cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lecithin Increases Plasma Free Choline and Decreases Hepatic Steatosis in Long-Term Total Parenteral Nutrition Patients A. L. BUCHMAN, M. DUBIN, D. JENDEN, ET AL Gastroenterology 102:1363-1370, 1992

Several investigators, including the authors, have demonstrated that patients receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) have low plasma choline levels.1-3 In the present study, 15 patients who were receiving home TPN were randomly chosen from a group of long-term TPN patients found to have low levels of plasma free choline on initial screening.3The patients received TPN for 7.0 ± 1.1 years (range, 1.5 to 12.5 years). Their TPN consisted of 2 to 3 liters of 15% to 25% dextrose solution with 3.5% to 4.25% amino acids, electrolytes, trace elements, and vitamins. Patients received 20.1 ± 2.2 kcal/kg per day actual body weight. Parenteral lipid supplied was 22 ± 5% of daily intravenous caloric intake (Intralipid 20%, Kabi-Vitrum, Alameda, CA).Patients received either lecithin supplementation (20 g/12 hours in 2.5 tablespoons of soybean oil-based liquid) or placebo (2.5 tablespoons of oil) for 6 weeks in a double-blind fashion. Patients were evaluated at baseline and at 2 and 6 weeks. Laboratory meas...
Approximating partial inverse moments for certain normal variates with an application to decaying inventories

This paper considers the problem of computing E(X−n; X > t) when X is a normal variate having the property that the mean is substantially larger than the standard deviation. An approximation is developed which is determined from the mean, standard deviation, and the cumulative standard normal distribution. Computations comparing the approximate moments with the actual are reported for various values of the relevant parameters. These results are applied to the problem of computing the expected number of shortages in a lead-time for a single product which exhibits continuous exponential decay.
Rehabilitation of burn patients with concomitant limb amputation : case reports

Burn patients with associated limb amputations present demanding rehabilitation problems, many of which might be expected to lead to chronic difficulties. Therapeutic goals following limb amputation include oedema reduction, prevention of contracture (through positioning and range of motion), stump shaping, both pre- and post-prosthetic fitting strengthening exercises of the limb and trunk, and gait training. Some patients present problems that are associated with both the burn injury and the limb amputation that cause concern among the physical therapy staff. Some of these situations include intolerance of the stump to pressure or manipulation due to remaining open wounds or fragility of newly skin grafted areas on the residual limb or delayed gait or functional training due to wounds on other body surface areas. Delays in stump preparation or other treatment aims due to continued surgical procedures can be worrisome. A review of these patients indicates the possible difficulties that rehabilitation personnel may face when treating burn victims who required amputation. Effective rehabilitation of these patients can be achieved despite the noted concerns.
A Synthetic, Xeno-Free Peptide Surface for Expansion and Directed Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Human induced pluripotent stem cells have the potential to become an unlimited cell source for cell replacement therapy. The realization of this potential, however, depends on the availability of culture methods that are robust, scalable, and use chemically defined materials. Despite significant advances in hiPSC technologies, the expansion of hiPSCs relies upon the use of animal-derived extracellular matrix extracts, such as Matrigel, which raises safety concerns over the use of these products. In this work, we investigated the feasibility of expanding and differentiating hiPSCs on a chemically defined, xeno-free synthetic peptide substrate, i.e. Corning Synthemax(®) Surface. We demonstrated that the Synthemax Surface supports the attachment, spreading, and proliferation of hiPSCs, as well as hiPSCs' lineage-specific differentiation. hiPSCs colonies grown on Synthemax Surfaces exhibit less spread and more compact morphology compared to cells grown on Matrigel™. The cytoskeleton characterization of hiPSCs grown on the Synthemax Surface revealed formation of denser actin filaments in the cell-cell interface. The down-regulation of vinculin and up-regulation of zyxin expression were also observed in hiPSCs grown on the Synthemax Surface. Further examination of cell-ECM interaction revealed that hiPSCs grown on the Synthemax Surface primarily utilize α(v)β(5) integrins to mediate attachment to the substrate, whereas multiple integrins are involved in cell attachment to Matrigel. Finally, hiPSCs can be maintained undifferentiated on the Synthemax Surface for more than ten passages. These studies provide a novel approach for expansion of hiPSCs using synthetic peptide engineered surface as a substrate to avoid a potential risk of contamination and lot-to-lot variability with animal derived materials.
Lip and nonpreferred forearm EMG activity as a function of orienting task

Abstract Subjects performed orthographic or semantic orienting tasks while preparing an overt response (pressing one of two buttons). Electromyographic (EMG) activity of lip and nonpreferred forearm muscles and heart rate were monitored. Only lip EMG activity distinguished the extent of covert processing, evidencing greater activity during the semantic than sensory task. In contrast, increased nonpreferred forearm EMG and cardiac activity accompanied the behavioral response. It was concluded that general semantic and autonomic activity serve biological needs, but in addition, there are specific patterns of physiological response that are intrinsic to covert information processing.
Efficient waveform recall in absorbing media

