cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mesoscopic dynamics of polymer chains in high strain rate extensional flows

Abstract We take a step towards accessing the physics of viscoelastic liquid breakup in high speed, high strain rate flows by performing Brownian dynamics computations of dilute uniaxial, equibiaxial, and ellipsoidal polymeric extensional flows. Our computational implementation of the bead-spring model, when tailored to the DNA molecule, consistently with recent works of Larson and co-workers, is shown: (a) to predict a coil-stretch transition at Deborah number D e ≈ 0.5 , and (b) to reproduce the experimental longest relaxation time. Furthermore, after adapting the model parameters to represent the polyethylene oxide (PEO) chain (for M = 1 0 6 Da), we find it possible to reproduce our own experimental data of the longest relaxation time, the transient extensional viscosity of dilute solutions at small Deborah numbers, and a coil-stretch transition at Deborah number D e ≈ 0.5 . Extended to large Deborah numbers, the model predicts that polymer stretching is controlled by: (a) the randomness of the initial conditions that, in combination with rapid kinematically imposed compression, lead to the formation of initially frozen chain-folds, and (b) the speed with which thermo-kinematic processes relax these folds. The slowest fold relaxation occurs during uniaxial extension. As expected, the introduction of stretching along a second direction enhances the efficiency of fold relaxation mechanisms. Even for Deborah numbers (based on the chain longest relaxation time) of the order of one thousand, there is a large variation in the time a polymer needs in order to extend fully, and the effects of Brownian motion cannot be ignored. The computed Trouton ratios and polymer contributions to the total stress as functions of Hencky strain provide information about the relative importance of elastic effects during polymeric liquid stretching. At high strain rates, the steady state elastic stresses increase linearly with the Deborah number, resembling at that stage an anisotropic Newtonian fluid (constant extensional viscosity).
Methods for electron microscopy of the lamellated osmiophilic bodies of the lung

SUMMARY A study has been made of methods of fixing, staining, and embedding for electron microscopy the lamellated osmiophilic bodies (LOPBs) of the type II cells of the lung, which are probably connected with the lung surfactant. The preferred method for fixing and staining uses successively 2% glutaraldehyde, 1% osmium tetroxide, and a mixture of 10 vol M/40 lead nitrate with 10.5 vol M/60 potassium ferricyanide: all reagents are in cacodylate buffer. Unless the ferri-cyanide is in excess, the sections show blotchy precipitation. The bodies are damaged by ethanol and 1:2 epoxypropane. Dioxan or (with a quick time schedule) acetone may be used as a dehydrant and thinner prior to Araldite embedding. Durcupan water-soluble resin may also be used for dehydration and embedding; the preferred embedding mixture is: 5 ml resin A, 11.7 ml hardener B, 1.5 ml hardener C, and 0.4 ml plasticizer D, cured for 24–48 h at 60°C. Examination of LOPBs on a goniometer stage shows that they are composed of layers spaced at 4 nm, each lamella containing several such layers. Further evidence is adduced linking the LOPBs with the surfactant, and the application of the new methods to various problems involving the LOPBs is discussed.
88 PASSIVE SMOKING AND URINE COTININE LEVELS IN GREEK CHILDREN

Top of pageAbstract The high prevalence of cigarette smoking in Greece made worth an attempt to documenting passive smoking among children. A precoded questionnaire was completed by three paediatricians for 565 randomly selected attenders in a 24-hours walk-in outpatient clinic. In all 565 children urine cotinine levels were measured by radioimmunoassay and standardised by the cotinine / creatinine ratio. It was found that: 1. Most Greek children (80%) are passive smokers as it was confirmed by the elevated urine cotinine/creatinine ratio (53.4 ±74.3 ng/mg). 2. In 44% of the households mother was the source of indoor popution by cigarette smoke, alone (11%) or along with father (33%). 3. From variant and regression analysis a statistically significant association was identified between urine cotinine levels in children and the following main factors by descending, order of p values: number of smokers at home (positive), child's age (negative), number of cigarettes/ day (positive), surface of household (negative), maternal education (negative). In conclusion antismoking compaing has to be reinforced in Greece and paediatricians are urged to actively participate.
Traumatic strictures of the prostatomembranous urethra in children: Radiologic evaluation before and after urethral reconstruction

Impassible strictures of the posterior urethra are frequent sequelae of injuries of the prostatomembranous urethra. To select the appropriate type of urethral reconstructive procedure, the surgeon must know the length of the stricture, whether local complications are present, and whether the anterior urethra is strictured or bound down by fibrosis. The authors describe the radiographic techniques they use to plan urethral reconstruction and evaluate the operative result. The principles of the one-stage transperineal and combined transpubic-transperineal repairs and the two-stage Turner-Warwick scrotal skin inlay urethroplasty are presented to enable radiologists and urologists to interpret contrast studies of the lower urinary tract in patients who have undergone these operation.
The snails the dinosaurs saw: are the pleurocerid populations of the Older Appalachians a relict of the Paleozoic Era?

