cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary vein stenosis detection by early cardiac magnetic resonance imaging post-atrial fibrillation ablation

Summary Identification of early post-atrial ablation MRI characteristics can help predict the development of significant chronic pulmonary stenosis. Background Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is a rare complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation with a rate of significant stenosis, defined as >50%, of 1.3% in a recent multicenter study. As significant morbidity is associated with PVS, detection and surveillance with non-invasive imaging is routine. In this study, we hypothesized that prediction of PVS can be determined with early MRI to identify patients at risk for this complication. Methods A single-center, retrospective, 1:1 cohort to control matched study including patients with (23) and without (23) significant PVS 3 months post-ablation (3moPA) was performed. Study groups were selected from 925 patients who underwent AF ablation and serial MRI scanning. Inclusion criteria for both groups required a full set of three MRI scans: pre-ablation (pre), 24 hours post-ablation (24hrPA), and 3moPA. MRI scanning was performed on a 1.5T or 3T Siemens magnet. Of the 925 patients, 28 were found with significant stenosis on MRA 3moPA. The final PVS study cohort included 23/ 28 patients as 5 were excluded secondary to incomplete MRI scan sets. The control group was comprised of 23 age and sex-matched patients without significant stenosis 3moPA. PV cross-sectional areas were measured at the ostial/proximal portion of the vessels by 3D MRA (Figure 1). In patients with multiple stenotic PV’s, the most stenotic vein was selected for analysis. Results Out of 925 patients, we found 3% (28/925) incidence of significant PVS 3moPA. Of the 23/28 patients in the PVS study cohort, early PV narrowings of >20% on the 24hrPA scan were found in all (23/23, 100%) compared with significantly fewer in the control group (9/23, 39%) (p 20%) on the 24hrPA MRI scan. In addition, small PV caliber on baseline imaging appears to predispose to PVS with the LIPV involved disproportionately. Overall, MRI image characteristics are useful for predicting PVS and may help determine which patients will benefit from surveillance imaging.
A SIMPLE, INFRAHYOID, PARAPHARYNGEAL METHOD OF HYPOPHYSECTOMY IN THE RABBIT.

An infrahyoid, parapharyngeal method of hypophysectomy in the rabbit has been developed. This method is easily learned and the operation can be performed in less than an hour. Complete removal is verified by examination of the sellar contents either with a dissecting microscope or histologically by fixation, embedding and serial sectioning. The operative mortality is about 10%. No hormonal supplements are required postoperatively.
Modeling turbulent flow with implicit LES

Implicit large eddy simulation (ILES) is a methodology for modeling high Reynolds' number flows that combine computational efficiency and ease of implementation with predictive calculations and flexible application. Although ILES has been used for more than 15 years, it is only recently that significant effort has gone into providing a physical rationale that speaks to its capabilities and its limitations. In this article, we will present new theoretical results aimed toward building a justification for ILES. We will also compare ILES simulations of complex flows with data to illustrate practical aspects of the validation of our approach.
The pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.

Between 20% and 40% of patients with diabetes ultimately develop nephropathy. The bank of data on the multiple and complex mechanisms, disease markers and disease progression continues to grow. This article provides an overview of the current status of findings relating to underlying mechanisms and genetic susceptibility.
Developmental kinesics: How children acquire communicative and non‐communicative nonverbal behavior

This article is a position paper concerning the major issues in the study of children's acquistion of nonverbal behavior. In linguistic theory non-verbal behavior may be considered irrelevant, it may be condsidered the precursor of verbal language, or it may be viewed as an integral part of human communication which is verbal and nonverbal. The author opts for the latter theory. Concerning the relationship between what is innate and what is learned, the paper discusses that nonverbal expression is innate, but culture determines its forms and its uses. The paper then presents a brief history of Developmental Kinesics, explaining its technical difficulties and its methodological complexities. It proceeds by documenting the function of maternal nonverbal behavior towards the neonate. Finally, the paper treats the levels of analysis. A distinction is drawn between communicative and non-communicative nonverbal behavior. Its affective, emotional function relates to ego state; its regulatory function governs face-to-face interaction; and its referential, informative function pertains to the message proper. The child also acquires the non-interactional aspects of body movements which distinguish different peoples. Expression and perception must be studied separately; and finally, nonverbal behavior has to be correlated with verbal behavior and particular attention has to be focused on the double bind.
Fish Odor Syndrome: Trimethylaminuria with Milk as Chief Dietary Factor

