cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of dyslipidemia and effects of statins on nonmacrovascular diseases.

Abstract Background : Statins have mechanisms of action that expand their effects beyond cholesterol lowering and atherosclerotic medical conditions. Objective : This review summarizes clinical evidence for the association of dyslipidemia and the effects of statin use on aortic stenosis, Alzheimer's dementia (AD), osteoporosis, prevention of diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic/nondiabetic nephropathy. Methods : An English-language literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (1966-June 2003). Bibliographies of retrieved articles were reviewed. Search terms included statin, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, aortic stenosis, Alzheimer's dementia, osteoporosis, prevention of diabetis, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic nephropathy , and nondiabetic nephropathy . Results : Three retrospective cohort trials have shown an association between statin use and the progression of aortic stenosis; one of these trials observed a 45% decrease in aortic valve area in 1 year. In AD, one cross-sectional analysis found 60% to 73% lower AD rates in lovastatin or pravastatin recipients ( P P = 0.042), but this was not duplicated in the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial-Lipid Lowering Arm. A small clinical trial of 6 patients (11 eyes) demonstrated improved retinal hard exudates with pravastatin treatment in patients with diabetic retinopathy. In a cross-sectional analysis, age-related macular degeneration was found to be less common among statin users than nonusers (4% [127] vs 22% [76352]; P = 0.02. Multiple small clinical trials of 19 to 56 patients with diabetic and nondiabetic nephropathy at various stages generated inconsistent results for an association between statin use and decreased albumin excretion rate and decreased rate of decline in glomerular filtration. Conclusion : Data of variable quantity and quality support the use of statins as adjuncts in the treatment of nonmacrovascular diseases.
X-Ray microscope using multilayer optics with a laser-produced plasma source

All present X-ray microscopes involving focusing optics use synchrotrons as their source of soft X-rays. We describe our design and development to date of a scanning microscope which uses normal incidence multilayer mirrors in a Schwarzschild configuration to focus soft X-rays from a laser produced plasma to a spot diameter of less than 1000A. We compare the expected flux for this microscope with the fluxes expected and achieved by other investigators. The alignment tolerances for the objective were determined by raytracing. These tolerances and proposed means of achieving them will be discussed.
Anthocyanin Pigments of Sweet Potatoes–Ipomoea batatas

The anthocyanin pigments of red sweet potato roots (Impomoea batatas) were isolated, purified and identified by HPLC and conventional paper chromatographic, spectral and chemical methods. Two major pigments and two minor pigments were present in fresh tissue slices extracted with boiling 1% HAc methanol. Tissues extracted cold yielded 11 or more pigments probably from degradation of the two major pigments. One major pigment was identified as peonidin-3-diglucoside-5-glucoside with three molecules of ferulic acid and one molecule of caffeic acid. The other major pigment was peonidin-3-diglucoside-5-glucoside with two molecules of ferulic acid and one caffeic acid.
Reaction of atomic species with coal—29 years later

Abstract The reaction of atomic species with carbonaceous solids (that is, in a microwave plasma) are discussed. The use of microwave discharge activation is discussed also for improving surface wettability and in the rearrangement of organic compounds. Surface characterization of coal by microcalorimetry and ESCA is illustrated.
Coassembly Synthesis of Ordered Mesoporous Silica Materials Containing Au Nanoparticles

A coassembly methodology was developed to synthesize ordered mesoporous silica materials containing gold nanoparticles. The essence of this methodology lies in the combination of the complexation-mediated growth of nanoparticles and surfactant-templating synthesis. The formation of nanoparticles was controlled by the complexing ligand and the unique micellar media. Different methods for the removal of the templating surfactants were evaluated. Ordered mesoporous silica materials containing 2−5 nm gold nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized.
Agroclimatic normals for maize

Abstract Phenological models for maize hybrids with different maturities and daily temperature, daily accumulated growing degree days and daily accumulated precipitation calculated from monthly weather summaries were used to develop agroclimatic normals for maize. Locations along transects through maize growing regions in the United States, Europe and China are compared on the basis of maize phenology and moisture availability during critical stages
Etymology of Quechua Kay

This article examines the Quechua word kay , which is often glossed as 'this' and treated as a demonstrative pronoun. As I propose in this paper, kay actually consists of the verb stem ka- 'to be, exist' and the substantivizing suffix -y , having a meaning closer to 'existence' in all circumstances.
Limited Value of Nephelometry in Monitoring the Administration of Intravenous Fat in Neonates

To evaluate the usefulness of nephelometry in predicting hyperlipidemia in neonates receiving intravenous fat (IVF), 23 infants in our neonatal intensive care nursery had simultaneous measurements of the serum IVF level (as determined by nephelometry), triglyceride, cholesterol, and free fatty acid/albumin molar ratio. There was a positive correlation between the serum IVF level and triglycerides, but the IVF level did not reliably predict elevated triglycerides, cholesterol, or free fatty acid-albumin molar ratio. Thus, neonates receiving IVF emulsions cannot be monitored by nephelometry alone. Adequate monitoring requires measurement of specific lipid fractions.
EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONALLY IMPORTANT AMINO ACIDS IN L-ASPARTATE AMMONIA-LYASE FROM ESCHERICHIA COLI