AbstractPleurocerid snails are a common element of the benthos in rivers and streams throughout the Appalachian highlands from Virginia to Georgia on both sides of the continental divide. Yet their dispersal capabilities are so limited today that significant gene frequency differences have been demonstrated over a scale of meters. We obtained mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) sequence data from 3 individual snails sampled from each of 13 populations of pleurocerids representing 3 species—Leptoxis carinata (4 populations), Goniobasis (“Elimia”) catenaria (4 populations), and Goniobasis (“Elimia”) proxima (5 populations). To these data we added previously published COI sequences from 3 other G. proxima populations. Levels of intrapopulation sequence divergence were strikingly high, ranging up to 21.9% within populations and 22.6% between populations within species. A neighbor-joining analysis revealed 3 loose clusters corresponding to the species, but featured numerous extreme outliers. Wil...
Parallel adaptive computation of blood flow in a 3D "whole" body model

Due to the systemic nature of the response of the human body to vascular trauma, accurate simulation may require the consideration of larger portions of the vasculature than have previously been modeled. A patient-specific 3D model, composed of 78 arteries extending from the neck to the toes, was constructed to meaningfully represent many of the major arteries in the systemic circulation. Recently developed boundary conditions are applied at the 78 outlets to realistically represent the remaining vasculature not resolved by the 3D domain. The pulsatile blood flow simulation is started on an initial boundary layer mesh with a few million elements which is then adapted to a higher resolution by applying solution-based adaptivity. The effects of the mesh resolution on flow features are studied. Pressure, velocity and wall shear stress results will be presented.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Treatment of small-bowel diaphragm disease by using double-balloon enteroscopy

Background Double-balloon enteroscopy is a new technique that allows endoscopic therapy throughout the entire length of the small bowel. Diaphragm disease, characterized by thin septa that narrow the small-bowel lumen, is traditionally treated surgically by segmental resection. Objective To report successful endoscopic treatment of diaphragm disease by double-balloon enteroscopy. Patients Three patients. Design Case report. Interventions Double-balloon enteroscopy and stricture balloon dilation. Results We report, for the first time, 3 cases in which diaphragm strictures were successfully treated during double-balloon enteroscopy. In 2 cases, a retained capsule endoscope was removed by the retrograde approach after stricture dilation. Limitations Small number of patients and brief length of patient follow up. Conclusion Double-balloon enteroscopy may be used to treat patients with diaphragm disease, thus avoiding potentially complicated surgery.
Data from Apollo missions show how lunar dust degrades instruments

Apollo astronauts encountered very fine, powdery, abrasive lunar dust, which stuck to scientific instruments and caused damage and sometimes overheating and failure. To measure the effects of lunar dust, each of the first four Apollo expeditions left a set of solar cells on the Moon, and data were transmitted to Earth from 1969 to 1976.
Epigenetic Characterization of the FMR1 Gene and Aberrant Neurodevelopment in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Models of Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability. In addition to cognitive deficits, FXS patients exhibit hyperactivity, attention deficits, social difficulties, anxiety, and other autistic-like behaviors. FXS is caused by an expanded CGG trinucleotide repeat in the 5′ untranslated region of the Fragile X Mental Retardation (FMR1) gene leading to epigenetic silencing and loss of expression of the Fragile X Mental Retardation protein (FMRP). Despite the known relationship between FMR1 CGG repeat expansion and FMR1 silencing, the epigenetic modifications observed at the FMR1 locus, and the consequences of the loss of FMRP on human neurodevelopment and neuronal function remain poorly understood. To address these limitations, we report on the generation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from multiple patients with FXS and the characterization of their differentiation into post-mitotic neurons and glia. We show that clones from reprogrammed FXS patient fibroblast lines exhibit variation with respect to the predominant CGG-repeat length in the FMR1 gene. In two cases, iPSC clones contained predominant CGG-repeat lengths shorter than measured in corresponding input population of fibroblasts. In another instance, reprogramming a mosaic patient having both normal and pre-mutation length CGG repeats resulted in genetically matched iPSC clonal lines differing in FMR1 promoter CpG methylation and FMRP expression. Using this panel of patient-specific, FXS iPSC models, we demonstrate aberrant neuronal differentiation from FXS iPSCs that is directly correlated with epigenetic modification of the FMR1 gene and a loss of FMRP expression. Overall, these findings provide evidence for a key role for FMRP early in human neurodevelopment prior to synaptogenesis and have implications for modeling of FXS using iPSC technology. By revealing disease-associated cellular phenotypes in human neurons, these iPSC models will aid in the discovery of novel therapeutics for FXS and other autism-spectrum disorders sharing common pathophysiology.
NMR studies of furan and thiophene partially oriented in a lyotropic liquid crystal

