cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Iteration of Partially Specified Target Matrices: Applications in Exploratory and Bayesian Confirmatory Factor Analysis.

We describe and evaluate a factor rotation algorithm, iterated target rotation (ITR). Whereas target rotation (Browne, 2001) requires a user to specify a target matrix a priori based on theory or prior research, ITR begins with a standard analytic factor rotation (i.e., an empirically informed target) followed by an iterative search procedure to update the target matrix. In Study 1, Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to evaluate the performance of ITR relative to analytic rotations from the Crawford-Ferguson family with population factor structures varying in complexity. Simulation results: (a) suggested that ITR analyses will be particularly useful when evaluating data with complex structures (i.e., multiple cross-loadings) and (b) showed that the rotation method used to define an initial target matrix did not materially affect the accuracy of the various ITRs. In Study 2, we: (a) demonstrated the application of ITR as a way to determine empirically informed priors in a Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis (BCFA; Muthen & Asparouhov, 2012) of a rater-report alexithymia measure (Haviland, Warren, & Riggs, 2000) and (b) highlighted some of the challenges when specifying empirically based priors and assessing item and overall model fit.
Diallel Analysis of Fiber Traits for Extra-Long Staple Cotton Progeny

Demand for high-quality cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in international markets has increased the demand for improved fi ber quality in U.S.grown cultivars. In an effort to meet this demand, cotton plant breeders seek alleles related to improved fi ber quality. This study was conducted to evaluate fi ber quality traits in a diallel analysis of eight cotton genotypes to determine genotypes with the greatest potential for improvement of fi ber quality. Genotypes included four experimental extra-long staple (ELS) lines, A-106-8 ELS, B-147-21 ELS, B-182-39 ELS, and C-155-22 ELS, and four cultivars, ‘Deltapine 491’ (PI 618609), ‘Deltapine 50’ (PI 529566), ‘FiberMax 832’ (PI 603955; Constable et al., 2001), and ‘Tamcot CAMD-E’ (PI 529633; Bird, 1979). Parents and F 1 progeny were grown in replicated trials at the Texas AgriLife Research Farm near College Station, TX, in 2007 and 2008. Signifi cant (p < 0.05) genotype × year (G×Y) interactions were observed for all traits. Signifi cant (p < 0.05) general combining ability (GCA) effects and specifi c combining ability (SCA) effects were found for most fi ber quality traits measured as well as lint percent. Combining ability effects varied by year, which is refl ected in signifi cant general combining ability × year (GCA×Y) and specifi c combining ability × year (SCA×Y) interactions. Extra-long staple experimental lines from the Texas A&M University breeding program had the greatest potential for improving fi ber length and strength as indicated by GCA.
Significance of the distribution of 57Co-vitamin B12 in Spirometra mansonoides (Cestoidea) during growth and differentiation in mammalian intermediate and definitive hosts.

Abstract Significance of the distribution of 57 Co-vitamin B 12 in Spirometra mansonoides (Cestoidea) during growth and differentiation in mammalian intermediate and definitive hosts. International Journal for Parasitology 19 : 119–124. The distribution of labeled cyanocobalamin (CN-[ 57 Co]Cbl = [ 57 Co]-vitamin B 12 ) in plerocercoids and adult tapeworms of Spirometra mansonoides was studied during development in mice 22 days post-infection (PI) and in cats 16 days PI, respectively. Plerocercoid scolices, obtained by cutting away their bodies or by in vitro enzymatic dissolution of the bodies, were pulsed with CN-[ 57 Co]Cbl for l h at 37°C and reimplanted subcutaneously into mice or given per os to cats. In regenerated plerocercoids, the highest concentration of [ 57 Co]Cbl occurred in the scolex and then decreased posteriorly in the newly-formed tissues of the body. Approximately 60% of the total [ 57 Co]Cbl present remained concentrated in the scolex following body regeneration for up to 109 days PI. This high [ 57 Co]Cbl concentration in the plerocercoid scolex was bound to protein and appears to be maintained by a complex homeostatic mechanism in association with directional transport of [ 57 Co]Cbl to the scolex with ultimate depletion along the length of the body. This process ensures that the scolex of the plerocercoid will maintain a high Cbl concentration available for development to the adult stage. In contrast, over 90% of the [ 57 Co]Cbl originally taken up and concentrated by the scolex was depleted during differentiation and strobilization to the adult stage. This study indicates that a high [ 57 Co]Cbl concentration is maintained in the scolex of the plerocercoid during regeneration of the body. However, this high [ 57 Co]Cbl concentration is rapidly depleted in response to the increased anaerobic energy metabolism occurring in this region during development and strobilization of the adult cestode within the small intestine of the definitive host.
Embedded Web Technology: Applying World Wide Web Standards to Embedded Systems

