cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laboratory-confirmed gonorrhea and/or chlamydia rates in clinically diagnosed pelvic inflammatory disease and cervicitis.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to determine the rates of laboratory confirmed gonorrhea (GC) and chlamydia (CT) in emergency department (ED) patients with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and cervicitis who were diagnosed clinically and treated empirically. A secondary goal examines which clinical criteria were present in patients with PID testing positive for GC/CT. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of all ED patents diagnosed with PID or cervicitis during a 40-month period (January 2007–March 2010). Charts were reviewed for laboratory-confirmed GC or CT. For patients with positive GC or CT studies, the presence of key clinical criteria used in the diagnosis of PID was tallied. Results A total of 1469 patients were diagnosed with cervicitis and 343 with PID. Of these patients, 27 (1.8%) of 1469 and 15 (4.4%) of 343 were GC positive, and 136 (9.3%) of 1469 and 34 (10%) of 343 were CT positive. Twenty-six cervicitis (1.8%) and 9 PID (2.6%) patients were positive for both infections. One hundred eighty-nine cervicitis (13%) and 58 PID (17%) patients were positive for at least 1 sexually transmitted infection. Of the 58 patients with PID with laboratory-confirmed GC/CT, the following clinical criteria were present: abdominal pain, 58 of 58; abdominal tenderness, 50 of 58; cervical discharge, 47 of 58; cervical motion tenderness, 46 of 58; adnexal tenderness, 32 of 58; vaginal bleeding, 8 of 58; and fever, 2 of 58. Ultrasound was preformed in 27 (47%) of 58 GC/CT-positive patients with PID, with findings suggestive of PID in 12 (44%) of 27 ultrasounds. One hundred percent of abnormal ultrasounds were associated with positive GC and/or CT results. Conclusion There is a generally low prevalence of GC and CT in this patient population diagnosed with cervicitis or PID. There is a very low prevalence of coinfection.
Orientation of ceramic microstructures by hot-forming methods

Abstract Micron-sized powders of layered-structure compounds were prepared by solid-state reactions, and ceramic compacts densified by hot-forming methods. Materials included: Bi2WO6, Bi2MoO6, PbBi2Nb2O9 and Bi4Ti3O12; and ceramic micro-structures were oriented by hot-pressing, hot-forging and hot-extrusion methods. Temperatures of 800-1100°C were used, with pressures of 35 MPa. Grain orientation factors of 99% were determined by x-ray diffraction analyses. Anisotropy in electric properties were determined. Data are reported for the microstructure-dependent dielectric properties.
NMR studies of substituted pyridines

Proton magnetic resonance chemical shifts and coupling constants for a series of 2-substituted-5-nitropyridines and 2-substituted-3-nitropyridines, both in the free base and protonated forms, are reported. The substituents were chloro, bromo, iodo, and hydroxyl. The effect of the substituents on the chemical shifts are substantial but not unusual. The coupling constants are less sensitive to the nature of the substituent and are perturbed only slightly when the ring nitrogen is protonated. This latter observation is consistent with the results of LCAO-MO calculations.
GADDI: distance index based subgraph matching in biological networks

Currently, a huge amount of biological data can be naturally represented by graphs, e.g., protein interaction networks, gene regulatory networks, etc. The need for indexing large graphs is an urgent research problem of great practical importance. The main challenge is size. Each graph may contain thousands (or more) vertices. Most of the previous work focuses on indexing a set of small or medium sized database graphs (with only tens of vertices) and finding whether a query graph occurs in any of these. In this paper, we are interested in finding all the matches of a query graph in a given large graph of thousands of vertices, which is a very important task in many biological applications. This increases the complexity significantly. We propose a novel distance measurement which reintroduces the idea of frequent substructures in a single large graph. We devise the novel structure distance based approach (GADDI) to efficiently find matches of the query graph. GADDI is further optimized by the use of a dynamic matching scheme to minimize redundant calculations. Last but not least, a number of real and synthetic data sets are used to evaluate the efficiency and scalability of our proposed method.
Fast proximity computation among deformable models using discrete Voronoi diagrams

We present novel algorithms to perform collision and distance queries among multiple deformable models in dynamic environments. These include inter-object queries between different objects as well as intra-object queries. We describe a unified approach to compute these queries based on N-body distance computation and use properties of the 2nd order discrete Voronoi diagram to perform N-body culling. Our algorithms involve no preprocessing and also work well on models with changing topologies. We can perform all proximity queries among complex deformable models consisting of thousands of triangles in a fraction of a second on a high-end PC. Moreover, our Voronoi-based culling algorithm can improve the performance of separation distance and penetration queries by an order of magnitude.
Elucidating The Specificity Determinants Responsible For ClpX-Adaptor Interaction