Summary form only given. We have shown that efficient recall of temporally structured optical pulses in absorbing media can be obtained via the photon echo process if the absorption length and pulse area of brief pulses are appropriately chosen.
Effect of temperature on the pattern of lung ventilation and on the ventilation-circulation relationship in the turtle, Pseudemys scripta

Abstract 1. 1. The turtle, Pseudemys scripta , displayed a periodic breathing pattern. Respiratory cycles occurred in sequences. Ventilatory sequences were separated by apneic periods of variable duration. 2. 2. The breathing pattern changed with body temperature. As the temperature increased, the frequency of respiratory cycles increased but the number of cycles per sequence decreased as did cycle duration. 3. 3. Lung ventilation was often associated with increased heart rate and blood pressure at high but not low body temperatures. Ventilation tachycardia was observed at body temperatures of 15–40°C. Blood pressure increased with breathing at body temperatures of 25–40°C but not at 10, 15 and 20°C.
A competitive radioligand assay for danazol (17α-pregn-4-en-20-yno[2,3-d]isoxazol-17-ol) using pregnant guinea pig plasma

Abstract A method is described for the radioligand assay of circulating levels of a novel, pituitary gonadotrophin inhibiting agent, danazol (17α-Pregn-4-en-20-yno[2,3-d]isoxazol-17-ol). The assay described is based upon the ability of danazol to bind avidly to pregnant guinea pig plasma proteins, a binding system hitherto considered highly specific for progesterone. Danazol is separated from progesterone and other possible interfering substances by paper chromatography. The method was used to measure danazol in a series of normal human subjects given the drug at 800 mg/day.
Exhaust System Performance Diagnostic

Abstract The paper describes the results of the GM Powertrain study of the Exhaust System Performance Diagnostic (ESPD) that detects the malfunctions of primary and secondary oxygen sensors and catalytic converter. It was achieved by creating diagnostic intrusive actions (DIA), also known as an active diagnosis, which separate component detection from normal coordinated torque control (CTC) action, which otherwise would influence the component outputs. The ESPD algorithm contains three consecutive stages when different fuel to air equivalence ratio (EQR) are commanded, and it is plausibly integrated with CTC architecture to minimize negative driveability and emission impacts during diagnostic intrusive actions. The proposed ESPD test sequence, i.e. deceleration fuel cut-off (DFCO) immediately followed by fuel enrichment ensures the lowest NOx emission impact. In addition, combining three separate intrusive component diagnostics in one test sequence minimizes the overall system intrusiveness, as well. 3.4 model-based diagnostics
Collapse and fragmentation of rotating, adiabatic clouds

A numerical hydrodynamics code has been used to calculate the collapse of rotating, adiabatic clouds. The three-dimensional nature of the calculation allows the clouds to fragment in the dynamic collapse phase. Clouds with adiabatic exponent of 7/5 and initial cos(2 phi) density variations fragment into binary systems if the initial ratio of thermal to gravitational energy is small (about 0.05). Clouds with higher thermal energy, however, damp the density variation and form near-equilibrium ellipsoids, with ratios of rotational to gravitational energy less than the critical value for dynamic growth of nonaxisymmetry in Maclaurin spheroids. Even with an adiabatic pressure law, dynamic fragmentation of a collapsing cloud is possible, implying for star formation theory that the low thermal energy fragments produced in isothermal collapse calculations may undergo a subsequent dynamic fragmentation in the nonisothermal regime.
A Geometry Processor for Image Processing and Pattern Recognition

A one-dimensional systolic geometry processor (SGP) which is useful in image processing and pattern recognition is described. The geometry processor can be used to enhance processing speed and throughput of the host computer by working as an attached processor. SGP algorithms for solving several primitive geometric problems such as convex hull, inclusion and intersection are shown.
The Impact of the Developmental Timing of Trauma Exposure on PTSD Symptoms and Psychosocial Functioning Among Older Adults

The present study examined the impact of the developmental timing of trauma exposure on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and psychosocial functioning in a large sample of community-dwelling older adults (N = 1,995). Specifically, we investigated whether the negative consequences of exposure to traumatic events were greater for traumas experienced during childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, midlife, or older adulthood. Each of these developmental periods is characterized by age-related changes in cognitive and social processes that may influence psychological adjustment following trauma exposure. Results revealed that older adults who experienced their currently most distressing traumatic event during childhood exhibited more severe symptoms of PTSD and lower subjective happiness compared with older adults who experienced their most distressing trauma after the transition to adulthood. Similar findings emerged for measures of social support and coping ability. The differential effects of childhood compared with later life traumas were not fully explained by differences in cumulative trauma exposure or by differences in the objective and subjective characteristics of the events. Our findings demonstrate the enduring nature of traumatic events encountered early in the life course and underscore the importance of examining the developmental context of trauma exposure in investigations of the long-term consequences of traumatic experiences.
THE LOCAL COMMUNITY: MAKER OF CULTURE AND WEALTH

