cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prosodic patterning in distal speech context: Effects of list intonation and f0 downtrend on perception of proximal prosodic structure

Abstract Prosodic structure is often perceived as exhibiting regularities in the patterning of tone sequences or stressed syllables. Recently, prosodic regularities in the distal (non-local) context have been shown to influence the perceived prosodic constituency of syllables. Three experiments tested the nature of distal prosodic patterns influencing perceptions of prosodic structure, using eight-syllable items ending in ambiguous lexical structures (e.g., tie murder bee, timer derby). For distinct combinations of distal fundamental frequency (f0) and/or timing cues, two patterns were resynthesized on the initial five syllables of experimental items; these were predicted to favor prosodic grouping of final syllables such that listeners would hear a final disyllabic or monosyllabic word, respectively. Results showed distal prosodic patterning affected perceived prosodic constituency when (1) patterns consisted of regularity in timing cues, f0 cues, or both (Experiments 1–2); (2) items ended with either a low–high (Experiment 1) or a high–low (Experiment 2) tonal pattern; and (3) tonal patterns consisted of alternating low and high-pitched syllables with progressive f0 decrease, i.e., a ‘downtrend’ (Experiment 3). The results reveal that a variety of prosodic patterns in the distal context can influence perceived prosodic constituency and thus lexical processing, and provide a perceptually-motivated explanation for the organization of acoustic speech input into prosodic constituents.
Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion of Rejected Human Donor Lungs; Are Donor Lungs with Prolonged Cold Ischemic Time Re-Conditioned by EVLP?

Purpose Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) has the potential to increase the number of donor lungs available for lung transplantation (LTx). While the current maximum cold ischemic time (CIT) for donor lungs in clinical LTx is around 8 hrs, there are no data regarding the potential use of rejected donor lungs with CIT longer than 8 hrs after EVLP. Methods and Materials Between 1/2012 to 11/2012, brain dead/DCD donor lungs (n=15) were obtained when they were rejected for clinical LTx. Procurement procedures were the same as for clinical LTx. Lungs with severe pulmonary infection, severe lung contusion, and severe bullous emphysema were excluded. CIT was defined as the time between cross clamping and the start of EVLP. Both the Toronto style system (acellular, 4 hr) and VivoLine® (cellular, 2 hr) were randomly used. Assessment for potential clinical use was established on ABG, fluid in airway, and airway/vascular parameters. A case of fluid in airway, PaO 2 /FiO 2 [sup]([/sup] P/F) ratio 20 was considered unsuitable for clinical use. Results Donor lungs (n=15) were rejected due to low P/F, abnormal CXR or other reason. Donor characteristics were: BD n=13, DCD n=2; Age, average 42, rang 18-66; P/F at donor hospital, 198.3, 66−336; CIT, 10.6 hrs, 3.5-19.5. EVLP was performed using Toronto system (n=11) and VivoLine (n=4). Seven lungs (46%) were assessed to be acceptable with 4 lungs (80%) in short CIT group ( 8 hrs, 15.0 hr, 9−19.5, n=10). There was a statistically significant difference in P/F (365.4 vs 270.9, p Conclusions These preliminary data suggest that a high percentage of rejected donor lungs with CIT of less than 8 hrs can be used for clinical LTx following EVLP. With CIT of more than 8 hrs, a smaller but still reasonable percentage of rejected donor lungs meet criteria for transplantation following EVLP.
Commercial MEMS case studies: market drivers, designs, materials and processes

MEMS has finally become the “disruptive” technology that many predicted 30 years ago. Why did it take so long? The simple fact is that MEMS devices are seldom discrete products. Instead, they enable “disruptive” new functions in higher-level products. It takes time to recognize the value of these capabilities and to develop the higher-level products. Market maturation, technical expertise and a willingness to take financial risk fueled the recent MEMS industry growth. This paper uses examples from the past and present to identify technical and business characteristics that lead to successful high volume MEMS products. These lessons are then projected forward to identify emerging high volume MEMS opportunities.
MR evaluation of patients with congenital hyposmia or anosmia.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients with reduced or no sense of smell since birth for sites of abnormality by MR imaging.Twenty-five patients who reported no olfactory function since birth were evaluated by olfactory testing, sinonasal endoscopy, and MR imaging. Surface coil and head coil images of the olfactory bulbs, olfactory tracts, subfrontal cortex, and temporal lobes in contiguous 3-mm sections were obtained. Two reviewers determined unilateral olfactory bulb and tract volumes and temporal lobe volumes in two separate sessions. Qualitative grading for olfactory bulb, olfactory tract, olfactory sulcus, subfrontal region, hippocampus, and temporal lobe damage also was performed.The absence of olfactory bulbs and tracts (68-84%) or the presence of hypoplasia (16-32%) was noted in all cases. Eight individuals had Kallmann's syndrome (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with anosmia). Temporal and/or frontal lobe volume loss was noted in five individuals and was mild in all but one individual.C...
Topological formulas and the order of complexity for networks with a nonreciprocal element

