing, and autistic children. Baldi, as the conversational agent, guides students through a variety of exercises designed to teach vocabulary and grammar, to improve speech articulation, and to develop linguistic and phonological awareness. The results indicate that the psychology and technology of Baldi holds great promise in language learning and speech therapy.
Tibial antivarus closing wedge osteotomy

Abstract Antivarus lateral closing wedge osteotomy of the proximal tibia is a time-tested surgical technique. Redistribution ofweight-bearing forces within the knee joint decreases the medial compartment load and the varus knee moment. Young or middle-aged patients as well as athletes with medial unicompartmental arthritis, posterolateral instability and varus thrust, or chronic anterior cruciate ligament deficiency and varus malalignment may be candidates. The indications have expanded recently to include patients with a varus mechanical axis who are undergoing periosteal resurfacing, autogenous chondrocyte implantation, meniscal transplantation, osteochondral grafting, or multiple subchondral bone microfractures. The osteotomy is performed between the knee joint and the tibial tubercle by removing a laterally based bone wedge. The construct is stable because of osteoclasis of the medial tibial cortex, an intact periosteal hinge, and excellent apposition of broad cancellous bone surfaces. Early knee motion is possible and bone healing is expeditious. Complications can be averted by careful patient selection, precise preoperative planning, and meticulous surgical technique. The weight-bearing line method uses a full-length standing radiograph to determine the desired correction angle. The osteotomy is performed with fluoroscopic guidance through a limited exposure. Low-profile step staples provide satisfactory fixation, and no bone grafting is required. Tibial Antvarus lateral closing wedge osteotomy is a useful and reliable surgical technique.
Chemistry and biology of tubulysins: antimitotic tetrapeptides with activity against drug resistant cancers

Covering: 2000 to 2014 Since their first report in 2000, tubulysins have sparked great interest for development as anti-cancer agents due to their exceptionally potent antiproliferative activity. Progress in the discovery and development of tubulysins, especially tubulysin conjugates, has quickly advanced despite limitations in their availability from Nature. In this Highlight, the key research on the isolation and structure determination, biosynthesis, bioactivity, structure–activity relationships (SAR), synthesis, and conjugates of tubulysins is presented.
Transition State Theory Methods To Measure Diffusion in Flexible Nanoporous Materials: Application to a Porous Organic Cage Crystal

Transition state theory (TST) methods are useful for predicting adsorbate diffusivities in nanoporous materials at time scales inaccessible to molecular dynamics (MD). Most TST applications treat the nanoporous framework as rigid, which is inaccurate in highly flexible materials or where adsorbate dimensions are comparable to the size of pore apertures. In this study, we demonstrate two computationally efficient TST methods for simulating adsorbate diffusion in nanoporous materials where framework flexibility has a significant influence on diffusion. These methods are applied to light gas diffusion in porous organic cage crystal 3 (CC3), a highly flexible molecular crystal that has shown promise in gas separation applications. Diffusion in CC3 is modeled as a series of uncorrelated adsorbate hops between cage molecules and the voids between adjacent cages. The first method we applied to compute adsorbate hopping rates in CC3 is implicit ligand sampling (ILS). In ILS TST, hopping rates are calculated in an...
Low-Flow Domiciliary Oxygen as a Mechanism of Ongoing Oxidative Stress in COPD Patients