A 10-year-old boy had a two-year history of a rotten fish odor, noted particularly in the summer after exercise. The odor was partially controlled by frequent bathing. Dietary history was unremarkable except for large daily milk intake. Milk elimination resulted in a prompt disappearance of the odor. Studies of the patient's urine after choline loading established the diagnosis of trimethylaminuria. Restriction of dietary milk as well as foods containing choline and trimethylamine oxide eliminated the offensive odor.
Galerkin finite element analysis of complex viscoelastic flows

Abstract Possible causes for the difficulties with computing steady two-dimensional viscoelastic flows are explored through a sequence of Galerkin finite element calculations for the flow of an upper-convected Maxwell fluid through abrupt and smooth axisymmetric contractions and between eccentric cylinders with the inner one rotating. Calculations in all three flow problems are terminated by a limiting value of the Deborah number, where the family of numerical solutions beginning at zero De turns back to lower values of De. The critical value of De decreases drastically with mesh refinement near the reentrant corner of the abrupt contraction, indicating that the strength of the stress singularity may not be representable by a continuous approximation. Calculations for the smooth contraction and the eccentric cylinder geometries show the development of oscillations in the stress and velocity fields preceding the limit point. Results including fluid inertia indicate that the oscillations may be connected with the hyperbolic character of the coupled equation set and thus suggest new methods of solution.
Effect of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Insult on Iron, Copper, and Zinc Concentration in Liver, Bursa of Fabricius, Spleen, Pancreas, and Serum of Chickens

Abstract The effect of a systemic disease on the dynamics of iron, zinc, and copper in chickens fed ad libitum was examined by infecting 10-day-old specific pathogen-free chickens with infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). Liver, bursa of Fabricius, pancreas, spleen, and serum were sampled in 10 controls and 10 challenged chickens at 3-day intervals postinfection (PI) for 15 days. The samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Serum levels were similar to that reported in the literature. Concentrations of iron and zinc did not change significantly in the pancreas, but there was an increase in copper in infected pancreatic tissue on days 9 and 15 PI. Iron concentration in the spleen showed a significant increase on days 6, 9, and 15 PI, whereas zinc was only significantly increased on day 15 PI. There was no significant change in copper concentrations in the spleens of infected chickens vs. controls. This finding is in line with previously reported data. The results showed that the liver...
Electronic Properties of GaN (0001) – Dielectric Interfaces

The characteristics of clean n- and p-type GaN (0001) surfaces and the interface between this surface and SiO2, Si3N4, and HfO2 have been investigated. Layers of SiO2, Si3N4, or HfO2 were carefully deposited to limit the reaction between the film and clean GaN surfaces. After stepwise deposition, the electronic states were measured with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS). A valence band offset (VBO) of 2.0±0.2 eV with a conduction band offset (CBO) of 3.6±0.2 eV was determined for the GaN/SiO2 interface. The large band offsets suggest SiO2 is an excellent candidate for passivation of GaN. For the GaN/Si3N4, interface, type II band alignment was observed with a VBO of -0.5±0.2 eV and a CBO of 2.4±0.2 eV. While Si3N4 should passivate n-type GaN surfaces, it may not be appropriate for p-type GaN surfaces. A VBO of 0.3±0.2 eV with a CBO of 2.1±0.2 eV was determined for the annealed GaN/HfO2 interface. An instability was observed in the HfO2 film, with energy bands shifting ~0.4 eV during a 650°C densification anneal. The electron affinity measurements via UPS were 3.0, 1.1, 1.8, and 2.9±0.1 eV for GaN, SiO2, Si3N4, and HfO2 surfaces, respectively. The deduced band alignments were compared to the predictions of the electron affinity model and deviations were attributed to a change of the interface dipole. Interface dipoles contributed 1.6, 1.1 and 2.0±0.2 eV to the band alignment of the GaN/SiO2, GaN/Si3N4, and GaN/HfO2 interfaces, respectively. It was noted that the existence of Ga-O bonding at the heterojunction could significantly affect the interface dipole, and consequently the band alignment in relation to the GaN.
Interpreting Metaphors in Children's Drawings

(1997). Interpreting Metaphors in Children's Drawings. Art Therapy: Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 58-59.
Avoidable hospitalizations and socio-economic status in Galveston County, Texas

Population-based hospitalization rates for preventable conditions are derived for a low-income population in Galveston County, Texas using discharge data from four area hospitals and demographic data from the U.S. Census. Comparisons are made with similar rates for the general populations of two eastern states (Maryland and Massachusetts) and New York City. Results support the hypothesis that low-income persons lack access to primary care, leading to higher rates of hospitalization for preventable conditions. Alternative explanations for differences found are examined.
A precision measurement of film thicknesses