Abstract A set of explicit topological formulas is presented for electrical networks containing a nonreciprocal element, i. e., a gyrator, transistor or vacuum tube. By means of these formulas, not only the determinants and cofactors of the node admittance matrices of the networks can be written by inspection of the network diagram, but also the order of complexity of the network with a gyrator or a dependent generator. The various conditions for the equality of the order of complexity of a network with and without a gyrator or dependent generator are established. Applications of these new topological formulas to networks containing more than one nonreciprocal element are presented. Illustrated examples are also given.
TRAVEL BEHAVIOR AT THE HOUSEHOLD LEVEL: UNDERSTANDING LINKAGES WITH RESIDENTIAL CHOICE

Abstract Previous work with data from the Boston Metropolitan Area has suggested that land use characteristics can have measurable impacts on travel behavior such as trip linking and mode choice at the individual level. However, trip planning, especially in households with children or more than one worker, is quite possibly done at the household level. In this paper, we begin to understand the travel behavior choices of households and understand the relationship of these choices with socio-economic characteristics as well as spatial characteristics of the places where the household resides, works and travels through. The results of preliminary models estimated indicate that the travel behavior of a household is indeed related to the household's residential location. The models estimated are not for the purposes of travel demand forecasting as in the case of the household based Stockholm models. The results do indicate if land use, network and accessibility characteristics also affect household trip linking and mode choice and their relationship to residential choice. Thus, one can begin to determine whether planners can make a difference through the implementation of the ideas of neo-traditional theories in local level planning. These models should provide a starting point for further exploration of the land use and transportation linkages explored from the point of view of the more realistic unit of the household.
The effect of crack morphology on ultrasonic response

A numerical study is presented of the influence of crack morphology on ultrasonic pulse-echo response. Crack morphology is described as a planar crack onto which a random normal direction deviation is imposed with a specified tangential correlation length. Pulse-echo responses for ensembles of random crack profiles are computed as a function of profile height, correlation length, crack length, angle of incidence, wave mode type and signal bandwidth. Mean and variance of signal peak amplitude are compiled. Limits of validity of a Kirchhoff scattering approximation are observed through comparison to boundary element method (BEM) predictions.
Epitaxial Pb(Zr x Ti 1-x )O 3 /SrRuO 3 (x=0,0.35,0.65) multilayer thin films on SrTiO 3 (100) and MgO(100) prepared by MOCVD and rf sputtering

Epitaxial SrRuO3 thin films were deposited on SrTiO3(100) and MgO(100) substrates by rf sputtering for use as bottom electrodes and epitaxial buffer layers. On these conductive substrates, epitaxial Pb(ZrxTi1-x)O3 (PZT; x equals 0.35, 0.65) and PbTiO3 (PT; x equals 0) thin films were deposited by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). X-ray diffraction (XRD), RBS channeling (RBS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and optical waveguiding were used to characterize the phase, microstructure, defect structure, refractive index, and film thickness of the deposited films. The PZT and PT films were epitaxial and c-axis oriented. Ninety degree domains, interfacial misfit dislocations and threading dislocations were the primary structural defects, and the films showed as high as 70% RBS channeling reduction. Ferroelectric hysteresis and dielectric measurements of epitaxial PZT ferroelectric capacitor structures formed using evaporated Ag top electrode showed: a remanent polarization of 46.2 (mu) C/cm2, a coercive field of 54.9 kV/cm, a dielectric constant of 410, a bipolar resistivity of approximately 5.8 X 109 (Omega) -cm at a field of 275 kV/cm, and a breakdown strength of > 400 kV/cm. Cyclic fatigue measurements showed that the remanent polarization was maintained for > 109 cycles.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
PEPTIDE TYROSINE-TYROSINE (PYY) : AN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE

The hormone peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY), first isolated from pig intestine, islocalized to endocrine cells in the lower bowel and exercises a predominantly inhibitory actionon gastro-intestinal function. Mammalian tissues also produce the homologous peptides neuropeptide Y, localized to central and peripheral neurons, and pancreatic polypeptide localized to thepancreatic islets. Analysis of tissue extracts from species of bird (chicken), reptile (alligator) and amphibian (frog) indicates that these classes of vertebrate also synthesize the three members of the peptide family that occur in mammals. Extracts of brain tissue from teleost (trout) and elasmobranch (dogfish) fish contain a neuropeptide Y-related peptide, but only a peptiderelated to PYY was identified in both pancreatic and gastrointestinal tissues. Only one member of the peptide family (peptide methionine-tyrosine), showing structural similarity to both neuropeptide Y and PYY, was found in brain and intestinal tissue of the Agnathan, Petromyzon marinus . The data suggest the hypothesis that an ancestral peptide gene underwent a duplication to produce a gene encoding neuropeptide Y and a gene encoding the common precursor of PYY and pancreatic polypeptide. A subsequent duplication of this latter gene gave rise to separate genes encoding PYY and pancreatic polypeptide. The primary structures of neuropeptide Y and PYY have been quite strongly conserved during vertebrate evolution whereas pancreatic polypeptide has undergone an accelerated rate of mutation.
Metabolic Profiling of Patients with Schizophrenia