Abstract High resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectra have been obtained and analyzed for the solutes, furan and thiophene, oriented in a Lyotropic mesophase. The structural parameters calculated for both molecules agree well with microwave geometries. The signs of the isotropic coupling constants are positive for furan and thiophene. The orientation of both molecules is such that the planes containing the protons are on the average perpendicular to the magnetic field direction. A comparison of structural parameters obtained employing thermotropic as well as lyotropic liquid crystals is presented.
Learning to discriminate frequency modulation rate can benefit and worsen pitch acuity

Participants were trained to discriminate frequency modulation rates (FM-rate training) or Gabor patch orientations (visual training) in a same–different task for two different training lengths. Test discriminations involved trains of FM sweeps with identical modulation rates, but different frequencies. FM-rate training enhanced test accuracy (relative to visual) when sweep trains contained frequencies similar to training. For extended FM-rate training, the opposite was true for trains shifted one octave higher. In contrast to previous work, generalization of learning to the untrained dimension (pitch) was not well accounted for by conceptual learning. Mechanisms of stimulus learning may better explain the current cross-dimensional generalization.
NKG2D-mediated signaling requires a DAP10-bound Grb2-Vav1 intermediate and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase in human natural killer cells

NKG2D is an important immunosurveillance receptor that responds to stress-induced ligand expression on tumors and virus-infected cells. Human natural killer cells express NKG2D and require the transmembrane adaptor DAP10 to initiate their full cytotoxic activation. However, DAP10 has no immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif and thus the mechanism of recruiting 'downstream' effector proteins is unclear. We show here that binding of the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol-3- kinase to DAP10 could not by itself trigger cell-mediated cytotoxicity and that binding of an intermediate consisting of the DAP10 binding partner Grb2 and the effector molecule Vav1 (Grb2-Vav1) to DAP10 was sufficient to initiate tyrosine-phosphorylation events. For full calcium release and cytotoxicity to occur, both Grb2-Vav1 and p85 had to bind to DAP10. These findings identify a previously unknown mechanism by which NKG2D-DAP10 mediates cytotoxicity and provides a framework for evaluating activation by other receptor complexes that lack immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs.
Pattern of partial reinforcement and resistance to extinction in the immature rat

Three groups of immature rats were given partially reinforced training, one group with an alternating pattern, another with a Gellermann pattern, and a third with an extended pattern, while a fourth group was consistently reinforced. The alternating pattern was clearly discriminated in acquisition. In extinction, the Consistent Group extinguished faster than the partially reinforced groups, and the Alternating Group extinguished faster than the Gellermann and Extended groups. These results are in agreement with findings for the adult rat, and only the failure to find a difference in resistance to extinction between Gellermann and Extended groups is discrepant with adult rat results.
Choosing to be a managerial woman: An examination of individual variables and career choice

This study examined individual difference variables of female MBA students measured toward the end of their academic careers. Data from these subjects as well as from male MBAs and from male and female MA candidates in elementary education were ordered in a 2×2 female/male, traditional role/nontraditional role matrix of analysis (N=151). Female MBA candidates were found to differ significantly from the other subjects on several dimensions. Female managers-to-be saw themselves as more self-assured, more creative, and higher in initiative than did the others. There was no evidence of fear of identity or of sex-role inappropriateness, which had been suggested in earlier literature dealing with women entering nontraditional careers.
Are patient-specific cutting blocks cost-effective for total knee arthroplasty?

Background Using patient-specific cutting blocks for TKA increases the cost to the hospital for these procedures, but it has been proposed they may reduce operative times and improve implant alignment, which could reduce the need for revision surgery.
Positional accuracy and sensitivity in x-ray stereo image guidance

A mathematical model for x-ray stereo-image guidance system is present in this paper. Based on this model, the relationship between 3D point and its 2D image projection is expressed as a 4 X 4 transformation matrix, which is composed by a series of coordinate transformations including translation, rotation and perspective projection. The principle method to recover 3D object position from stereo- image pairs is derived according to the system model we presented. The 3D object positional accuracy and system sensitivity of the x-ray stereo-image guidance system is discussed, and effectiveness of system incoherent parameter is revealed. The result shows that the absolute positioning error is proportion to the absolute position of the object under world coordinate system, and the system sensitivity is inversely proportional to the object position. Our result is very helpful to determine the system parameters in building a costly prototype. Such parameters include x-ray tubes separation, detector size, digital image resolution, SID and so on. The experiment was performed and the result was consistent with the expected value predicated by theoretic analysis. Our promising application of this method lies in digital mammography imaging guidance, but applications in other types of radiographic imagine are possible also.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Compliance with physical activity recommendations in US adults with diabetes.