Abstract The method of “direct counting” thickness measurements has been extended to the analysis of the shapes of diffracted X-ray beams. The spacings of subsidiary maxima of a diffracted beam directly correlate with crystal thickness. When the crystal thickness can vary only in steps of several atomic spacings (9.8173 A or five atoms in Bi8Te7S5), the separation of subsidiary maxima can satisfy only one number of quintuple layers — hence the name “direct counting”.
Multiple Myeloma: Future Directions in Autologous Transplantation and Novel Agents

INTRODUCTION induction regimen even in the novel era. Therefore, the most Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) in the 1990s and the advent of “novel” therapy, such as immune modulators and proteasome inhibitors, in the 2000s have led to impressive gains in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) [1,2]. In the prenovel drug era, the therapy paradigm composed of induction followed by planned AHCT in eligible patients, denoted as “upfront” or early AHCT, aimed at achieving a deeper disease response and longer survival. With modern induction therapies incorporating novel drugs, the timing and need for AHCT is increasingly debated because an additional survival benefit for early AHCT has not been established with modern induction regimens. Routine post-transplant consolidation and maintenance are new trends in AHCT-based treatment of MM. Second-generation immune modulators and proteasome inhibitors, sensitive prognostic schema, and disease-monitoring techniques are also changing the treatment landscape. This session at the tandem BMT meetings explores the relevance and future of early AHCT in MM, the role of consolidation/maintenance post-transplant, and new drug development.
The effects of substituting oxygen for terminal nitrogen in aniline oligomers 2: A DFT comparison of diamino, dihydroxyl, and monoamino/monohydroxyl terminated aniline trimers

Abstract The variant aniline trimers, N,N′-bis (3′,4′-diaminophenyl)-1,4-quinonediimine; N,N′-bis (3′-hydroxy-,4′-aminophenyl)-1,4-quinonediimine; and N,N′-bis (3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-1,4-quinonediimine were synthesized, and the properties of the compounds compared to the results of density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the B3LYP functional. The calculations are complicated by the large number (five) of isomeric forms of each compound. Each compound energetically preferred the syn-, syn- (outer) isomer. The computed vertical ionization energies for the same isomer of each compound are 75.0, 76.10, and 83.1 kcal mol−1, respectively. The trimer with two oxygen atoms on each outer ring thus holds electrons more tightly than the trimers with either one or zero oxygen atoms on the outer rings. The electronic spectra computed by the ΔSCF method are in excellent agreement with experimental values, though inclusion of solvent effects does not improve the predictions. A red-shift upon change to more polar solvents confirms that the principal absorption band for each trimer is π → π*, in agreement with electronic structure calculations.
The Transformation of Public Sector Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Programming

Programming for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities has shifted from state institutional care to community-based services, facilitated by federal government support as well as services delivered by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). For persons with mental retardation, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and autism, these programs not only have moved into the health care orbit but also are in search of more holistic ways to maintain persons with their families and in communities. Three major forces have led to this shift: federal financing, particularly under Medicaid; integration of services around clients; and externalized service delivery by NGOs. These are increasingly connected forces, facilitated particularly by the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver. They have transformed state-operated systems. Increasingly, states are working with NGO case management and service delivery providers to organize and integrate services to face this continuing challenge.
Mauna Kea site survey.

The summit of Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii is widely recognized as one of the best ground-based sites in the world for optical and infrared astronomy and, as such, it is a potential location for at least two of the advanced technology telescopes now in the planning stages. Because of the importance of further understanding the site characteristics for undeveloped areas near the summit of Mauna Kea, the University of Hawaii's Institute for Astronomy, which is responsible within the state for the site, has undertaken a comprehensive site survey program to (1) study the orographic properties of the mountaintop and (2) to relate these properties to the image quality as observed through a large telescope. This site survey program will be closely coordinated with the U.S. National New Technology Telescope site survey. In our survey, we will be particularly interested in simultaneous measurements throughout a two-year period of wind speed, wind direction, and microthermal turbulence over a grid of test towers placed within the summit area. With such data--and simultaneous monitoring of image quality at the summit of Mauna Kea--we hope to identify the best potential locations for large telescopes on Mauna Kea and, in turn, to effect the most responsible use of this international resource.
Diarylnitroxide diradicals: low-temperature oxidation of diarylamines to nitroxides.