Metabolomics (also referred to as metabonomics) is the comprehensive study of the metabolome, the repertoire of biochemicals (or small molecules) present in cells, tissue, and body fluids. The study of metabolism at the global or “-omics” level is a new but rapidly growing field that has the potential to have an impact upon medical practice [1–4]. At the center of metabolomics is the concept that an individual's metabolic state is a close representation of the individual's overall health status. This metabolic state reflects what has been encoded by the genome and modified by environmental factors. Today, clinicians capture only a very small part of the information contained in the metabolome, as revealed by a defined set of blood chemistry analyses to define health and disease states. Examples include measuring glucose to monitor diabetes and measuring cholesterol for cardiovascular health. Such a narrow chemical analysis could potentially be replaced in the future with a metabolic signature that captures global biochemical changes in disease and upon treatment. Such metabolic signatures could provide: (1) prognostic, diagnostic, and surrogate markers for a disease state; (2) the ability to subclassify disease; (3) biomarkers for drug response phenotypes (pharmacometabolomics); and (4) information about mechanisms of disease. Indeed, sophisticated metabolomic analytical platforms and informatics tools have recently been developed that make it possible to define initial metabolic signatures for several diseases [5–12].
Con: Should parents be present during their child's anesthesia induction?

A basic tenet of nursing is to provide holistic care, addressing not only the physical needs of our patients but also their emotional needs. Parental presence during induction of anesthesia (PPIA) aims to reduce the stress of separation of young surgical patients from their parents. The brief separa
Evaluation of the High School Relationship Curriculum Connections: Dating and Emotions

Interest in relationship education for high school students has grown since the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 provided funding for Healthy Marriage Initiative programs. This study used a pretest and posttest design and measures of relationship knowledge and attitudes to evaluate a relationship curriculum taught in required health education classes to a sample of 139 students. Comparison of students’ pretest and posttest scores showed slight gains in knowledge about relationships. Analysis based on characteristics associated with risk and protective factors for relationship outcomes (gender, academic performance and parental divorce history) found significant differences. Implications for expanding high school relationship education and recommendations for social work involvement in these programs are discussed.
The molecular basis of hypopituitarism.

Pit -1 is a pituitary-specific transcription factor responsible for pituitary development and hormone expression in mammals. My laboratory and others have recently described several
Correlates of Self-Directed Behaviour in Wild White-Faced Capuchins

Elevated rates of self-directed behaviour (SDB) such as self-scratching and autogrooming have been widely used in recent years as an indicator of anxiety in catarrhine primates. This study presents the first examination of correlates of SDB rates in a platyrrhine primate. Subjects were 8 wild female white-faced capuchins at Lomas Barbudal, Costa Rica, who were observed for 119 h of focal individual follows. The subjects performed significantly more self-scratching and autogrooming while in close proximity to conspecifics than while alone, irrespective of whether the neighbour was dominant or subordinate to them. This result was attributable to elevated SDB rates during the 30 s preceding and following allogrooming bouts. Furthermore, subjects engaged in more SDB while in proximity to females (a) that were closer to them in dominance rank and (b) with whom they spent a larger proportion of their time in proximity. Self-directed behaviour rates after conflicts did not differ from non-postconflict rates. Nor were SDB rates above baseline levels during the 30 s before subjects descended to the ground. These results may provide support for the view that SDB rates index anxiety in this species, if grooming decisions signal individuals' current allegiances and are therefore a source of anxiety, even if being groomed is, itself, relaxing. Postconflict preparation for further aggression may mitigate against scratching and autogrooming in a fast-moving arboreal species.
Investigation of stress behaviors and mechanism of void formation in sputtered TiSix films

We have investigated the stress behaviors and a mechanism of void formation in TiSix films during annealing. TiSix thin films were prepared by DC magnetron sputtering using a TiSi2.1 target in the substrate temperature range of 200–500 °C. The as-deposited TiSix films at low substrate temperature (<300 °C) have an amorphous structure with low stress of ∼1×108 dynes/cm2. When the substrate temperature increases to 500 °C, the as-deposited TiSix film has a mixture of C49 and C54 TiSi2 phase with stress of ∼8×109 dynes/cm2. No void was observed in the as-deposited TiSix film. Amorphous TiSix film transforms to C54 TiSi2 phase with a random orientation of (311) and (040) after annealing at 750 °C. The C49 and C54 TiSi2 mixture phase transforms to (040) preferred C54 TiSi2 phase after annealing over 650 °C. By increasing substrate temperature, the transformation temperature for C54 TiSi2 can be reduced, resulting in relieved stress of TiSi2 film. The easy nucleation of the C54 phase was attributed to an avoidance of amorphous TiSix phase. We found that amorphous TiSix→C54 TiSi2 transformation caused higher tensile stress of 2×1010 dynes/cm2, resulting in more voids in the films, than C49→C54 transformation. It was observed that void formation was increased with thermal treatment. The high tensile stress caused by volume decreases in the silicide must be relieved to retard voids and cracks during C54 TiSi2 formation.
Prolonged STAT1 activation is associated with interferon-gamma priming for interleukin-1-induced inducible nitric-oxide synthase expression by islets of Langerhans.

