cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CHANGES IN TENSION AND CERTAIN METABOLITES DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF RIGOR IVIORTIS IN SELECTED RED AND WHITE SKELETAL MUSCLES

SUMMARY The relative time course of rigor mortis was compared in the vastus lateralis (red) and the longissimus (white) muscle from untreated and magnesium sulfate injected “Stress-resistant” Chester White pigs and “stress-susceptible” Poland China pigs. In untreated animals the white muscle had a shorter time course of rigor mortis than did the red muscle. This difference disappeared when the animals ware injected ante-mortem with magnesium sulfate although both muscles from injected animals had a slower development of rigor mortis than the same muscles in control animals. Either magnesium sulfate had more of an effect on white than on red muscle post-mortem, or the differences between the post-mortem rates of glycolysis of red and white muscles were significantly minimized when struggle and stimulation associated with death had been eliminated. Red muscles in magnesium sulfate injected pigs developed more tension post-mortem than did white muscles. The development of isometric tension reached its maximum as the muscle lost all of its extensibility. Muscle from “stress-susceptible” pigs had a shorter time course of rigor mortis than the corresponding muscle from “stress-resistant” pigs of the same treatment. This difference occurred even when the two groups started with the same level of phosphocreatine and lactic acid post-exsanguination, as is the case when treated with magnesium sulfate. Therefore, even though magnesium treatment can retard glycolysis sufficiently to prevent the development of the PSE condition (Sair et al., 1970), it does not necessarily standardize the postmortem changes in all skeletal muscles of all pigs.
Modeling and acoustic microscopy measurements for evaluation of the adhesion between a film and a substrate

A model for calculating the V(z) curve by line-focus acoustic microscopy contains the reflectance function of the specimen as a principal component. In this paper, the reflectance function has been analyzed for various film/substrate systems with a non-perfect interface between the film and the substrate. A theoretical study has been carried out to investigate the effect of a non-perfect interface on the propagation of surface acoustic waves (SAW) and its implications for measurements by line-focus acoustic microscopy (LFAM). An experimental study has been performed to verify the theoretical predictions, and to explore the potential of LFAM at high frequencies for non-destructive quantitative evaluation of the bond quality between a film and a substrate. A number of film specimens with different interface conditions between the film and the substrate have been investigated. The stiffness parameters of a non-perfect interface have been determined by the combined use of the V(z) model and LFAM based measurements. The results have been compared with results obtained by other techniques.
Reasoning about Iteration in Gödel’s Class Theory

A computer implementation of Godel’s algorithm for class formation in MathematicaTM was used to formulate definitions and theorems about iteration in Godel’s class theory. The intent is to use this approach for automated reasoning about a variety of applications of iteration using McCune’s automated reasoning program Otter. The applications include the theory of transitive closures of relations, the arithmetic of natural numbers, construction of invariant subsets, and the Schroder-Bernstein theorem.
Von Willebrand factor activity in normal subjects: Sex difference and variability

Abstract Variation in levels of activity in the ristocetin assay of “von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity” was investigated in normal individuals under a variety of circumstances. These include levels obtained after an overnight fast, diurnal and daily levels, levels after glucose load, and after mild exercise. One hundred per cent vWF activity was defined by a normal pool. In fasting morning samples, a significant male-female difference in vWF activity was seen (p A significant correlation was seen between vWF activity and fasting glucose levels (p
Activation of Interferon-inducible 2′5′ Oligoadenylate Synthetase by Adenoviral VAI RNA

2′-5′ oligoadenylate (2-5(A)) synthetase and protein kinase, RNA activated (PKR) are the only two known enzymes that bind double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and get activated by it. We have previously identified their dsRNA binding domains, which do not have any sequence homology. Here, we report a profound difference between the two enzymes with respect to the structural features of the dsRNA that are required for their activation. The adenoviral virus-associated type I (VAI) RNA cannot activate PKR, although it binds to the protein and thereby prevents its activation by authentic dsRNA. In contrast, we observed that VAI RNA can both bind and activate 2-5(A) synthetase. Mutations in VAI RNA, which removed occasional mismatches present in its double-stranded stems, markedly enhanced its 2-5(A) synthetase-activating capacity. These mutants, however, are incapable of activating PKR. Other mutations, which disrupted the structure of the central stem-loop region of the VAI RNA, reduced its ability to activate 2-5(A) synthetase. These debilitated mutants could bind to the synthetase protein, although they fail to bind to PKR.
On xq+1+ax+ b