The high-resolution structure of l-aspartate ammonia-lyase from Escherichia coli has recently been determined [Shi, W., Dunbar, J., Jayasekera, M. M. K., Viola, R. E., & Farber, G. K. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 9136-9144]. An examination of the putative active site has been carried out, with the active site located in a cleft that contains the functionally significant lysine 327. A list of potential active site residues has been generated based on their proximity to this active site lysine, sequence homology comparisons with other members of the aspartase-fumarase enzyme family, and the necessity for chemically reasonable functionalities for the proposed roles. The five most likely candidates in the putative active site cleft have been examined by site-directed mutagenesis to test their feasibility for either substrate binding or acid-base catalytic roles. Arginine and lysine residues have been identified that appear to function in the orientation and binding of aspartic acid at the enzyme active site. Some tentative assignments have also been made of the acid and base catalytic groups that are proposed to be involved in the deamination reaction.
Transoral robotic supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cartilaginous framework preservation

To report the technical feasibility of performing transoral robotic supracricoid partial laryngectomy with preservation of the thyroid cartilage. This is a case report from a tertiary-care academic institution. A patient with recurrent T2 glottic squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx underwent supracricoid partial laryngectomy with negative margins and preservation of the laryngeal framework using transoral robotic surgery, where an adequate exposure to the endolarynx was obtained by using a Feyh-Kastenbauer retractor. The patient was successfully decannulated in postoperative week 4, and his gastrostomy tube was removed in postoperative week 6. Transoral robotic surgery may be feasible in select glottic/subglottic laryngeal lesions, if adequate exposure is obtained.
Quality Improvement for Asthma Care Within a Hospital-Based Teaching Clinic

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to determine if a quality improvement intervention in a teaching clinic was associated with the following: 1) improved asthma action plan creation and distribution, 2)increased classification of asthma patients as intermittent or persistent, 3) increased prescriptions of asthma controller medications, 4) decreased emergency department visits and hospitalizations, and 5) sustainable changes in outcomes after the intervention year. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of a quality improvement project involving children aged >2 years who were diagnosed with asthma, evaluated in a large hospital-based teaching clinic. Outcomes were assessed for 1 year before and 3 years after quality improvement intervention. Results Data from children with asthma seen in the clinic over the 4 years of the study (N = 1797) were analyzed. Mixed effects model regressions showed that children after the intervention were over twofold more likely to receive an asthma action plan (using 2006 as referent, adjusted risk ratio [ARR] 2.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.03–2.56 in 2007; ARR 2.40, 95% CI 2.15–2.66 in 2008; ARR 2.86, 95% CI 2.60–3.20 in 2009). Recorded assessment of asthma severity was 31% to 47% more likely post-intervention (ARR 1.31, 95% CI 1.26–1.36 in 2007, ARR 1.44 95% CI 1.38–1.50 in 2008, ARR 1.47 95% 1.41–1.54 in 2009). Controller medication prescribing increased postintervention ARR 1.08, 95% CI, 1.02–1.14 in 2007; ARR 1.11, 95% CI, 1.04–1.17 in 2008; ARR 1.11, 95% CI, 1.05–1.19 in 2009. Emergency department visits and hospitalizations trended lower postintervention (not significant). Conclusions A quality improvement intervention in a hospital-based teaching clinic was associated with increased use of asthma action plans, classification of asthma severity, and controller medications, and possibly a trend toward fewer emergency visits and hospitalizations.
Easy as ABCABC: Abstract Language Facilitates Performance on a Concrete Patterning Task.

The labels used to describe patterns and relations can influence children's relational reasoning. In this study, 62 preschoolers (Mage = 4.4 years) solved and described eight pattern abstraction problems (i.e., recreated the relation in a model pattern using novel materials). Some children were exposed to concrete labels (e.g., blue-red-blue-red) and others were exposed to abstract labels (e.g., A-B-A-B). Children exposed to abstract labels solved more problems correctly than children exposed to concrete labels. Children's correct adoption of the abstract language into their own descriptions was particularly beneficial. Thus, using concrete learning materials in combination with abstract representations can enhance their utility for children's performance. Furthermore, abstract language may play a key role in the development of relational thinking.
Protocolized management of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: effect on survival.