In this study, the ability of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) to prime rat and nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse islets for interleukin-1 (IL-1)-stimulated expression of inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) has been examined. IL-1-induced iNOS expression by rat islets is concentration-dependent with maximal expression occurring in response to 1.0 unit/ml. Individually, neither 0.1 unit/ml IL-1 nor 150 units/ml IFN-γ stimulates iNOS expression or nitrite production by rat islets. However, a 30–60-min pulse of rat islets with IFN-γ, followed by washing to remove the cytokine and continued culture with 0.1 unit/ml IL-1 for 40 h, results in iNOS expression and nitrite production to levels similar in magnitude to the individual effects of 1.0 unit/ml IL-1. A 1-h pulse with IFN-γ primes for IL-1-induced islet degeneration that is mediated by the expression of iNOS and increased production of nitric oxide. IFN-γ also primes for IL-1-induced iNOS expression and nitrite formation by NOD mouse islets. The priming actions of IFN-γ appear to be selective for β-cells, as IFN-γ primes for IL-1-induced nitrite formation by primary β-cells and RINm5F insulinoma cells, but not primary α-cells. The priming actions of IFN-γ for IL-1-induced iNOS expression do not requirede novo protein synthesis as preincubation of RINm5F cells with cycloheximide does not inhibit iNOS mRNA accumulation under priming conditions. The priming actions of IFN-γ on IL-1-induced iNOS expression persists for extended periods of up to 7 days and are associated with persistent signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)-1 activation. A 30-min pulse of rat islets with IFN-γ stimulates STAT1 phosphorylation, and STAT1 remains phosphorylated for up to 7 days following IFN-γ removal. In addition, STAT1 remains nuclear for up to 7 days after IFN-γ removal. These results indicate that IFN-γ primes for IL-1-induced islet degeneration via a nitric oxide-dependent mechanism. These findings also provide evidence that the priming actions of IFN-γ for IL-1-induced iNOS expression by islets are associated with the prolonged phosphorylation and activation of STAT1.
Globalizing technical communication research through digital mapping

This poster explores the concept of cultural dislocation that students experience in working in new, unfamiliar cultures. Detailing the results of a case study following a study abroad course in Dundee, Scotland, I offer a method for focusing on location as an important aspect of writing in global contexts. Using mobile tools and mapping software to place student research practices in the context of their locations, this method offers a way for technical communication instructors to highlight research as implicitly tied to the locations and cultures where work happens.
SU‐FF‐T‐668: A Simple Algorithm for Range Modulation Wheel Design in Proton Therapy

Purpose: To develop a simple algorithm in designing the range modulation wheel to generate a very smooth Spread‐Out Bragg peak (SOBP) for proton therapy.Method and Materials: A simple algorithm has been developed to generate the weight factors in corresponding pristine Bragg peaks which composed a smooth SOBP in proton therapy. We used a modified analytical Bragg peak function based on Monte Carol simulation tool‐kits of Geant4 as pristine Bragg peaks input in our algorithm. A simple METLAB© Quad Program was introduced to optimize the cost function in our algorithm. Results: We found out that the existed analytical function of Bragg peak can't directly use as pristine Bragg peak dose‐depth profile input file in optimization of the weight factors since this model didn't take into account of the scattering factors introducing from the range shifts in modifying the proton beam energies. We have done Geant4 simulations for proton energy of 63.4 MeV with a 1.08 cm SOBP for variation of pristine Bragg peaks which composed this SOBP and modified the existed analytical Bragg peak functions for their peak heights, ranges of R0, and Gaussian energies σE. We found out that 19 pristine Bragg peaks are enough to achieve a flatness of 1.5% of SOBP which is the best flatness in the publications. Conclusion: This work develops a simple algorithm to generate the weight factors which is used to design a range modulation wheel to generate a smooth SOBP in protonradiation therapy. We have found out that a medium number of pristine Bragg peaks are enough to generate a SOBP with flatness less than 2%. It is potential to generate data base to store in the treatment plan to produce a clinic acceptable SOBP by using our simple algorithm.
A qualitative study of perceived social barriers to care for eating disorders: perspectives from ethnically diverse health care consumers.

Objective: The study aim was to identify and describe health consumer perspectives on social barriers to care for eating disorders in an ethnically diverse sample. Method: We conducted an exploratory secondary analysis of qualitative data comprising transcripts from semi-structured interviews with past and prospective consumers of eating disorder treatment (n 5 32). Transcripts were inputted into NVivo 8 for coding, sorting, and quantifying thematic content of interest within strata defined by ethnic minority and non-minority participants. We then examined the influence of key social barriers—including stigma and social stereotypes—on perceived impact on care. Results: The majority of respondents (78%) endorsed at least one social barrier to care for an eating or weight concern. Perceived stigma (or shame) and social stereotyping—identified both within social networks and among clinicians— had adversely impacted care for 59% and 19% of respondents, respectively. Discussion: Social barriers to care for eating and weight related concerns may be prevalent in the U.S. and impact both ethnic minority and non-minority health care consumers. V V C 2009 by Wiley Periodicals,
BONE DISORDERS IN SICKLE CELL DISEASE

The bony skeleton of the patient with sickle cell disease is a frequent target of the consequences of sickling. Bone marrow necrosis, bone infarcts osteomyelitis, and aseptic necrosis are common complications in patients with sickle cell disease. An understanding of the pathogenesis, prevalence, diagnosis, and management of these conditions is therefore important for those involved in the care of such patients.
Detection of the mitochondrially encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunit I in the trypanosomatid protozoan Leishmania tarentolae. Evidence for translation of unedited mRNA in the kinetoplast.