We study the polynomial f(x)=x^q^+^1+ax+b over an arbitrary field F of characteristic p, where q is a power of p and ab 0. The polynomial has arisen recently in several different contexts, including the inverse Galois problem, difference sets, and Muller-Cohen-Matthews polynomials in characteristic 2. We prove f has exactly n rational roots, where [email protected]?{0,1,2,Q+1} and [email protected]?GF(q)=GF(Q). If F is finite then we find the exact number of a,[email protected]?F^x such that f has n rational roots, for each n. We also prove many arithmetic properties of f. For example, if F is finite and f has a rational root r, then f has exactly two rational roots if and only if N"F"/"G"F"("Q")(r-1) 1. The techniques rely on a detailed analysis of the splitting field and Galois group, together with frequent use of Hilbert's Theorem 90.
Sleep duration and mortality: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Summary Epidemiologic studies have shown that sleep duration is associated with overall mortality. We conducted a systematic review of the associations between sleep duration and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. PubMed was systematically searched up to January, 2008 to identify studies examining the association between sleep duration and mortality (both all-cause and cause-specific) among adults. Data were abstracted serially in a standardized manner by two reviewers and analyzed using random-effects meta-analysis. Twenty-three studies assessing the associations between sleep duration and mortality were identified. All examined sleep duration measured using participant self-report. Among the 16 studies which had similar reference categories and reported sufficient data on short sleep and mortality for meta-analyses, the pooled relative risk (RR) for all-cause mortality for short sleep duration was 1.10 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06, 1.15]. For cardiovascular-related and cancer-related mortality, the RRs associated with short sleep were 1.06 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.18) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.88, 1.13), respectively. Similarly, among the 17 studies reporting data on long sleep duration and mortality, the pooled RRs comparing the long sleepers with medium sleepers were 1.23 (95% CI: 1.17, 1.30) for all-cause mortality, 1.38 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.69) for cardiovascular-related mortality, and 1.21 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.32) for cancer-related mortality. Our findings indicate that both short sleepers and long sleepers are at increased risk of all-cause mortality. Further research using objective measures of sleep duration is needed to fully characterize these associations.
CO2-filled vesicles in mid-ocean basalt

Abstract Volatile-filled vesicles are present in minor amounts in all samples of mid-ocean basalt yet collected (and presumably erupted) down to depths of 4.8 km. When such vesicles are pierced in liquid under standard conditions, the volume expansion of the gas is 0.2 ± 0.05 times the eruption pressure in bars or 20 ± 5 times the eruption depth in km. Such expansion could be used as a measure of eruption depth. A variety of techniques: (1) vacuum crushing and gas chromatographic, freezing separation, and mass spectrographic analyses; (2) measurements of phase changes on a freezing microscope stage; (3) microscopic chemical and solubility observations; and (4) volume change measurements, all indicate that CO 2 comprises more than 95% by volume of the vesicle gas in several submarine basalt samples from the Atlantic and Pacific. The CO 2 held in vesicles is present in quantities about equal to or greater than that presumed to be dissolved in the glass (melt) and amounts to 400–900 ppm of the rock. The rigid temperature of the glass is 800–1000°C and increases for shallower samples. A sulfur gas was originally present in subordinate amounts in the vesicles, but has largely reacted with iron in the vesicle walls to produce sulfide spherules.
A novel technique for synthesizing dense alumina nanostructures

The formation of highly ordered nanoporous alumina membranes by anodizing high-purity aluminium under optimum conditions (i.e., anodization time, electrolyte temperature, and cell voltage) in various electrolyte solutions is a well established process. In this paper we report on the formation of a wide range of alumina nanostructures, including nanotubes/nanochannels, nanoplates, and nanofibres, by using a technique that involves anodization and etching processing steps similar to the ones that yield nanopores, under slightly modified experimental conditions. The effects of the anodization voltage, time, and temperature, as well as the effects of the etching time, on the formation and the properties of the alumina nanostructures are analysed. We propose a simple analytical model to describe the formation of different types of alumina nanostructures, as a result of irreversible breakage of the pore walls for long etching times. The geometry of the nanostructures and their dimensions, ranging between 10 and 100 nm, were found to be dependent on the pore dimensions and on the location of the cleavage/breakage of the pore walls.
Aortic enlargement in coarctation is not common in patients without a bicuspid valve: rethinking etiologies

Background Aortic coarctation is considered an endothelial disorder. It is associated with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), cerebral aneurysms, and aortic dilatation and dissection. Accordingly, guideline statements recommend complete aortic imaging in all coarctation patients. Yet is enlargement mostly seen in those with a coexisting bicuspid aortic valve? Methods Consecutive patients referred for cardiac MRI for repaired aortic coarctation, bicuspid aortic valve, or both were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with prior aortic valve or ascending aortic surgery were excluded, though prior coarctation intervention was not excluded. Maximum ascending aortic dimension was obtained, and averaged for patients with BAV alone, BAV and coarctation, or coarctation alone. Percentage of patients with aortic enlargement defined as a maximum diameter >40 mm were calculated for each group, and appropriate comparisons made between groups. Results A total of 77 patients (58% male, age 36 ± 13.7) were included in the study including 29 with BAV alone, 33 patients with BAV and coarctation, and 15 patients with coarctation alone. Average maximal aortic dimension was 43 mm, 34 mm, and 29 mm in each group respectively (p 40 mm) was present in 69% of BAV patients, but only 20% of BAV and coarctation patients, and no patients with coarctation alone (p < 0.001). Conclusions
Effects of bradykinin on DNA synthesis in resting NIL8 hamster cells and human fibroblasts.