Aims To investigate whether US adults with diabetes meet both the national and American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommendations for physical activity compared with people without diabetes, and to examine the trends of this behaviour over time. Methods We analysed data from large nationally representative cohorts from the 1996–2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The number of participants ranged from 98 127 in 1996 to 204 977 in 2005, and the number of people with diabetes ranged from 4379 in 1996 to 13 608 in 2005. Participants were classified by their exercise status and physical activity levels. The age-standardized prevalence of physical activity participation or meeting physical activity recommendations was calculated in people with and without diabetes. Results People with diabetes participated less in physical activity (63.1–68.9 vs. 71.7–78.3%) and met physical activity recommendations less than people without diabetes (40.2–42.9 vs. 48.0–51.5% for meeting national recommendations and 38.5–41.7 vs. 46.6–49.8% for meeting ADA recommendations). The percentage of people with diabetes who participated in physical activity in the past 10 years or met physical activity recommendations in the past 5 years did not vary, whereas significantly increasing trends were observed in people without diabetes. The odds for adults with diabetes meeting physical activity recommendations were significantly lower than in adults without diabetes even after multivariate adjustment. Conclusion People with diabetes were less likely to meet either national or ADA recommendations for physical activity than people without diabetes. Our results demonstrate the need for more efforts from health-care professionals to promote physical activity in people with diabetes.
Concealment of homosexual identity, social support and CD4 cell count among HIV-seropositive gay men.

Objective: Previous research has indicated that the concealment of homosexuality is related to poorer health among gay men with HIV. This study explored mechanisms by which concealment of homosexuality may be related to HIV disease status by examining associations between concealment of homosexuality, social support, social constraints, depressive symptoms and CD4 count among HIV-seropositive gay men. Method: Questionnaires assessing concealment of homosexuality, social support, depressive symptoms and social constraints were administered to 73 HIV-seropositive gay men. Medical charts were accessed to gather HIV disease information including CD4 counts. Regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between psychosocial variables and CD4 counts. Results: Concealment of homosexuality was associated with lower CD4 count, greater social constraints, greater depressive symptoms and less social support. The association between concealment of homosexuality and CD4 count varied according to level of social support. Among participants with higher levels of social support, those with greater concealment had lower CD4 counts than those with lower concealment. Concealment of homosexuality was not related to CD4 count among participants reporting low social support. Conclusion: Concealment of homosexuality among HIV-seropositive gay men is associated with lower CD4 counts, depressive symptoms and strained social relationships. In addition, the benefits of being open about homosexuality may be most evident under conditions of greater social support.
Postgastric bypass hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia syndrome: characterization and response to a modified diet.

Abstract Background Some alarming cases of hypoglycemic episodes in patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass have been reported. The syndrome of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia with nesidioblastosis after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has been previously reported and is controversial. It has been suggested that subtotal or total pancreatectomy might be needed to control the symptoms in these patients. We have identified a similar cohort of patients with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia for whom we have reviewed patient characteristics and measured the glucose and insulin response to mixed meals. Methods We reviewed the charts of 14 patients identified by clinic follow-up who reported episodes consistent with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (lightheadedness or loss of consciousness after a high-carbohydrate meal). All patients were given a mixed meal consisting of high carbohydrates on day 1 and a low-carbohydrate meal on day 2. The plasma glucose and serum insulin levels were measured before (fasting) and 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 minutes after the meal. Results After a high-carbohydrate meal, 12 of 14 patients demonstrated hyperglycemia associated with hyperinsulinemia at 30 minutes. These patients subsequently became hypoglycemic while the serum insulin was rapidly declining. After reaching a nadir at 120 minutes, the plasma glucose level corrected spontaneously. After a low-carbohydrate mixed meal, the patients demonstrated very little change in plasma glucose and only a modest increase in serum insulin. Of the 12 patients treated with a low-carbohydrate diet, 6 had substantive symptom improvement, and 10 exhibited at least some improvement. Conclusion The hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia noted in some patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has many similarities to the dumping syndrome. A low-carbohydrate diet successfully improved symptoms in most of our patients. Approaches to treatment should involve a low-carbohydrate diet and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors rather than pancreatectomy.
Individual differences in perspective taking and field-independence mediate structural persistence in dialog.

Abstract Speakers often reuse syntactic constructions recently produced by an interlocutor. As a form of conversational repetition, evidence for such structural persistence may depend on the extent to which different people are sensitive to the linguistic contributions of others. To investigate how individual differences might mediate the likelihood of structural persistence in dialog, two potential measures of such sensitivity – a measure of self-reported perspective taking and a measure of field-dependence/independence – were collected from participants who also worked with a confederate partner on a picture description task adopted from Branigan, Pickering, and Cleland (2000). Following prime descriptions produced by the confederate, participants produced target descriptions of ditransitive events that could be described with either prepositional dative (PD) or double object (DO) constructions. In general, participants who rated themselves higher in perspective taking and who were identified as more field-independent showed more evidence of repeating the partner's syntax; however, these patterns were limited to PD primes. Variability in sensitivity to others' perspectives, and variability in one's ability to attend to local structure, may shape the likelihood that interlocutors will display evidence for structural persistence in dialog.
Optical design of Lyman/FUSE