Embedded Systems have traditionally been developed in a highly customized manner. The user interface hardware and software along with the interface to the embedded system are typically unique to the system for which they are built, resulting in extra cost to the system in terms of development time and maintenance effort. World Wide Web standards have been developed in the passed ten years with the goal of allowing servers and clients to intemperate seamlessly. The client and server systems can consist of differing hardware and software platforms but the World Wide Web standards allow them to interface without knowing about the details of system at the other end of the interface. Embedded Web Technology is the merging of Embedded Systems with the World Wide Web. Embedded Web Technology decreases the cost of developing and maintaining the user interface by allowing the user to interface to the embedded system through a web browser running on a standard personal computer. Embedded Web Technology can also be used to simplify an Embedded System's internal network.
Effects of free-air CO2 enrichment on cotton root growth

The rise in atmospheric CO2 concentration is predicted to have a positive effect on agroecosystem productivity. However, an area which requires further investigation centers on responses of crop root systems to elevated atmospheric CO2 under field conditions. The advent of free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) technology provides a new method of CO2 exposure with minimal alteration of plant microclimate. In 1990 and 1991, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum (L.) ‘Deltapine 77’) was grown under two atmospheric CO2 levels (370 and 550 γmol mol−1) and two water regimes (wet (100% of ET replaced) and dry (75% of ET replaced in 1990 and 67% in 1991)). Plant root samples were collected at early vegetative and mid-reproductive growth. Taproots of CO2-enriched plants displayed greater volume, dry weight, length, and tissue density. Water treatment effects were noted for length, volume and dry weight of roots at the second sampling in 1991. In general, whole soil profile root densities (both length and dry weight densities) and root weight per unit length at the initial sampling were increased under CO2 enrichment at each of three positions (0.00, 0.25, and 0.50 m) from row center to the middle of the inter-row space. At the second sampling, root length density and root dry weight density were generally unaffected by water stress, whereas root weight per unit length was somewhat higher. In addition, extra CO2 increased whole profile root length density only at the 0.50 m inter-row position, whereas whole profile root dry weight density and root weight per unit length were generally higher under elevated CO2 at all three positions. The results from this field experiment strongly indicated that increased atmospheric CO2 level would enhance plant root growth.
Results of the treatment of burns with silver nitrate.

SUMMARY A review of 20 months’ utilization of silver nitrate therapy for the treatment of burns has been carried out. These results have been compared with figures utilizing previous standard methods of therapy. This preliminary study with silver nitrate indicates the length of time necessary for hospitalization of burn patients to complete epithelization has been markedly shortened. The mortality rate has been reduced. The complication rate has also been reduced.
On the motion of flexible threads in a stokes shear field

Abstract We consider the motion of a flexible threadlike filament suspended in an unbounded Stokes shear flow. As the extension of a well-established slender-body theory, we treat the case of a highly anisotropic drag relation, as reflected by a small ratio ϵ of transverse to longitudinal filament mobility. This provides one potentially useful model of hindered filament motion in highly concetrated filamentary suspensions. In the limit ϵ → 0, which corresponds to the kinematics associated with a recent model (of Doi and Edwards) for polymer chains, the filament motion is governed by a non-linear kinematic-wave equation. We show that this equation can be solved in closed form, for inextensible filaments and general time-dependent shear flows. We investigate the permanence and stability of threads having uniform axial mobility, showing that only piecewise straight threads have permanent shape. Also, we investigate the stability of fully-extended treads by means of both finite and infinitesimal stability analyses, and we provide equations for the growth rate of arbitrary intial disturbances. These are applied to simple shear and simple-extensional flows. Finally, we discuss the failure of our model for small but non-zero ϵ, near points of extreme curvature of “entaglement”, and the possible relevance to the rheology of fibrous composites and suspensions.
Parent Perspectives on Community Mental Health Services for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

The community mental health (CMH) system provides treatment for behavioral and psychiatric problems in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Although parent stakeholder perspectives are important to improving care, these perspectives have not been systematically examined for this population in the CMH sector. Twenty-one semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with parents of children with ASD who received services in CMH clinics. Themes related to child clinical histories, service access and experiences with the CMH system revealed a specific trajectory of service need identification, obtaining a diagnosis, and experience with services. Each trajectory stage was marked by high parent stress. Results provide information about the characteristics of children with ASD served in community mental health clinics and direction for targeted improvement efforts.
The Remarkable Sunsets

