cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fatty Liver: A Link To Cardiovascular Disease – Its Natural History, Pathogenesis, And Treatment

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most prevalent liver disease in western society and is increasing in parallel with the worldwide epidemic of obesity. It exists in a simple form, steatosis, or a more complex and more dangerous form, steatohepatitis, and it is often but not always associated with the metabolic syndrome. NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is responsible for the majority of cryptogenic cirrhosis cases. Increasingly, NAFLD and its more sinister form, steatohepatitis, have been linked to the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) worldwide, independent of the metabolic syndrome. Death from CVD surpasses death from liver complications, but that is beginning to change as people are living longer with CVD. In this article, we will review nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its epidemiology, prevalence, pathology, and link to CVD.
Evolution: Big brains explained

The expensive-tissue hypothesis proposes that brain enlargement during human evolution was offset by a reduced gut size. The finding that the typical trade-off in mammals is between brain size and fat reserves suggests otherwise. See Letter p.91 The brain is a costly organ to run in terms of energy supply, so how do humans accommodate brains that are so much larger than those of comparable primates without any apparent difficulty? A widely held explanation is the expensive-tissue hypothesis, which proposes a trade-off between brain size and the mass of other energetically expensive organs, especially the digestive tract. Now a survey of 100 mammal species reveals no such trade-off, refuting the idea that expensive tissues compete for energy. There is a negative correlation between the size of brains and the amount of stored energy in the form of adipose tissue, however. The authors propose that the increase in human brain size was facilitated by a combination of stabilization of energy inputs and a redirection of energy from locomotion, growth and reproduction.
The Misuse of Statistics: Concepts, Tools, and a Research Agenda

This paper presents concerns regarding misuse of statistics in scientific work, especially in biomedical research. The paper discusses what is meant by "misuse." It appears that misuse arises from various sources: degrees of competence in statistical theory and methods, honest error in the application of methods, egregious negligence, and deliberate deception (misconduct.) The incidence of error is partly due to a perceived need to meet artificial statistical criteria for acceptance of research reports for publication by journals. There has been no systematic research into the prevalence of misuse or its breakdown by type. Nonetheless, there are ways to encourage, or even to enforce, good statistical practice. These can be greatly supported by use of available statistical ethics documents. This article suggests lines of further research that could define the problem more explicitly and that might lead to additional corrective measures.
Lie algebraic aspects of the finite nonperiodic Toda flows

In this paper we review various aspects of nonperiodic full and tridiagonal Toda flow theory. In particular, we consider gradient structures in the dynamics and geometry of these systems and we compare and contrast a number of formulations of the nonperiodic Toda equations. We describe the structure of these systems on general semisimple Lie algebras. In the case of the full Kostant (asymmetric) Toda flow we describe some of the background behind its integrability and explain the role of noncommutative integrability in its qualitative behavior. We describe the relationship between the asymmetric Toda flows and the symmetric and indefinite Toda flows, and show how one may conjugate from the full Kostant Toda flows to the full symmetric Toda flows via a Poisson map. We describe briefly related Toda systems such as nonabelian Toda, and the peakon flows.
2013: updates in delirium.

Delirium is a frequent condition in the acute care setting and poses ongoing patient and societal burdens.We performed a review of the literature to inform practicing hospitalists, neurologists, and neurohospitalists about advances in delirium research in the prior year. We reviewed internal medicine, neurology, critical care, geriatric, and psychiatric literature from 2013 and selected manuscripts that were assessed to advance our understanding of measurement, epidemiology, outcomes, and treatment of delirium. Within this brief report, we highlight the pain, agitation, and delirium guidelines and stress their importance in light of recent research that links delirium with long-term impairments in cognitions and function.We conclude with research updates in the pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment of delirium.
Caregiver Confirmation and Children’s Attachment Security During the Transition to Kindergarten:

This study explores the relationship between caregiver confirmation and children’s attachment security during the transition to kindergarten. Caregiver-child dyads (N = 50) read a story about the transition to school, caregivers responded to hypothetical child statements of concern regarding starting school, and caregivers completed the Attachment Q-Sort measure (Waters, 1995). Caregivers’ behaviors during portions of the storybook task and their written responses to hypothetical child statements of concern were coded for verbal and nonverbal “confirmation as acceptance” and verbal “confirmation as challenge.” Children’s attachment security scores were produced from the Attachment Q-Sort. Caregivers’ level of education moderated the association between caregiver confirmation as verbal and nonverbal acceptance and children’s attachment security such that there was a positive association between confirmation and attachment security primarily for caregivers with low levels of formal education. Implications f...
Role of prostaglandin in the depressed cell-mediated immune response in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a depressed response to phytohemagglutinin in vitro. This depression was partly reversed by adding indomethacin, a prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor, to the cultures. Removal of glass-adherent cells prior to culture did not affect the depressed mitogen response of the patients' cells. The phytohemagglutinin response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from rheumatoid arthritis patients was more sensitive than normal to inhibition by exogenous prostaglandin E2.
Bhattacharyya’s matrix theorem