Abstract Background/Purpose In 2006, we introduced a new protocol for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) management featuring nitric oxide in the delivery room, gentle ventilation, lower criteria for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and appropriately timed operative repair on ECMO. Our goals were to assess outcomes after institution of this protocol and to compare results with historical controls. Methods Charts were reviewed of all newborns admitted to a large metropolitan children's hospital from 2002 to 2009 with a diagnosis of CDH. Data were recorded regarding delivery, ECMO, operative repair, length of stay, comorbidities/anomalies, complications, and survival. Postprotocol outcomes were compared to those from the preprotocol era and to data from the international CDH Registry. Results Comparison of the protocolized group (n = 43) to the historical group (n = 51) revealed no significant differences in gestational age, birth weight, Apgar scores, or comorbidities. New treatment strategies substantially improved survival to discharge (67% preprotocol, 88% postprotocol; P = .015). Among ECMO patients, survival increased to 82% (20% preprotocol; P = .002). Conclusions Our new protocol significantly improved survival to discharge for newborns with CDH. Institution of such a protocol is valuable in improving outcomes for patients with CDH and merits consideration for widespread adoption.
Broad and potent neutralization of HIV-1 by a gp41-specific human antibody

Characterization of human monoclonal antibodies is providing considerable insight into mechanisms of broad HIV-1 neutralization. Here we report an HIV-1 gp41 membrane-proximal external region (MPER)-specific antibody, named 10E8, which neutralizes ∼98% of tested viruses. An analysis of sera from 78 healthy HIV-1-infected donors demonstrated that 27% contained MPER-specific antibodies and 8% contained 10E8-like specificities. In contrast to other neutralizing MPER antibodies, 10E8 did not bind phospholipids, was not autoreactive, and bound cell-surface envelope. The structure of 10E8 in complex with the complete MPER revealed a site of vulnerability comprising a narrow stretch of highly conserved gp41-hydrophobic residues and a critical arginine or lysine just before the transmembrane region. Analysis of resistant HIV-1 variants confirmed the importance of these residues for neutralization. The highly conserved MPER is a target of potent, non-self-reactive neutralizing antibodies, suggesting that HIV-1 vaccines should aim to induce antibodies to this region of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein.
The renin-angiotensin system and fibrinolysis

In addition to causing vasoconstriction and the retention of salt and water, angiotensin inhibits fibrinolysis, thereby promoting clot formation and protecting against hemorrhage. Activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) can disturb the balance of the fibrinolytic system by stimulating excess production of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and increasing the risk of thrombotic events. This risk is exacerbated by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-induced degradation of bradykinin, which normally stimulates production of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA). Modification of the RAS via ACE inhibition may protect against thrombosis by limiting vascular expression of PAI-1 and augmenting bradykinin-induced production of t-PA. Survivors of myocardial infarction treated with an ACE inhibitor have demonstrated a reduction in PAI-1 activity and preservation of the normal ratio of PAI-1 to t-PA. This effect on the fibrinolytic system may contribute to the favorable impact ACE inhibition has been demonstrated to have on the incidence of recurrent myocardial infarction.
Analysis OF Ocean Optical Data II

The accurate estimation of the diffuse attenuation coefficient, K(λ,z), over a wide range of space/time scales is essential for the solution of a number of scientific and operational problems. In order to obtain shipboard estimates of K over large areas rapidly, it is necessary to make optical measurements quickly in all environmental conditions. Optical estimates of apparent optical properties under adverse environmental conditions require appropriate corrections to obtain suitable accuracies. We have developed techniques to correct spectral irradiance data for shadowing due to the ship's presence. This analysis makes use of contemporaneous above water spectral irradiance measurements, of a rough atmospheric model for the estimation of global transmittance through the air-water interface as a function of solar zenith angle, and of bio-optical models. The presence of a reasonably homogeneous upper mixed layer is assumed. By comparison with bio-optical model calculations, with Monte Carlo computations and with data obtained under optimum environmental conditions, these techniques provide improved spectral K data. Discussions of the photosynthetically active radiation are also presented. Limiting values of optical properties, including K(λ) and Kpar, are explored with respect to the maximum penetration of radiant energy through ocean waters.
Time-resolved spectroscopy of solid poly/1-vinyl naphthalene/ following electron beam pulse radiolysis - Pulse radiolytic studies on polymers

Transient emission studies following pulse radiolysis of solid poly(1-vinyl naphthalene) show existence of excited monomers and two excimers. Quenching experiments indicate that excimers are not formed directly by recombination of ions but probably by trapping of migrating monomeric excitation in preformed traps whose density is approximately one in 1000.
Simulating density‐dependent relationships in south Texas northern bobwhite populations