THE remarkable and beautiful atmospheric phenomena which within the last four or five months have so powerfully attracted attention in all parts of the world, made their appearance here about the same time that they did in England and on the continent of Europe. It is true that as early as October 14, 1883, something similar was noticed at Santa Barbara, about 280 miles south-east of this place; but the characteristic phenomena were not observed here and at other positions on the coast of California until after the middle of November, 1883. I first observed it on the evening of November 24, when it presented a very striking appearance. That afternoon the sky had been overcast with dark clouds, and the south-east wind had brought a slight rainfall. Towards sunset a bright portion of sky appeared at the western horizon, extending to an altitude of about 10°, while the dark hood of clouds enveloped the remainder of the celestial vault. At 6 p.m. the lurid redness (almost angry) of tbe western horizon attracted universal attention; it had the appearance of a sky illuminated by an immense conflagration. Doubtless the effect was heightened by the contrast with the dark canopy of clouds. Similar appearances, more or less conspicuous, presented themselves during the remaining days of November, and in a less striking manner (when the weather was favourable) during the month of December, both after sunset and before sunrise. At a quarter past six on the morning of November 29 the eastern sky emitted such a brilliant ruddy light as to arrest my attention by the peculiar red illumination of the window-curtain of my bedroom. On looking out, the whole eastern sky was seen to be drenched in gorgeous red. During the month of January, 1884, the “upper-glows” (as Miss Ley appropriately designates them) became much less conspicuous.
Behavioral effects of cocaine and its interaction with d-amphetamine and morphine in rats.

Abstract Drugs of abuse are commonly co-abused, and frequently these combinations produce effects which cannot be predicted by studying the effects of the individual drugs. To investigate the behavioral interactions which occur following combinations of cocaine plus amphetamine or cocaine plus morphine, rats were trained to respond under a differential reinforcement of low rates (DRL) schedule (10–14 sec). Cocaine (0.1–10 mg/kg) and d -amphetamine (0.1–3 mg/kg) decreased the percentage of reinforced responses (efficiency) at doses which had no effect on overall rate of responding. Following moderate doses of either drug, the interresponse time (IRT) distribution showed an increase in the percentage of shorter (10 sec) IRT's. Morphine (0.1–10 mg/kg) also decreased efficiency, but the decrease which occured was only observed at doses which also decreased overall response rates. As might be expected, the IRT distribution for morphine showed a dose-related increase in the percentage of long IRT's (14 sec). When doses of morphine which had no significant effect when administered alone (1 or 3 mg/kg) were combined with cocaine, the cocaine dose-response curve for efficiency was shifted down and to the left and response rates were increased. Analysis of the IRT distribution showed that the combination of an ineffective dose of cocaine, 1 mg/kg, plus 3 mg/kg morphine produced a shift in the IRT distribution to the left (an increase in the percentage of short IRT's). When cocaine was combined with 0.3 mg/kg d -amphetamine, a dose which had no effect when given alone, no significant interactions were observed on efficiency or overall rate of responding. A higher dose of d -amphetamine (0.56 mg/kg) which significantly decreased efficiency and response rates when given alone, did not result in a greater effect when given in combination with cocaine.
Small-scale mechanical behavior of intermetallics and their composites

To model and predict the mechanical behavior of composite materials, knowledge of the properties of their constituent phases as well as how they interact with each other is required. Although these mechanical properties can sometimes be deduced from measurements on bulk specimens, it is not always possible due to difficulties in producing bulk materials with compositions and structures similar to those of the individual phases in the composite. In such cases, in situ measurements of mechanical properties are needed. We review here our recent work on the application of nanoindentation and neutron diffraction to investigate the in situ mechanical responses of Cr-Cr3Si and NiAl-Mo, two model eutectic composites that were chosen because they can be processed by directional solidification to yield well-aligned lamellar and fibrous microstructures. Phase-specific mechanical properties were measured and correlated with bulk behavior. We will discuss recently developed techniques that improve the accuracy of mechanical property measurements at small microstructural length scales.
A dozen surprises about the future of work

© 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ert.20326 What might surprise us about the nature of work in the future? As professional futurists, my colleagues and I are continually scanning the external environment for signals of change. We see several early signs of trends that could result in dramatic changes in the future. This article pulls together a dozen of these signals, which may not yet be on the radar screen of many organizations or leaders. The dozen surprises listed here have been emerging piecemeal—they appear in small pockets but are not widespread. Things will get really interesting in the decade ahead, however, as most of them will have a reinforcing influence on one another, which could result in a fairly sweeping transformation. By studying the changes that are occurring now and trying to understand their significance for the future, organizations will be able to spot opportunities to proactively shape their future. The dozen surprises listed here emerge primarily from issues affecting knowledge work and will most likely appear first in affluent nations.
X-ray absorption fine structure study of As(V) and Se(IV) sorption complexes on hydrous Mn oxides