Abstract Every real ( 2 n + 1 ) × ( 2 n + 1 ) matrix can be written as a sum of a scalar, a skew matrix, and a matrix of rank ≤ n . For n = 1 , this proves a claim first stated in 1920, and the summands there are (nearly) unique.
Structural diversity in the lattice of equational theories

This paper is principally concerned with conditions under which various partition lattices are isomorphic to intervals in either the lattice of equational theories extending a given equational theory or the lattice of subtheories of a given equational theory.
AFFECTIVE VARIABLES IN SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

Affective variables have not been adequately investigated in the study of second language acquisition. Imitation, egoism, and inhibition are three egocentric factors which have been treated only lightly in previous research. Three social variables, empathy, introversion/extroversion, and aggression, may be keys to understanding the social nature of second language learning. And the merging of cognition and affect in “cognitive styles,” which vary within and among individuals, might account for varying degrees of success in learning a second language. Widespread interdisciplinary research in the affective domain of the psychology of language acquisition could lead to the construction of a comprehensive theory of second language acquisition as well as more effective approaches to language teaching.
Deletion of the RNA‐editing enzyme ADAR1 causes regression of established chronic myelogenous leukemia in mice

Patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) respond well to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of the Bcr-Abl oncoprotein. However, intolerance and resistance to these agents remains a challenge, and TKIs are unable to eradicate rare leukemia-initiating cells. Leukemia treatment would benefit from a better understanding of molecular signals that are necessary for the survival of leukemia-initiating cells but dispensable for normal hematopoietic stem cells. Leukemia-initiating cells in CML can arise from myeloid progenitor cells, a population that we have reported in normal hematopoiesis to depend on the RNA-editing enzyme adenosine deaminase acting on RNA-1 (ADAR1). We now report that Bcr-Abl transformed leukemic cells were ADAR1-dependent in a conditional ADAR1 knockout mouse model. ADAR1 deletion reversed leukocytosis and splenomegaly, and preferentially depleted primitive Lin-Sca+Kit+ (LSK) leukemic cells but not LSK cells lacking the leukemic oncoprotein. ADAR1 deletion ultimately normalized the peripheral white blood count, eliminating leukemic cells as assessed by PCR. These results uncover a novel requirement for ADAR1 in myeloid leukemic cells and indicate that ADAR1 may comprise a new molecular target for CML-directed therapeutics.
Defining and advancing ambulatory care pharmacy practice: it is time to lengthen our stride.

Purpose This paper reviews the basic tenets of ambulatory care pharmacy practice, including (1) the historical development of patient-centered care provided by pharmacists, (2) the need for and value of comprehensive medication management, (3) the education, training, and qualifications of pharmacists, and (4) demonstrated improvement in health and health-care outcomes from pharmacists’ services. Summary When ambulatory care pharmacists engage in patient care to their full capacity, physician time is saved, access to care is improved, and clinical and economic outcomes are enhanced. There is a need for ambulatory care pharmacists to work toward optimizing safe medication use and optimizing medication therapy for patients with diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and renal disease. Other opportunities for the development of ambulatory care pharmacy services exist in preventive care, precision therapeutics, medication therapy management, mitigation of healthcare disparities, and implementation of national healthcare reform. Interprofessional patient care teams should include ambulatory care pharmacists in patient-centered medical homes and accountable care organizations. Ambulatory care pharmacy practice would benefit by enhancing specialty residency training and by creating a residency/fellowship for advanced subspecialty clinical practice and research. Provider status is essential to recognize pharmacists as an integral part of the patient care team. Conclusion By assertively advancing ambulatory care practice, pharmacy will help achieve the national priorities of improving patient care, patient health, and affordability of care.
Interaction and Ideology at Work: A Case of Constructing and Constraining Television Violence

This is a case study of the relationship between the knowledge, beliefs, decisions, and actions of work. The processes of formulating and articulating objectives shape both the material products and the ideology of the workplace. The latter is not simply a reflection of the ideas participants bring to their work. Nor is it merely the result of frames of reference imposed by superordinates. Ideology results from the work interaction through which all participants construct and modify their respective occupational and personal frames of reference. Ethnography of an organizational setting and analysis of work discourse show how the participants in a television script meeting cope with the complexities created by their differing organizational roles and personal preferences. As they deal with these differences while working on a scene portraying domestic violence, the participants tacitly develop a local agenda of topics and ways of expressing those topics. The local agenda constrains the scope of their collaboration in a way that leads them to present physical violence as an expedient response to trying situations. This notion of normal violence shapes the ideological context of the ensuing work and the ideological direction of the resulting television episode.
Increased feeding and hyperglycemia elicited by intracerebroventricular 5-thioglucose