Density dependence influences northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) reproduction and overwinter mortality. However, the functional forms of these density-dependent relationships or the factors that influence them during the annual life cycle events of this bird are not clear. We used a systems analysis approach with a compartment model based on difference equations (Δt = 3 months) for bobwhites in South Texas to simulate population behavior using 16 different functional forms of density-dependent production and overwinter mortality. During the reproductive season, a weak linear density-dependent relationship resulted in the longest population persistence (up to 100.0 yr), whereas a reverse-sigmoid density-dependent relationship had the worst population persistence (2.5–3.5 yr). Regarding overwinter mortality, a sigmoid or weak linear density-dependent relationship and a weak linear or no density-dependent reproduction relationship had the longest population persistence (87.5–100.0 yr). Weak linear density-dependent reproduction with either sigmoid or weak linear overwinter mortality produced stable fall population trends. Our results indicated that density dependence may have a greater influence on overwinter survival of bobwhites than previously thought. Inclusion of density-dependent functional relationships that represent both density-dependent reproduction and overwinter mortality, were critical for our simulation model to function properly. Therefore, integrating density-dependent relationships for both reproductive and overwinter periods of the annual cycle of bobwhite life history events is essential for conducting realistic bobwhite population simulation analyses that can be used to test different management scenarios in an integrated and interdisciplinary manner. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
ACETYLCHOLINE AND ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE ACTIVITY IN EARLY EMBRYOS OF THE MEDAKA ORYZIAS LATIPES, A TELEOST

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity is present in homogenates of medaka embryos during cleavage and epiboly. The levels of AChE activity change little during this period of development and are similar in embryos grown at either 15°C or 25°C. The specific activity of AChE in cells isolated from blastulae is 0.06 mmoles substrate hydrolyzed/min/g protein, a value comparable to that of chicken myoblasts and myotubes in vitro. Acetylcholinesterase activity was detected cytochemically in all cells dissociated from blastulae and gastrulae. In deep blastomeres AChE activity is present nearly throughout the cytoplasm; it is absent from peripheral regions of the cytoplasm which are involved in circus, or limnicolor, movements. Acetylcholine-like activity in extracts of the embryos was assayed using the clam heart ventricle bioassay. The active principle, which caused a decrease in both the frequency and magnitude of ventricular contractions, was inactivated by heating at pH 10 and by incubation at pH 7.0 with commercial AChE. The effect of the active principle on the clam heart was blocked by mytolon chloride, a drug which specifically blocks the effect of acetylcholine on the clam heart. The active principle migrated on Whatman #1 chromatography paper with the same Rf as authentic acetylcholine in three solvent systems. The amount of acetylcholine in blastulae is about 4 picomoles/embryo.
Organization of chromosome ends in the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae

Eukaryotic pathogens of humans often evade the immune system by switching the expression of surface proteins encoded by subtelomeric gene families. To determine if plant pathogenic fungi use a similar mechanism to avoid host defenses, we sequenced the 14 chromosome ends of the rice blast pathogen, Magnaporthe oryzae. One telomere is directly joined to ribosomal RNA-encoding genes, at the end of the � 2 Mb rDNA array. Two are attached to chromosome-unique sequences, and the remainder adjoin a distinct subtelomere region, consisting of a telomere-linked RecQ-helicase (TLH) gene flanked by several blocks of tandem repeats. Unlike other microbes, M.oryzae exhibits very little gene amplification in the subtelomere regions—out of 261 predicted genes found within 100 kb of the telomeres, only four were present at more than one chromosome end. Therefore, it seems unlikely that M.oryzae uses switching mechanisms to evade host defenses. Instead, the M.oryzae telomeres have undergone frequent terminal truncation, and there is evidence of extensive ectopic recombination among transposons in these regions. We propose that the M.oryzae chromosome termini play more subtle roles in host adaptation by promoting the loss of terminally-positioned genes that tend to trigger host defenses.
Fractal Description of Temporal Yield Variability of 10 Crops in the United States

Fractal analysis has been used to characterize both temporal and spatial variability in plant and soil parameters. A plant parameter of prime concern is crop yield. Consequently, the temporal variability to 10 crops commonly grown in the USA was described using fratal analysis. Average yields of nine grain crops along with fiber yield of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) from 1930 to 1990 in the USA were used for semivariogram and fractal analyses. Semivariance was calculated for each crop for different year intervals (h). The slope of the regression line of log semivariance vs. log h for each crop was used to calculate fractal dimension [D = (4 - slope)/2], which is an indication of the pattern of yield variability. A small D-value (near 1) indicates the dominance of long-term variation, while a large D-value (near 2) indicates dominance of short-term variation and nondominance or lack of long-term variation or trend. From 1930 to 1990, yield of all crops increased, ranging from about twofold in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], oat (Avena sativa L.), and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to about sixfold in maize (Zea mays L.). Crop improvement through plant breeding and the use of fertilizers and pesticides are presumably the main reasons for increased yield. Large yield differences were observed after 1960 for most of the crops studied, suggesting that risk resulting from year-to-year yield differences increased with improved yields. Fractal dimensions ranged from 1.20 to 1.47 for the crops studied, identifying long-term trend as well as short-term variation in yield of these crops. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) had the smallest D-value, indicating that this crop had the least short-term variation, while oat and soybean had the largest D, indicating greatest short-term variation. Temporal variability in average crop yield in the USA was much smaller than typical spatial variability values reported by others for soil parameters. It appears that fractal analysis is useful in quantifying temporal variability in yield of various crops and can be applied to agronomic research to characterize temporal variations
Exploring the absorptive capacity to innovation/productivity link for individual engineers engaged in IT enabled work