X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopic analysis at the As, Se, and Mn K-edges was used to study arsenate [As(V)O43−] and selenite [Se(IV)O32−] sorption complexes on the synthetic hydrous manganese oxides (HMOs) vernadite (δ-MnO2) and K-birnessite (nominal composition: K4Mn14O27 · 9H2O). No significant changes were observed in sorption complex structure as a function of sorbent, pH (5 to 8), surface coverage (0.04 to 0.73 μmol/m2), or reaction time (5 to 22 h) in the arsenate or selenite systems. In the arsenate/HMO system, extended XAFS parameters indicate an average second-neighbor As(V) coordination of 2.0 ± 0.4 Mn at an average distance of 3.16 ± 0.01 A, which is consistent with formation of As(V)O4 sorption complexes sharing corners with two adjacent Mn(IV)O6 surface species (i.e., bidentate, binuclear). In the selenite/HMO system, selenite surface complexes are surrounded by two shells of Mn atoms, which could represent two different adsorption complexes or a precipitate. The first shell consists of 1.6 ± 0.4 Mn at 3.07 ± 0.01 A, which is consistent with the selenite anion forming bidentate (mononuclear) edge-sharing complexes with Mn(II)O6 or Mn(III)O6 octahedra. The second shell consists of 1.4 ± 0.4 Mn at 3.49 ± 0.03 A, consistent with selenite forming monodentate, corner-sharing complexes with Mn(II)O6 or Mn(III)O6 octahedra. Pauling bond valence analysis that uses the extended XAFS-derived bond lengths for As(V)-O, Se(IV)-O, and Mn-O bonds indicates that the proposed surface complexes of selenite and arsenate on HMOs should be stable. Although a nearly identical Se(IV) coordination environment is found in a crystalline Mn(II)-Se(IV) precipitate (which has a structure similar to that of MnSeO3 · H2O), there are significant differences in the X-ray absorption near-edge structure and extended XAFS spectra of this precipitate and the selenite/HMO sorption samples. These differences coupled with transmission electron microscopy results suggest that if a precipitate is present it lacks long-range order characteristic of crystalline MnSeO3 · H2O.
Variability in the lambda light chain sequences of mouse antibody.

The simple pattern of variability in mouse lambda chains suggests that diversity is generated by somatic spontaneous mutation and by sequential selection by antigen of single step mutants.
Spherical shape measurements using subaperture optical testing techniques

Abstract The measurement of the sphericity of highly acucrate spheres is very important since these objects are used for many precision engineering applications. These measurements are usually made by taking numerous roundness traces at various orientations of the sphere. A new method using Subaperture Optical Testing (SOT) has been investigated to determine its suitability for making sphericity measurements. This report briefly describes the SOT technique and compares the results of SOT and roundness measurements on two spheres.
Tricuspid Atresia with Increased Pulmonary Blood Flow An Analysis of 13 Cases

The pathologic and clinical findings in 13 cases of tricuspid atresia and increased pulmonary blood flow encountered in UCLA Medical Center were reviewed. In seven, the great vessels were normally related (group I), and in six, the great vessels were transposed (group II). In all group II cases, aortic arch anomalies were encountered, a finding not duly emphasized in previous reports. Comparison of the two groups revealed significant clinical and laboratory differences. Group II patients typically presented with severe congestive heart failure and expired within the first 2 months of life. Group I patients usually presented with mild congestive heart failure which responded to therapy. Five of the latter demonstrated progressive change from increased to decreased pulmonary blood flow during their clinical course and eventually required palliative shunt procedures, four prior to the age of 2 years and one at 5 years of age. While the electrocardiogram demonstrated right atrial enlargement and left ventricu...
Regional Distribution Patterns of Pennsylvanian Sandstones in Illinois Basin

Patterns of Pennsylvanian sandstone deposition in the Illinois Basin are delineated by a series of local and regional maps. Pennsylvanian sand bodies in the basin are classified into sheet and several elongate types. These sand bodies occur throughout the basin. Regional patterns of sandstone deposition are displayed by basin-wide maps of two intervals: from the base of the Pennsylvanian system to the Illinois No. 2 coal and its equivalents and from the No. 2 coal to the Shoal Creek Limestone and its equivalents in the basin. Number of sand bodies, sand thickness, and sand-shale ratios were mapped. All three maps have broadly similar basin-wide patterns. They differentiate the more rapidly subsiding basin from more stable western and northern shelf areas and, in conjunction with two isopach maps and a basin-wide compilation of 1887 cross-bedding directions, reveal the dispersal patterns of clastics into and across the basin. Clastics came from the east, north, and northwest. The salient features of Pennsylvanian sedimentation in the basin are summarized in terms of basin geometry, lithic fill, arrangement or distribution of lithic fill within the basin, and tectonic setting.
Assembly Unit Division Method Based on Connection Strength

Through analysing the assembly relation between the product parts, this paper divided the product parts into function parts and the connectors. Then the simplified assembly semantic relation graph model was established in this paper. The concept of assembly connection strength was introduced to express the complexity of assembly between the parts. Using the least assembly time as the goal to determine the optimal unit division number, the assembly unit division was accomplished based on the connection strength. Finally using the spindle box of HTC2500hs as an example to check this division method, the results show that this method has applicability and effectiveness.
Theory of quantum conduction through a constriction.