LOW-FLOW DOMICILIARY OXYGEN AS A MECHANISM OF ONGOING OXIDATIVE STRESS IN COPD PATIENTS Jill Stulce, Ph.D. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Health Related Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2015 Clarence Biddle, Ph.D., Department of Nurse Anesthesia Healthcare costs are escalating in the U.S., with a projected 48 trillion dollars by 2021. More than ever medical researches are obligated to ensure that costly treatment modalities are safe and effective. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a costly and debilitating disease, ranked as the third leading cause of death in America. Currently, treatment for COPD consists of anti-inflammatory agents, bronchodilators, antibiotics and supplemental oxygen when hypoxemia or clinical manifestations ensue. Oxidative stress is central to the pathology of COPD. Supplemental oxygen has been substantiated as an instigator of oxidative stress; however, LFDO has not been evaluated as a mechanism of ongoing oxidative stress in individuals with COPD. Isofuran (IsoF), a biosynthetic relative of the validated oxidative stress biomarker 8-isoprostane, is preferentially synthesized during periods of increased tissue oxygen tension. This sort of specificity allows for refinement in the assessment of supplemental oxygen as a source of oxidative stress. To address this potential this study evaluated individuals diagnosed with COPD utilizing LFDO. The study also aimed to determine if IsoF possessed clinical application in predicting the standard pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters of FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75. The exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of 52 individuals with COPD was evaluated for the presence of IsoF. An active control group not receiving LFDO (n=26) was compared to an active treatment group receiving LFDO for a minimum of 6 hrs/day (n=26). The groups showed no statistically significant demographic differences in age, gender, height, weight, ethnicity or smoking history or in the pulmonary function test parameters of FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC, with the exception of the FEF25-75 (P=0.03). The active control group generated a mean EBC IsoF level of 35.81 ± 4.91 pg/ml (± SEM) compared to the active treatment group mean EBC IsoF level of 51.37 ± 8.27 pg/ml (P=0.057). Currently, no research has been conducted that defines baseline EBC IsoF levels in healthy or diseased lungs. No statistically significant differences in mean EBC IsoF levels were noted between the control and treatment groups; however, the results, in conjunction with the only two studies available utilizing EBC IsoF as an oxidative stress biomarker, may serve to provide benchmark information for future research regarding individuals with diseased lungs, specifically COPD.
Minimizing variance in pediatric gastrostomy: does standardized perioperative feeding plan decrease cost and improve outcomes?

Abstract Background A protocol for laparoscopic gastrostomy placement was implemented which specified perioperative antibiotics, feeding regimens, and discharge criteria. Our hypothesis was that hospital cost could be decreased, whereas at the same time improving or maintaining patient outcomes. Methods Data were collected on consecutive patients beginning 6 months after implementation of our protocol. We recorded surgeon compliance, patient outcomes (as defined by 30-day NSQIP complication rates), and cost of initial hospitalization, which was then compare to a 6-month historical control period. Results Our control group n = 26 and protocol group n = 39. Length of stay was shorter in the protocol group (P ≤ .05 by nonparametric analysis). The complication rate was similar in both groups (23% control vs 15% protocol, P = .43). Initial hospital costs were not different. Surgeon compliance to protocol was 82%. Conclusions A standard protocol is achievable for gastrostomy tube management. After implementation of our protocol, we were able to show a significant decrease in length of stay, whereas maintaining quality.
Intravenous infusion of bombesin reduces food intake in humans

Infusion of bombesin into healthy young men at two dosages (1.33 and 4.0 ng.kg-1.min-1) resulted in a significant 135-g reduction in intake of a yogurt and fruit blend, compared with saline infusions, at the higher dose, but only a 20-g (nonsignificant) reduction at the lower dose. There were no overt side effects, although half of the subjects reported a slightly elevated (mean elevation = 0.5 on a 1-5 category scale) sick sensation when receiving bombesin at the higher dose, but not when receiving saline. At the higher dose, the mean palatability of the test meal was reduced by 0.5 units on a nine-point scale of liking. This study demonstrates for the first time in humans that a slow intravenous infusion of bombesin can decrease spontaneous food intake when infused at the rate of 4 ng.kg-1.min-1 beginning at the onset of a meal. These results confirm that the short-term satiety effect of peripherally administered bombesin previously reported in animals can be obtained in humans.
Coexpression of guanylate kinase with thymidine kinase enhances prodrug cell killing in vitro and suppresses vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in vivo.

Herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) phosphorylates the prodrugs ganciclovir (GCV) and acyclovir (ACV), leading to disruption of DNA synthesis and inhibition of cell proliferation. HSV-TK vectors have been successfully employed in cardiovascular and cancer gene therapy. Activation of GCV and ACV, after an initial phosphorylation step by the viral thymidine kinase, is carried out by guanylate kinase. We reasoned that coexpression of guanylate kinase (GK) with HSV-TK would augment phosphorylation of GCV or ACV, leading to increased cell killing. To test this hypothesis, a vector expressing TK with GK (TKciteGK) was developed and tested on vascular smooth muscle cells (vsmcs) in vitro and in vivo. Compared to HSV-TK vectors, killing of vascular cells transduced with TKciteGK and exposed to GCV was significantly increased ( P = 0.03). The TKciteGK construct was evaluated with three promoters: CMV, EF1α, and SM22α. TKciteGK expression driven by a CMV promoter induced cell killing more effectively than SM22α or EF1α promoters in primary vsmcs. Based upon these in vitro findings, TKciteGK vectors with a CMV promoter were tested in two animal models of cardiovascular disease: balloon angioplasty and stent deployment in pig arteries. Following vascular injury, expression of CMV-TKciteGK with GCV significantly reduced vsmc proliferation and intimal lesion formation compared to control vectors with GCV. In the angioplasty model, there was an 80% reduction in intima-to-media area ratio ( P = 0.0002). These findings were paralleled in a stent model with 66% reduction in intimal lesions ( P = 0.006). Coexpression of GK with TK increases cell killing and permits administration of GCV at lower doses. These modifications in TKciteGK vectors and GCV showed enhanced efficacy at lower prodrug doses, leading to improved safety for cardiovascular gene therapy.
Reflections on the History of Microbial Chemical Ecology: The concept of quorum sensing, which arose relatively late, might converge with the broader field of chemical ecology

My thoughts on microbial chemical ecology continue to evolve. Moreover, in writing about this subject, I draw on several distantly related disciplines, including history, philosophy, evolution, microbiology, chemistry, and ecology. Yet, this broad reach reflects my attempt to explore “quorum sensing,” a concept that is anything but esoteric among microbiologists.
Acoustic‐wave propagation in thin‐layered media with steep reflectors

Seismic waves reflected from steep interfaces beneath layered sediments spend a significant portion of time traveling almost horizontally. Therefore, accurate imaging of steep geologic structure requires knowledge of the behavior of these horizontally propagating waves; in particular, the role of evanescence and tunneling of seismic waves propagating in thin‐layered media. For thin‐layered media, modeling of zero‐offset reflections shows frequency‐dependent amplitude and phase behavior that varies with reflector dip. Waves propagating vertically in a sequence of thin layers lose high frequencies by stratigraphic filtering. However, waves reflected from steep reflectors in a thin‐layered medium are also attenuated and dispersed by the less well‐known evanescent filtering. These two low‐pass filtering actions depend on reflector dip and bed thickness in different ways: evanescent filtering is more severe for steeper reflectors and thicker beds, while stratigraphic filtering is more severe for flat reflector...
Adaptive boundary control of store induced oscillations in a flexible aircraft wing

An adaptive boundary control strategy is developed for the suppression of store induced oscillations in the bending and twisting deflections of an uncertain flexible aircraft wing. A Lyapunov-based stability analysis is used to show that the total energy in the system, and hence the distributed states of the system, remains bounded and decays asymptotically to zero. Simulation results illustrate the performance of the developed controller.
Experimental study on iron recovery from iron tailings and titanium concentrate by direct reduction and magnetic separation

The direct reduction-magnetic separation process of iron in iron tailings and titanium concentrate with low-grade iron was explored.Effects of carbon content,calcination temperature,holding time and cooling mode were investigated to obtain optimal reduction conditions.Changes of phase at different calcination temperatures during reduction process were analyzed by XRD and chemical analysis.The results show that ferrous iron in(Fe,Mg)(Ti,Fe) O3,which is main phase of ferrous iron in iron tailings,was reduced to metallic iron at 1300 ℃.Ferric iron in Fe2TiO5,which is main phase of ferric iron in titanium concentrate,was also reduced to metallic iron at 1300 ℃.Under optimal conditions with carbon content of 6.29%,calcination temperature of 1300 ℃ and holding time of 1.0 h,recovery rate of iron from iron tailings is 80% and iron grade in concentrate is 58%.Under conditions with carbon content of 10.36%,calcination temperature of 1300 ℃ and holding time of 1.0 h,recovery rate of iron from titanium concentrate is 95% and iron grade in concentrate is 78%.
General situation on studies of animal hosts of tsutsugamushi disease in China