With the aim of identification of kinetoplast-encoded proteins we investigated the subunit composition of cytochrome c oxidase (respiratory complex IV) from kinetoplast mitochondria of the trypanosomatid protozoanLeishmania tarentolae. Eleven stoichiometric subunits were visible in Coomassie-stained, two-dimensional Blue Native/Tricine-SDS electrophoretic gels. Their partial amino acid sequences indicated that these polypeptides are nuclear-encoded. The mitochondrial subunit I was detected with the polyclonal antibodies against an internal region of this polypeptide. In two-dimensional (9 versus 14%) polyacrylamide glycine-SDS gels this subunit is found as a series of spots located off the main diagonal, a property that can be explained by abnormal electrophoretic migration and aggregation. In gels loaded with high amounts of the purified, enzymatically active oxidase, the subunit I spots could be visualized by staining. The determined N-terminal amino acid sequence of the putative monomeric subunit I (MFXLCLVCLSVS) matched with the predicted sequence, thus indicating that the corresponding kinetoplast unedited mRNA is translated into a functional protein.
Raf-1 kinase, a potential regulator of intracellular pH in Xenopus oocytes.

Abstract Xenopus laevis oocytes undergo an increase in intracellular pH (pH i ) from 7.2 to 7.7 due to the upregulation of Na + H + antiporters in their plasma membrane during oocyte meiotic maturation. Up-regulation of Na + H + exchangers (NHE) found in other cell systems appears to be controlled, in some cases, by direct phosphorylation of the exchanger. A number of active protein kinases can be found in maturing Xenopus oocytes. These include, c-mos kinase, Raf-1 kinase, mitogen-activated kinase kinase (MAPKK), MAPK, ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK), and histone H-1 kinase. Our previous study indicated that c-mos kinase, was involved in regulating the increase in oocyte pH i . In the current study, we show that when mRNA coding for a constitutively active form of Raf-1 kinase ( ΔN - Raf -1) was microinjected into oocytes, the protein product induced an increase in oocyte pH i . On the contrary, the injection of mRNA coding for wild-type Raf-1 (WT-Raf-1) or a kinase-deficient form of Raf-1 (KD-Raf-1) had no effect on the recipient oocyte pH i . 8-Br-cAMP and forskolin blocked the increase in pH i during oocyte meiotic maturation, but had no effect on the Raf-1-induced increase in oocyte pH i . Studies using antisense c-mos oligos demonstrated that Raf-1 was not working via a feedback loop to endogenous c-mos mRNA within the recipient oocytes. Experiments using the selective MAPKK inhibitor, PD 98059, indicated that the Raf-1 effect on oocyte pH i was not mediated by the downstream kinase, MAPKK. Therefore, Raf-1 appears to act independently of c-mos kinase in a pathway, not involving MAPKK, leading to the up-regulation of the Na + H + antiporters in Xenopus oocytes.
Ultrashort 1.5-μm laser excited upconverted stimulated emission based on simultaneous three-photon absorption

Simultaneous three-photon excited stimulated emission at (cavityless lasing) approximately 610 nm has been achieved in an organic chromophore solution pumped by approximately 1.5-microm ultrashort coherent radiation. The stimulated emission can be observed only in the forward and backward directions and is characterized by its high directionality and spectral narrowing. The divergence angle for the backward stimulated emission is considerably smaller than that for the forward stimulated emission, which resembles optical phase conjugation.
Multiuser communications using beam-tilting antennas

This paper proposes means to exploit the additional degrees of freedom that can be achieved by using beam-tilting antennas for the purposes of multiuser communication without substantially increasing investment in system resources. Specifically, by using such beam-tilting antennas the wireless channel can be used as a means to spread the users in space rather than in frequency as is currently the norm in spread spectrum systems. This technique thus allows multiuser communications without increasing spectrum usage. The performance of such a system is characterized in terms of average bit error rate for various number of users and for different amounts of correlation between the channels in different beam directions.
A Child’s Viewpoint: Determinants of Food Choice and Definition of Health in Low-Income 8- to 13-Year-Old Children in Urban Minnesota Communities

Pediatric obesity is a major public health concern. To investigate factors that influence children’s dietary habits and beliefs, focus groups were conducted with 8- to 13-year-olds (n = 52) in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Four major themes emerged: (1) health beliefs, (2) food characteristics, (3) cooking ability, and (4) mealtime practices. These results support incorporating cooking education into children’s educational experiences to increase acceptability of healthy foods. Interventions geared toward children should integrate their perspectives, health beliefs, and factors affecting food choice. These data provide support for parents, social programs, and schools to increase their role in promoting children’s health.
Bone matrix and mineral abnormalities in postmenopausal osteoporosis