A theory of ballistic conduction through a constriction is developed which predicts a steplike structure with amplitude $\frac{{e}^{2}}{h}$ in the conductance as a function of Fermi energy or width. For a sharp (abrupt) constriction the steps are only quantized to 1 part in ${10}^{3}$ at $T=0$. Disorder destroys the steps and they are modulated by novel resonant structure in certain regimes of shape and temperature.
Design Considerations of Carbon Fiber Anchors

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets can be used to strengthen existing reinforced concrete members. However, debonding (separation of the CFRP sheet from the concrete surface) may occur at less than 50% of CFRP sheet’s tensile capacity, implying that half of the CFRP material is ineffective in increasing the strength of a concrete member. The use of carbon fiber anchors can increase the amount of tension carried in the CFRP sheets. Forty specimens were tested to develop initial design parameters of carbon fiber anchors. Tests showed that by providing anchors with a total cross-sectional area at least two times greater than that of the longitudinal sheet, it was possible to fracture the CFRP sheets. The best results were obtained using a greater number of smaller anchors. Further, surface preparation is unimportant when the CFRP sheets were well anchored and a 1:4 transition slope can manage any offsets in surface level. The general anchor design was then implemented on a series of long beams and...
An internal standard method for the unattended high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of ascorbic acid in blood components

A paired-ion, reversed-phase, high-performance liquid chromatography procedure using electrochemical detection and internal standard quantitation based on isoascorbic acid (IA) is described for the determination of ascorbic acid (AA) in blood cells and plasma. By correcting for vial-to-vial variations in the AA oxidation rate, use of IA as an internal standard overcomes a major problem associated with AA instability and eliminates the necessity of assaying samples immediately after they are prepared for analysis. The ion-pairing agent, dodecyltriethylammonium phosphate, gives improved AA-IA resolution over agents with shorter carbon chains and also eliminates the interference of an unidentified substance extracted with platelet AA. Five percent metaphosphoric acid extracts of mononuclear leukocytes (MN), polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), platelets, or plasma were mixed with the IA internal standard and diluted with an EDTA-cysteine solution. The samples were placed in a refrigerated autosampler at 4 degrees C prior to chromatography on a 5-microns octadecylsilyl column. AA concentrations (mean +/- SD) in platelets, MN, and PMN from six healthy volunteers were 0.25 +/- 0.05, 15.2 +/- 6.28, and 2.43 +/- 1.63 micrograms/10(8) cells, respectively; the mean plasma AA concentration was 0.97 +/- 0.34 mg/dl. All are in good agreement with published values. Refrigerated sample extracts containing the internal standard can be reassayed up to 3 weeks later with negligible change in calculated AA concentration. Up to 70 samples can be assayed per day with a detection limit (3 X SD) and minimum quantifiable level (less than 5% coefficient of variation) of 0.02 and 0.2 ng/injection, respectively.
Influence of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) on Establishment and Progression of Atherosclerosis in Rabbits

Objective: To determine effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on establishment and progression of experimentally-induced atherosclerosis in rabbits.Methods: For establishment of atherosclerosis, New Zealand White rabbits were fed a semipurified diet containing 0.1% to 0.2% cholesterol for 90 days. Some groups were fed diet and CLA. For effects on progression of atherosclerosis, rabbits with established atherosclerosis were fed a semipurified diet±CLA for 90 days.Results: At dietary levels as low as 0.1%, CLA inhibited atherogenesis. At dietary levels of 1%, CLA caused substantial (30%) regression of established atherosclerosis. This is the first example of substantial regression of atherosclerosis being caused by diet alone.Conclusion: Dietary CLA is an effective inhibitor of atherogenesis and also causes regression of established atherosclerosis.
How to conduct a needs assessment study on training and documentation

This paper will offer a summary of the tools and techniques that were used for a Training and Documentation Needs Assessment Study recently completed by the Information Technology Services (ITS) division at Ithaca College, located in Ithaca, New York. The structure, design, and tools of this study provide a model for user support professionals and others within information technology service organizations at higher education institutions to adopt to carry out a needs assessment study with users on their own campuses.Ithaca College provides centralized user support services, such as training and documentation, through ITS. The goal of the ITS Training and Documentation Needs Assessment Study was to obtain feedback from faculty, staff, and students on current training and documentation services delivered by ITS (Information Technology Services), as well as to gather ideas for adding to, modifying, and improving these services in the future. Three standard communications research tools were employed to complete this study: focus groups, interviews, and a survey. Results from these data collection instruments were analyzed into a report on responses across and within the three target populations (faculty, staff, and students). Moreover, these results were synthesized into a set of recommendations, which are being used to shape the delivery of training and documentation services to the campus community.
Characterization and synthesis of φX174 proteins in ultraviolet-irradiated and unirradiated cells

Abstract φX174 protein synthesis in ultraviolet-irradiated Escherichia coli C hcr − cells and. unirradiated cells was examined on sodium dodecyl sulfate-acrylamide gels. Eight viral proteins were identified and six of these assigned to cistrons. Viral protein synthesis in ultraviolet-irradiated cells is not normal. There is a large accumulation of coat protein and relatively little synthesis of cistron V (single-strand DNA synthesis) protein. The relative amount of the other φX gene products synthesized is also different from that observed during a normal infection of an unirradiated cell.
Portraits of "Primitives": Ordering Human Kinds in the Chinese Nation

Portraits of "Primitives": Ordering Human Kinds in the Chinese Nation. Susan D. Blum. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield, 2001. xi. 234 pp., illustrations, tables, notes, bibliography, index.
Pacemaker lead entrapment complicating transcatheter closure of a patent foramen ovale.