The ClpXP proteolytic machinery in bacteria consists of the AAA+ ATPase protein ClpX and the serine peptidase ClpP. ClpX recognizes, unfolds, and translocates substrates into the protease chamber where hydrolysis of the polypeptide occurs. To control substrate-specificity, the cell uses adaptor proteins, such as SspB, to modulate substrate selection. The N-terminal domain of ClpX is the adaptor-docking site and also directly recognizes some substrates. However, very little is known about the sequence specificity of this important ClpX N-domain protein-binding site.Recently, a homolog of Escherichia coli SspB was identified in Caulobacter crescentus. Despite structural and functional homology, there is limited sequence similarity between the two SspB adaptors. To learn more about ClpX-adaptor interaction specificity, we carried out a systemic mutational analysis of C.crescentus SspB to identify the residues responsible for its interaction with ClpX. Functional assays monitoring adaptor-stimulated degradation of a model fluorescent substrate (GFP with a degradation signal) were used to assess SspB variants. In addition, monitoring direct-binding between the ClpX N-domain and variant fluoresceinated-SspB peptides by fluorescence anisotropy provided a quantitative assay for the interaction. Results reveal that a minimal C-terminal region (residues: 152KIVSLDQFRKK162) of SspB is responsible for docking with ClpX, and at least 5 specific residues (I153, V154, L156, R160, K162) within this region play key roles in the interaction. Additional residues (F159, K161) may also be contributing albeit more subtly. This binding region is much longer and shares little sequence homology with the E.coli SspB ClpX-binding region (161LRVVK165). However, C.crescentus SspB binds E. coli ClpX and can clearly deliver substrates to it. This cross-species interaction demonstrates the sequence-versatility of the ClpX N-domain interactions in a functionally relevant manner and highlights the challenge in identifying “consensus sequences” for AAA+ protease interaction signals.
Sketch master: a sketch game for collecting exploratory data

We present the concept and implementation of a sketching game called Sketch Master. Sketch Master is a game designed to help players learn and practice drawing from memory. The architecture of the tool and its various game modes are presented. Additionally, we describe how functions in Sketch Master serve as a research instrument to collect exploratory data about the relation between perception, memory, and sketching.
Response to selection for ethanol-induced locomotor activation: genetic analyses and selection response characterization

Selectively bred FAST mice are highly susceptible, while SLOW mice are less susceptible, to the locomotor stimulant effects of ethanol. Heritability estimates indicate that approximately 15% of the variance in the FAST lines is of additive genetic origin, while low susceptibility is ostensibly nonheritable. Inbreeding has increased at the rate of 2% per generation, but fertility has been unaffected. Measurement reliability for sensitivity to this ethanol effect was high when measured in both circular (r=0.6) and square (r=0.7) open-fields. In addition, our results indicate that we have selected for differences in sensitivity to ethanol rather than for differences in habituation to the test environment. The difference in response to ethanol between FAST and SLOW mice extended to tests varying in duration, and to a range of ethanol doses. We conclude that the divergence between FAST and SLOW mice generalizes to related test parameters, and speculate that the genetic architecture underlying the locomotor stimulant response may be simpler than previously proposed.
Premenopausal castration and documented coronary atherosclerosis.

Abstract Twenty surgically castrated women and 65 female control subjects who presented with clinical symptoms of coronary artery disease were studied with selective coronary cinearteriography to determine the prevalence of angiographically documented coronary atherosclerosis. Our results suggest that women who have been surgically castrated for at least 5 years have no more coronary atherosclerosis than their ovary-bearing, age-matched peers, and that surgical castration does not adversely influence the risk of coronary artery disease created by coronary risk factors.
Social Network Factors Associated with Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Formerly Incarcerated Latino Men

ABSTRACT. The objectives of this study were to describe demographic factors and self-reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates, as well as to explore to what extent social factors were associated with self-reported STIs among formerly incarcerated Latino men (FILM) in New York City. FILM ages 18 to 49 years old (N = 259) who had been incarcerated within the past 5 years completed a closed-ended, self-administered survey. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the association among social network factors (i.e., friends, spouses, relatives, parents) and self-reported STIs in the prior 12 months. More than one third (35.1%) of the sample reported at least one STI in the prior 12 months. Friendship networks were protective against STI risk. In our bivariate and multivariate models, having an STI in the prior 12 months for FILM was associated with: low quality of spousal relationship and high drug connectedness with relatives. STI risk reduction initiatives ...
Evaluation of Oral Anticoagulants for the Extended Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism Using a Mixed-Treatment Comparison, Meta-Analytic Approach