A low temperature method, in which the progress of the oxidation of secondary diarylamines with DMDO at low temperatures is monitored by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR and NMR) and magnetic studies by a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID), is developed for preparation of the first m-phenylene based diarylnitroxide diradical. EPR spectroscopy and magnetic studies (SQUID) indicate that the diradical in the dichloromethane matrix predominantly adopts anticonformation (2A-anti) and possesses triplet ground state. Similar oxidation experiments for conformationally constrained aza[14]metacyclophane provide evidence for the formation of small amounts of the corresponding diarylnitroxide diradical. Both diarylnitroxide diradicals could only be detected at low temperatures (−80 °C and below).
How Is Knowledge Generated About Memory Encoding Strategy Effectiveness

This study evaluated how people learn about encoding strategy effectiveness in an associative memory task. Individuals studied two lists of paired associates under instructions to use either a normatively effective strategy (interactive imagery) or a normatively ineffective strategy (rote repetition) for each pair. Questionnaire ratings of imagery effectiveness increased and ratings of repetition effectiveness decreased after task experience, demonstrating new knowledge about strategy effectiveness. Cued recall confidence judgments, measuring confidence in recall accuracy, were almost perfectly correlated with actual recall and strongly correlated with postdictions – estimates of recall for each strategy. A structural regression model revealed that postdictions mediated both changes in second-list predictions and changes in strategy effectiveness ratings, implicating accurate performance estimates based on item-level monitoring as the key to updating strategy knowledge.
Store Manager Incentive Design and Retail Performance: An Exploratory Investigation

Store managers perform multiple tasks within a store, and the way in which they are evaluated and rewarded for these tasks affects their behavior. Using empirical data from multiple stores of a consumer electronics retailer, Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, we highlight the extent to which store manager incentive design impacts store manager behavior and, consequently, retail performance. More specifically, we describe the shift in store manager behavior resulting from a change in incentives, which, in part, altered the importance of sales relative to inventory shrinkage in the store manager compensation plan. Store managers, following this change, directed less attention to the prevention of inventory shrinkage and more toward sales-generating activities and made different process choices within the store. We observed increases in the level of inventory shrinkage and sales within these stores. Controlling for alternative drivers of sales and inventory shrinkage, we find this change in incentive design to be associated with a profit improvement of 4.2% of sales. This work indicates that altering how store managers are compensated impacts retail performance. Moreover, our findings underscore the importance of balancing the rewards given for different types of activities in contexts where agents face multiple competing tasks.
Single-copy and amplified CAD genes in Syrian hamster chromosomes localized by a highly sensitive method for in situ hybridization.

Syrian hamster cells resistant to N-(phosphonacetyl)-L-aspartate (PALA), a specific inhibitor of the aspartate transcarbamylase activity of the multifunctional protein CAD, overproduce this protein as a result of amplification of the CAD gene. The authors have used a sensitive in situ hybridization technique to localize CAD genes in spreads of metaphase chromosomes from several independent PALA-resistant lines and from wild-type PALA-sensitive cells. The amplified genes were always found within chromosomes, usually in an expanded region of the short arm of chromosome B9. In wild-type cells, the CAD gene was also on the short arm of chromosome B9. In one mutant line, 90 to 100 CAD genes were found within an expanded B9 chromosome and 10 to 15 more were near the distal end of one arm of several different chromosomes. Another line contained most of the genes in a telomeric chromosome or large chromosome fragment. The amplified genes were in chromosomal regions that were stained in a banded pattern by trypsin-Giemsa. A few double minute chromosomes were observed in a very small fraction of the total spreads examined. The in situ hybridizations were performed in the presence of 10% dextran sulfate 500, which increases the signal by as much as 100-fold.more » Using recombinant DNA plasmids nick-translated with -/sup 125/I)dCTP to high specific radioactivity, 10 CAD genes in a single chromosomal region were revealed after 1 week of autoradiographic exposure, and the position of the unique gene could be seen after 1 month.« less
Avoiding confusion in COPD: from risk factors to phenotypes to measures of disease characterisation

Because chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex disorder with different pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations [1], there is great interest in better understanding the complexity of COPD in order to facilitate a more accurate risk stratification of patients and a better understanding of disease pathobiology, and eventually develop more targeted therapy and improved management of patients with the disease. One end-product of the great number of studies addressing the complexity of COPD has been the emergence of several concepts and terms that are often used (and misused) in scientific discussions and publications (table 1). The purpose of this article is to contribute to the clarification of these concepts by summarising the meaning of the terms, so the scientific community can communicate and discuss advances in the field of COPD, being confident that there is no uncertainty or misunderstanding in their use. We accept this to be only a first proposal and that some investigators may disagree with its content. We invite them to correspond with us in the European Respiratory Journal such that, eventually, a consensus may emerge. View this table: Table 1– Terms and definitions A risk factor is “an aspect of personal behaviour or lifestyle, environmental exposure, or inborn or inherited characteristic, which, on the basis of epidemiological evidence, is known to be associated with a health-related condition” [2]. Examples of well-established risk factors in COPD include age [9], smoking [10], …
Bilateral anterior thoracotomy for automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement in patients with previous sternotomy