Abstract Bradykinin stimulates [3H]thymidine incorporation and DNA synthesis in resting, serum-deprived NIL8 hamster cells. The ED50 for this stimulation is 4.52 ± 2.91 nM. Other kinin peptides including lys-bradykinin (kallidin) and met-lys-bradykinin also stimulate [3H]thymidine incorporation in the NIL8 cells, whereas desarg9-bradykinin is without effect, suggesting action of the kinin peptides through type B2 receptors. Bradykinin also stimulates DNA synthesis in IMR-90 human fibroblasts; however, this effect is observed only in the presence of indomethacin, which blocks prostaglandin synthesis. These results suggest that prostaglandins act as negative modulators of the growth-stimulatory effects of bradykinin in the fibroblasts. This conclusion is supported by the observation that exogenously added PGE1, PGE2, PGA1, PGA2, PGB1, and PGB2 strongly inhibit [3H]thymidine incorporation in the human fibroblasts. The direct effect of bradykinin observed in the NIL8 cells may be attributable to the relative resistance of these cells to growth inhibition by prostaglandins.
Der mechanische Wirkungsgrad des versagenden Herzens

1. Die Durchrechnung der Versuche von Evans und Starling zeigt unzweifelhaft, das das Coronarsinusblut einen mit der Zeit abnehmenden Teil des gesamten Sauerstoffs transportiert, den das Herz verbraucht. 2. Es wird gezeigt, das die respiratorischen Quotienten Ruhls einen Uberschus von CO2 anzeigen, der durch das Puffersystem des Herzmuskels nicht erklart werden kann. 3. Die Uberschuskohlensaure zeigt einen Gesamtverbrauch von Sauerstoff an, der groser ist als auf Grund des Coronarsinusblutes berechnet wird. 4. Wird die CO2-Bildung als Kriterium verwendet, so zeigt sich im Widerspruch mit seinen eigenen auf Grund des O2-Verbrauchs erhaltenen Berechnungen und in Ubereinstimmung mit anderen Autoren5, 6, 7, 9, das der Stoffwechsel des Herzens beim Versagen zunimmt und der mechanische Wirkungsgrad sich vermindert. 5. Es wird geschlossen, das die „innere” Methode der Bestimmung des O2-Verbrauchs ungeeignet ist, da variable Anteile des Gesamtsauerstoff-verbrauchs von dem Coronarsinusblut transportiert werden. 6. Es wird uber 50 Versuche mit Spontanversagen des Herzens und Messung des Gesamtsauerstoffverbrauchs berichtet. In jedem Fall nimmt die mechanische Wirksamkeit des Herzens mit der Zeit ab. Die Regelmasigkeit dieser Ergebnisse steht in direktem Widerspruch zu den Ergebnissen der „inneren” Methode.
Need for Cognition and Conscientiousness as Predictors of Political Interest and Voting Strategy1

Participants (N = 251) used an Internet-based information board to learn about fictional U.S. presidential candidates in a voting simulation task. Need for cognition and conscientiousness interacted to predict political interest. Participants high in need for cognition and participants high in conscientiousness, regardless of the magnitude of the other construct, exhibited high political interest. Participants low in need for cognition and conscientiousness exhibited low political interest. Additionally, participants high in need for cognition or low in conscientiousness preferred an issue-based voting strategy, whereas those low in need for cognition or high in conscientiousness preferred a candidate-based voting strategy. These findings have important implications for how political information should be disseminated to voters through Internet means, such as political websites.
Variability in glycosylated hemoglobin values in diabetic patients living in long-term care facilities.

Objectives The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of diabetes and mean A1C of patients in long-term care facilities (LTCFs); to determine differences in A1C values based on patient characteristics; and to examine the self-reported practices of providers regarding diabetes management goals. Design Twelve-month retrospective review of patient charts; survey of physicians and nurse practitioners providing care to these patients. Setting Nursing facility practice of an urban teaching hospital. Participants Participants included 168 diabetic patients living in 20 nursing facilities and 18 physician and nurse practitioners in one practice providing care to these patients. Results The prevalence of diabetes was 21.6% (168 of 778 patients). Mean A1C was 7.1% ± 1.2%for 135 patients who had AIC values measured during the study interval. A1C varied by age, with patients younger than 65 having higher A1C values than patients older than 65. Higher A1C values were associated with insulin use, frequent glucose monitoring, and attending a diabetes clinic. Although a survey of providers identified modifying A1C target ranges for LTCF compared with ambulatory patients, they did not reach consensus on the actual target A1C. No association between provider perception of either patient health status or patient life expectancy and A1C values was found. Conclusions Relatively low A1C values were obtainable in LTCF patients without diabetes specialty clinic use. Providers identified modifying target A1C values for LTCF patients, but achieved relatively low A1C values and did not agree on a target A1C value for LTCF patients.
Cosmetic approach to anterior mediastinal masses