5-Thioglucose (5-TG) is a glucose analogue in which sulfur is substituted for the pyranose ring oxygen. Intracerebroventricular infusion of 5-TG caused prompt initiation of feeding and a marked rise in plasma glucose concentration at doses as low as 0.54 mumol (106 microgram). 5-TG is, therefore, more potent for eliciting feeding than any other previously tested glucose antimetabolite. The potency of 5-TG for eliciting feeding should make 5-TG a useful tool for localizing brain glucoreceptors which participate in the control of food intake.
Method for correcting meatal stenosis after hypospadias repair

Abstract Meatal stenosis is uncommon after hypospadias surgery even when the meatus is placed at the tip of the glans. However, when it occurs. such, stenosis can be quite troublesome. A conventional meatotomy done in the presence of inflammation is often attended by recurrent stenosis. In such. situations we therefore advocate placing a tourniquet around the base of the penis and raising a V-shaped flap of glans with the point of the V at the dorsum of the meatus. The stenosis is then incised along the back wall of the urethra down into non-inflamed tissues. The tip of the flap is sutured to this point and additional absorbable sutures are used to anchor the flap in place so that healthy tissue crosses the stenotic area. Recurrent stenosis after this maneuver is unusual.
Pythiosis, lagenidiosis, and zygomycosis in small animals

Pythiosis, lagenidiosis, and zygomycosis are devastating and often fatal infectious diseases that affect animals living in temperate, tropical, and sub- tropical climates throughout the world. The oomycete Pythium insidiosum and the zygomycetes Conidiobolus species and Basidiobolus species have been recognized as animal and human pathogens for many years. Members of the genus Lagenidium (a group of oomycetes closely related to the genus Pythium), however, have been identified as a cause of oomycosis in dogs only recently (1). Although they are caused by a phylogenetically diverse group of pathogens, pythiosis, lagenidiosis, and zygomycosis share similar clinical and histologic characteristics (all cause lesions characterized by pyogranuloma- tous and eosinophilic inflammation associated with broad, irregularly branching, sparsely septate hyphae), making them difficult to distinguish from one another. Because of these similarities, many veterinary pathologists and clinicians continue to use the inclusive but out-dated term ''phycomy- cosis'' when describing histologic or clinical findings that could be caused by any of these pathogens. Although this term is a convenient label for cases in which a definitive culture-based diagnosis has not been made, it is no longer an appropriate taxonomic designation, and it should be replaced with the more specific terms ''pythiosis,'' ''lagenidiosis,'' and ''zygomycosis.'' Clini- cally, distinguishing between these infections is important because of dif- ferences in epidemiology, choice and duration of therapy, and prognosis.
Intrapopulation variation in nectar secretion in Impatiens capensis

Variation in nectar secretion rates within a population of Impatiens capensis was examined. There was no evidence for phenotypic variation between plants in nectar secretion rates. There was significant daily variation in secretion rates, which appeared to be caused by environmental factors. Individual flowers showed variable rates of secretion over consecutive hours, and these fluctuations in secretion occurred independently among the many flowers on any single plant. Time of day, plant size, and flower age (as indicated by sexual phase) showed no relationship to nectar secretion rates.
A light microscope study of linker histone distribution in rat metaphase chromosomes and interphase nuclei

Abstract Several subtypes of the linker histone H1 are present in normal rat kidney epithelial cells (NRK-52E). Although H1 is essential in nucleosome and chromatin packaging or condensation, the unique functions of these very basic proteins are largely unknown. There has been much speculation on the role of each H1 variant on developmentally regulated or tissue specific gene expression. We have examined the global distribution of several H1 subtypes on metaphase chromosomes in an attempt to uncover large-scale differences in chromatin condensation. Polyclonal antibodies raised against HPLC-purified rat H1 subtypes revealed a pattern much like G or Q bands for all H1 variants tested on chromosomes harvested with either aqueous or organic spreading methods. H1 o , a less abundant form of H1, may be associated with terminally differentiated or senescent cells. In cultures treated to induce higher levels of H1 o there were no visible differences at the light microscope level in the antibody banding pattern between induced and noninduced cells. The distributions of H1 subtypes on chromosomes may be visible in different tissues when viewed at higher magnifications. While chromosome patterns were consistent with the antibodies tested, the interphase nuclei displayed clear differences. An epitope specific for anti-H1A antibody is present in the nuclear envelope and is possibly used for chromosomal location or anchorage. Anti-H1B antibody did not specifically label the nuclear envelope, nor did anti-H1 o antibody. Highly concentrated regions of H1 o surround the nucleoli, possibly indicating a cluster of genes that are poised for transcription.
Orographic Influences on Subtropical Stratocumulus