Abstract Purpose Target-specific oral anticoagulants (apixaban, rivaroxaban, and dabigatran) are widely available for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Although analyses comparing these agents to placebo or warfarin exist, direct comparisons of these agents for extended VTE treatment have not been conducted. Therefore, this network meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of VKA and target-specific oral anticoagulants for extended VTE treatment using a mixed-treatment comparison, meta-analytic approach. Methods A comprehensive literature search of EMBASE and MEDLINE was conducted to identify relevant randomized, controlled trials published in English between 1960 and November 2013. Eligible studies investigated the extended use (≥6 months) of oral anticoagulants (apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and/or warfarin [conventional or low dose]) and placebo in patients with confirmed VTE. Search terms included extension or extended treatment or therapy, venous thromboembolism (or VTE ), deep vein thrombosis (or DVT ), pulmonary embolism (or PE ), and anticoagulant or anticoagulant agent . Key articles were cross-referenced for additional studies. The efficacy end points evaluated were recurrent VTE or death from any cause, DVT, and nonfatal pulmonary embolism PE. Tolerability end points included major bleeding and nonmajor or clinically relevant bleeding. The data were screened, evaluated, and entered into statistical software to generate direct and indirect comparisons of the various anticoagulants across each study. The data are reported as rate ratios and 95% credible intervals. Findings Ten trials were analyzed and aggregated, representing data from >14,000 patients. With respect to efficacy end points, no statistically significant between-treatment differences in the composite end point of VTE or death, nonfatal PE, or DVT were found. Major bleeding was significantly greater with warfarin versus apixaban (rate ratio, 4.24; credible interval, 1.28–25.0), and the risk for major bleeding varied somewhat with warfarin and greatly with rivaroxaban. The assessment of nonmajor or clinically relevant bleeding did not identify any meaningful differences between these agents. Implications The majority of the data represented in this study were derived from noninferiority trials. In the present meta-analysis, efficacy end points in the extended treatment of VTE with apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, warfarin (conventional and low dose), and placebo were not significantly different. Elevated bleeding risks were identified with rivaroxaban and warfarin; however, the wide credible intervals with rivaroxaban prevent the interpretation of these increased risks.
Models of marine transgression —Example from Lower Cretaceous fluvial and paralic deposits, north-central Kansas

Transgression of the Early Cretaceous Kiowa sea in north-central Kansas led to deposition and preservation of fluvial, estuarine, and lagoon or bay deposits behind Kiowa barrier systems. The fluvial, estuarine, and part of the lagoon or bay deposits compose the Longford Member of the Kiowa Formation. The member is thickest in broad valleys that were eroded into Permian bed rock prior to deposition of the Cretaceous strata. Overlying Kiowa beds include open-sea deposits of shale., and barrier-system deposits of sandstone. Transgression was not accompanied by near-shore erosion of barrier, paralic, or fluvial deposits, nor by development of transgressive disconformities within the transgressive sequence, nor by deposition of transgressive sand sheets. Progradational pulses that might account for the generation and preservation of the barrier, paralic, and fluvial deposits are not apparent in the Longford-Kiowa record. An upward gradation from fluvial deposits at the base of the member to lagoonal deposits at the top and an apparently scattered distribution of Kiowa open-sea and barrier deposits above the member indicate that rising sea level or basin subsidence was accompanied by vertical growth, eventual submergence, and stepwise landward shift of barrier systems across expanding lagoons or bays.
Closed-loop control in prosthetic systems: historical perspective.

The control of artificial limbs and other restorative systems is discussed in terms of closed-loop control and sensory feedback. Feedback modalities are classified in three categories: (1) Supplemental Sensory Feedback (2) Artificial Reflexes (3) Control Interface Feedback.
Experimental signature for statistical multifragmentation.

Multifragment production was measured for the 60 MeV/nucleon [sup 197]Au+[sup 27]Al, [sup 51]V, and [sup nat]Cu reactions. The branching ratios for binary, ternary, quaternary, and quinary decays were determined as a function of the excitation energy [ital E] and are independent of the target. The logarithms of these branching ratios when plotted vs [ital E][sup [minus]1/2] show a linear dependence that strongly suggests a statistical competition between the various multifragmentation channels. This behavior seems to relegate the role of dynamics to the formation of the sources, which then proceed to decay in an apparently statistical manner.
Ordovician K-Bentonites of Iowa

Thin beds of altered volcanic ash, called K-bentonite, are distributed widely in Ordovician strata of the eastern United States. This study reports the mineralogy and stratigraphy of eight such beds found in limestones and shales of the Decorah and Galena formations (Middle Ordovician) of northeast Iowa and adjacent parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. The clay-size material of the Iowa bentonites consists almost entirely of randomly interstratified illite-montmorillonite, with a range of illite: montmorillonite ratios from 4:1 to 7:3. Thus, they are similar to Ordovician K-bentonites reported by others from eastern states. The mica polytype is dioctahedral 1Md to 1M of low temperature origin. In contrast, the predominant clay mineral in the normal marine limestones and shales is well-crystallized, 2M1, dioctahedral illite. The contacts between bentonites and limestones or shales are distinct; in a few exposures a thin zone of finely laminated, reworked bentonite is observed directly above the bentonite. The bentonites themselves are unlaminated. Accessory sand-size mineral grains from bentonites consist of euhedral apatite, euhedral zircon, sanidine, pyrite, biotite and hornblende, whereas those from shales are organic apatite, quartz and calcite. The bentonite assemblage is suggestive of volcanic origin, and is similar to Ordovician K-bentonites east of Iowa. Differential thermal analysis reveals that the clay mineral of bentonites altered at low temperatures through a montmorillonite stage and became more micalike by K fixation. In contrast, DTA indicates that the illite of shales originated as mica and is slightly weathered toward a montmorillonitelike phase. Laboratory saturation of clays from adjacent bentonites and shales with K+ demonstrates similar relationships. The usefulness of bentonites as key horizons for correlation within the Ordovician is limited by several difficulties. Removal of ash by contemporaneous reworking, the probable multiple centers of volcanic activity in the Appalachian region and the great number of essentially identical bentonites within a stratigraphic interval are major problems.
Transient hygrothermal stresses in composites: Coupling of moisture and heat with temperature varying diffusivity