A new approach for the removal of thymic tissue or any anterior mediastinal pathology is described. It uses a novel low U-shaped skin incision combined with a J-shaped upper mini-sternotomy. This technique was designed to provide wide exposure of the mediastinum and to be cosmetically appealing. Our study included 12 patients, 4 with a preoperative diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. There were no operative mortality and three complications. This procedure allows for complete removal of all thymic tissue under direct vision, and is less invasive that full sternotomy.
Cooperative checkpointing theory

Cooperative checkpointing uses global knowledge of the state and health of the machine to improve performance and reliability by dynamically deciding when to skip checkpoint requests made by applications. Using results from cooperative checkpointing theory, this paper proves that periodic checkpointing is not expected to be competitive with the offline optimal. By leveraging probabilistic information about the future, cooperative checkpointing gives flexible algorithms that are optimally competitive. The results prove that simulating periodic checkpointing, by performing only every dth checkpoint, is not competitive with the offline optimal in the worst case; a simple modification gives a provably competitive algorithm. Calculations using failure traces from a prototype of IBM's Blue Gene/L show an application using cooperative checkpointing may make progress 4 times faster than one using periodic checkpointing, under realistic conditions. We contribute an approach to providing large-scale system reliability through cooperative checkpointing and techniques for analyzing the approach.
From theory to practice: toward a typology of project-management styles

Research literature on the management of projects has been quite slow in its conceptual development and still suffers from a scanty theoretical basis. One of the main impediments in the study of projects has been the absence of constructs and the little distinction that has been made between the project type and its managerial and organizational style. Based on the findings in a field study of 26 case projects, this research shows that there is a need to adopt a more project-specific contingency approach to project management in organizations. This study explores a two-dimensional theoretical model for the classification of technical (or engineering) projects. Projects are classified according to four levels of technological uncertainty at the time of project initiation and three levels of system scope, which is their location on a hierarchical ladder of systems and subsystems. Considerable differences were found in management style, project organization and operational practice when moving along each of the model's two axes. Differences also were observed in simultaneous change in both dimensions. The findings suggest a handful of practical and managerial implications. They are based on the premise that a proper project classification prior to project initiation and a carefully selected management style may lead to better implementation and to an increased chance of project success.
Migraine, arousal and sleep deprivation: comment on: “sleep quality, arousal and pain thresholds in migraineurs: a blinded controlled polysomnographic study”

We discuss the hypothesis proposed by Engstrom and coworkers that Migraineurs have a relative sleep deprivation, which lowers the pain threshold and predispose to attacks. Previous data indicate that Migraineurs have a reduction of Cyclic Alternating Pattern (CAP), an essential mechanism of NREM sleep regulation which allows to dump the effect of incoming disruptive stimuli, and to protect sleep. The modifications of CAP observed in Migraineurs are similar to those observed in patients with impaired arousal (narcolepsy) and after sleep deprivation. The impairment of this mechanism makes Migraineurs more vulnerable to stimuli triggering attacks during sleep, and represents part of a more general vulnerability to incoming stimuli.
Personality and Drug Preferences in Normal Volunteers

This study examined the relationship between drug preferences as measured in a laboratory-based choice procedure and measures of personality and attitudes toward drugs. Healthy volunteers participated in laboratory-based double-blind studies measuring preference for ethanol or diazepam vs placebo. Frequency of drug choice was examined in relation to subjects’ scores on personality questionnaires. Drug choice was not related to any of the personality measures examined. Personality scores were, however, related to both gender and habitual drug use. These data suggest that personality does not strongly influence responses to single doses of drugs as assessed under controlled conditions. Personality may, nevertheless, affect drug use in natural settings via other mechanisms (e.g., interacting with psychosocial variables).
Editors’ Introduction: The Third Life of Quantum Logic: Quantum Logic Inspired by Quantum Computing

We begin by discussing the history of quantum logic, dividing it into three eras or "lives." The first life has to do with Birkhoff and von Neumann's algebraic approach in the 1930's. The second life has to do with attempt to understand quan- tum logic as logic that began in the late 1950's and blossomed in the 1970's. And the third life has to do with recent developments in quantum logic coming from its connections to quantum computation. We discuss our own work connecting quantum logic to quantum computation (viewing quantum logic as the logic of quantum reg- isters storing qubits), make some speculations about mathematics based on quantum principles, and end by quickly describing the papers by the other authors contribut- ing to this special issue on "Quantum Logic Inspired by Quantum Computing." The overall aim of this issue is to show how work on this topic is leading to interesting new areas of logic.
Role of the SIKVAV Site of Laminin in Promotion of Angiogenesis and Tumor Growth: An In Vivo Matrigel Model