The impact of South American orography on subtropical stratocumulus clouds off the Peruvian coast is investigated in the context of an atmospheric general circulation model. It is found that stratocumulus incidence is significantly reduced when South American orography is removed. Key to this behavior is a decrease in lower tropospheric stability (LTS) that allows for more frequent stratocumulus destruction through the model’s cloud-top entrainment instability mechanism. The role of orography in enhancing Peruvian stratocumulus is as follows. Within the PBL, orography deflects the midlatitude westerly winds equatorward in association with cold air advection and blocking of the low-level flow from the continent. Above the PBL, the steep and high South American orography deflects a significant portion of the midlatitude westerlies equatorward. This flow sinks along the equatorward sloping isentropes, thus promoting subsidence. Both processes increase LTS over the stratocumulus region. In further AGCM experiments, the sensitivity of Peruvian stratocumulus to the use of unsmoothed orographic boundary conditions is assessed. The results show no significant differences to the control simulation, which uses smoothed orography. This suggests that, in the context of GCMs, a representation of South American orography more detailed than is generally used has little potential for improving the performance of coupled ocean–atmosphere models in the eastern tropical Pacific.
RAGE Axis. Animal Models and Novel Insights Into the Vascular Complications of Diabetes

Receptor for AGE (RAGE) is a multi-ligand member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell surface molecules. Engagement of RAGE by its signal transduction ligands evokes inflammatory cell infiltration and activation in the vessel wall. In diabetes, when fueled by oxidant stress, hyperglycemia, and superimposed stresses such as hyperlipidemia or acute balloon/endothelial denuding arterial injury, the ligand-RAGE axis amplifies vascular stress and accelerates atherosclerosis and neointimal expansion. In this brief synopsis, we review the use of rodent models to test these concepts. Taken together, our findings support the premise that RAGE is an amplification step in vascular inflammation and acceleration of atherosclerosis. Future studies must rigorously test the potential impact of RAGE blockade in human subjects; such trials are on the horizon.
Time-Domain Channel Estimation of High Accuracy for LDPC Coded SC-FDE System Using Fixed Point Decoding in 60-GHz WPAN

The single-carrier frequency-domain equalization (SC-FDE) is now being considered as an important physical layer (PHY) option for the 60-GHz wireless personal area network (WPAN) [1][2]. We proposed using the complementary Golay sequences to improve the accuracy of the channel estimation in SC-FDE system. These sequences have the autocorrelation of unique main peak and zero sidelobe. We proved by simulations that it is very effective for SC-FDE system under fixed point low-density parity-check (LDPC) decoding.
Navigation, Guidance and Control For the CICADA Expendable Micro Air Vehicle

The CICADA (Close-in Covert Autonomous Disposable Aircraft) is a new and novel micro air vehicle design based on a monolithic circuit-board/structure. The CICADA is a glider, which once dropped from a host vehicle, will automatically y to a preprogrammed recovery waypoint. A key design goal for the guidance and control system was to enable the CICADA to recover from a wide range of initial launch conditions and altitudes using only a limited sensor suite. Recording temperature and wind prole data during the decent was also a design objective. This paper will describe the navigation, guidance, ight control, and environmental control developed for this simple yet capable aircraft. Flight test data will be presented showing the performance of the CICADA vehicle from a drop of over 29,000 feet in altitude.
INVESTIGATING INTERRUPTIONS: AN EXAMPLE FROM THE FLIGHTDECK.

This study investigates an aspect of multiple-task management, interruption management, in an operational context. Fourteen commercial airline pilots each performed 16 approaches in a simulated com...
Hubble Space Telescope NICMOS Observations of Rest-Frame Optical Continuum and Hα + [N I] Emission in FSC 10214+4724

High-resolution 1.10, 2.05, 2.12, and 2.15 μm imaging of the gravitationally lensed system FSC 10214+4724 are presented. These data extend Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations of the lens system to redder wavelengths, thus providing the highest resolution images to date of the rest-frame optical and narrow-line (i.e., Hα+[N II]) regions of the background quasar. The length of the arc in the wide-band continuum images increases with increasing wavelength, and the Hα+[N II] emission has a length in between that of the 1.10 and 2.05 μm emission. The structure of the arc changes from having an eastern and western peak at 1.10 μm to having a single peak in the center at 2.05 μm. The changing structure and length of the arc can be understood in terms of a model in which the background quasar consists of a region of scattered active galactic nucleus (AGN) light that dominates at 1.10 μm (rest frame 3300 A), surrounded by a more extended narrow-line region. An even more extended red stellar population would thus contribute light at 2.05 μm (rest frame 6200 A). In addition, the Hα+[N II] emission has structural features similar to the 1.10 μm emission normalized by the (predominantly stellar) 2.05 μm emission, possibly confirming that the 1.10 μm emission is a superposition of the sources associated with the line emission (AGNs/massive stars) and the red stellar component that dominates the 2.05 μm emission. The counterimage of the lensed quasar is detected in the 1.10 and 2.05 μm images, and the rest frame 3300 and 6200 A magnifications of the lensed quasar are calculated to be 50 ± 11 and 25 ± 6, respectively, which translates into a rest-frame optical luminosity for the quasar of ~6 × 10^9 L_☉. These magnification values are lower than the previously measured magnification of ~100 at rest frame 2400 A. If the dust in the primary lensing galaxy is not affecting the measurement of the counterimage flux at 2400 and 3300 A, the magnification of the quasar appears to decrease with increasing wavelength. Flux measurements of the primary lensing galaxy fit the spectral energy distribution of an unevolving elliptical galaxy at a redshift of 0.9, consistent with previous determinations of the redshift.
Interleukin-1β Regulates the Human Brain Natriuretic Peptide Promoter via Ca2+-Dependent Protein Kinase Pathways