ABSTRACT:By emphasizing the causal importance of history and the autonomy of local economic and political actors, urban regime theory goes a long way toward mitigating the economic determinism that characterizes so much urban political economy. Unlike this body of criticism that hinges on the demonstrated importance of political factors and is often coupled with undemonstrated assertions that culture, like politics, also matters, this paper shows with theoretical and empirical specificity how local institutions, beliefs, values, norms, and traditions shape local regimes. It presents a synthesis of several closely related arguments regarding preference formation and then presents a framework for investigating the role of social structures and culture in shaping different images of the city and its experience with growth. The author presents lessons from two case studies that utilize this framework and concludes with a discussion of the evidence and arguments presented here and their implications for theory...
Human DNA polymerase β recognizes single-stranded DNA using two different binding modes

Interactions between the human DNA polymerase β (pol β) and a single-stranded (ss) DNA have been studied using the quantitative fluorescence titration technique. Examination of the fluorescence increase of the poly(dA) etheno-derivative (poly(deA)) as a function of the binding density of pol β-nucleic acid complexes reveals the existence of two binding phases. In the first high affinity phase, pol β forms a complex with a ssDNA in which 16 nucleotides are occluded by the enzyme. In the second phase, transition to a complex where the polymerase occludes only 5 nucleotides occurs. Thus, human pol β binds a ssDNA in two binding modes, which differ in the number of occluded nucleotide residues. We designate the first complex as (pol β)16 and the second as (pol β)5binding modes. The analyses of the enzyme binding to ssDNA have been performed using statistical thermodynamic models, which account for the existence of the two binding modes of the enzyme, cooperative interactions, and the overlap of potential binding sites. The importance of the discovery that human pol β binds a ssDNA, using different binding modes, for the possible mechanistic model of the functioning of human pol β, is discussed.
Controlled radiofrequency endovenous occlusion using a unique radiofrequency catheter under duplex guidance to eliminate saphenous varicose vein reflux: a 2-year follow-up.

background. Saphenous vein reflux is often the underlying anatomic cause of varicose veins. It is necessary to eliminate this reflux originating at the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) to treat the resultant varicose veins. objective. To report 2-year follow-up results after closing the incompetent greater saphenous vein starting from its junction (SFJ) with the femoral vein using radiofrequency (RF) endoluminal ablation. methods. One hundred and forty incompetent greater saphenous veins from 120 patients with an incompetent SFJ and large painful varicosities were treated. Patients were evaluated clinically and with duplex ultrasound at 1 week, 6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months to determine treatment efficacy as well as adverse sequelae. results. Vein occlusion, defined as the absence of any duplex ultrasound-determined flow, was successfully achieved in 137 of 140 (98%) scanned veins at 1-week follow-up. At the 12-month follow-up, none of the treated patients developed recanalization that was not seen at 6 weeks, with a successful outcome in 90%. At the 24 month follow-up, 19 of 21 patients had complete disappearance of the treated saphenous vein, for a success rate of 90%. Side effects were minimal, and no skin burns or thromboses were observed. conclusion. RF endovenous occlusion allows patients to obtain treatment with the positive attributes of surgery, that is, a single treatment and low rate of recurrent reflux, but without the morbidity, need for general anesthesia, or extensive convalescence associated with vein stripping and ligation surgery. Patient satisfaction was routinely achieved, with 98% of patients indicating a willingness to recommend the RF endovascular procedure to a friend or family member.
Nickel ions inhibit histone demethylase JMJD1A and DNA repair enzyme ABH2 by replacing the ferrous iron in the catalytic centers.

Iron- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases are a diverse family of non-heme iron enzymes that catalyze various important oxidations in cells. A key structural motif of these dioxygenases is a facial triad of 2-histidines-1-carboxylate that coordinates the Fe(II) at the catalytic site. Using histone demethylase JMJD1A and DNA repair enzyme ABH2 as examples, we show that this family of dioxygenases is highly sensitive to inhibition by carcinogenic nickel ions. We find that, with iron, the 50% inhibitory concentrations of nickel (IC50 [Ni(II)]) are 25 μm for JMJD1A and 7.5 μm for ABH2. Without iron, JMJD1A is 10 times more sensitive to nickel inhibition with an IC50 [Ni(II)] of 2.5 μm, and approximately one molecule of Ni(II) inhibits one molecule of JMJD1A, suggesting that nickel causes inhibition by replacing the iron. Furthermore, nickel-bound JMJD1A is not reactivated by excessive iron even up to a 2 mm concentration. Using x-ray absorption spectroscopy, we demonstrate that nickel binds to the same site in ABH2 as iron, and replacement of the iron by nickel does not prevent the binding of the cofactor 2-oxoglutarate. Finally, we show that nickel ions target and inhibit JMJD1A in intact cells, and disruption of the iron-binding site decreases binding of nickel ions to ABH2 in intact cells. Together, our results reveal that the members of this dioxygenase family are specific targets for nickel ions in cells. Inhibition of these dioxygenases by nickel is likely to have widespread impacts on cells (e.g. impaired epigenetic programs and DNA repair) and may eventually lead to cancer development.
Variation of Pendellösung fringes in elastically deformed silicon single crystals