Transcatheter cardiovascular interventions are nowadays more frequently and safely performed, thus leading to populate the heart with medical devices. Here, we describe an unusual complication following percutaneous closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) with an atrial septal occluder. A 52-year-
Pathogenesis of Brain Abscess Formation in an Infant Rat Model of Citrobacter diversus Bacteremia and Meningitis

The pathogenesis of Citrobacter diversus meningitis and brain abscess was studied in infant rats. Two-day-old rats were inoculated intraperitoneally and intranasally with C. diversus. C. diversus strain 4277, lacking the 32,000-molecular-weight outer membrane protein that appears to be a marker for strains causing meningitis in human neonates, was more likely to produce bacteremia, meningitis, and death in rats than was strain 4036, which possesses this outer membrane protein. Strain 4036 was, however, more likely than strain 4277 to produce ventriculitis and brain abscess. In the infant rat, central nervous system involvement by C. diversus begins with bacteremia and leptomeningitis, followed by ventriculitis and direct extension of infection into periventricular brain parenchyma. Large numbers of bacteria persist inside inflammatory cells, an observation suggesting resistance to intraphagocytic killing. Bacterial strain differences, possibly related to the presence of a 32,000-molecular-weight outer membrane protein, may account for histopathologic differences in the brains of infant rats with C. diversus meningitis.
Bell's palsy treatment strategies: Antivirals may help some patients

Is there a rational basis for treating facial nerve palsy (FNP) patients—or a definable subgroup—with antiviral agents? There is substantial evidence that infections—including with herpesviruses1—can play an important etiologic role in FNP, although there are no systematic data to indicate the proportion in which this is the case. Paradoxically, the role of anti-infectious therapy is much less clear. An upcoming American Academy of Neurology Guideline2 concludes, much like the original 2001 one, “Because of the possibility of a modest increase in recovery, patients may be offered antivirals (in addition to steroids).” Despite similarly cautious wording, the original guideline was followed by widespread use of antivirals in FNP—use that has decreased substantially in light of more recent data.
A note on the comparison between Bernoulli and limited policies in vacation models

Abstract A vacation model is a single-server queueing system where the server occasionally takes a vacation, i.e., becomes unavailable to the customers for a period of time. Under a limited service policy with parameter m , m = 1,2,…, the server can serve a maximum of m consecutive customers before it has to take a vacation. Under a Bernoulli service policy with parameter p , 0 ⩽ p ⩽ 1, at every service completion, the server serves the next customer (if available) with probability p or starts a vacation with probability 1 - p . Under both policies, the server takes a vacation if no customer is present. In this note, the waiting time under a Bernoulli policy with parameter p is shown to dominate that under a limited policy with parameter m when the parameters are related by p = ( m −1)/ m and the vacation lengths are identical and deterministic. The comparison is in the convex increasing ordering and holds both in the transient and steady-state regimes.
A novel immune-mediated subepidermal bullous dermatosis characterized by IgG autoantibodies to a lower lamina lucida component.

Background: Immune-mediated subepidermal bullous dermatoses characterized by in vivo—bound linear IgG deposition at the cutaneous basement membrane zone include bullous pemphigoid, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, anti—bullous pemphigoid antigen mucosal pemphigoid, anti—epiligrin mucosal pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, and the bullous eruption of systemic lupus erythematosus. In this article, we describe a novel IgG-mediated bullous dermatosis. Observations: Clinically, a unique nonscarring dermatosis was characterized by the sudden onset of extensive bullae and erosions on mucous membrane and skin, resembling toxic epidermal necrolysis or pemphigus vulgaris. Histologically, the patient's skin lesion demonstrated neutrophilic papillary dermal infiltration and subepidermal blister formation, resembling dermatitis herpetiformis. Immunopathologically, there was linear IgG and C3 deposition at the skin basement membrane zone. The patient responded well to prednisone and azathioprine immunosuppression and has achieved a lasting remission without further therapy. Further immunologic investigations revealed that this unique dermatosis is distinct from all other known IgG-mediated subepidermal bullous dermatoses. Conclusions: This novel deep lamina lucida pemphigoid can be distinctly termed anti—p105 pemphigoid on the basis of antigenic specificity of the autoantibodies. Although this novel dermatosis resembles toxic epidermal necrolysis clinically, prudent use of diagnostic immunofluorescence studies can clearly delineate its immunologic nature. Prompt recognition of this unique dermatosis and timely initiation of appropriate immunosuppressive therapy could be life-saving for those patients suffering from this dermatosis. ( Arch Dermatol. 1994;130:343-347 )
What goes up: recent trends in China's energy consumption