Background Angiogenesis (vascularization) has a critical role in tumor growth and metastasis, and peptides containing the SIKVAV amino acid sequence (Ser-Ile-Lys-Val-Ala-Val) have been shown to stimulate many angiogenic activities in vitro. The use of model systems to identify agents that stimulate or inhibit angiogenesis may lead to the development of new antitumor strategies. Purpose Our purpose was to use an in vivo murine model system to study the angiogenic activity of a synthetic peptide derived from the laminin A protein chain and containing the SIKVAV amino acid sequence. We also examined the ability of the peptide to enhance tumor growth in vivo. Methods The SIKVAV-containing peptide was mixed with Matrigel, a reconstituted basement membrane extract used to assay stimulation of angiogenesis. The mixture was subcutaneously injected into C57BL/6 mice. At various times after injection, the Matrigel plug was excised, and angiogenic activity was assessed by histologic examination and immunohistochemical staining with an antibody to the von Willebrand factor (vWF), an endothelium-specific antigen. In other experiments, the mixture of peptide and Matrigel was co-injected with B16F10 murine melanoma cells into C57BL/6 mice, and the resultant tumors were assessed for size and vascularization. Results When co-injected with Matrigel at doses as low as 10 micrograms, the SIKVAV-containing peptide stimulated angiogenesis fourfold greater than that seen in controls, and maximum angiogenic activity was observed 2 weeks after injection. This peptide was angiogenic in a dose-dependent manner up to a 100-micrograms dose. When co-injected with Matrigel and B16F10 melanoma cells, the peptide enhanced tumor growth by approximately 2.5-fold, and tumor vascularization was significantly increased (P = .027) over that observed after injection with melanoma cells and Matrigel alone. Conclusions These data demonstrate that the laminin-derived SIKVAV-containing peptide is angiogenic in a new in vivo model system and can enhance tumor vascularization and growth.
Physiological Responses to Child Abuse Stimuli as Criteria for Selection of Hotline Counselors

Physiological responses of 44 male and female undergraduates to child abuse stimuli were recorded for the purpose of making recommendations for the selection and training of child abuse hotline counselors. The Ss' heart rate, finger pulse volume, and skin resistance were measured on a dynograph while they were listening to three case histories on a tape and viewing six slides, depicting child abuse cases. Generally, the hypotheses that women have stronger reactions than men, and adults with children have stronger reactions than adults without children were supported. It was found that men tended to be less emotionally affected by exposure to child abuse stimuli and, therefore, presumably are able to deal with it with less emotional bias. A training program consisting of desensitization, mock calls, and initial supervised participation in counseling and a follow-up habituation study were suggested.
Financial Regulation as a Control System Problem: The Case of the Savings & Loan Industry

Operations and regulation of the savings and loan industry are evaluated in terms of four subsystems: 1 market structure, in which the market environment and the policies of the individual firm are important determinants, but in which, the regulatory authorities have licensing power with respect to the number of firms and branch offices; 2 transactions, which divides into transactions in the capital inflow, or savings, market, and in the capital placement, or lending, market; 3 liquidity, in which the firm's cash flows and liquidity requirements are augmented by the Federal Home Loan Bank system; and 4 safety, in which, the strength of the housing market, the portfolio and reserve position of tie individual institution, and insurance of accounts by the FSLIC are determining factors. The paper discusses the interplay between environment, executive decision and regulatory influence in each of these subsystems and also points to interactions between the subsystems.
Data integration with uncertainty

This paper reports our first set of results on managing uncertainty in data integration. We posit that data-integration systems need to handle uncertainty at three levels, and do so in a principled fashion. First, the semantic mappings between the data sources and the mediated schema may be approximate because there may be too many of them to be created and maintained or because in some domains (e.g., bioinformatics) it is not clear what the mappings should be. Second, queries to the system may be posed with keywords rather than in a structured form. Third, the data from the sources may be extracted using information extraction techniques and so may yield imprecise data. As a first step to building such a system, we introduce the concept of probabilistic schema mappings and analyze their formal foundations. We show that there are two possible semantics for such mappings: by-table semantics assumes that there exists a correct mapping but we don't know what it is; by-tuple semantics assumes that the correct mapping may depend on the particular tuple in the source data. We present the query complexity and algorithms for answering queries in the presence of approximate schema mappings, and we describe an algorithm for efficiently computing the top-k answers to queries in such a setting.
Hospital Readmissions Among the Elderly

This paper investigates the six-month hospital readmission rates among 444 patients 65 years of age or older admitted to a large metropolitan teaching hospital who had a primary discharge diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease, hip fracture, or congestive heart failure. Twenty-four percent were readmitted to the same institution one or more times during the six-month follow-up. Striking variability was observed in use of hospitals across these diagnostic groups. Patients with a primary diagnosis of congestive heart failure were at highest risk of hospital readmission (36%). Multiple readmissions among the congestive heart failure group were prevalent. These preliminary data suggest that hospital readmission among the aged is a complex multifaceted phenomena.
Delayed interval of involvement of the second eye in a male patient with bilateral Chandler's syndrome.