Abstract Pendellosung fringes obtained from x-ray diffraction section topographs are sensitive to elastic strain lower than 10−6. The strain sensitivity is higher for topographs taken with a diffraction vector closer to the lattice displacement vector. This effect is demonstrated in two types of samples: 1. (1) a Si(111) wafer with an epitaxial Pd2Si thin film and naturally present strain, and 2. (2) a triangular shaped Si(111) crystal with an artifical strain field produced by one point bending.
LBS (k, T)-anonymity: a spatio-temporal approach to anonymity for location-based service users

We propose a location-based query anonymization technique, LBS (k, T)-anonymization, that ensures anonymity of user's query in a specific time window against what we call known user attack. We distinguish between our technique and related work on k-anonymity for LBSs by showing that they target different privacy inference attacks. Also, we analyze the inconsistency of the existing predominant approach with the original definition of k-anonymity and its implications on the anonymization. Finally, we present an evaluation framework that assess the applicability and performance of the proposed technique using an evaluation framework.
Spiral CT versus MRI in neonatal airway evaluation

Magnetic resonance imaging has become the standard means of imaging pediatric airway obstruction due to vascular anomalies. However, magnetic resonance imaging requires a long acquisition time and is prone to motion artifacts. The development of spiral or helical computed tomography provides an alternative imaging modality for evaluating pediatric airway obstruction. We present the case of a neonate with a double aortic arch which initially was not identified on magnetic resonance imaging but was visualized with spiral computed tomography. If suspicion of an intra-thoracic abnormality is high, spiral computed tomography may be a useful adjunct or replacement to magnetic resonance imaging.
Critical Currents at Grain Boundaries in High Temperature Superconductors

We present atomic resolution Z-contrast images, electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and theoretical calculations in support of a band-bending model for the effect of grain boundaries on critical currents. In the high angle regime, dislocation cores are closely spaced and the boundary is modeled as a continuous junction, with a width determined by the dislocation density per unit boundary length. This quantitatively explains the approximately exponential reduction in critical current. In the low angle regime, where dislocations are separated by substantial good passages, explicit calculations of flux pinning are presented. Significant differences are found between a strain and band-bending mechanism. Recent data fit the band-bending model and suggest substantial improvement is possible through doping to a flat band condition.
Comparison of outcomes after TURP versus photoselective vaporization of the prostate with respect to trainee involvement utilizing ACS NSQIP.

Large multicenter studies comparing outcomes between TURP and photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) are sparse, with no studies having compared the influence of trainee involvement on these outcomes. Our objectives were to assess 30-day outcomes after TURP and PVP with respect to trainee involvement using an independent national surgical database. Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) data (2005–2011), 7893 men were identified who underwent TURP or PVP. Regression models were constructed to assess associations between surgical approach, risk-adjusted morbidity and individual complications. Relationships between operative approach, operative duration and duration of stay were also examined and subdivided based upon trainee level. Of 7893 patients, 4950 (62.7%) underwent TURP and 2943 (37.3%) underwent PVP. TURP patients were older, more likely to have diabetes, cancer, history of steroid use and preoperative transfusion compared with PVP patients, who were more likely to have coronary artery disease or bleeding disorders. Risk-adjusted overall morbidity was similar; however, PVP was associated with less pneumonia (0.2% vs 0.5%, P<0.015), bleeding requiring transfusion (0.5% vs 1.8%, P<0.001) and return to the operating room (1.5% vs 2.2%, P<0.022). PVP patients also had shorter length of stay (0.8 vs 2.1 days, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in outcomes when a trainee was involved. Operative duration was similar for TURP and PVP when performed by an attending alone (52 vs 52 min, P<0.001), but was longer with trainee involvement, regardless of post-graduate year (PGY) level (P<0.001). Comparison of operative duration among trainee subgroups demonstrated longer operative times for the PGY 6–9 subgroup performing PVP when compared with other subgroups (P<0.003). Within ACS NSQIP hospitals, TURP and PVP demonstrated similar risk-adjusted overall morbidity. Despite longer operative times for TURP and PVP with trainee involvement, there were no significant differences in outcomes.
DYNAMICAL VORTICES IN SUPERFLUID FILMS

The coupling of superfluid film to a moving vortex is a gauge coupling entirely dictated by topology. From the definition of a linking number, one can define a gauge field ${\mathrm{A}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}}$ , whose (2+1)-dimensional curl is the vortex three-current ${\mathrm{J}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}}$ , and to which the superfluid is minimally coupled. We compute the superfluid density and current response to a moving vortex. Exploiting the analogy to (2+1)-dimensional electrodynamics, we compute the effective vortex mass M(\ensuremath{\omega}) and find that it is logarithmically divergent in the \ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0 limit, with a constant imaginary part, yielding a super-Ohmic dissipation in the presence of an oscillating superflow. Numerical integration of the nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation supports these conclusions. The interaction of vortices with impurities coupling to the density also is discussed.
Cluster analysis of structural stage classes to map wildland fuels in a Madrean ecosystem.