Abstract In this paper, the influence of coupled diffusion of heat and moisture on the transient stresses in a composite is investigated analytically where the moisture diffusion coefficient is taken to be temperature dependent while the thermal diffusion coefficient is kept constant. There is no a priori reason why moisture and temperature should be uncoupled such that each will obey the simple diffusion theory, particularly without reference made to the initial and boundary conditions of a particular situation. A study of the coupled diffusion equations were made by a finite-difference scheme allowing for time-dependent changes in the humidity and temperature of the environment. The appropriate transient boundary conditions are specified on the surfaces of an infinite plate. Numerical calculations were carried out for the T300/5208 graphite fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix composite in which the nonuniformity of moisture and temperature is evaluated for sudden changes in the surface moisture and/or temperature. The coupling effect between temperature and moisture is found to be most significant when the plate undergoes a sudden change in surface temperature while the surface moisture concentration is held constant. The present findings indicate that the stresses due to coupling can deviate from the uncoupled results anywhere from 20 to 80% depending on the surface temperature gradient. This suggests the need to perform additional experiments for evaluating the coupled diffusion phenomenon and its influence on the mechanical behavior of epoxy-resin-composites.
The damped transient behaviour of finite beams and plates

The direct Finite Element Analysis which was successfully employed in the solution of dynamic flexural traveling wave problems is extended herein to provide the transient behaviour of finite beams and plates in which shear deformation and rotatory inertia are considered. The particle and angular velocities are exponentially damped so that the static solutions for these problems are obtained with the same analysis which provided the dynamic and transient cases. Three special cases are chosen as examples. In the first, a sinusoidally varying shear force is applied at the tip of a cantilever beam. The resonant characteristics of this beam for both the undamped and damped cases are studied. In the second, a step shear loading is applied to a cantilever beam and its damped dynamic history is studied. Finally, a circular plate whose outer edge is simply supported is impacted at its inner edge by a step moment and its damped transient behaviour is determined. The idea of the methods is potentially applicable to dynamic problems in general.
A review of some perturbation methods in boundary layer theory

Abstract The recent work on the velocity distributions in flows nearly described by similarity solutions of the equations for the laminar boundary layer is reviewed. The eigenvalue solutions which arise in terms of initial value problems are shown to have a variety of applications.
Numerical model study on ice impact on Lake Superior outflow limit1

Improved regulation of the wintertime flow from Lake Superior is needed to improve the balance of water levels of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan–Huron to decrease the frequency of extreme levels without unduly affecting Lake Superior interest. The wintertime outflow limit is set as 2410 m3/s by Lake Superior Regulation Plan 1977-A as a result of ice jam flooding during the 1916–1917 winter. This paper presents a numerical model study on the ice conditions in the St. Marys River to assess the maximum allowable Lake Superior wintertime outflow. Freeze-up, frazil transport and accumulation, and breakup were simulated with a thermal-ice dynamic model. The highest potential for flooding exists during ice breakup and simulations were run to determine a safe discharge limit for the breakup period. Simulations indicated the winter flow limit may be increased to 2690 m3/s if flow regulation is managed with care to prevent premature ice cover breakup.
Microsphere studies of amphibian systemic blood flow redistribution during dehydration, hypovolemia, and salt load

Systemic blood flow distribution was monitored in a variety of anuran amphibians using trapping of 54-μm mean radionuclide-labeled micro-spheres during control, dehydration, hypovolemia, and salt load treatments. The head was the only region which showed significant increases in its proportion of systemic blood distribution in both dehydration and hypovolemia relative to controls. Proportionate declines in blood flow were observed to skeletal muscle regions during dehydration and hypovolemia. Salt loading had no effect on blood flow distribution. The redistribution results are consistent with sympathetic reflex control during hypovolemia and dehydration. The magnitude of the cerebral redistribution did not correlate with a species' tolerance to dehydration.
Osteoporosis in steroid-dependent asthma