A 37-year-old man was diagnosed with angle-closure glaucoma during a routine screening by his local ophthalmologist. He reported a family history of glaucoma; medical history was unremarkable. He had a laser iridotomy in the right eye (OD). His intraocular pressure (IOP) OD continued to be elevated over 3 years, and he underwent laser trabeculoplasty. He first presented to our institution for blurred vision 1 week following laser trabeculoplasty. On examination, visual acuity (VA) was 20/60 OD and 20/20 in the left eye (OS). IOPs were 38 mmHg OD and 8 mmHg OS. There was corneal oedema and a ‘beaten-metal’ appearance to the endothelium OD. Gonioscopy revealed extensive peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) inferiorly OD and normal angle structures OS. He had a cup-to-disc ratio of 0.8 OD and 0.6 OS. Visual field testing showed marked glaucomatous loss OD and a full field OS. Specular microscopy showed decreased endothelial cell count with significant pleomorphism OD (figure 1a) and normal endothelium OS (figure 1b). After failing maximal medical therapy, he underwent multiple glaucoma surgeries, including two trabeculectomies, a Molteno drainage implant, and Molteno implant revision surgery. He experienced corneal decompensation and cataract progression after his valve surgery and underwent a combined extracapsular cataract extraction with a penetrating keratoplasty. He was lost to follow-up for 10 years while seeking care at another institution. Figure 1 (a) Specular microscopy of corneal endothelium of the right eye illustrating significant pleomorphism, decreased endothelial cell count and loss of cellular mosaic. (b) Specular microscopy of the left eye showing normal corneal endothelium initially. (c) Pathology specimen from the right eye showing Descemet-like membrane covering angle structures and anterior surface of the iris on haematoxylin and eosin stain (A) and Periodic acid-Schiff stain (B). In (A), the structures are labelled as C, cornea; D, duplication of Descemet's membrane; I, iris. In (B), …
Preventive Care in African American Women with End-Stage Renal Disease

BACKGROUND Routine cancer screening may be of particular importance to women with renal failure, who are at greater risk for cervical, uterine, and colorectal cancer. Most dialysis patients rely on their nephrologists for preventive care. However, this care may not be similar to that provided by primary care physicians. We compared the prevalence of cancer screening between women with and without end-stage renal disease. METHODS Forty-six women on dialysis were compared with 25 women attending an ambulatory care resident clinic and 25 women attending a specialty women's clinic at the same institution. A verbal questionnaire was used to determine if these women received appropriate screening for cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer. RESULTS Women without end-stage renal disease were more likely to receive breast cancer screening (aOR = 5.94, 95% CI: 1.87, 18.9) routine cervical cancer screening (aOR = 4.57, 95% CI: 1.60, 13.1), and colorectal cancer screening (aOR = 2.73, 95% CI: 0.89, 8.39) when compared with women with renal failure . A higher percentage of women on dialysis reported never receiving a recommendation from a physician to obtain cervical or breast cancer screening. CONCLUSIONS African American women on dialysis received less preventive care than did women without end-stage renal disease. Examination of factors influencing preventive screening among dialysis patients is warranted.
The phase transition from hadrons to quark-gluon plasma for lighter ions

The phase transition from hadrons to quark-gluon plasma is examined for central (|b|≈0) collisions of ultrarelativistic lighter-ion beams. A hydrodynamical model is formulated and its consequences are applied to several ions including protons. Lattice Monte Carlo simulations ofTc are compared to our results for the temperature of the subnuclear matter created in ultra-relativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions. If lattice Monte Carlo simulations of the conditions necessary for a phase transition, from hadrons to quark-gluon plasma, to occur are to be trusted we conclude that lighter ions such as carbon, deuterium and even protons will experience a phase transition for central collisions.
Drug-eluting stents to prevent stent thrombosis and restenosis

Although first-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) have significantly reduced the risk of in-stent restenosis, they have also increased the long-term risk of stent thrombosis. This safety concern directly triggered the development of new generation DES, with innovations in stent platforms, polymers, and anti-proliferative drugs. Stent platform materials have evolved from stainless steel to cobalt or platinum-chromium alloys with an improved strut design. Drug-carrying polymers have become biocompatible or biodegradable and even polymer-free DES were introduced. New limus-family drugs (such as everolimus, zotarolimus or biolimus) were adopted to enhance stent performances. As a result, these new DES demonstrated superior vascular healing responses on intracoronary imaging studies and lower stent thrombotic events in actual patients. Recently, fully-bioresorbable stents (scaffolds) have been introduced, and expanding their applications. In this article, the important concepts and clinical results of new generation DES and bioresorbable scaffolds are described.
Fractures of the Distal Radius: What are the Expectations of Therapy? A Two-year Retrospective Study