Abstract Geospatial information technology is changing the nature of fire mapping science and management. Geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning system technology coupled with remotely sensed data provide powerful tools for mapping, assessing, and understanding the complex spatial phenomena of wildland fuels and fire hazard. The effectiveness of these technologies for fire management still depends on good baseline fuels data since techniques have yet to be developed to directly interrogate understory fuels with remotely sensed data. We couple field data collections with GIS, remote sensing, and hierarchical clustering to characterize and map the variability of wildland fuels within and across vegetation types. One hundred fifty six fuel plots were sampled in eight vegetation types ranging in elevation from 1150 to 2600 m surrounding a Madrean ‘sky island’ mountain range in the southwestern US. Fuel plots within individual vegetation types were divided into classes representing various stages of structural development with unique fuel load characteristics using a hierarchical clustering method. Two Landsat satellite images were then classified into vegetation/fuel classes using a hybrid unsupervised/supervised approach. A back-classification accuracy assessment, which uses the same pixels to test as used to train the classifier, produced an overall Kappa of 50% for the vegetation/fuels map. The map with fuel classes within vegetation type collapsed into single classes was verified with an independent dataset, yielding an overall Kappa of 80%.
Development of New Modeling and Analysis Tools for Solar Sails

Existing finite-element-based structural analysis codes are ineffective in treating deployable gossamer space systems, including solar sails that are formed by long space-deployable booms and extremely large thin-film membrane apertures. Recognizing this, the NASA Space transportation Technology Program has initiated and sponsored a focused research effort to develop new and computationally efficient structural modeling and analysis tools for solar sails. The technical approach of this ongoing effort will be described. Two solution methods, the Distributed Transfer Function Method and the Parameter-Variation-Principle method, based on which the technical approach was formatted are also discussed.
Electrochemically Generated Magnetic Forces. Enhanced Transport of a Paramagnetic Redox Species in Large, Nonuniform Magnetic Fields

Electrochemically generated magnetic forces at a disk-shaped ultramicroelectrode have been investigated in large, nonuniform magnetic fields. Two sources of magnetic force are simultaneously operative in the electrochemical experiment, both having a significant influence on molecular transport of the electrochemical reactants and products. First, the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) force, FMHD, described by the Lorentz equation, arises from the diffusion of electrogenerated ions in the magnetic field. The magnitude of FMHD is dependent upon the strength and orientation of the magnetic field. Second, the gradient magnetic force, F∇B, which is proportional to the gradient of the magnetic field, arises from electrogeneration of paramagnetic molecules in a nonuniform magnetic field. F∇B is dependent on the magnetic field strength, its spatial gradient, and the magnetic properties of the redox-active molecules. F∇B and FMHD may be experimentally decoupled and investigated by variation of the field homogeneity and th...
Abstract 2036: Overcoming platinum-resistance in ovarian cancer via targeting basonuclin1 (BNC1).

Purpose This study aims to interrogate if basonuclin1 (BNC1), a key gene identified through integrative TCGA-based functional genomic analysis, is a relevant target for overcoming chemo-resistance in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGS-OvCa). BNC1 is a transcription factor which can regulate ribosomal biogenesis and cell proliferation. Methods TCGA mRNA expression and clinical response data were used to systematically identify genes associated with chemo-resistance in patients with HGS-OvCa. Gene-specific effects were subsequently studied for selected targets in vitro. BNC1 targeted siRNA was used to study the functional role of BNC1 in chemo-resistance. Apoptosis and cell cycle analyses were carried out following BNC1 silencing in ovarian cancer cell lines with or without the presence of cisplatin. The in vivo effects of silencing BNC1 on the chemosensitivity were tested using an orthotopic mouse model (A2780CP20) of ovarian cancer. Results The expression of BNC1 was found to be increased by more than two-fold (Agilent platform; p Citation Format: Sherry Y. Wu, Anna K. Unruh, Rajesha Rupaimoole, Cristina Ivan, Dennis Ruder, Sunila Pradeep, Vasudha Sehgal, Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo, Chad Pecot, Takahito Miyake, Gabriel Lopez-Berestein, Prahlad Ram, Keith A. Baggerly, Anil K. Sood. Overcoming platinum-resistance in ovarian cancer via targeting basonuclin1 (BNC1). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2036. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2036
Environmental temperature effec on heart weight of chickens