Iliac crest biopsies from 56 postmenopausal osteoporotic females with spontaneous compression fractures and decreased total body Ca were compared to similar tissue from 48 normal controls. Biopsies were analyzed for bone density, Na, Ca, Mg, P, Co3, and hydroxyproline (OH-P). From the results OH-P/matrix, % mineral, and the ion content of the mineral were calculated. osteoporotic subjects showed decreased bone density, % mineral in bone, and OH-P in the bone matrix. Within the mineral, CO3 and Ca/P were decreased, while Na and Mg were increased. Statistical analysis showed that matrix OH-P and % mineral varied independently, and therefore the patients were separated into 4 subgroups: Group Ia: decreased matrix OH-P with normal % mineral (n = 9), Group Ib: decreased matrix OH-P with decreased % mineral (n = 5), Group IIa: normal matrix OH-P with normal % mineral (n = 33), Group IIb: normal matrix OH-P with decreased % mineral (n = 9). Decreased % mineral was associated with decreased bone density and an increase in Na and Mg in the mineral, which suggests skeletal Ca deficiency. Decreased matrix OH-P was associated with decreased bone density and, in the low % mineral group, with decreased mineral CO3 and Ca/P, suggesting a mineral of decreased mean crystal size. When both abnormalities coexisted (Group Ib), the greatest reduction in total body Ca was seen. Patients with normal matrix and normal % mineral (Group IIa) still had decreased bone density. The results suggest that in a large, clinically homogeneous population of postmenopausal osteoporotic women, 4 subgroups can be identified by differences in chemical composition of iliac crest biopsies.
Vaporization behavior and thermodynamic stability of V2P(s)

The vaporization behavior and thermodynamic stability of V2P(s) were investigated by mass loss effusion and effusion mass spectrometry, the latter by an ion current ratio method. Enthalpies of formation with white phosphorus as the reference state and enthalpies of atomization were calculated. Results from the two types of experiments are in good agreement. Mean values of V2P(s): ΔfH°298.15 = −209.0±5 kJ mol−1, ΔatH°298.15 = 1556.4 kJ mol−1. Recalculated values for V3P(s): ΔfH°298.15 = −233.13±5 kJ mol−1, ΔatH°298.15 = 2096.0 kJ mol−1.
Opioid Endocrinopathy in Women Consuming Prescribed Sustained-Action Opioids for Control of Nonmalignant Pain

Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism is characteristically induced in men by intrathecal, transdermal, or sustained-action opioids. Although women receiving intrathecal opioids have similar changes, often accompanied by amenorrhea, hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism has not been doc- umented in women receiving sustained-action, transdermal, or oral opioids. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate deficiency, indicating adrenal inhibition, is present in most men and women chronically consuming sustained-action oral or transdermal opioids. We recorded menstrual histories and mea- sured gonadotrophin, androgen, and estradiol levels in 47 women ages 30 to 75 years who were consuming sustained-action oral or transdermal opioids for control of nonmalignant pain and in 68 non-opioid-consuming control subjects. Testosterone, estradiol, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate values were 48% to 57% lower in opioid-consuming women with intact ovarian tissue than in control subjects (P < .01-.05). Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone values averaged 30% lower in premenopausal and 70% lower in postmenopausal opioid consumers (P < .001). Among oophorectomized women not consuming estrogen, free testosterone levels were 39% lower in opioid consumers (P < .05), indicating impaired adrenal androgen production. Additional lowering of free testosterone levels was associated independently with oral estrogen replacement and low body mass index. Menses had often ceased soon after beginning sustained-action opioid therapy. Our observa- tions document hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism plus decreased adrenal androgen production in most women consuming sustained-action oral or transdermal opioids. Perspective: These observations demonstrate profound inhibition of ovarian sex hormone and adrenal androgen production among women chronically consuming sustained-action opioids. Related consequences include altered menstrual flow, probable reduced fertility, and possible contributions to opioid-associated depression, osteoporosis, and hyperalgesia. Measurements of bone density, estra- diol, and free testosterone may guide appropriate therapy.
Health Values of the Seriously Ill

Objective: To assess 1) the health values and health ratings of seriously ill hospitalized patients, their surrogate decision makers, and their physicians; 2) the determinants of health values; and...
Skeletal anomalies and deformities in patients with deletions of 22q11

Skeletal anomalies in patients with a 22q11.2 deletion are reported infrequently. We report the skeletal findings in 108 patients with a 22q11.2 deletion, of whom 37 (36%) had a skeletal anomaly. Twenty-two patients (20%) had anomalies of the limbs, 7 of the upper limb, including preaxial or postaxial polydactyly. An anomaly of the lower limb was found in 16 patients, including postaxial polydactyly, clubfoot, severely overfolded toes, and 2-3 toe cutaneous syndactyly. Chest films of 63 patients were examined; 30% of them had abnormal findings, most commonly supernumerary ribs (17%) or a "butterfly" vertebral body (11%). Hypoplastic vertebrae, hemivertebrae, and vertebral coronal clefts were also noted. Thus, skeletal anomalies are not uncommon in patients with a 22q11.2 deletion and may occur more frequently than recognized previously.
Tunable-wavelength second harmonic generation from GaP photonic crystal cavities coupled to fiber tapers