The seasonal distribution of tsutsugamushi disease in China can be divided into two types. Summer type is prevalent in southern part( Zhejiang,Fujian,Guangdong,Guangxi,Yunnan Provinces / Autonomous Regions,etc);main animal hosts are Rattus losea,R. tanezumi,R. norvegicus,Niviventer confucianus,Apodemus agrarius of Rodentia,and Suncus murinus of Insectivora; main vector mite is Leptotrombidium deliense; prevalent in May to October. Autumn-winter type is prevalent in Jiangsu and Shandong Provinces,etc; main animal hosts are A. agrarius,R. norvegicus,Tscherskia triton of Rodentia,and Crocidura lasiura of Insectivora; main vector mite is L. scutellare; prevalent in October to December.
Study on the Superhard Material Industrial Upgrading of Henan Province in the Global Point View

At present,Henan Province has become the largest province in the production of superhard materials in China.However,from the global point of view,superhard material industry in Henan Province is still at the low level of global value chain.And it faces the huge pressure of industrial upgrading.In this regard,the paper analyses the process of superhard material industrial upgrading and the facing pressure of industrial upgrading in Henan Province.Then the paper identifies the main problems of superhard material industrial upgrading in Henan Province.On the basis,the paper proposed the upgrading path of superhard material industry in Henan Province.
Differential rates of psychopathology symptoms in periodic limb movement disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, psychophysiological insomnia, and insomnia with psychiatric disorder.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine patterns and relative intensity of psychopathology, as measured by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), in 108 patients with either psychophysiological insomnia (PI; n=20), insomnia with psychiatric disorder (IPD; n=30), periodic limb movement disorder (PLM; n=28), or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA; n=30). DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: University sleep disorders center. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Subjects completed the MMPI prior to overnight diagnostic polysomnographic assessment followed by Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). Seventy five percent of the entire sample had at least one MMPI elevation (T>70). Groups showed significant baseline differences in age, BMI, and MSLT latency (all ps<.05). Logistic regression indicated that even after statistically controlling for these three diagnostic covariates, MMPI elevation was more likely among PLM and IPD patients than OSA or PI patients (all ps<.05). Followup pairwise comparisons indicated that this same pattern of group differences occurred for the Depression, Psychasthenia, and Schizophrenia scales (all ps<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Irrespective of age, obesity, and daytime sleepiness, patients with untreated PLM or IPD are more likely to experience clinically significant psychological difficulties than those with either OSA or PI. These differences are most likely to be manifested in terms of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms (tension, worry, guilt), social alienation, and diminished mental concentration. Finally, PLM may be associated with greater MMPI elevations than previously suspected, and agree with earlier clinical reports of high rates of psychiatric treatment in PLM.
Identifying Essential Genes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Global Phenotypic Profiling

Transposon sequencing (TnSeq) is a next-generation deep sequencing-based method to quantitatively assess the composition of complex mutant transposon libraries after pressure from selection. Although this method can be used for any organism in which transposon mutagenesis is possible, this chapter describes its use in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. More specifically, the methods for generating complex libraries through transposon mutagenesis, design of selective pressure, extraction of genomic DNA, amplification and quantification of transposon insertions through next-generation deep sequencing are covered. Determining gene essentiality and statistical analysis on data collected are also discussed.
Ischemic Stroke in Childhood

Juvenile ischemic cerebral vascular disease was studied over a 15 year period in 34 patients in the Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Tokyo Women's Medical College, Tokyo, Japan.
Probing the Local Secondary Structure of Human Vimentin with Electron Spin Echo Envelope Modulation (ESEEM) Spectroscopy

Previously, an electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) spectroscopic approach was established to probe the local secondary structure of membrane proteins and peptides utilizing site-directed spin-labeling (SDSL). In this method, the side chain of one amino acid residue is selectively 2H-labeled and a nitroxide spin label is strategically placed 1, 2, 3, or 4 amino acids away from the 2H-labeled amino acid (denoted as i ± 1 to i ± 4, i represents the 2H-labeled amino acid). ESEEM can detect the dipolar coupling between the nitroxide spin label and 2H atoms on the amino acid side chain. Due to the periodicity of different secondary structures, different ESEEM patterns can be revealed to probe the structure. For an α-helical structural component, a 2H ESEEM signal can be detected for i ± 3 and i ± 4 samples, but not for i ± 1 or i ± 2 samples. Several 2H-labeled hydrophobic amino acids have been demonstrated in model system that can be utilized to identify local secondary structures via this ESEEM app...
A traditional ground-based system for woody biomass harvesting in Short Rotation Woody Crop (SRWC) plantations – a case study in Michigan