The hypothesis that absorptive capacity leads to greater innovation/productivity has been supported at the country, inter-organizational, organizational, and group levels. We adapted the absorptive capacity concept to individuals engaged in IT enabled engineering work, which is a situated and emergent phenomenon that requires individuals to posses or develop ability to acquire new task and computer knowledge; use or develop analytical and intuitive problem solving skills to assimilate and integrate these two types of knowledge; and apply them to their work. A model was developed linking the absorptive capacity of individuals, through enhanced IT utilization for problem solving/decision support, to task innovation and productivity. It was tested using a sample of 208 engineers using computers in their work. The results suggested that using IT innovatively and productively in such a work environment requires a mix of task knowledge, computer knowledge, and problem solving modalities.
Working with Immigrant Children and Their Families: An Application of Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory

The influx of multicultural and multiethnic immigrants to the United States following the liberalization of immigration law in 1965 has resulted in a high representation of children who reside with immigrant families. As these children are approaching early adulthood, their encounter with various ecological systems is likely to be shaped by their cultural differences and the diversity of family settings. Drawing on the insights of Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, this article highlights the critical function that family social ecology plays in how children of immigrants will fare over their adolescent life course. By providing a comprehensive picture of how immigrant family process takes place, this article suggests how understanding the ecology of immigrant families can help strengthen social work service delivery.
Atmospheric Turbulence Measurement System

Since the summer of 1983, Georgia Tech and NOAA have been engaged in a program whose purpose is to measure, the effects of atmospheric turbulence on the propagation of millimeter waves (MMW). Five different measurement sessions have been conducted, and observations have been made in clear air, rain, fog, and snow at frequencies of 116, 118, 142, 173, and 230 GHz, so that results have been obtained on or near all atmospheric features of interest in this range, including to 118 GHz oxygen line, the 140 GHz window, the 183 GHz water line, and the 230 GHz window'. These measurements have been made over a 1.4 km path at a site near Urbana, Illinois, chosen for its exceptional flatness. Figure 1 is a diagram of the layout of the experiment site and Figure 2 is a photograph of the propagation path looking from transmitter toward receiver. In making measurements of this type, it is important that the path and surrounding terrain be flat, homogeneous, and free of trees or other obstructions, to avoid perturbation of the atmospheric fields. The following sections discuss the equipment used to make these measurements and give some preliminary results.
Differential Expression of Genes Encoding Constitutive and Inducible 20S Proteasomal Core Subunits in the Testis and Epididymis of Theophylline- or 1,3-Dinitrobenzene-Exposed Rats

Theophylline (THP) and 1,3-dinitrobenzene (DNB) are thought to induce infertility by incapacitating the nurturing Sertoli cells and causing germ cell apoptosis in the testicular seminiferous epithelium, respectively. We hypothesized that THP and DNB exposure would alter the expression of the genes within the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP), implicated in spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm quality control. Rats were fed 0 or 8000 ppm of THP and necropsied on Days 18, 30, and 42 or administered 0, 2, or 6 mg/kg DNB via oral gavage and necropsied on Day 7. Tissues were collected from the testis and the caput, corpus, and cauda regions of the epididymis for transcriptional profiling by semiquantitative RT-PCR, real-time RT-PCR, and histopathology. Target UPP genes included those encoding for constitutive the 20S proteasomal core subunits Psmb1 (beta1), Psmb2 (beta2), and Psmb5 (beta5); the inducible 20S core subunits Psmb9 (LMP2), Psmb8 (LMP7), and Psmb10 (LMP10); and Ube1 (ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1), Ube2d3 (ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2), and Uchl1 (ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase PGP9.5). Spermatozoa were collected from the cauda epididymis for analysis by light microscopy and flow cytometric evaluation of sperm surface ubiquitin. These data show that reprotoxic exposure alters the tissue-specific expression of UPP genes in the testis and epididymis, which may contribute to the aberrant spermatogenesis and epididymal processing of both normal and defective spermatozoa. Transcriptional profiling and flow cytometric analysis of the UPP thus captures the prodromal effects of reproductive toxicity not captured by conventional histology and functional cytology. Complementing seminal analysis with these measures may be useful in screening drug-induced toxicity or environmental infertility.
Ergonomics in office-based surgery: a survey-guided observational study.