We demonstrate up to 30 nm tuning of gallium phosphide photonic crystal cavities resonances at ~1.5 μm using a tapered optical fiber. The tuning is achieved through a combination of near-field perturbations and mechanical deformation of the membrane, both induced by the fiber probe. By exploiting this effect, we show fiber-coupled second harmonic generation with a tuning range of nearly 10 nm at the second harmonic wavelength of ~750 nm. By scaling cavity parameters, the signal could easily be shifted into other parts of the visible spectrum.
Difficulties in the fine needle aspiration (FNA) diagnosis of schwannoma.

Difficulties in the fine needle aspiration (FNA) diagnosis of schwannoma The results of nine FNAs of eight histologically proven schwannomas are presented. In only one of the aspirates was a diagnosis of schwannoma made; three additional cases were diagnosed as ‘spindle cell neoplasm’. Two of the cases were considered to be non-diagnostic due to hypocellularity, while two cases containing cellular material raised the differential diagnosis of granulation tissue and granulomatous inflammation due to the presence of epithelioid cells and an inflammatory infiltrate, and are illustrated here. The remaining FNA was felt suggestive of branchial cleft cyst due to the presence of only cystic fluid in a neck mass. We observe that: (i) the acquisition of an adequate, representative specimen via FNA is often difficult in schwannoma, and (ii) diagnostic difficulties may be encountered in cases in which cellular material is obtained.
Urinary nerve growth factor as an oncologic biomarker for prostate cancer aggressiveness.

Abstract Objectives We investigated urinary nerve growth factor (NGF) as a novel urinary biomarker for high-grade prostate cancer (PCa). Methods and materials After institutional review board approval for a prospective pilot study, we enrolled men at the preoperative visit before robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. Demographics, urinary flow parameters, and urine samples were collected. Urinary NGF and urinary creatinine were obtained in the translational science laboratory. Pathologic and postoperative demographics were collected after surgery. NGF is the primary outcome variable (dependent variable). The pathologic Gleason score (ordinal variable≤6, 7, and ≤8) served as an independent grouping variable. Multivariate analysis using a general linear model was conducted to investigate associations between independent variables and NGF (dependent variable) after adjusting for urinary concentration and volume. Results We enrolled and analyzed urine samples and pathologic data from 115 subjects. Patient pathology included 24% ( n = 28) Gleason score 6 or less, 68% ( n = 78) Gleason score 7, and 8% ( n = 9) Gleason score 8 or greater. Perineural invasion was more prevalent in higher-grade disease ( P 10 NGF was associated with higher Gleason score (Gleason category≤6, 7, and≥8; P = 0.003). Conclusions Urinary NGF may be a biomarker for higher-grade PCa. Our pilot study suggests further investigation is warranted to determine whether urinary NGF could provide unique additional information in patients with PCa.
The bimodal basis of the contractile response of the rabbit ear artery to norepinephrine and other agonists.

Abstract Strips of rabbit ear artery exhibit biphasic contractile responses to l-norepinephrine (1-NE), histamine, and serotonin. Evidence is presented on the basis of an analysis of the response to 1-NE that the two phases of contraction are associated with different modes of excitation and can be influenced independently. The initial part of the response is phasic. The response after 4 sec agonist exposure is the same as that after 32 sec. It is probably associated with local radial propagation of excitation in that the initial excitatory period is short, the contraction is preceded by electrical change and is abolished upon tissue exposure to a solution in which all NaCl and KCl is replaced by potassium methylsulfate. In contrast the second contractile phase is related to the time of tissue exposure to the drug, is an equilibrium-like response and is not dependent upon cell membrane polarization. Since this phase is more affected by calcium depletion than the first, the sources of activator calcium for the two phases may be different: that for the first phase many originate predominantly from intracellular and that for the second from extracellular sources. These findings support the hypothesis that the biphasic contractile response of the vessel reflects two different modes of excitation of the muscle wall by the agonists: the first, a triggered, propagated event; the second, a slow, equilibrium-type, non-propagated response.
Anaphylaxis on the Other Front Line: Perspectives from the Emergency Department

Although most cases of anaphylaxis are treated in the emergency department (ED), personnel may not immediately recognize anaphylaxis based on presenting symptoms because it has a wide range of clinical manifestations and variable progression. When symptoms happen to be atypical or mild and when no trigger is identified, the diagnosis of anaphylaxis can be challenging. Underdiagnosis of anaphylaxis can lead to delayed use of appropriate first-line epinephrine in favor of treatments that should be used as adjunctive only. Even when anaphylaxis is recognized, the choice between an epinephrine autoinjector or epinephrine ampule can still present a challenge. Treatment of anaphylaxis in the ED should include a combination of intramuscular epinephrine, supplemental oxygen, and intravenous fluids. If there is an incomplete response to the initial dose of epinephrine, additional doses or other measures may be considered. The most important management consideration is avoiding treatment delays, because symptoms can progress rapidly. Upon discharge from the ED, all patients with anaphylaxis should be given a prescription for at least 2 epinephrine autoinjectors, an initial emergency action plan, education about avoidance of triggers, and a referral to an allergist. A significant limitation of current studies is that clinical outcomes in anaphylaxis associated with established poor rates of diagnosis and use of recommended treatments are unclear; such trials must be conducted as supporting evidence for ED management guidelines for anaphylaxis.
Construction and characterization of a cDNA clone containing a portion of the bovine prolactin sequence