Since 1996, China's energy output has dropped by 17%, while primary energy use has fallen by 4%, driven almost entirely by shrinking output from coal mines and declining direct use. Since China is the world's second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, it is important to understand the sources of this apparent transformation, and whether it portends a permanent change in patterns of energy use. This remarkable reversal of the long-term expansion of energy use has occurred even as the economy has continued to grow, albeit more slowly than in the early 1990s. Generation of electric power has risen, implying a steep fall in end uses, particularly in industry. Available information points to a variety of forces contributing to this phenomenon, including rapid improvements in coal quality, structural changes in industry, shutdowns of factories in both the state-owned and non-state segments of the economy, improvements in end-use efficiency, and greater use of gas and electricity in households. A combination of slowing economic growth, industrial restructuring, broader economic system reforms, and environmental and energy-efficiency policies has apparently led to at least a temporary decline in, and perhaps a long-term reduction in the growth of energy use, and therefore greenhouse gas emissions.
Optical control of nonradiative decay in polyatomic molecules

We propose an approach for elimination of radiationless transitions in the excited states of polyatomic molecules. Our method is based on the concept of electronically localized eigenstates of coupled vibronic Hamiltonians---the occurrence of stationary eigenfunctions of essentially pure electronic character in the (otherwise strongly mixed) spectra of excited manifold Hamiltonians of systems undergoing nonradiative decay. The origin of this phenomenon and its generality are explained within the framework of the theory of scars of unstable periodic orbits. Optimal control theory is combined with the notion of electronically localized states to prepare the system in an excited superposition that is immune to nonradiative decay. The approach is applied to suppress ultrafast radiationless transitions in two model systems that differ widely in coupling strength and electronic structure.
Preoperative diagnosis of intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas by endoscopic pancreatic biopsy.

Intraductal papillary mucinous tumors (IPMTs) make up approximately 11% of cystic tumors of the pancreas. This entity, first described by Ohhashi et al.1 in 1982, manifests as a cystic dilation of the main pancreatic duct or secondary branches with copious mucus secretion filling the ductal lumen. Since the initial report, more than 300 cases of IPMTs have been reported, predominantly from Japan. Yamaguchi et al.2 suggest that IPMTs be classified into 3 categories based on histology:
Bhutanese Refugees in the United States: Their Dietary Habits and Food Shopping Practices Upon Resettlement

Three household observations and semistructured interviews (n = 14) were conducted with Bhutanese refugee mothers to understand food shopping and dietary practices in this group of the refugee populations. Participants were recruited through a resettlement agency and snowballing techniques. Observation results indicated that steaming and stir-frying were common cooking methods and spices such as green chilies, turmeric, and fenugreek seeds were used commonly in seasoning. All the interview participants received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and went to multiple stores for food shopping. Semistructured interview results indicated that Bhutanese women continued preparing traditional meals of rice, vegetables, lentil, or meat curry and fresh pickle.
Biogeography, phylogeny, and morphological evolution of central Texas cave and spring salamanders

Subterranean faunal radiations can result in complex patterns of morphological divergence involving both convergent or parallel phenotypic evolution and cryptic species diversity. Salamanders of the genus Eurycea in central Texas provide a particularly challenging example with respect to phylogeny reconstruction, biogeography and taxonomy. These predominantly aquatic species inhabit karst limestone aquifers and spring outflows, and exhibit a wide range of morphological and genetic variation. We extensively sampled spring and cave populations of six Eurycea species within this group (eastern Blepsimolge clade), to reconstruct their phylogenetic and biogeographic history using mtDNA and examine patterns and origins of cave- and surface-associated morphological variation. Genetic divergence is generally low, and many populations share ancestral haplotypes and/or show evidence of introgression. This pattern likely indicates a recent radiation coupled with a complex history of intermittent connections within the aquatic karst system. Cave populations that exhibit the most extreme troglobitic morphologies show no or very low divergence from surface populations and are geographically interspersed among them, suggesting multiple instances of rapid, parallel phenotypic evolution. Morphological variation is diffuse among cave populations; this is in contrast to surface populations, which form a tight cluster in morphospace. Unexpectedly, our analyses reveal two distinct and previously unrecognized morphological groups encompassing multiple species that are not correlated with spring or cave habitat, phylogeny or geography, and may be due to developmental plasticity. The evolutionary history of this group of spring- and cave-dwelling salamanders reflects patterns of intermittent isolation and gene flow influenced by complex hydrogeologic dynamics that are characteristic of karst regions. Shallow genetic divergences among several species, evidence of genetic exchange, and nested relationships across morphologically disparate cave and spring forms suggests that cave invasion was recent and many troglobitic morphologies arose independently. These patterns are consistent with an adaptive-shift hypothesis of divergence, which has been proposed to explain diversification in other karst fauna. While cave and surface forms often do not appear to be genetically isolated, morphological diversity within and among populations may be maintained by developmental plasticity, selection, or a combination thereof.
Structural and biochemical exploration of a critical amino acid in human 8-oxoguanine glycosylase