The optical system for the proposed Lyman/Far UV Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) orbiting observatory is described and illustrated with drawings and graphs of predicted performance. The system comprises (1) an FUV channel based on a 1.84-m-diameter Rowland circle spectrograph with five high-density modified ellipsiodal near-normal-incidence gratings and an array of four MAMA detectors; (2) an EUV channel with ellipsoidal mirror, planar varied-line-space grating, microchannel-plate array, and wedge-and-strip anode detector; (3) a 70-cm Wolter II glancing-incidence telescope; and (4) a CCD-detector fine-error sensor to provide accurate pointing (within 200 marcsec rms). The resolving powers of the spectrographs are 30,000 in the FUV and 300-600 (wavelength-dependent) in the EUV.
The role of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the evolution of longevity in Drosophila melanogaster

Different polymorphic elements of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) are favoured under selection for long versus short life span. Replicate independently selected populations of short-lived individuals exhibit a more rapidly migrating and less actively staining allozyme, while long-lived populations have a slower migrating and more active allozyme. These correspond to the common ZwA and ZwB variants of the G6PD locus Zw. In vitro measurements show G6PD activity varies with allozymes and life span. Long-lived males have 64 per cent greater activity in G6PD, while females of long-lived strains are 108 per cent higher than those of short-lived strains. Previous studies of these strains have repeatedly demonstrated additivity of life span in F1 crosses. Activity of G6PD in reciprocal F1 populations is additive and intermediate between parents.
Chromosomal and cell size analysis of cold tolerant maize

C-band number, guard cell length, and chloroplast number per guard cell were determined for eight maize populations. These populations consisted of maize selected for cold tolerance at the University of Nebraska as well as the original unselected populations. The genome size of these populations had previously been determined. C-band number fluctuated concertedly with the changes in genome size indicating that deletions and additions of constitutive heterochromatin occurred during selection, resulting in altered genome sizes. Guard cell size of all the cold tolerant populations was greater than the cell size of the respective nonselected populations. Chloroplast number per guard cell was also higher in all the cold tolerant populations than in their parental populations, but the increases were not statistically significant. The results indicate that changes in genome size that occurred during selection for cold tolerance are the result of changes in amounts of C-band heterochromatin and that the selection process results in an increase in cell size in the cold tolerant populations.
Effects of cocoa products/dark chocolate on serum lipids: a meta-analysis.

Cocoa products, which are rich sources of flavonoids, have been shown to reduce blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Dark chocolate contains saturated fat and is a source of dietary calories; consequently, it is important to determine whether consumption of dark chocolate adversely affects the blood lipid profile. The objective was to examine the effects of dark chocolate/cocoa product consumption on the lipid profile using published trials. A detailed literature search was conducted via MEDLINE (from 1966 to May 2010), CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled clinical trials assessing the effects of flavanol-rich cocoa products or dark chocolate on lipid profile. The primary effect measure was the difference in means of the final measurements between the intervention and control groups. In all, 10 clinical trials consisting of 320 participants were included in the analysis. Treatment duration ranged from 2 to 12 weeks. Intervention with dark chocolate/cocoa products significantly reduced serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC) levels (differences in means (95% CI) were −5.90 mg/dl (−10.47, −1.32 mg/dl) and −6.23 mg/dl (−11.60, −0.85 mg/dl), respectively). No statistically significant effects were observed for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (difference in means (95% CI): −0.76 mg/dl (−3.02 to 1.51 mg/dl)) and triglyceride (TG) (−5.06 mg/dl (−13.45 to 3.32 mg/dl)). These data are consistent with beneficial effects of dark chocolate/cocoa products on total and LDL cholesterol and no major effects on HDL and TG in short-term intervention trials.
Local Models for data-driven learning of control policies for complex systems

An approach based on local learning, relying on Nadaraya-Watson models (NWMs), is introduced for the problem of deriving an automatic controller able to exploit data collected during the operation of some complex plant or system by a reference teacher (e.g., a human operator). Such learning approach is particularly useful when the system is too complex to be modeled accurately and/or the task cannot be easily formalized by a cost function, a situation which rules out classic approaches based, e.g., on dynamic programming. Here it is proved that local models are a suitable solution for a real-time employment, since they allow to incorporate new information directly and efficiently without the need of offline training, and new data immediately reflect in improvement of performance. To this purpose, convergence analysis of the method is provided, also considering the case where the reference controller introduces random variations in the training data. Finally, a simulation test, concerning the control of a mechanical system, is provided to showcase the use of local models in an applicative scenario.
Exercise, depression, and mortality after myocardial infarction in the ENRICHD trial.