Background Patients on prolonged corticosteroid therapy are at risk of developing osteoporosis. Some patients with severe asthma are difficult to wean off corticosteroids and are therefore at risk of developing bony complications due to steroids. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of cumulative steroid dosage and duration of therapy with osteoporosis. Methods We obtained bone mineral density studies using dual photon absorptiometry, and radiographs of the lumbar spine of 16 steroid-dependent patients with asthma. Patients with conditions affecting bone metabolism were excluded. Results We studied 16 male steroid-dependent patients with asthma who received 4 to 41 grams equivalent dose of prednisone over a period of 1 to 15 years. The overall prevalence rate for abnormal age-matched bone mineral density was 50%. Abnormal bone mineral density was more commonly noted in the lumbar spine (38%) than in the femoral neck (19%). The lowest dose of corticosteroid associated with a decrease in bone mineral density was a cumulative steroid dose of 5.6 equivalent grams-prednisone. Conclusion Prolonged corticosteroid therapy can cause significant osteoporosis among male patients with steroid-dependent asthma. Bone loss due to corticosteroid therapy occurs at different rates at different bony sites.
Effects of Tasco (a seaweed extract) and heat stress on N metabolism and meat fatty acids in wether lambs fed hays containing endophyte-infected fescue

Abstract Wether lambs (n = 27, average BW = 40 kg) were used to test response to forage treated with Tasco-Forage (an extract of the brown kelp Ascophyllum nodosum) prior to conserving, or to direct feeding of the extract (Tasco-EX). Hays made from endophyte (Neoyphodium coenophialum)-infested tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea)-based pasture received 0 or 3 kg of Tasco/ha prior to harvest. Lambs, blocked by weight, were randomly allotted to three diets: (1) control hay, (2) treated hay, and (3) #1 + Tasco-EX fed at 1% of the diet. Hays were low in CP (
Effects of lipid and propionic acid infusions on feed intake of lactating dairy cows

Propionic acid is more hypophagic for cows with elevated hepatic acetyl coenzyme A (CoA) concentration in the postpartum period. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the interaction of hepatic acetyl CoA concentration, which is elevated by intravenous lipid infusion, and intraruminal propionic acid infusion on feed intake and feeding behavior responses of lactating cows. Eight multiparous, ruminally cannulated, Holstein dairy cows past peak lactation were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square experiment with a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatments were propionic acid (PI) infused intraruminally at 0.5mol/h for 18h starting 6h before feeding and behavior monitoring or sham control (CO), and intravenous jugular infusion of lipid (LI, Intralipid 20%; Baxter US, Deerfield, IL) or saline (SI, 0.9% NaCl; Baxter US) infused at 250mL/h for 12h before feeding and behavior monitoring, and then 500mL/h for 12h after feeding. Changes in plasma concentrations of metabolites and hormones and hepatic acetyl CoA from before infusion until the end of infusion were evaluated. We observed a tendency for an interaction between PI and LI for the change in plasma nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration from the preliminary day to the end of the infusion period. Infusion of propionic acid decreased dry matter intake (DMI) 15% compared with CO, but lipid infusion did not affect DMI over the 12h following feeding. Infusion of propionic acid tended to decrease hepatic acetyl CoA concentration from the preliminary day to the end of the infusion compared with CO, consistent with PI decreasing DMI by stimulating oxidation of acetyl CoA. Contrary to our expectations, LI did not increase concentration of NEFA or β-hydroxybutyrate in plasma, concentration of acetyl CoA in the liver, or milk fat yield, suggesting that the infused lipid was stored or oxidized by extra-hepatic tissues. As a result, we detected no interaction between PI and LI for DMI. Although the effect of PI on DMI was consistent with our previous results, this lipid infusion model using cows past peak lactation was not useful to simulate the lipolytic state of cows in the postpartum period in this experiment.
Rituals of Resettlement: Identity and Resistance Among Maya Refugees

L'A. estime que depuis les annees 1980 et les explosions de violence qui ont frappe l'Amerique centrale, l'Arizona tend a devenir une terre d'accueil et de recherche d'emploi pour les mayas originaires du Guatemala. Il s'interroge sur l'univers symbolique, rituel de ces populations. Il affirme que les agriculteurs mayas concoivent les rites comme des produits spontanes de l'activite des individus et de la communaute. Il estime que cette conception transparait dans le cadre festif. Il montre que ces aspects culturels se retrouvent dans la vie quotidienne de la communaute installee aux Etats-Unis
A Wave Propagation Method for Conservation Laws and Balance Laws with Spatially Varying Flux Functions

We study a general approach to solving conservation laws of the form qt+f(q,x)x=0, where the flux function f(q,x) has explicit spatial variation. Finite-volume methods are used in which the flux is discretized spatially, giving a function fi(q) over the ith grid cell and leading to a generalized Riemann problem between neighboring grid cells. A high-resolution wave-propagation algorithm is defined in which waves are based directly on a decomposition of flux differences fi(Qi)-f-1(Qi-1) into eigenvectors of an approximate Jacobian matrix. This method is shown to be second-order accurate for smooth problems and allows the application of wave limiters to obtain sharp results on discontinuities. Balance laws $q_t+f(q,x)_x=\psi(q,x)$ are also considered, in which case the source term is used to modify the flux difference before performing the wave decomposition, and an additional term is derived that must also be included to obtain full accuracy. This method is particularly useful for quasi-steady problems close to steady state.
Elevated stress-hemoconcentration in major depression is normalized by antidepressant treatment: secondary analysis from a randomized, double-blind clinical trial and relevance to cardiovascular disease risk.