Abstract —We have shown that interleukin-1β (IL-1β) activates the human brain natriuretic peptide (hBNP) promoter via a transcriptional mechanism. Others have reported that changes in intracellular calcium (Ca2+) mediate the action of IL-1β. We questioned whether Ca2+ and Ca2+-dependent pathways mediate IL-1β regulation of the hBNP promoter in cardiac myocytes. The hBNP promoter (−1818 to +100) coupled to a luciferase cDNA reporter gene was transferred into neonatal cardiac myocytes. Cells were then treated with agents that modify Ca2+ levels or inhibit Ca2+-dependent kinases, and luciferase activity was measured as an index of hBNP promoter activity. The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 increased hBNP promoter activity; however, neither EGTA nor nifedipine reduced IL-1β–stimulated promoter activity. Long-term treatment with thapsigargin, which depletes intracellular Ca2+ stores, decreased basal promoter activity and blocked the effect of IL-1β. Inhibition of protein kinase C completely blocked IL-1β–stimulated hBNP promoter activity, whereas inhibition of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II decreased promoter activity by 40%. In contrast, inhibition of the Ca2+-regulated phosphatase calcineurin by cyclosporin A had no effect. These data suggest that (1) Ca2+ activates the hBNP promoter; (2) release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores is important to IL-1β regulation of the hBNP promoter, but transport via voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels is not; (3) protein kinase C and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II mediate the action of IL-1β; and (4) the phosphatase calcineurin is not involved in IL-1β regulation of the hBNP promoter. Thus, Ca2+ and Ca2+-dependent pathways are critical to IL-1β regulation of the hBNP promoter.
Yield analysis for fault-tolerant arrays

A technique for evaluating alternative cell implementations for use in arrays (RAM, ROM, PLA, etc.) with redundancy in order to select the array cell with the lowest manufacturing cost or highest yield is described. This selection is particularly important in yield-sensitive applications such as wafer-scale integration. Alternative cell implementations include different cell topologies and design rule scaling. The analysis is performed using the VLASIC catastrophic fault yield simulator. Using a redundant CMOS static random access memory as an example, it is shown that the cell with the lowest manufacturing cost for a nonredundant array does not necessarily have the lowest manufacturing cost for a redundant array. It is also shown that in a redundant array, neither the highest-yielding cell nor the smallest cell necessarily has the lowest manufacturing cost. >
Cross-strip readouts for photon counting detectors with high spatial and temporal resolution

The combination of a photocathode, microchannel plate stack and photon counting, imaging readout provides a powerful tool for high dynamic range, high spatial resolution, and high timing accuracy detectors for the X-ray to visible light spectral range. Significant improvements in spatial resolution, quantum efficiency, and background rate have made these devices attractive for many applications and are being applied to completely new research areas. We describe the latest developments in high-resolution cross-strip (XS) anode readout for photon counting imaging with microchannel plates (MCPs). We show that the spatial resolution of an MCP detector with the cross-strip readout is now limited only by the MCP pore width. For the first time, we show images of resolution test masks illustrating the exceptional spatial resolution of the cross-strip readout, which at the present time can resolve features on the scale of /spl sim/7 /spl mu/m with MCP gains as low as 6/spl times/10/sup 5/. Low-gain operation of the detector with high spatial resolution shown in this paper is very beneficial for applications with high local counting rate and long lifetime requirements. The spatial resolution of the XS anode can be increased even further with improved anode uniformity, lower noise front-end electronics, and new centroiding algorithms. This could be important when MCPs with smaller than existing 6 /spl mu/m pores become commercially available, thus improving the detector resolution down to the few micrometer scale.
Partition epistemology and arguments from analogy

Nineteenth and twentieth century philosophies of science have consistently failed to identify any rational basis for the compelling character of scientific analogies. This failure is particularly worrisome in light of the fact that the development and diffusion of certain scientific analogies, e.g. Darwin’s analogy between domestic breeds and naturally occurring species, constitute paradigm cases of good science. It is argued that the interactivist model, through the notion of a partition epistemology, provides a way to understand the persuasive character of compelling scientific analogies without consigning them to an irrational or arational context of discovery.
Defining the current negative appendectomy rate: For whom is preoperative computed tomography making an impact?