ABSTRACTBLUMENTHAL, J. A., M. A. BABYAK, R. M. CARNEY, M. HUBER, P. G. SAAB, M. M. BURG, D. SHEPS, L. POWELL, C. B. TAYLOR, and P.G. KAUFMANN. Exercise, Depression, and Mortality after Myocardial Infarction in the ENRICHD Trial. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 36, No. 5, pp. 746–755, 2004.Purpose:The
GEOMETRIC CONSTRUCTION OF SO(4) EXTENDED SUPERGRAVITY

Abstract Equations of motion and transformation laws of an on-shell SO(4)-extended de Sitter supergravity and the associated Poincare contraction are obtained. The method is geometric: the orthosymplectic superalgebra osp ( 4 4 ) is used to construct a bundle of frames with Sl(2C) ⊗ SO(4) as the structure group and with the coset osp ( 4 4 )/ sl (2 C ) ⊗ so (4) homeomorphic to the tangent space of the base supermanifold. Taking covariant constraints into the Bianchi identities yields a completely consistent supergravity theory.
Preventing or reducing late side effects of radiation therapy: radiobiology meets molecular pathology.

Progress in molecular radiobiology has improved the understanding of the pathogenesis of side effects that develop months or years after radiotherapy has been completed. This knowledge will help to improve the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy and the quality of life of long-term cancer survivors.
Evaluating pseudo-random number generators

Abstract The graphing and computational capabilities of Mathematica provide a quick and visual route to evaluating various characteristics of pseudo-random number generators. This paper is a tutorial on using some simple statistical and graphical techniques for studying the output of such generators. In addition, a simple congruential generator with modulus π, whose output is shown to be reasonably uniform and independent (according to the tests described here), is introduced.
Influence of diet and oxidative rancidity on fry of Atlantic and coho salmon

Six commercially prepared starter diets were fed to triplicate groups of swim-up fry of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) at 9–10°C for 24 and 8 weeks, respectively. The levels of oxidative rancidity of the diets were determined to be relatively low by the thiobarbituric acid and peroxide value methods. Growth rates of both species of salmon differed significantly with diet and were inversely correlated (P < 0.005) with measures of oxidative rancidity.
A general framework for automatic steering control: system analysis

In this paper, steering control for passenger cars on automated highways is analyzed, concentrating on look-down reference systems. Extension of earlier experimental results for low speed to highway speed is shown to be nontrivial. The limitations of pure output-feedback of lateral vehicle displacement from the road reference are examined under practical constraints and performance requirements such as robustness, maximum lateral error and passenger comfort. The in-depth system analysis directly leads to a new alternative design direction which allows to harness the benefits of look-ahead reference systems for look-down highway speed automatic driving.
Joint MIMO radar waveform and receiving filter optimization

The concept of MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) radar allows each transmitting antenna element to transmit an arbitrary waveform. This provides extra degrees of freedom compared to the traditional transmit beamforming approach. It has been shown in the recent literature that MIMO radar systems have many advantages. In this paper, we consider the joint optimization of waveforms and receiving filters in the MIMO radar when the prior information of target and clutter are available. A novel iterative algorithm is proposed to optimize the waveforms and receiving filters such that the detection performance can be maximized. The proposed algorithm guarantees that the SINR performance improves in each iteration step. The numerical results show that the proposed methods have better SINR performances than existing design methods.
Chronic pain: treatment barriers and strategies for clinical practice.

BACKGROUND Chronic pain is a clinical challenge for the practicing physician. Lack of knowledge about opioids, negative attitudes toward prescribing opioids, and inadequate pain-assessment skills combine to create major barriers to pain relief. Patient-related barriers, such as lack of communication and unwarranted fears of addiction, further complicate pain assessment and treatment. The health care system itself can hinder pain relief through practical constraints in the community and fear of regulatory scrutiny by the physician. METHODS Information was gathered by doing a literature search, collating clinical information from practice and additional research findings from national meetings, and reviewing the Bulletin of the American Pain Society. Key search terms included "pain," "chronic pain," "pain management," "pain assessment," "pain treatment," and "barriers to pain management." RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Concrete steps for the clinician engaged in the treatment of chronic pain include selection and administration of an effective opioid, dose titration, short- vs long-acting opioids, opioid rotation, ongoing assessment, and consideration of patient preferences. In addition, communication, coping behaviors, and pain education play important roles in the pain equation.
Rails (Aves: Rallidae: Gallirallus) from prehistoric sites in the Kingdom of Tonga, including a description of a new species

ABSTRACT We describe the prehistoric bones of Gallirallus spp. from 14 prehistoric sites on seven islands in the Kingdom of Tonga, South Pacific. Two specimens (tibiotarsi) from Ha'afeva (Ha'apai Group) probably represent an extinct species but are considered to be an inadequate basis for description. Otherwise, all bones from cultural sites (<3000 years old) are referred to the extant G. philippensis, which is widespread in Oceania today. From an older site on ‘Eua Island, we describe a new extinct species, G. vekamatolu. Qualitative osteological characters, as well as multivariate statistical analysis of hind-limb and forelimb measurements, indicate that this new species was flightless. On ‘Eua, G. vekamatolu is the only rail recorded from pre-cultural strata, whereas three extant volant species of rails (G. philippensis, Porzana tabuensis, Porphyrio porphyrio) are recorded from strata that post-date human arrival. Gallirallus vekamatolu is the third flightless species of Gallirallus described from preh...
Determination of 23 organophosphorous pesticides in surface water using SPME followed by GC-MS.