BACKGROUND The practice of office-based surgery is increasing in many specialties. OBJECTIVE Using Mohs surgery as a model, we investigated the role of ergonomics in office-based surgery to limit work-related musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS All Mayo Clinic surgeons currently performing Mohs surgery and Mohs surgeons trained at Mayo Clinic between 1990 and 2004 received a questionnaire survey between May 2003 and September 2004. A sample of respondents were videotaped during surgery. The main outcome measures were survey responses and an ergonomist's identification of potential causes of musculoskeletal disorders. RESULTS All 17 surgeons surveyed responded. Those surveyed spend a mean of 24 hours per week in surgery. Sixteen said they had symptoms caused by or made worse by performing surgery. Symptom onset occurred on average at age 35.4 years. The most common complaints were pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and lower back and headaches. Videotapes of 6 surgeons revealed problems with operating room setup, awkward posture, forceful exertion, poor positioning, lighting, and duration of procedures. CONCLUSION Symptoms of musculoskeletal injuries are common and may begin early in a physician's career. Modifying footwear, flooring, table height, operating position, lighting, and surgical instruments may improve the ergonomics of office-based surgery.
Disparities in overweight and obesity among US college students.

Objectives To examine social disparities and behavioral correlates of overweight and obesity over time among college students. Methods Multilevel analyses of BMI, physical activity, and television viewing from 2 representative surveys of US college students (n=24,613). Results Overweight and obesity increased over time and were higher among males, African Americans, and students of lower socioeconomic position and lower among Asians. Television viewing and in activity were associated with obesity, and disparities in these behaviors partially accounted for excess weight among African Americans. Conclusions Social disparities in overweight and obesity exist among college students. Promoting physical activity and reducing television viewing may counteract increasing trends.
Attachment to Pet Dogs and Depression in Rural Older Adults

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to learn more about the relationship between pet attachment, the ability to care for a pet, and depression in older adults. One hundred and seventeen Caucasian, older, adult dog owners in rural, south-central Pennsylvania were recruited using non-random sampling methods through veterinary offices and dog grooming salons in south-central Pennsylvania, USA. They completed an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire, which was returned by mail. Half of the respondents were female, 74% were married, and 27% were employed. Attachment to pet dogs was measured by the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale. Regression analysis revealed that higher levels of pet attachment and widowhood were associated with higher levels of depression, and the ability to care for the dog and satisfaction with human relationships were associated with lower levels of depression. Higher levels of pet attachment may indicate that the pet plays a central role in the older adult's life and may substit...
Vision is Important for Plant Location by the Phytophagous Aquatic Specialist Euhrychiopsis lecontei Dietz (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The aquatic milfoil weevil Euhrychiopsis lecontei Dietz (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a specialist on Myriophyllum spp. and is used as a biological control agent for Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.), an invasive aquatic macrophyte. We show evidence that visual cues are important for plant detection by these weevils. Weevils had difficulty locating plants in dark conditions and were highly attracted to plant stems in the light, even when the plant sample was sealed in a vial. However, weevils were equally attracted to both M. spicatum and another aquatic macrophyte, coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum L.) in vials. Turbidity (0–100 NTU) did not significantly influence visual plant detection by the weevils. This work fills a void in the literature regarding visual plant location by aquatic specialists and may help lead to a better understanding of when and where these weevils will find, accept, and damage their target host-plants.
An efficiently regulated promoter system for Cryptococcus neoformans utilizing the CTR4 promoter

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen responsible for serious meningitis. Although many useful molecular tools have been developed for its study, there are currently few inducible promoters available for general use. To address this need, we have constructed expression plasmids incorporating upstream elements of the C. neoformans copper transporter gene CTR4, and tested them in C. neoformans serotypes A and D. In response to copper deprivation, these plasmids mediate high-level expression of a reporter protein. This expression can be completely repressed using physiologically low concentrations of copper. Notably, this new family of copper-sensing promoters demonstrates excellent expression in serotype A, contrasting with other available promoters. These plasmids therefore offer efficient and regulated expression for both serotypes A and D, and should be valuable tools for the C. neoformans research community.
Moral development in a violent society: Colombian children's judgments in the context of survival and revenge

Ninety-six Colombian children (mean age = 7.7 years) and adolescents (mean age = 14.6 years) made judgments about stealing and physical harm in the abstract and in the context of survival and revenge. All participants judged it wrong to steal or hurt others because of considerations with justice and welfare, and most also judged it wrong to engage in such actions even when they can aid in survival. Their judgments in the context of revenge were more mixed, with a sizable proportion endorsing stealing and hurting in that condition. Furthermore, the majority expected that people would steal and hurt others in most situations. Significant age differences were also found. The consequences of political violence for moral development are discussed.
Idiopathic omental bleeding

Omental bleeding without any evidence of trauma, aneurysms, or other pathology has been rarely described in the literature. We report a case of a 24 year-old female on aspirin/acetaminophen/caffeine for migraines who presented with abdominal pain and tachycardia. Computed tomography angiography revealed active extravasation in the right lower quadrant. During exploratory laparotomy, a small bleeding artery within the greater omentum was suture ligated, and two liters of fresh and clotted blood were evacuated. The patient recovered successfully. We review the diagnosis and management of this rare condition.
Two Low Protein Diets Differentially Affect Food Consumption and Reproductive Performance in Pregnant and Lactating Rats and Long-Term Growth in Their Offspring