Broiler chicks were reared to 7 weeks of age at 7.2, 20.0 and 32.2°C. Heart ventricle weight, plasma volume, and blood volume were inversely related to environmental temperature. Allometric equations were determined for heart weight for chicks at 7.2 and 32.2°C. The results obtained demonstrate the need to specify environmental conditions when reporting allometric equations. Right ventricle weight as a percentage of total ventricle weight was not always significantly affected by environmental temperature, but there was a trend to greater right ventricular weight at lower temperatures.
Magnetic and structural properties of Fe(110)/Ag(111) and Fe(100)/Ag(100) multilayers

A comparison of the magnetic and structural properties and growth characteristics between Fe(110)/Ag(111) and Fe(100)/Ag(100) multilayers is presented. The two types of multilayers were made of the same constituent materials but with different oricutations, allowing us to examine the interesting interplay between structure and magnetism. We found fundamentally different magnetic properties including magnetocrystalline anisotropy and surface/interface and thin film magnetism for the two types of multilayers, and their origins were discussed.
On the expected number of generators of a submodule of a free module over a finite special principal ideal ring

On generalise un resultat de Dobbs-Lancaster sur les espaces vectorielles au cadre des modules sur un anneau principal special finiR. SoitV une module libre de type fini. On trouve une formule explicite et des valeurs dans la limite du nombre anticipe de generateurs d’un sousmodule arbitraire deV. De plus, on calcule ces valeurs anticipes quand tout sousmodule a un poids naturel (par exemple, quant a sa cardinalite)
Quadriceps corticomotor excitability following an experimental knee joint effusion

Deficits in quadriceps strength and voluntary activation are common following knee injury. These deficits are hypothesized to generate from a neural level, however, it remains unclear how corticomotor pathways are affected following acute injury. The purpose of this investigation was to examine whether corticomotor alterations of the quadriceps were present following a simulated knee joint injury using an experimental effusion model. Participants completed two testing sessions, an experimental knee effusion and control session, separated by 7 days. The central activation ratio was used to assess change in quadriceps activation. Corticomotor excitability was assessed pre- and post-intervention via active motor thresholds (AMTs) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) normalized to maximal muscle responses. MEPs were assessed at different percentages of AMT, and associated slopes between these percentages were analysed. Paired-sample t tests were performed on percentage change scores calculated from pre-intervention outcome measures to assess change in corticomotor excitability and changes in the slope of MEP values as percentage of AMT increased. Quadriceps activation significantly decreased during the effusion session. AMT and MEP change scores were not different between effusion and control conditions. No substantial differences were found in slope between any percentages of AMT. An experimental knee effusion did not induce changes in corticomotor excitability. Further research is needed to understand how corticomotor pathways are affected following joint injury. Corticomotor excitability alterations may not be the cause of acute changes in neuromuscular activation following joint effusion. Future research should determine whether clinically altering corticomotor excitability will improve physical function. II.
An oscillatory bifurcation from infinity, and from zero

The problem (where B is a unit ball in Rn) $$ \Delta u +\lambda (u + ug(u)) = 0,\, x \in B,\, u = 0 {\rm for} x \in \partial B $$ , with \(lim_{u \rightarrow \infty} g(u) = 0\), is known to have a curve of positive solutions bifurcating from infinity at λ = λ1, the principal eigenvalue. It turns out that a similar situation may occur, when g(u) is oscillatory for large u, instead of being small. In case n = 1, we can also prove existence of infinitely many solutions at λ = λ1 on this curve. Similarly, we consider oscillatory bifurcation from zero.
Use of electronic communication to develop Mentor-Protégé relationships between adolescent and adult AAC users: Pilot study

Times of transition are often difficult for individuals with communication disabilities who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. Mentoring by more experienced partners has been embraced by both business and education as an effective means of easing transitions. Mentoring by experienced adults who use AAC seems to offer many potential benefits for adolescents and young adults who require AAC. The purpose of this exploratory study was to develop, implement, and conduct a preliminary evaluation of a small-scale mentor program for adolescents and young adults who use AAC in order to identify issues for further consideration and research. In this study, four successful adult augmentative communicators were recruited to serve as mentors for four individuals using AAC. All of the interactions that took place between the mentors and proteges occurred using electronic mail (e-mail). The e-mail messages for each dyad were analyzed to investigate the frequency and length of messages, the...
Diagnosis and treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an uncommon form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) that has been increasing in incidence over the past three decades. Unlike systemic extranodal NHL, the response to therapy for PCNSL patients has been somewhat unsatisfactory. However, methotrexate-based chemotherapy and whole-brain radiotherapy have improved the outcome of patients. Unfortunately, treatment-related neurotoxicity is common, especially in the elderly. Although progress has been made in treating PCNSL, there remains no optimal methotrexate dose or frequency. Treatment of recurrence also remains controversial. These important questions have prompted several clinical studies looking at novel ways to intensify chemotherapy and limit neurotoxicity.
Phase stability and in situ growth stresses in Ti/Nb thin films