Determination of 23 organophosphorous pesticides (sulfotep, phorate, demeton, diazinon, disulfoton, kitazzin.P, chlorpyrifosmethyl, methyl-parathion, ronnel, fenitrothion, malathion, chlorpyrifos, fenthion, parathion, bromophos, isofenphos-methyl, phenthoate, quinalphos, ethion, triazophos, carbophenothion, pirimiphos-methyl, and pirimiphos-ethyl) in water using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry detection (GC‐MS) was investigated. The influence of various parameters on pesticides extraction efficiency by SPME was thoroughly studied. For quantitation in the selective ion monitoring (SIM) mode, the linear range of most compounds was found to be between 0.05‐10 µg/L, and the detection limits were between 0.7‐50 ng/L. To validate matrix effects for surface water, the recoveries were calculated between 71‐104%. SPME in combination with GC‐MS is a sensitive and effective method for the determination of organophosphorous pesticides (OPPs) in water samples.
Exenatide in obesity with accelerated gastric emptying: a randomized, pharmacodynamics study

Obesity is associated with differences in satiety, gastric emptying (GE), gastric volume, and psychological traits. Exenatide, a short-acting glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, is associated with variable weight loss. We compared the effects of exenatide, 5 μg, and placebo SQ, twice daily for 30 days on GE of solids and liquids (scintigraphy), satiety (ad libitum buffet meal), satiation (nutrient drink test, maximum tolerated volume [MTV]), and weight loss in 20 participants with documented accelerated GE of solids (T1/2 < 90 min). Exenatide delayed GE of solids (T1/2 [Δ] 86 min relative to placebo, P < 0.001) and reduced calorie intake at buffet meal ([Δ] 129 kcal compared to placebo). Median weight loss was −0.95 kg (IQR −0.7 to −2.1) for exenatide and −0.55 kg (0.3 to −2.1) for placebo (P = 0.23); 80% of exenatide group had documented reduction in weight. In the exenatide treatment group, there was an inverse correlation between gastric emptying T1/2 and MTV (R = −0.548, P = 0.089). The univariate association of weight change with posttreatment MTV was borderline (Rs = 0.43, P = 0.06); in the multiple regression model, posttreatment MTV was associated with weight change (P = 0.047). The effect of the short-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, exenatide, on GE is associated with the change in food intake, and the latter impacts weight loss in response to exenatide treatment.
Scattering of 1-D periodic scatterer and asymptotic comparison using the many-body iterative T-matrix method

The many-body iterative T-matrix (MBIT) method is based on the T-matrix method and focuses on scatterers with large aspect ratios. In this study, the MBIT method is extended so that it can be applied to an infinite scatterer with a 1-D periodic finite structure. A semi-analytical solution of infinite scatterers is obtained. In addition, the MBIT method is theoretically extended to include scatterers without axial rotational symmetry. The direct validation of the present method is performed by comparing the analytic solution for an infinite cylinder and the numerically accurate discrete dipole approximation method whereas indirect validation is conducted by using asymptotic solutions. Furthermore, the study also demonstrates that scattering properties of infinite scatterers can be used as a substitute for finite scatterers with large aspect ratios.
Altering the viscosity of cationically modified cellulose polymers by the addition of salt

The concentration dependence of viscosity is examined for four cationically modified cellulose polymers (UCARE™ JR400, UCARE™ JR30M, UCARE™ LR400, and UCARE™ LR30M) in both salt-free and 50 mM NaCl solution. Similarities in the four polymer systems include: Newtonian viscosity in the dilute regime, shear thinning at higher concentrations, four concentration regimes in salt-free solution, and three concentration regimes in salt solution. The zero shear rate viscosity and the degree of shear thinning increase with increasing polymer concentration in both salt and salt-free solutions. While the addition of salt to the lower molecular weight polymers JR400 and LR400 resulted in small changes in viscosity across all concentrations, JR30M and LR30M exhibited significant decreases (up to 81%) and increases (up to 57%) in viscosity upon the addition of salt in the semidilute and entangled regimes, respectively. This viscosity increase in the entangled regime (when comparing salt-free and 50 mM NaCl solutions) is reported for the first time in cationically modified cellulose polymers. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41616.
The Effect of an Automated Clinical Reminder on Weight Loss in Primary Care