We fed 2 low protein diets (LPD) to rats during pregnancy and lactation, and compared food intake and reproductive performance in the dams, and long-term growth in their offspring. The L93 and LM76 LPDs were derived from the American Society of Nutrition's recommended AIN93G and a modified version of the AIN76A purified control diets, respectively. The LPDs contained 8% crude protein in the form of casein and differed in their fat and carbohydrate sources. The purified control diets contained 19% crude protein. A regular cereal-based diet was also included, therefore, a total of 5 groups were tested. Blood urea nitrogen concentrations in dams of both LPD groups were lower than their respective controls, confirming decreased protein intake. The LM76 diet lowered food consumption of dams and produced energy malnourishment during pregnancy that persisted throughout lactation. In contrast, the L93 diet produced energy malnourishment only during lactation. Offspring of both LPD groups exhibited lower birth weights than their respective controls. Despite initiating nutritional rehabilitation at weaning (d 28), perinatal administration of both low protein diets produced long-term reductions in the body weight of male offspring. Interestingly, in the female offspring, the LM76 diet reduced birth weight for the entire duration of the study (180 d), whereas the L93 diet produced a relatively short-term (up to 58 d) reduction in body weight. This suggests that the imprinting effect of the perinatal nutritional environment on body weight is diet and gender dependent. The performance of the purified control diet groups were similar to the nonpurified diet group in most measured biochemical indices, with the notable exception of a decrease in the body-weight normalized kidney weight of the dams.
Novel ways to attack inflammation in thyroid eye disease

. These antibodies mimic the activity of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), but have longer acting effects and are not subject to the physiologic hypoth-alamic–pituitary feedback loop. Despite recent advances in the genetic and molecu-lar understanding of GD, the mechanisms behind inflammation patterns in seem-ingly unrelated anatomic regions as well as the self-limited nature of inflammation remain unclear.
Tribological characteristics of aluminum alloys sliding against steel lubricated by ammonium and imidazolium ionic liquids

Abstract Sliding friction and wear characteristics of aluminum alloys against AISI 52100 steel lubricated by ionic liquids (ILs) were investigated at both room and elevated temperatures. The tested aluminum alloys include a commercially pure aluminum Al 1100–O, a wrought alloy Al 6061–T6511, and a cast alloy Al 319–T6. The lubricating performance of two ILs with the same anion, one ammonium-based [C 8 H 17 ] 3 NH.Tf 2 N and one imidazolium-based C 10 mim.Tf 2 N, were compared to each other and benchmarked against that of a conventional fully-formulated engine oil. Significant friction (up to 35%) and wear (up to 55%) reductions were achieved by the ammonium IL when lubricating the three aluminum alloys compared to the engine oil. The imidazolium IL performed better than the oil but not as well as the ammonium IL for Al 1100 and 319 alloys. However, accelerated wear was unexpectedly observed for the Al 6061 alloy when lubricated by C 10 mim.Tf 2 N. Surface chemical analyses implied complex tribochemical reactions between the aluminum surfaces and ILs during the wear testing, which have been demonstrated either beneficial by forming a protective boundary film or detrimental by causing severe tribo-corrosion. The effects of the IL cation structure, aluminum alloy composition, and tribo-testing condition on the friction and wear results have been discussed.
Per Connection Server-Side Identification of Connections via Tor

This paper presents two new and novel methods to separate network connections between those that have originated behind the Tor network and those that have not. Our methods identify Tor inbound connections through the use of two distinct timing signatures, delay and round-trip time, that can be used to create effective metrics. In order to evaluate our methods' ability to correctly identify Tor connections, we present the results of two small-scale experiments, one testing performance with HTTP traffic and the other testing SSH. These experiments resulted in very high accuracy rates (100% and 98.99% respectively) when partitioning network connections into Tor and non-Tor originating connections. Through the use of our techniques, we believe that inbound connections that have traversed the Tor network can be identified on a per-connection basis rather than the current per-IP basis.
Motivation in the College Classroom: What Students Tell Us:

This article discusses student perceptions of those college classes likely to result in high und low classroom motivation. Eight characteristics of c h s e s in which students had high motivation are identified; students ranked enthusiasm, relevance, and organization as being most important. The classroom activity used to gather this information is also described.
Energy budget closure observed in paired Eddy Covariance towers with increased and continuous daily turbulence