The thin film growth evolution associated with changes in Ti’s body-centered cubic (bcc) to hexagonal close-packed (hcp) phase transformations in Ti/Nb multilayered thin films is addressed. An in situ laser interferometer curvature measurement technique was used to monitor the intrinsic growth stresses for a series of these multilayers, with each multilayer having a different bilayer spacing but equivalent individual layer thickness. The initial Ti layer grows on Nb with a positive stress-thickness product slope up to � 2 nm, whereupon it transitions to a slightly negative growth stress slope. This transition has been associated with the bcc to hcp Ti transformation. The Nb growth exhibited a significantly steeper stress-thickness product slope regardless of the Ti phase state. The decreasing interfacial stress between the two layers contributed to a collectively more compressive stress state for the multilayer. Atom probe tomography revealed Ti segregation to the columnar grain boundaries and significant Nb intermixing into the bcc Ti layer, which is rationalized as a surface exchange process driven by interfacial thermodynamic considerations. Using a molecular dynamics deposition simulation, this intermixing was found to be paramount in stabilizing the bcc Ti layer to larger layer thicknesses. 2014 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Variability in essential oils and needle resin canals of Pinus longaeva from Eastern California and Western Nevada in relation to other members of subsection Balfourianae

Abstract Mono- and sesquiterpenoids from wood and leaves of Pinus longaeva trees collected in various localities of eastern California and western Nevada were quantitatively analyzed by GLC. Concurrently the number and size of resin canals in foliage of the same trees and as well as Pinus aristata trees from Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico were determined. While some monoterpenes (mainly α-pinene and 3-carene) suggest that P. longaeva trees from the Panamint Mountains of California are P. aristata -like, the total chemical data and morphological data indicate that Panamint trees should be grouped with P. longaeva . A chemical latitudinal gradient is evidenced by the appearance of trees producing 3-carene in large amounts along the line joining the Panamint, Inyo and White Mountains of California. Pinus rzedowskii , well separated geographically and morphologically from the accepted members of subsection Balfourianae , is shown to be sufficiently distinct chemically, as to leave its suggested membership in the subsection an open question.
Evaluation of the effects of sensory denervation on osteoblasts by 3H-proline autoradiography.

The inferior alveolar nerve was unilaterally resected in 30-day-old mice; other animals were unilaterally sham-operated. At 15, 30, 60, 90, or 150 days after surgery, the mice were injected with 2μCi of 3H-proline (sp. act. 1.0 Ci/mM) per g of body weight and killed 15, 30, or 60 min later. Autoradiographs were prepared from 5μm decalcified sagittal sections of mandibles and grain counts made over periosteal osteoblasts mesial to the first molar. In denervated mandibles, osteoblasts incorporated less isotope compared to controls with differences being maximal at the early intervals. These differences became attenuated with time, possibly due to an intrinsic compensatory mechanism, secondary to neurotrophic regulation.
Fluorescent proteins at a glance

The original green fluorescent protein (GFP) was discovered back in the early 1960s when researchers studying the bioluminescent properties of the Aequorea victoria jellyfish isolated a blue-light-emitting bioluminescent protein called aequorin together with another protein that was eventually named
De l’activité pharmacologique à l’usage des drogues : la construction des connaissances sur les psychotropes

Les effets des drogues sont des evenements complexes dans la vie des usagers. Que savons-nous des effets des plus importants psychotropes et comment en sommes-nous arrives a ces connaissances ? Un exercice propose aide le lecteur a evaluer l'etat de ses connaissances. En examinant les niveaux d'experience cellulaire, organique, comportemental et social de certaines drogues, l'exercice permet au lecteur d'explorer comment ses connaissances et celles des autres sont construites. Des exemples d'effets de cinq drogues, identifies a partir de diverses sources, sont presentes et decrits dans le contexte de ces niveaux d'experience.
RATIONALITY IS ANTI-ENTROPIC *

Abstract The article explores the fruitfulness of assuming all economic behavior to be non-rational unless special factors intervene to make it rational. The definition of rationality applied is that of intentional or calculative rationality. This is deemed to be a variable, not a trait of a species. The association of rationality with three kinds of investment is indicated. Prior research on information costs, learning curves, habit and impulse buying are shown to be compatible with the article's core thesis. So is the evidence about rational behavior being ‘cool’.
Long-Term Treatment of C1 Inhibitor Deficiency With ɛ-Aminocaproic Acid in Two Patients

Most patients who have hereditary angioedema receive treatment with androgens or impeded androgens. ɛ-Aminocaproic acid (EACA) is another treatment for C1 inhibitor deficiency. In two patients with angioedema and attacks of abdominal pain due to C1 inhibitor deficiency, long-term treatment with EACA (for more than 2 decades in one of them) was associated with a substantial decrease in the frequency and severity of episodes. One patient had definite hereditary angioedema, and the other had probable hereditary angioedema but the family history was negative for the disease. The EACA therapy caused no major side effects.
Diagnostic value of tumor antigens in malignant pleural effusion: a meta-analysis