Background Historically, the negative appendectomy rate (NAR) for patients operated on for acute appendicitis (AA) has exceeded 20%. We sought to define the current NAR with increased use of computed tomography (CT) and laparoscopy. Methods Records of 1425 consecutive patients undergoing appendectomy for suspicion of AA during the past 7 years at a single institution were reviewed. The NAR was calculated and compared with earlier data from this institution (1995–1999). Statistical methods included the Fisher exact test and the Student t test; differences of P Results The overall NAR was 7.65% compared to 16.3% over the period 1995–1999 (P = .0001), without a change in the perforation rate. Concurrently, the rate of preoperative CT increased from 32% to 95%. CT was associated with a lesser NAR only among adult females (7.6% vs 20.8%, P = .005) but not among adult males or children. No difference in NAR was noted in comparing laparoscopic and open appendectomy. Patients without AA had a greater mean duration of symptoms and lower white blood cell count at presentation than those with AA. Most patients undergoing negative appendectomy had a CT, and more than 50% had CT interpretations that were positive for, or could not exclude, AA. Conclusions The NAR in our hospital has decreased progressively to ∼5%. Although preoperative CT is used in almost all patients, it is only associated with a lesser NAR among adult females. False-positive CTs may contribute to the residual NAR, and further data are needed to determine whether subgroups of male or pediatric patients benefit from preoperative CT.
A View From the Luminous Room

A new body of research, concerning the divergence of information systems away from today's ubiquitous notion of ‘computer’, is emerging. Though the various threads of inquiry diverge significantly in their approach, each generally seeks some intimate integration of computational resources with its user's immediate or extended environment. We introduce here a new project called theLuminous Room, which uses dynamically controlled video projection to permit information access and manipulation throughout an architectural space. A description of the working components of the system is followed by an explication of the philosophies that provide both motivation and a conceptual scaffolding for the work. Finally, we offer speculations about the way in which formal architecture and ‘environmental’ information systems like theLuminous Room might co-develop.
Movable Tip Strakes and Wing Aerodynamics

A wind-tunnel study of the effects of the addition of movable tip strakes on the aerodynamic characteristics of a rectangular wing model has been conducted. This is a new application of the strake concept for modifying the flowfield around a wing. The addition of sharp-edged slender delta-wing-shaped strakes significantly modified the flow pattern in the vicinity of the wing through generation of vortex lift. The strakes improved the lift-todrag ratio of the baseline wing by as much as 23%. The method can have potential for lateral control too. Based on limited flow-visualization results, it appears that the strakes favorably influence the near-field roll up of the wing trailing vortices. The approach warrants additional investigations using more advanced measurement and flow-visualization techniques.
"RUASA"; an automated rapid sediment analyser

The Rice University Automated Sediment Analyser (RUASA) is a totally automated settling tube system which enables fast, reliable determination of size frequency (phi ) or settling velocity (psi ) distributions of sand and silt samples. Most important, it offers considerable flexibility with regard to sampling rates, data storage and editing, and post experiment data analysis.
Photophysics of Pt(II) 4,6-diphenyl-2,2′-bipyridyl complexes in solution and in LB film

Abstract Two amphiphilic platinum(II) 4,6-diphenyl-2,2′-bipyridyl complexes ( 1 and 2 ) were synthesized and characterized. LB films of these two complexes were prepared and characterized by AFM technique. Electronic absorption and emission characteristics of these complexes in solutions at room temperature, in glassy solutions at 77 K, and in LB films were studied. The emission energies of the complexes in LB films are similar to those in acetonitrile solutions at room temperature. However, the lifetimes of 1 and 2 in LB films are 4–7 times as long as those in CH 3 CN solutions. The triplet transient difference absorption spectra of these complexes exhibit broad absorption in the visible region to the near-IR region. Introducing a hydroxyl substituent on the 4,6-diphenyl-2,2′-bipyridyl ligand favors the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonding and thus helps the deposition of uniform and stable LB films and increases the self-quenching rate constant for emission of 2 in CH 3 CN solution.
Silicon nitride gate dielectric for advanced technology

The increase in gate leakage current and boron penetration are major problems for scaled conventional gate oxides in advanced technology. Approaches to minimize the problems are reviewed. Jet vapor deposition (JVD) nitride used as a gate dielectric in an advanced CMOS process is addressed. We have demonstrated a reduction in gate leakage current and strong resistance to boron penetration when JVD nitride is used. In addition, JVD nitride provides a robust interface and well behaved bulk properties, MOSFET characteristics and ring oscillator performance. The demonstration of JVD nitride as an attractive gate dielectric would provide a paradigm shift for future gate dielectric research.
Soft landing of bare nanoparticles with controlled size, composition, and morphology