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD); the presence of MDD symptoms in patients with CVD is associated with a higher incidence of cardiac complications following acute myocardial infarction (MI). Stress-hemoconcentration, a result of psychological stress that might be a risk factor for the pathogenesis of CVD, has been studied in stress-challenge paradigms but has not been systematically studied in MDD.MethodsSecondary analysis of stress hemoconcentration was performed on data from controls and subjects with mild to moderate MDD participating in an ongoing pharmacogenetic study of antidepressant treatment response to desipramine or fluoxetine. Hematologic and hemorheologic measures of stress-hemoconcentration included blood cell counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin, total serum protein, and albumin, and whole blood viscosity.FindingsSubjects with mild to moderate MDD had significantly increased hemorheologic measures of stress-hemoconcentration and blood viscosity when compared to controls; these measures were correlated with depression severity. Measures of stress-hemoconcentration improved significantly after 8 weeks of antidepressant treatment. Improvements in white blood cell count, red blood cell measures and plasma volume were correlated with decreased severity of depression.ConclusionsOur secondary data analyses support that stress-hemoconcentration, possibly caused by decrements in plasma volume during psychological stress, is present in Mexican-American subjects with mild to moderate MDD at non-challenged baseline conditions. We also found that after antidepressant treatment hemorheologic measures of stress-hemoconcentration are improved and are correlated with improvement of depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that antidepressant treatment may have a positive impact in CVD by ameliorating increased blood viscosity. Physicians should be aware of the potential impact of measures of hemoconcentration and consider the implications for cardiovascular risk in depressed patients.
Taming Tibet: Landscape Transformation and the Gift of Chinese Development

Emily T. Yeh. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2013. xvii and 324 pp., maps, photos, notes, bibliography, index. $26.95 paper (ISBN 978-0-8014-7832-1), $75.00 cloth (ISBN 978-0-8014-5155-3).So...
Effect of Vacancies on the Tensile Properties of Fe-40Al Single Crystals in Air and Vacuum

Tensile tests in both air and vacuum have been performed on Fe-40Al single crystals containing two different vacancy concentrations. It is shown that the room temperature fracture strengths are significantly increased but the elongations are decreased in both test environments at high vacancy concentration. The fracture mechanisms are controlled by the vacancy concentration, with vacancies promoting the fracture along the slip planes.
The Nongeneralizability of Classroom Dynamics as Predictors of Achievement for Hispanic Students in Upper Elementary Grades

This study examined the degree to which teacher behaviors established as predictors of achievement generalize to Hispanic students. Participants included 995 students (68% Hispanic) across Grades 3...
Peptide sequencing challenge.

Challenge, a series of puzzles to entertain and challenge our readers. This special ABC feature has established itself as a truly unique quiz series, with a new scientific puzzle published every other month. Readers can access the complete collection of published problems with their solutions on the Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry homepage at http:// www.springer.com/abc. Test your knowledge and tease your wits in diverse areas of analytical and bioanalytical chemistry by viewing this collection. In the present challenge, peptide sequencing is the topic. And please note that there is a prize to be won (a Springer book of your choice up to a value of € 75). Please read on...
Effects of cell division on the stigma of wild-type and an “eyeless” mutant of Chlamydomonas

Electron microscope study of stigma (eyespot) ontogeny in wild-type (WT) and an “eyeless” mutant of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (ey 627) confirms earlier observations that the mutant is not entirely “eyeless.” Ultrastructural changes were followed in synchronized batch cultures as a function of stage of cell cycle and as a function of cell density. Normally, the stigma lies just under the chloroplast envelope, near the periphery of the interphase cell. After nuclear division, the stigma is found in a new position near the dividing pyrenoid and the cleavage furrow. In both algal strains, as cytokinesis progresses the stigma divides between daughter cells without prior increase in size. Following cytokinesis the number of globules increases rapidly. Stigmata of the “eyeless” mutant require a longer time to reach mature size than do WT stigmata. In mutants, mature-sized stigmata are seen in cells from slowly growing cultures only; under conditions of rapid cell division, mutant stigmata are absent or rudimentary.
Strichartz estimates and the nonlinear Schrödinger equation on manifolds with boundary

We establish Strichartz estimates for the Schrodinger equation on Riemannian manifolds (Ω, g) with boundary, for both the compact case and the case that Ω is the exterior of a smooth, non-trapping obstacle in Euclidean space. The estimates for exterior domains are scale invariant; the range of Lebesgue exponents (p, q) for which we obtain these estimates is smaller than the range known for Euclidean space, but includes the key $${L^{4}_{t}L^{\infty}_x}$$ estimate, which we use to give a simple proof of well-posedness results for the energy critical Schrodinger equation in 3 dimensions. Our estimates on compact manifolds involve a loss of derivatives with respect to the scale invariant index. We use these to establish well-posedness for finite energy data of certain semilinear Schrodinger equations on general compact manifolds with boundary.
Multi-Element Thin Film Chemical Microsensors