ABSTRACTReconfigured forage harvesting equipment utilized for plantation biomass harvesting and processing is highly productive but is expensive and not yet widely used in short rotation woody crop (SRWC) production systems. Traditional timber harvesting equipment, on the other hand, has been widely used for decades and can be adapted for use in SRWC plantations. Productivity of these traditional systems is not well understood when utilized in such plantations. To that end, productivity and costs were evaluated for a traditional ground-based system (feller-buncher, skidder, loader, and grinder) in a 3.1-ha small-diameter hybrid poplar plantation in Escanaba, Michigan, USA. Operation cycle time predictive models were developed from a time and motion analysis. Operation productivity and costs were generated and then compared with published data for a reconfigured forage harvesting system. Compared values between the two systems included: machine hourly rate, in dollars per scheduled machine hour ($/SMH), th...
A Different Class of Care: the Benefits Crisis and Low-Wage Workers

When compared to other developed nations, the United States fares poorly with regard to benefits for workers. While the situation is grim for most U.S. workers, it is worse for low-wage workers. Data show a significant benefits gap between low-wage and high-wage in terms of flexible work arrangements (FWAs), paid leave, pensions, and employer-sponsored health-care insurance, among other things. This gap exists notwithstanding the fact that FWAs and employment benefits produce positive returns for employees, employers, and society in general. Despite these returns, this Article contends that employers will be loath to extend FWAs and greater employment benefits to low-wage workers due to (1) concerns about costs, (2) a surplus of low-wage workers in the labor market, (3) negative perceptions of the skill of low-wage workers and the value of low-wage work, (4) other class-based stereotypes and biases, and (5) structural impediments in some low-wage jobs. Given the decline of unions and limited legislative action to date, the Article maintains that low-wage workers are in a "different class of care" with little hope for meaningful change on the horizon.
Changes in the availability and promotion of non-cigarette tobacco products near high schools in New Jersey, USA

Most of the research on tobacco marketing at the point of sale describes patterns and trends in cigarette promotion.1–3 Among youth in the USA, however, use of other tobacco products, such as cigars/cigarillos, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and smokeless tobacco, exceeds rates of smoking.4 There is an urgent need to understand how diverse tobacco products are marketed in retailers that youth visit and how promotion differs by store type and neighbourhood demographics. We examined 1-year changes in the availability and advertising of non-cigarette tobacco products in a cohort of tobacco retailers near high schools in New Jersey, USA. In April 2015, research staff visited all tobacco retailers falling within a half-mile radius of the 41 high schools participating in the 2014 NJ Youth Tobacco Survey, a representative, probability sample of NJ youth5 (n=194 retailers). A half-mile is perceived by adolescents to be an easy walking distance and has been used in other …
Application of Second Moment Closure Models to Complex Flows: Part I—Wall Bounded Flows

This paper reports the application of Reynolds Stress models to predict turbulent channel flow. Three pressure-strain models and three turbulent diffusion models are utilized in the computations. Most, although not all, features of the mean velocity, turbulent kinetic energy and Reynolds stress profiles were captured by the Reynolds stress models. The extent of the relaxation towards isotropy near the centerline of the channel was not reproduced by any of the models.
A Review of “Stokely: A Life” Through the Lens of Kwame Ture’s Autobiography

There are significant discrepancies between the narratives of the life of Kwame Ture (1941–1998) as told by himself and that told in the biography “Stokely: A Life” written by historian Peniel Joseph. The discrepancies are concerned with privileging group-centered leadership and hierarchical leadership which Joseph claims Ture promoted.
Response of National Ignition Facility first wall materials to target x rays and debris

The target chamber of the National Ignition Facility must maintain an environment in which the laser optics can remain clean enough to avoid damage. Therefore melting and vaporization of target chamber materials by target explosions must be minimized. Computer simulations have been performed of the response of target chamber wall materials and laser debris shields to the target explosions. Additionally the deposition of tritium from the targets in the wall and optical materials has been calculated. 9 refs., 2 figs., 6 tabs.