Physical synthesis employing magnetron sputtering and gas aggregation in a modified commercial source has been coupled with size-selection and ion soft landing to prepare bare nanoparticles on surfaces with controlled coverage, size, composition, and morphology. Employing atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it is demonstrated that the size and coverage of nanoparticles on flat and stepped surfaces may be controlled using a quadrupole mass filter and the length of deposition, respectively. AFM shows that nanoparticles bind randomly to flat surfaces when soft landed at relatively low coverage (4 × 104 ions μm−2). On stepped surfaces at intermediate coverage (4 × 105 ions μm−2) nanoparticles bind along step edges forming extended linear chains. At the highest coverage (2 × 106 ions μm−2) nanoparticles form a continuous film on flat surfaces. On one surface with sizable defects, the presence of localized imperfections results in agglomeration of nanoparticles onto these features and formation of neighboring zones devoid of particles. Employing high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) the customized magnetron sputtering/gas aggregation source is demonstrated to produce bare single metal particles with controlled morphology as well as bimetallic alloy nanoparticles with defined core–shell structures of that are of interest to catalysis.
Toxicology comes of age.

▪ Abstract This paper contains recollections of some of the people and events that influenced the development of toxicology as an academic discipline. It also describes my experiences in pharmacology at the University of Chicago and the University of Kansas Medical Center and concludes with speculation concerning the future of toxicology. Moderation in all things/Ne quid nimis. —Terence in Andria
Splenic artery embolization for the treatment of refractory ascites after liver transplantation

Refractory ascites (RA) is a challenging complication after orthotopic liver transplantation. Its treatment consists of the removal of the precipitating factors. When the etiology is unknown, supportive treatment can be attempted. In severe cases, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts, portocaval shunts, and liver retransplantation have been used with marginal results. Recently, splenic artery embolization (SAE) has been described as an effective procedure for reducing portal hyperperfusion in patients undergoing partial or whole liver transplantation. Here we describe our experience with SAE for the treatment of RA. Between June 2004 and June 2010, 6 patients underwent proximal SAE for RA. Intraoperative flow measurements, graft characteristics, embolization portal vein (PV) velocities before and after SAE, and spleen/liver volume ratios were collected and analyzed. The response to treatment was assessed with imaging (ultrasound/computed tomography) and on the basis of clinical outcomes (weight changes, diuretic requirements, and the time to ascites resolution). The PV velocity decreased significantly for each patient after the embolization (median = 66.5 cm/second before SAE and median = 27.5 cm/second after SAE, P < 0.01). All patients experienced a significant postprocedural weight loss (mean = 88.1 ± 28.4 kg before SAE and mean = 75.8 ± 28.4 kg after SAE, P < 0.01) and a dramatic decrease in their diuretic requirements. All but 1 of the patients experienced a complete resolution of ascites after a median time of 49.5 days (range = 12-295 days). No patient presented with postembolization complications. In conclusion, SAE was effective in reducing the PV velocity immediately after the procedure. Clinically, this translated into a dramatic weight loss, a reduction of diuretic use, and a resolution of ascites. SAE appears to be a safe and effective treatment for RA.
Effective dielectric constant of a medium with spherical inclusions

The Maxwell-Garnett theory is frequently used to predict the effective, or the average, dielectric constant of a mixture composed of spherical inclusions embedded in a host medium. This effective medium theory assumes that the volume fraction occupied by the spherical inclusions is small and that the size of the inclusions is small compared to the wavelength. Experiments using controlled samples have shown that the Maxwell-Garnett theory is applicable up to an inclusion volume fracton of 0.2. At higher volume fractions, the effective dielectric constant appears to be dependent on the inclusion sizes. >
Microstructure and mechanical properties of transient liquid phase bonds between NiAl and a Nickel-Base superalloy

An investigation of microstructural development in transient liquid phase bonds between the B2 type intermetallic compound NiAl and a nickel-base superalloy MM–247 is presented in this paper. The bonds discussed in the paper employed pure copper interlayers. Based on edge-on transmission electron microscopy investigations, the paper examines both microstructural development at the bond-line and the influence of bonding on the adjacent substrates. The paper considers the epitaxial growth of the B2 type β (nominally NiAl) phase into the joint and the formation of non-epitaxial β-phase layers. The paper also examines the formation of second-phases, including the L12 type γ′-phase (nominally Ni3(Al, Ti)), MX type carbides, σ-phase intermetallics and elemental chromium and tungsten. Bond-line and adjacent substrate microstructures for the NiAl/Cu/MM–247 bonds are correlated with joint mechanical properties determined by room-temperature shear testing. The paper compares the microstructure and mechanical properties of NiAl/Cu/MM–247 bonds with those of NiAl/Cu/Ni joints.
Optimal recurrent backpropagation networks for real-time identification