Abstract This restrospective study addressed two basic questions important to hand therapists: what are the expectations of therapy vis-a-vis range of motion and strength among patients with distal radius fractures, and do patients treated by different therapists within a center experience substantially similar or disimilar outcomes? Differences between patient groups were tested using ANOVA, and changes in performance were tested using the Student's t-test; significant differences between patient groups treated by different therapists were lacking and patients demonstrated significant changes in active motion and strength. Data were used to derive regression equations that yielded good estimates of active motion at discharge from therapy. Patients were treated an average of ten times; at discharge, they demonstrated active wrist and forearm motion compatible with the performance of activities of daily living.
A triazine-based BODIPY trimer as a molecular viscometer

Photophysical behaviour of a novel trimeric BODIPY rotor with a high extinction coefficient is reported. Steady state and time resolved fluorescence measurements established that the trimer could be used as a viscometer for molecular solvents, membrane-like environments and several cancer cell lines.
Hiding personal information reveals the worst

Seven experiments explore people’s decisions to share or withhold personal information, and the wisdom of such decisions. When people choose not to reveal information—to be “hiders”—they are judged negatively by others (experiment 1). These negative judgments emerge when hiding is volitional (experiments 2A and 2B) and are driven by decreases in trustworthiness engendered by decisions to hide (experiments 3A and 3B). Moreover, hiders do not intuit these negative consequences: given the choice to withhold or reveal unsavory information, people often choose to withhold, but observers rate those who reveal even questionable behavior more positively (experiments 4A and 4B). The negative impact of hiding holds whether opting not to disclose unflattering (drug use, poor grades, and sexually transmitted diseases) or flattering (blood donations) information, and across decisions ranging from whom to date to whom to hire. When faced with decisions about disclosure, decision-makers should be aware not just of the risk of revealing, but of what hiding reveals.
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE | Psychiatry

Psychiatric malpractice has been an area of increasing concern to psychiatrists over the past 50 years. This chapter will examine the most common causes of action against psychiatrists including breaches of confidentiality, lack of informed consent, inadequate medication management, negligent psychotherapy, inadequate suicide assessment and prevention, duty to warn or protect third parties from harm by psychiatric patients, and doctor–patient boundary violations.
Genomic DNA Methylation in Benzo(a)pyrene-Induced Cell Malignant Transformation

[Objective] To observe the changes in genomic DNA methylation profile of benzo(a)pyrene(BaP)-induced malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells(16HBE). [Methods] A malignant transformed 16HBE model was established by 40.0 μmol/L BaP administration. The dynamic cellular genome DNA methylation levels were qualitatively and quantitatively detected by 5-methylcytosine immunofluorescence and high-performance capillary electrophoresis, respectively. The DNA methyltransferase activity was also monitored. [Results] At the selected time spots of 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 weeks during the 16HBE malignant transformation induced by BaP, the genomic DNA methylation levels decreased in a time-dependent manner, and the genomic DNA methylation percentages(mCpG%) at corresponding time spots were(4.62±0.39)%,(3.82±0.39)%,(4.07±0.40)%,(3.27±0.31)%,(2.63±0.21)% and(2.48±0.15)% respectively, while the mCpG% of the normal 16HBE cells was(4.78±0.58)%. In addition, the methyltransferase activities of the BaP-treated 16HBE cells also decreased in a time-dependent manner. [Conclusion] The reduced genomic DNA methylation level is an important feature in the process of BaP-induced malignant transformation of 16HBE cells, and the reduced DNA methyltransferase activity is the main cause.
The Inflammatory Response and Polypeptides

The properties of bradykinin have given it a major place as a suspected chemical mediator in inflammation. Since several other mediators, such as histamine, serotonin and even “slow reacting” substance may be involved in the inflammatory reaction, the elucidation of the importance of each of these mediators and the role they play in inflammation is very difficult. Investigations are going on in several laboratories, including our own, to try and elucidate some of the biochemical factors in the relationship and release of these mediators during injury and inflammation.
A comparison of slide/audiotape and Web-based instructional formats for teaching normal intraoral radiographic anatomy.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between individual learning styles, test performance, and attitudes toward the use of Web-based self-instruction and slide/audiotape self-instruction METHODS Participants consisted of 33 junior, first-year dental hygiene students enrolled in a university-based dental hygiene program. A stratified random allocation (by gender, English as a second language, and prior dental experience) and random number table were used to assign participants into one of two groups. Group one studied the mandibular arch using the slide/audiotape format and the maxillary arch using the Web-based format, and group two studied the mandibular arch using the Web-based format and the maxillary arch using the slide/audiotape format. A post-test was taken at the completion of each instructional format. The Kolb Learning Style Inventory was used to assess preferred learning styles, and a written survey was used for instructional format preference. Descriptive analyses, Pearson correlations, and unpaired t-tests were used to analyze the data. RESULTS Thirty-one subjects completed the study. By group, no difference in mean post-test performance was seen based on the sequence or order of instructional method (P > 0.05) or by arch (P > 0.05). No difference in post-test performance based on Web-based and slide-tape instructional methods was seen. Predominate learning style did not predict preference of instructional format nor were they correlated with post-test scores. However, almost 70% of all participants reported that they preferred using the Web-based format to the slide/audiotape. CONCLUSIONS A variety of learning styles and preferences may be accommodated when substituting Web-based self-instruction for slide/audiotape self-instruction in normal radiographic anatomy.
Looking for shortcuts: infeasible search analysis for oversubscribed scheduling problems