The diagnostic value of tumor markers, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen (CA) 15-3, CA 19-9, CA 125, cytokeratin fragment (CYFRA), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in pleural fluid to differentiate between benign and malignant pleural effusion (MPE) has not yet been clearly established. A review of English language studies using human subjects was performed. Sensitivity and specificity values of the chosen tumor markers were pooled using a random effects model to generate hierarchical summary receiver operator curves to determine the diagnostic performance of each tumor marker. A total of 49 studies were included in the final analysis. Pooled sensitivity and specificity values for chosen tumor markers for diagnosing MPE are as follows: CEA, 0.549 and 0.962; CA 15-3, 0.507 and 0.983; CA 19-9, 0.376 and 0.980; CA 125, 0.575 and 0.928; CYFRA, 0.625 and 0.932; NSE, 0.613 and 0.884. The use of individual tumor markers in diagnosing MPE has many benefits (cost, invasiveness, and so forth). Although these tumor markers exhibit high specificity, the low sensitivity of each marker limits the diagnostic value. We conclude that tumor markers used individually are of insufficient diagnostic accuracy for clinical use. Tumor markers used in various combinations or from serum may have some potential worth further investigation.
Care coordination, the family-centered medical home, and functional disability among children with special health care needs.

Abstract Background Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) are at increased risk for functional disabilities. Care coordination has been shown to decrease unmet health service use but has yet been shown to improve functional status. We hypothesize that care coordination services lower the odds of functional disability for CSHCN and that this effect is greater within the context of a family-centered medical home. A secondary objective was to test the mediating effect of unmet care needs on functional disability. Methods Our sample included children ages 0 to 17 years participating the 2009–2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. Care coordination, unmet needs, and disability were measured by parent report. We used logistic regression models with covariate adjustment for confounding and a mediation analysis approach for binary outcomes to assess the effect of unmet needs. Results There were 34,459 children in our sample. Care coordination was associated with lower odds of having a functional disability (adjusted odds ratio 0.82, 95% confidence interval 0.77, 0.88). This effect was greater for care coordination in the context of a medical home (adjusted odds ratio 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.66, 0.76). The relationship between care coordination and functional disability was mediated by reducing unmet services. Conclusions Care coordination is associated with lower odds of functional disability among CSHCN, especially when delivered in the setting of a family-centered medical home. Reducing unmet service needs mediates this effect. Our findings support a central role for coordination services in improving outcomes for vulnerable children.
Average level crossing rate and average outage duration of generalized selection combining

The paper presents an analytical methodology for the evaluation of the average level crossing rate and the average outage duration of generalized selection combining. More specifically, it presents a general approach when this scheme is employed over independent, but not necessarily identically distributed, fading channels. The general approach is then specialized to independent identically distributed Rayleigh fading paths. Selected numerical examples and plots are also provided and discussed.
Multiple aortic root echoes: Clinical, radiographic, and angiographic correlations

Multiple diastolic echoes in the aortic root on M-mode echocardiography may represent fibrosis or calcification of the aortic wall, aortic leaflets, or proximal portions of the coronary arteries. In this study, 83 patients with multiple diastolic echoes were evaluated by cardiac fluoroscopy and the incidence of valvular, coronary, and aortic wall calcification was determined. In patients with multiple diastolic echoes who have no evidence of significant aortic stenosis (aortic valve opening 5 1.0 cm) or aortic insufficiency (fine fluttering of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve), the presence of multiple diastolic echoes was highly associated with significant coronary artery calcification (64%) with over two-thirds having multivessel involvement. Patients referred for echocardiography who are free of significant aortic stenosis or aortic insufficiency by echocardiographic criteria who are found to have multiple diastolic echoes in the aortic root should be evaluated further for the possible presence of significant multivessel coronary artery disease. Indexing Word: Aortic root echoes.
Impact of low high-density lipoproteins on in-hospital events and one-year clinical outcomes in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction acute coronary syndrome treated with drug-eluting stent implantation.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol has protective cardiovascular effects. We investigated the effect of baseline HDL cholesterol on the outcomes of patients who underwent drug-eluting stent implantation for acute coronary syndrome. Since March 2003, 1,032 consecutive patients were, according to their baseline HDL cholesterol level, included in a low HDL cholesterol group (n = 550, 40 mg/dl in men, >45 mg/dl in women, mean 55 ± 19). End points were death, Q-wave myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, and a composite of major adverse cardiac events at 30 days and 1 year. We assessed the relation between HDL cholesterol and end points. Patients with low HDL cholesterol more often had diabetes, a higher body mass index, higher triglyceride levels, and lower total cholesterol levels. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and statin treatment (98% in the 2 groups) were comparable. Incidences of mortality and major adverse cardiac events at 30 days were higher in the low than in the high HDL cholesterol group (p