A review of the science and technology of chemical sensing using planar micro-fabricated thin film potentiometric electrodes is presented. Those aspects of technology of stratified media that are especially peculiar to this class of structures, namely fabrication of thin film composites consisting of inoraanics, organics, gels and heterogeneous mixtures of these on planar electronic substrates are discussed. Problems encountered in patterning of this broad range of materials for the fabrication of chemical sensor arrays are emphasized.
Novel antigenic targets for immunotherapy in myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most commonly diagnosed hematologic malignancy after non-Hodgkin lymphoma and remains incurable in most of patients despite advances in high-dose chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and the development of novel therapeutics. Strategies for posttransplantation immunomodulation are desirable for eradication of remaining tumor cells. However, active immunotherapies using idiotype protein vaccines have been explored in MM patients, and the results have been disappointing. This chapter will concentrate on novel antigenic targets that are being targeted or can be targeted for immunotherapies to treat patients with MM. I will review the results of targeting idiotype proteins in preclinical and clinical studies of immunotherapies in MM conducted in the past 14 years. Moreover, the potentials of novel antigenic targets for myeloma immunotherapies, either through active immunization or vaccination or by adoptive immunotherapy using antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies, will be discussed in detail. With a better understanding of the immune system and tumor microenvironment in myeloma patients, as well as identification and development of novel targets and methods for immune targeting, there is a realistic hope that immunotherapies will soon be a part of conventional treatment modalities in MM and help control or even cure the disease.
Nonlinear behavior of acoustic waves in combustion chambers

This paper is concerned with the general problem of the nonlinear growth and limiting amplitude of acoustic waves in a combustion chamber. The analysis is intended to provide a formal framework within which practical problems can be treated with a minimum of effort and expense. There are broadly three parts. First, the general conservation equations are expanded in two small parameters, one characterizing the mean flow field and one measuring the amplitude of oscillations, and then combined to yield a nonlinear inhomogeneous wave equation. Second, the unsteady pressure and velocity fields are expressed as syntheses of the normal modes of the chamber, but with unknown time-varying amplitudes. This procedure yields a representation of a general unsteady field as a system of coupled nonlinear oscillators. Finally, the system of nonlinear equations is treated by the method of averaging to produce a set of coupled nonlinear first order differential equations for the amplitudes and phases of the modes. These must be solved numerically, but results can be obtained quite inexpensively. Subject to the approximations used, the analysis is applicable to any combustion chamber. The most interesting applications are probably to solid rockets, liquid rockets, or thrust augmentors on jet engines. The discussion of this report is oriented towards solid propellant rockets.
Ordinary least square regression, orthogonal regression, geometric mean regression and their applications in aerosol science

Regression analysis, especially the ordinary least squares method which assumes that errors are confined to the dependent variable, has seen a fair share of its applications in aerosol science. The ordinary least squares approach, however, could be problematic due to the fact that atmospheric data often does not lend itself to calling one variable independent and the other dependent. Errors often exist for both measurements. In this work, we examine two regression approaches available to accommodate this situation. They are orthogonal regression and geometric mean regression. Comparisons are made theoretically as well as numerically through an aerosol study examining whether the ratio of organic aerosol to CO would change with age.
Diffuse multi-vessel coronary artery spasm: Incidence and clinical prognosis

Abstract Background The incidence and clinical prognosis of diffuse and multivessel coronary spasm has not been reported. Methods Patients with suspected vasospastic angina were prospectively enrolled. Left and right coronary angiogram was performed simultaneously after intravenous ergonovine injection. Spasm (>70% luminal narrowing) was sub-classified as diffuse (more than 20mm length), multivessel (more than 2 epicardial arteries). Clinical characteristics and prognosis were analyzed. Results Patients (96 consecutive patients, 56 males, mean age 48years) were divided into 3 groups: diffuse-multivessel spasm (group I, n=16, 16.7%), other types of spasm (group II, n=12, 12.5%) and control group (group III, n=68, 70.8%). The rates of males, alcohol drinkers and the mean triglyceride were higher, and high density lipoprotein was lower in group I compared to group III (all p Conclusions Diffuse-multivessel spasm was not rare in patients with vasospastic angina and its prognosis is pretty good similar to patients with previously known variant angina with recommended medical treatment.
Functional outcome of hemiarthroplasty compared with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in the treatment of rotator cuff tear arthropathy.