Searches that include both feasible and infeasible solutions have proved to be efficient algorithms for solving some scheduling problems. Researchers conjecture that these algorithms yield two primary benefits: 1) they tend to focus on solutions close to the boundary between feasible and infeasible solutions, where active constraints are likely to yield optimal values, and 2) moves that include infeasible solutions may uncover short-cuts in a search space. Researchers have published empirical studies that confirm the value of searching along the feasible-infeasible boundary, but until now there has been little direct evidence that in-feasible search yields short-cuts. We present empirical results in two oversubscribed scheduling domains for which boundary region search in infeasible space appears to offer advantages over search in strictly feasible space. Our results confirm that infeasible search finds shortcuts that may improve search efficiency more than boundary region search alone. However, our results also reveal that inefficient infeasible paths which we call detours may degrade search performance, potentially offsetting efficiency shortcuts may provide.
Fibrochondrocyte Growth and Functionality on TiO2 Nanothin Films

Disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are a long-standing health concern. TMJ disorders (TMJD) are often associated with an internal disc derangement accompanied by a suite of symptoms including joint noises, jaw dysfunction, and severe pain. The severity of patient symptoms and their reoccurrence can be alleviated to some extent with conservative therapy; however, refractory cases often require surgery that has shown only limited success. Bioengineered scaffolds with cell supportive surfaces an d nanoarchitectures that mimic TMJ tissue structure may offer an alternative treatment modality. In this study, titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanothin films, fabricated by layer-by-layer assembly, were examined as means for creating such a scaffold. The viability and growth of TMJ discal fibrochondrocytes (FCs) were assessed through MTT and DNA assays and total protein content over a 14-day experimental period. ELISA was also used to measure expression of types I and II collagen, decorin and aggrecan. Quantitative analyses demonstrated that FCs synthesized characteristic discal matrix proteins, with an increased production of type I collagen and decorin as opposed to collagen type II and aggrecan. A stimulatory effect on discal FC proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) expression with thicker nanofilms was also observed. The cumulative results suggest that TiO2 nanofilms may have potential as a TMJ scaffolding material.
CHAPTER 10 – Interleukin-4

This chapter focuses on interleukin (IL)-4, which is produced by and affects many cell types. The biological milieu provides signals for the production of IL-4, and at the same time, the effects of IL-4 production depend on the timing and maturation/activation stage of many cell types. IL-4 influences the differentiation of effector cells at the level of antigen presentation, and activation of T cells. The presence of other cytokines can also dramatically change the outcome of an immune response. For cancer patients, local delivery of IL-4 by gene vectors may hold more promise than recombinant IL-4 by achieving high local concentration of the cytokine at the site of induction of an anti-tumor response. Development of more effective and regulatable gene delivery systems may allow to design combination strategies of multiple cytokines based on a deeper understanding of how each cytokine plays a role in the sequence of immune events. Understanding the receptors and their expression has led to the development of toxin-conjugated IL-4 for the treatment of cancer. Soluble forms of the IL-4 receptor may be important for patients with allergic diseases. In diseases in which excess T HI shifted balance is apparent, such as chronic inflammatory diseases, delivery of rIL-4 or IL-4 gene may be of therapeutic benefit. Understanding the signal transduction, and messenger molecules as well as the structure of IL-4, IL-4R, and their complexes may allow the development of specific inhibitors or enhancers of the complex biologic properties of IL-4.
Early Childhood Intervention in China from the Families’ Perspective

AbstractResearch highlights the importance of early childhood intervention (ECI) for children with disabilities, and there is an increasing interest in China with respect to research on ECI. However, little research exists exploring the experience of families of young children with disabilities receiving ECI services and supports in China. The purpose of this study was to understand the ECI experiences of families of such children. A qualitative research design was used, and data were collected through interviews with six families in southwest China. This study indicated that, although China has made some progress in ECI for young children with disabilities, progress in this area is still at an early stage of development. Many issues still need to be addressed, including knowledge about typical and atypical development, early identification, professional development, increased government investment, and better implementation of existing laws.