The author first defines process identification (ID) and then discusses real-time ID by neural networks, which is done in a manner involving fully-connected recurrent networks but with a novel use of internal feedback of the activation levels of all neurons at the end of the previous sampling interval. A simple new method, optimal recurrent backpropagation I, for backpropagation training of recurrent nets is presented, and then adapted to identification application. Finally, the subject of optimally efficient and (subject to hardware limitations) arbitrarily rapid training of recurrent networks is treated. >
A pattern for almost homomorphic functions

Modern type systems present the programmer with a trade-off between correctness and code complexity--more precise, or exact, types that allow only legal values prevent runtime errors while less precise types enable more reuse. Unfortunately, the software engineering benefits of reuse and avoiding duplicate code currently outweigh assurance gains of exact types. We factor out a pattern common in conversions that result from using exact types as a reusable function, extending existing generic programming techniques to avoid code duplication and enable reuse.
Dworkin on Equality of Resources

This essay is a review of Ronald Dworkin's recent essay on equality of resources (Dworkin, 1981b). Many of the ideas discussed by Dworkin have also been examined by economists with, I believe, considerable insight. Unfortunately, economists tend to write for economists, not for philosophers, and their insights are seldom communicated properly to noneconomists. Of course, the same criticism can be levied on philosophers! But perhaps legal theorists are less subject to this criticism. One of the great contributions of Dworkin is that he is very readable; and the quality of his exposition makes these ideas accessible to a wide audience of philosophers, lawyers, and social scientists in general.
The biochemistry of love: an oxytocin hypothesis

The old saying that ‘love heals' has some truth to it. The intricate dance between two neuropeptides both regulates our ability to love and influences our health and well-being.
Regulation – From an industry perspective or: Relationships between detection limits, quantitation limits, and significant digits

Abstract This article develops the concepts of detection and quantitation limits, as advanced by Currie. It interprets and extends the calibration-based Hubaux–Vos detection limit, DL H–V , in the context of trace-level measurements. Recommendations are made for statistically sound data reporting and decision-making under uncertainty. It is shown that relative measurement error derived from calibration error bands can be related to significant digits, DL H–V , and a quantitation limit that ensures at least one significant digit in a reported measurement. An example is given of a calibration/DL study for measuring PCB concentrations in water by GC.
Health risks associated with prolonged standing

Seventeen studies, which included information regarding the adverse health risks associated with prolonged standing, were selected for review. Prolonged standing was defined as standing for over 8 hours [7,8,9]. Studies were divided into three categories relating to the particular health risk associated with prolonged standing. Review of the literature indicated that chronic venous insufficiency [7,16], musculoskeletal pain of the lower back and feet [11,13], preterm birth, and spontaneous abortions [4,6,12,14] were health risks associated with working conditions that required prolonged standing. The use of support hose was associated with positive outcomes in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency in several studies [1,2,3,9,17].
John H. Landis (1860-1918): Devoted Health Officer of Cincinnati.

The article discusses the work of John H. Landis, who was elected the public health officer of Cincinnati, Ohio in 1910. Topics include his 1917 initiation of the Social Unit Organization, a social experiment in which communities were organized in a democratic fashion and encouraged to meet their own needs, criticism of the Social Unit Organization from Cincinnati Mayor John Galvin, and Landis' active participation in several associations such as the American Medical Association.
Factors Associated with Delayed Ejection in Mishaps Between 1993 and 2013.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this investigation was to identify factors associated with Air Force aviators delaying ejection during in-flight emergencies. METHODS: The investigator reviewed all reports within the Air Force Safety Automated System describing mishaps that resulted in the destruction of Air Force ejection-seat equipped aircraft between 1993 and 2013. Crewmembers were classified as either timely or delayed ejectors based on altitude at onset of emergency, altitude at ejection, and a determination regarding whether or not the aircraft was controlled during the mishap sequence. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to explore the association between delayed ejection and multiple potential risk factors. RESULTS: In total, 366 crewmembers were involved in in-flight emergencies in ejection-seat-equipped aircraft that resulted in the loss of the aircraft; 201 (54.9%) of these crewmembers delayed ejection until their aircraft had descended below recommended minimum ejection altitudes. Multivariate analysis indicated that independent risk factors for delayed ejection included increased crewmember flight hours and a mechanical or human-factors related cause of the emergency versus bird strike or midair collision. DISCUSSION: This investigation provided quantitative assessments of factors associated with aviators delaying ejection during in-flight emergencies. Increased odds of delay among crewmembers with greater than 1500 total flight hours suggests that complacency and overconfidence may adversely influence the ejection decision to at least as great a degree as inexperience. Increased odds of delay during mechanical and human factors mishaps confirms previously reported hypotheses and reaffirms the importance of targeting these areas to reduce aviator injuries and fatalities. Miles JE. Factors associated with delayed ejection in mishaps between 1993 and 2013. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(9):774-781. Language: en