Members of the HhH-GPD superfamily of DNA glycosylases are responsible for the recognition and removal of damaged nucleobases from DNA. The hallmark of these proteins is a motif comprising a helix-hairpin-helix followed by a Gly/Pro-rich loop and terminating in an invariant, catalytically essential aspartic acid residue. In this study, we have probed the role of this Asp in human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (hOgg1) by mutating it to Asn (D268N), Glu (D268E), and Gln (D268Q). We show that this aspartate plays a dual role, acting both as an N-terminal alpha-helix cap and as a critical residue for catalysis of both base excision and DNA strand cleavage by hOgg1. Mutation of this residue to asparagine, another helix-capping residue, preserves stability of the protein while drastically reducing enzymatic activity. A crystal structure of this mutant is the first to reveal the active site nucleophile Lys249 in the presence of lesion-containing DNA; this structure offers a tantalizing suggestion that base excision may occur by cleavage of the glycosidic bond and then attachment of Lys249. Mutation of the aspartic acid to glutamine and glutamic acid destabilizes the protein fold to a significant extent but, surprisingly, preserves catalytic activity. Crystal structures of these mutants complexed with an unreactive abasic site in DNA reveal these residues to adopt a sterically disfavored helix-capping conformation.
Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma: a minimally invasive means to nephron preservation.

With the advent of cross-sectional imaging, the incidence of asymptomatic detected small renal masses, ‘incidentalomas’, has increased in the past 20 years. Recent studies have demonstrated that patients with renal masses have worse renal function at baseline and have more comorbidities than the general population. Nephron-sparing surgery allows for maximal preservation of functioning nephrons with comparable oncologic outcomes. Recently, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has emerged as a minimally invasive nephron-sparing surgical option for treating the appropriately selected renal mass. While open-partial nephrectomy has undisputedly become standard of care for the management of the small renal mass (<4 cm), laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is becoming the preferred option for select patients in institutions in which advanced laparoscopic experience is available.
Neurotrophin Strategies for Neuroprotection: Are They Sufficient?

As people are living longer, the prevalance of neurodegenerative diseases continues to rise resulting in huge socio-economic consequences. Despite major advancements in studying the pathophysiology of these diseases and a large number of clinical trials currently there is no effective treatment for these illnesses. All neuroprotective strategies have either failed or have shown only a minimal effect. There has been a major shift in recent years exploring the potential of neuroregenerative approaches. While the concept of using neurotropins for therapeutic purposes has been in existence for many years, new modes of delivery and expression of this family of molecules makes this approach now feasilble. Further neurotropin mimetics and receptor agonists are also being developed. The use of small molecules to induce the expression of neurotropins including repurposing of FDA approved drugs for this approach is another strategy being pursued. In the review we examine these new developments and discuss the potential for such approaches in the context of the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases.
Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Bioparticles With a High Throughput Resistive Pulse Sensor

We describe an all-electronic, label-free, resistive pulse sensor that utilizes multiple micropores for simultaneous detection and counting of multiple biological particles. Four particle samples were utilized for the sensor testing: 20μm and 40μm polymethacrylate (PM) particles, Juniper pollen and Eastern Cottonwood pollen. Experiments demonstrated that this sensor was able to differentiate and count multiple particle solutions simultaneously through its four micropores fabricated on polymer membranes. Thus the sensing throughput has been improved significantly. Furthermore, the experimental results also proved the feasibility of differentiating various pollens from PM microparticles with the multi-pore resistive pulse sensor, with no need for labeling of samples.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Preschoolers' aggression, affiliation, and social dominance relationships: An observational, longitudinal study

Abstract This study of 61 preschool children used an observational, longitudinal design to examine the degree to which social dominance relationships account for time-related change in rates of aggression and affiliation across a school year. Specific hypotheses reflected the view that, over time, behavioral function should change in accord with the stability of social dominance relationships, social norms, and on-going developmental processes. Results showed that change in rates of aggression was non-linear (i.e., increasing then decreasing over the year), that physical and verbal forms of aggression were associated with distinct longitudinal trajectories, and that these trajectories were related to rates of affiliation and visual regard. As predicted, social dominance accounted for significant variation in these patterns. Implications for theory, future research, and school practitioners are discussed.
Insulin-catalyzed proteolysis

Abstract Previous studies from this laboratory ( Rieser and Rieser, 1964 ) have shown that trypsin and chymotrypsin can act like insulin with regard to several anabolic activities in rat diaphragm muscle. The catalytically inactive diisopropylfluoro-phosphate-derivatives of these enzymes tend to lose their insulin-like action. The apparent hormonal activity of these two proteases thus depends, at least for the most part, on their integrity as enzymes. This raises the question whether the converse is also true, that is, whether insulin might be endowed with enzymatic properties. The present study was undertaken to test insulin for possible proteolytic activity.