Abstract The lack of energy closure has been a longstanding issue with Eddy Covariance (EC). Multiple mechanisms have been proposed to explain the discrepancies in energy balance including diurnal energy storage changes, advection of energy, and larger scale turbulent processes that cannot be resolved by field EC. To investigate the energy balance issue, we used a year of data from paired EC towers in irrigated sugarcane in Maui, Hawai’i, USA. The towers were in identical crops and cultivation practices and had similar climate with the notable exception of wind. One tower was in a location where nearby orographic features funneled Trade Winds, resulting in sustained, continuous turbulence. The other was in a leeward location with less turbulence, particularly at night (u*). We found significantly improved closure (8.5–10%) at both sites using daily sums of Available Energy in closure regressions as opposed to 30 min data, illustrating the importance of storage terms. The energy budget closed for both fields when only days with continuous turbulence (all 30 min u* > critical u*) were considered, with significantly larger uncertainty in the leeward field (±13%) due to the small number of days (n = 13) with this condition. Significant energy imbalance appeared in both fields with even 30 min of subcritical turbulence in a day, and each field had different turbulence-closure patterns. Closure with continuous turbulence was sensitive to choice of critical u*; an arbitrary u* of 0.1 m s−1 resulted in non-closure. The results show the value of paired EC towers in contrasting turbulence conditions to assess energy budget closure.
An open-label study to evaluate switching from an SSRI or SNRI to tiagabine to alleviate antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in generalized anxiety disorder.

Background. This study investigated tiagabine monotherapy in subjects with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) who had been switched from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) as a result of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.Methods. Adults with DSM-IV GAD, an adequate therapeutic response (≥50% decrease in Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety [HAM-A] total score) to SSRI or SNRI and sexual dysfunction were switched to open-label tiagabine 4–12 mg/day for 14 weeks. Assessments included the HAM-A, Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale (HADS) and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX); assessments were made at baseline and at Weeks 4, 8, and 14.Results. Twenty six subjects were included in the analysis. Tiagabine showed no worsening in baseline symptoms of GAD, with non-significant changes from baseline in mean HAM-A total scores and HADS Anxiety and Depression subscale scores. There was a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in ASEX tota...
DM EMI noise analysis for critical conduction mode PFC

The critical conduction mode (CRM) power factor correction converters are widely used in low power front-end converters for its high efficiency. Compared to the traditional CCM PFC, the large inductor current ripple in the CRM PFC makes the DM EMI noise a major concern and a large EMI filter is needed. Moreover, uncertainty of the worse case for the EMI noise in the CRM PFC may often lead to an overdesign of the EMI filter, which further increases the size of the system. In this paper, the worst case analysis is carried out based on the proposed mathematical prediction model for the DM EMI noise of the CRM PFC. The design criteria of the DM EMI filter are obtained from the worst case analysis without the need of EMI measurement, which helps to link the EMI filter with the initial system design and make the potential optimization possible. Experimental results validate the proposed model and the worst case analysis.
Fabrication of Nanoparticles and Microspheres with Uniform Magnetic Half-Shells

We report a method for fabricating, anisotropically designed, multiphasic nano-particles with uniform magnetic half-shells. Cobalt layers were deposited onto commercially made non-magnetic polystyrene nanospheres and microspheres, using ultrahigh vacuum vapor deposition, which produced particles with a half-shell of uniform size, shape and magnetic content. Iron was also deposited onto commercially made silica nanospheres and microspheres and was characterized using transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The coercivity of the magnetic material layers, on the substrate-supported spheres, was enhanced compared to the bulk values of such films without spheres. The particles, once removed from the substrate, were amenable to being rotated in solution, which could allow for more accurate physical and chemical measurements in a variety of fluidic environments. Applications for imaging local mechanical, magnetic and electrical environments are also delineated.
Active Dual Supervision: Reducing the Cost of Annotating Examples and Features

When faced with the task of building machine learning or NLP models, it is often worthwhile to turn to active learning to obtain human annotations at minimal costs. Traditional active learning schemes query a human for labels of intelligently chosen examples. However, human effort can also be expended in collecting alternative forms of annotations. For example, one may attempt to learn a text classifier by labeling class-indicating words, instead of, or in addition to, documents. Learning from two different kinds of supervision brings a new, unexplored dimension to the problem of active learning. In this paper, we demonstrate the value of such active dual supervision in the context of sentiment analysis. We show how interleaving queries for both documents and words significantly reduces human effort -- more than what is possible through traditional one-dimensional active learning, or by passive combinations of supervisory inputs.
Land Politics and Local State Capacities: The Political Economy of Urban Change in China

Despite common national institutions and incentives to remake urban landscapes to anchor growth, generate land-lease revenues and display a capacious administration, Chinese urban governments exhibit varying levels of control over land. This article uses a paired comparison of Dalian and Harbin in China’s north-east to link differences in local political economies to land politics. Dalian, benefiting from early access to foreign capital, consolidated its control over urban territory through the designation of a development zone, which realigned local economic interests and introduced dual pressures for enterprises to restructure and relocate. Harbin, facing capital shortages, distributed urban territory to assuage the losers of reform and promote economic growth. The findings suggest that 1) growth strategies, and the territorial politics they produce, are products of the post-Mao urban hierarchy rather than of socialist legacies, and 2), perhaps surprisingly, local governments exercise the greatest control over urban land in cities that adopted market reforms earliest.