Background: Overweight and obese individuals have increased health risks. Clinical reminders positively affect health outcomes in diabetes and osteoporosis, but the effect of automated prompts on weight loss in obesity has not been studied. Our objective was to determine whether an automatic prompt for the clinician to recommend lifestyle changes to patients with a body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2 led to greater weight loss over a 3- to 6-month interval compared with the absence of a clinical reminder. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records of obese adult patients with a BMI >25 kg/m2 who were seen in 2009 and 2010, before and after implementation of an automated printed clinical reminder, respectively. We evaluated 1600 patients in each of the control and intervention groups. The primary outcome was the mean change in BMI between the control and intervention groups. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the effect of the clinical reminder on the change in BMI while adjusting for baseline BMI and potential confounding factors. Results: The reduction in BMI (mean ± standard deviation) in the group with the clinical reminder (−0.084 ± 1.56 kg/m2) was not significantly greater than the control group (−0.053 ± 1.49 kg/m2; P = .56). A regression model incorporating the clinical reminder, age, baseline BMI, obesity diagnosis, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia found that baseline BMI (P Conclusion: Automated clinical reminders alone do not improve weight loss in overweight and obese patients. Physician diagnoses of obesity or hyperlipidemia were associated with weight loss, suggesting that formally noting these diagnoses contributes to successful weight loss.
Gadolinium(III) Trifluoromethanesulfonate

[52093-29-5] C3F9GdO9S3 (MW 604.46) InChI = 1S/3CHF3O3S.Gd/c3*2-1(3,4)8(5,6)7;/h3*(H,5,6,7);/q;;;+3/p-3 InChIKey = DYOBTPTUHDTANY-UHFFFAOYSA-K (a Lewis acid catalyst) Alternate Name: gadolinium(III) triflate. Physical Data: anhydrous, d = 7.07 g cm−3. Solubility: soluble in water, ethanol, THF, acetone, acetonitrile, and other polar organic solvents. Form Supplied in: commercially available as an anhydrous, white to off-white powder. Preparative Method:: the reagent is prepared by heating gadolinium oxide(Gd2O3) with triflic acid in water (1/1, v/v) at 100 °C for 2 h. The hydrate thus prepared is extensively heated under vacuum (200°C/0.5 mmHg for 40 h) to give the anhydrous salt.1-5 Purification:: the reagent is typically used in anhydrous form as prepared above. Handling, Storage and Precautions: skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant. The anhydrous salt is air and water stable, hygroscopic, and should be stored in a tightly closed container in a dry and well-ventilated place. Gadolinium triflate is reported to be nonexplosive and nonflammable.
Decentralized adaptive control experiments with the PUMA robot arm

Decentralized control has the advantages of low demand on computer resources and high-speed operation, since the subsystem controllers are implemented in parallel with one another. The authors introduce adaptation to counter the effects of nonlinear and trajectory dependent coupling among the robot joints which cause the independent joint dynamics to vary. They present the results of experimentation with a PUMA 560 arm using a decentralized adaptive control law. The experiments were specially selected for a high degree of intercoupling so that they could investigate how the adaptation mechanism responds. >
Product modeling for computer-aided decision-making

In this paper, we describe the product modeling techniques that we use for the development of a computer-aided decision-making tool for the building industry. We start with an introduction to modeling and a brief description of the goals and scope of the project, and follow with an extensive presentation and discussion of the modeling techniques employed. We conclude with a brief description of our plans for the future.
The Proclivities of Particularity and Generality

The proclivities of particularity and generality describe a polarity, held together by a naked emotionality that signifies a felt middle-term. This polarity indicates a type of circular reasoning, and can endlessly oscillate due to an equivocation that confuses particularity with generality that may block emotional energies and prevent resolution. Deduction and induction represent the same polarity, as does the frequentist and Bayesian interpretations of statistics. Reintroducing emotion back into logic returns an intuitionist logic and grammar, and this permits the resolution of felt tension. This intuitionism is tied to a time-sense that oscillates between foresight (to particularity) and hindsight (to generality). Emotionality is found relating to causation, agreeing with A.N. Whitehead. It is hypothesized that the intuitionist logic provides a universal grammar, or a vitalistic organizing principle, that has impacted on biological evolution. This agrees with panpsychism and panentheism.
Pre- and post-test genetic counseling for chromosomal and Mendelian disorders

Genetic carrier screening, prenatal screening for aneuploidy, and prenatal diagnostic testing have expanded dramatically over the past 2 decades. Driven in part by powerful market forces, new complex testing modalities have become available after limited clinical research. The responsibility for offering these tests lies primarily on the obstetrical care provider and has become more burdensome as the number of testing options expands. Genetic testing in pregnancy is optional, and decisions about undergoing tests, as well as follow-up testing, should be informed and based on individual patients' values and needs. Careful pre- and post-test counseling is central to supporting informed decision-making. This article explores three areas of technical expansion in genetic testing: expanded carrier screening, non-invasive prenatal screening for fetal aneuploidies using cell-free DNA, and diagnostic testing using fetal chromosomal microarray testing, and provides insights aimed at enabling the obstetrical practitioner to better support patients considering these tests.
Pore Pressures in a Foundation Clay

Comparison is presented of predicted and measured excess pore-water pressures set up in soft, saturated foundation clay by placement of heavy preload; basic equation from which several sets of predicted pore pressures are obtained; agreement between best set of estimated pore pressures and field measured values is remarkably close. (24 refs.)