Background Hemiarthroplasty was the treatment of choice for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) before the introduction of the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). The purpose of this study was to compare our outcomes for hemiarthroplasty with those for RTSA. Methods The records of patients with the diagnosis of CTA who had received either a hemiarthroplasty or RTSA from 1997 to 2007 were reviewed. A minimum of 2 years' follow-up was required. Active shoulder elevation, external rotation, internal rotation, and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores were obtained. Statistical analysis was performed comparing function, pain, and range of motion of hemiarthroplasty patients with RTSA patients. Results We identified 56 shoulder arthroplasties in 50 patients with a minimum of 2 years' follow-up. There were 20 hemiarthroplasties and 36 RTSAs performed. The mean follow-up was 4.4 years (range, 2-12 years) in the hemiarthroplasty group and 3 years (range, 2-5 years) in the RTSA group. The mean age in the hemiarthroplasty group was 64 years versus 72 years in the RTSA group ( P P = .005). Active elevation was significantly better in the RTSA group at all postoperative time periods. The complication rate for both groups was 25%. Conclusions RTSA performs better than hemiarthroplasty in terms of pain relief, function, and active elevation at 2-year follow-up.
Multiset and Set Decipherable Codes

We extend some results of Lempel and Restivo on multiset decipherable codes to set decipherable codes.
Creatine phosphokinase in cultured control and dystrophic chick embryo muscle.

Abstract Myogenesis and development of control and dystrophic chick embryo muscle cells in tissue culture were followed for periods up to 57 days. Control myofibers generally showed earlier and more vigorous contractile activity than dystrophics, and in controls detachment of the center of the cell mat occurred at about 3–4 weeks. CPK activity of control cultures increased to maximum values by 3–4 weeks and then declined. In dystrophic cultures, CPK activities increased to levels somewhat greater than controls before declining, and maximum levels occurred over a wider time range. In the medium from dystrophic cultures, CPK activity increased markedly, when cell CPK activity was rapidly declining. Maximum medium CPK activities in dystrophics were, on the average, two and one-half times greater than any control medium value. In controls there was no consistent correlation between maximum medium CPK activity and any phase of cell CPK activity. There were no marked differences, in DNA and protein content, between control and dystrophic cultures, and these parameters primarily reflected the fibroblast component of the culture. None of the differences between control and dystrophic cultures was markedly affected by the proportion of myoblasts to fibroblasts in the original tissue culture inoculum. These results are discussed in reference to the validity of determining CPK activity as a quantitative approach to investigating dystrophic muscle in tissue culture.
Transforming examples for multiclass boosting

AdaBoost.M2 and AdaBoost.MH are boosting algorithms for learning from multiclass datasets. They have received less attention than other boosting algorithms because they require base classifiers that can handle the pseudoloss or Hamming loss, respectively. The difficulty with these loss functions is that each example is associated with k weights, where k is the number of classes. We address this issue by transforming an m-example dataset with k weights per example into a dataset with km examples and one weight per example. Minimising error on the transformed dataset is equivalent to minimising loss on the original dataset. Resampling the transformed dataset can be used for time efficiency and base classifiers that cannot handle weighted examples. We empirically apply the transformation on several multiclass datasets using naive Bayes and decision trees as base classifiers. Our experiment shows that it is competitive with AdaBoost.ECC, a boosting algorithm using output coding.
A Hybrid Deterministic/Monte Carlo Method for Solving the k-Eigenvalue Problem with a Comparison to Analog Monte Carlo Solutions

In this article we present a hybrid deterministic/Monte Carlo algorithm for computing the dominant eigenvalue/eigenvector pair for the neutron transport k-eigenvalue problem in multiple space dimensions. We begin by deriving the Nonlinear Diffusion Acceleration method (Knoll, Park, and Newman, 2011; Park, Knoll, and Newman, 2012) for the k-eigenvalue problem. We demonstrate that we can adapt the algorithm to utilize a Monte Carlo simulation in place of a deterministic transport sweep. We then show that the new hybrid method can be used to solve a two-group, two dimensional eigenvalue problem. The hybrid method is competitive with analog Monte Carlo in terms of number of particle flights required to compute the eigenvalue; however it produces a much less noisy eigenvector and fission source distribution. Furthermore, we show that we can reduce the error induced by the discretization of the low-order system by appropriate refinement of the mesh.
A new procedure for the cryopreservation of equine embryos.

Abstract Early equine blastocysts and blastocysts were collected nonsurgically at six days post-ovulation. Thirty-two embryos were randomly assigned to a 2×2 factorial design. Factors were: 1) 0.5-ml straws or 1-ml glass ampules; and 2) plunging into liquid nitrogen (IN2) at −33 C or −38 C. Cryoprotectant, 10% glycerol in PBS plus 5% fetal calf serum (FCS) was added in two steps, 5% then 10%. Embryos were cooled at 4 C/min to −6 C and then seeded, 0.3 C/min to −30 or −35 C and 0.1 C/min to −33 or −38 C. Samples were thawed in 37 C water and glycerol removed in six steps, 10 min per step. Embryo quality and stage of development were evaluated prior to freezing, immediately post-thaw and after 24 h culture in Ham's F10 with 5% FCS. The mean post-thaw quality of embryos plunged at −33 C was superior (P 8 10 , 80%) than expanded blastocysts ( 1 7 , 14%).