Abstract Poly(A)-containing RNA from the bovine anterior pituitary has been used as a template for the enzymatic synthesis of double-stranded cDNA. The resulting double-stranded cDNA was inserted into the Pst I site of pBR322 with the oligo(dG)-oligo(dC) tailing technique and subsequently cloned in E. coli chi 1776. Clones containing sequences complementary to prolactin mRNA were identified by colony hybridization with partially purified prolactin cDNA. A 250 base pair sequence from one prolactin positive clone was extensively characterized and shown to contain the coding information for amino acids 119-192 of authentic bovine prolactin. The recombinant DNA from this clone was covalently attached to diazotized aminocellulose and used to purify prolactin mRNA from a mixture of mRNAs.
Sequential growth and monitoring of a polypyrrole actuator system

Electroactive polymers (EAPs) have emerged as viable materials in sensing and actuating applications, but the capability to mimic the structure and function of natural muscle is increased due to their ability to permit additional, sequential synthesis steps between stages of actuation. Current work is improving upon the mechanical performance in terms of achievable stresses, strains, and strain rates, but issues still remain with actuator lifetime and adaptability. This work seeks to create a bioinspired polymer actuation system that can be monitored using state estimation and adjusted in vivo during operation. The novel, time-saving process of sequential growth was applied to polymer actuator systems for the initial growth, as well as additional growth steps after actuation cycles. Synthesis of conducting polymers on a helical metal electrode directs polymer shape change during actuation, assists in charge distribution along the polymer for actuation, and as is described in this work, constructs a constant working electrode/polymer connection during operation which allows sequential polymer growth based on a performance need. The polymer system is monitored by means of a reduced-order, state estimation model that works between growth and actuation cycles. In this case, actuator stress is improved between growth cycles. The ability for additional synthesis of the polymer actuator not only creates an actuator system that can be optimized based on demand, but creates a dynamic actuator system that more closely mimics natural muscle capability.
Women's Autonomy and its Relationship to Children's Nutrition Among the Rendille of Northern Kenya

This study explores the effect of women's autonomy on children's health. Research was conducted among the Rendille, a traditionally nomadic pastoralist population living in northern Kenya. Using data collected from 435 women and 934 of their children, we tested the hypothesis that women with higher levels of autonomy would have children with better nutrition. Results of our study indicated that while women's autonomy had no effect on younger— ages 0-35 months—children's nutrition as measured by WHZ scores, greater levels of women's autonomy were signifi- cantly associated with improved nutrition among older—ages 3-10 years—children. These results suggest that women's autonomy is an important factor in relation to children's health in some circumstances. In addition to exploring the applied aspects of our findings, we also suggest how considering the concept of women's autonomy may add to the exist- ing literature on parental investment. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 21:55-64, 2009. ' 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. A growing body of literature is focusing on women's autonomy—the ability of women to control household and societal resources. Early research on this topic focused primarily on the effect that this variable had on fertility and the fertility transition. More recently, however, research has also begun to examine the role that women's autonomy might play in determining the health and well being of women and their children. At the core of this research is the idea that within households men and women often have conflicting prior- ities for resource use. This supposition is supported by several different theoretical perspectives, including pa- rental investment (Trivers, 1972), as well as through em- pirical research. In particular, previous studies have found that while men tend to make investments in them- selves or the overall worth of their households, women are more likely to invest in the basic food and health care needs of their children and to prioritize these needs above all other needs (Caldwell, 1986; Engle, 1993; Guyer, 1988; Holomboe-Ottesen and Wandel, 1991; Quisumbing and Maluccio, 2000; Roushdy, 2004). This raises the question of how important women's abilities to control household and societal resources are to the health and well-being of their children. PREVIOUS RESEARCH ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WOMEN'S AUTONOMYAND CHILDREN'S HEALTH Research examining the effects of women's autonomy on children's health to date has provided mixed results. Some studies suggest that women with greater control in decid- ing how household resources are used are more capable of maintaining and improving the nutrition and health of themselves and their children than are women with lower levels of autonomy, who must defer to the interests of their husbands or extended family members (Caldwell, 1986;
Timing characteristics of pulses from Ge(Li) detector and their simulation by a Monte Carlo method

Abstract The timing properties of a large Ge(Li) detector were studied. The experimental distributions of the rise-time of pulses due to a collimated γ-ray beam were determined. Theoretical calculations of these distributions by a Monte Carlo method were undertaken and compared with experiment. The multiple Compton scattering of γ-quanta emerges as the main source of broadening of the rise-time distribution and worsening of the timing prompt curves.