Bilateral anterior thoracotomy, extrapericardial patches, and endocardial sensing lead placement have been used in 40 patients with previous sternotomy. The mean defibrillation threshold was 15 J, and in all patients the defibrillation threshold was less than 20 J. The surgical procedure is simplified with less risk by avoiding dissection of previously operated regions. Serious pulmonary complications have been avoided by adequate pain control with epidural analgesia and early mobilization. This technique has successfully been used in patients with underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and amiodarone-induced pulmonary fibrosis. All patients have been extubated by the first postoperative day.
Management Success as a Function of Performance on Specialized Cognitive Tests

The importance of specialized cognitive function attributed to the right or left cerebral hemispheres is demonstrated for performance of management level jobs. The results are a first step to validate the often-repeated notion that managers should have good right hemisphere skills to manage effectively, especially for complex jobs. This series of studies employs a valid measure of cognitive function attributed to the hemispheres of the brain and a recently-developed technique for the analysis of work. The results suggest that specialized cognitive function interacts with job complexity and magnitude to predict performance ratings.
A recursive Green's function method for boundary integral analysis of inhomogeneous domains

The recursive Green's function method (RGFM) for computation of fields scattered by two-dimensional (2-D) inhomogeneous dielectric bodies is presented. The algorithm efficiently constructs the Green's function for the inhomogeneous region by recursively combining known Green's functions from smaller subdomains. The fields on the scatterer surface are then computed using a boundary integral formulation. Proper implementation of the RGFM results in computational and storage complexities which scale as N/sup 1.5/ and N, respectively, where N is the total number of discrete cells in a domain. Comparisons of results obtained using the RGFM with those computed from moment method and exact solutions show the efficiency and accuracy of the technique.
Prefactor and Step Edge Barrier Determination for Initerlayer Diffusion in Homoepitaxial Systems: Ag/Ag(111)

Interlayer diffusion is controlled by the probability that an atom will hop from a higher to a lower level. This probability depends on the additional step edge barrier ΔEs which an atom experiences at a step because of the lower coordination as it moves over the barrier, and possibly on the different prefactors νs, νt for an atom at the step versus one at a terrace position. It is important to develop experimental methods that separate out the two contributions. We have reanalyzed the STM-based method,1 which measures the fraction of islands with second layer occupation at different deposition temperatures, to show how the two contributions can be identified. In addition, we have developed a diffraction-based method that measures the step density of nucleated islands as they compete for atom capture with the steps at the perimeter of the terraces. RHEED experiments on Ag/Ag(111) result in ΔEs=0.15±0.03 eV and νs/νt=2.3×102±0.2, in good agreement with the results, ΔEs=0.13±0.03 eV and νs/νt=103±0.3, deduced from the data of Ref. 1.
The P300 component in patients with Alzheimer's disease and their biological children

Abstract Objective There are few studies examining P300 in the biological children of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition to examining P300 in patients with AD, the current study examined the utility of P300 as a preclinical marker in the offspring of AD patients. Methods P300 was elicited from an AD group, their biological children, and two age- and gender-matched control groups using the auditory oddball paradigm. Each group consisted of 20 subjects each. ERPs recorded from sites Fz, Cz, and Pz were analysed using analysis of variance. Results Amplitudes were significantly smaller in the AD group when compared to controls. Both amplitude and latency values in the FH+ group were significantly impaired when compared to its control group. Conclusion These findings replicate previous P300 amplitude abnormalities found in patients with AD. Further, participants with a family history of AD demonstrate possible preclinical evidence at the electrophysiological level. Comparisons with other findings and theoretical implications are discussed.
Dynamic elastic interpolation for 3D medical image reconstruction from serial cross sections

An interpolation method is proposed for generating the intermediate contours between a start contour and a goal contour. Coupled with the display method for voxel-based objects, it provides a powerful tool for reconstructing the 3D object from serial cross sections. The method tries to fill in the lost information between two slices, assuming that there is smooth change between them. This is a reasonable assumption provided that the sampling is at least twice the Nyquist rate, in which case the result of the interpolation is expected to be very close to reality. One of the major advantages of this approach is its ability to handle the branching problem. Another major advantage is that after each intermediate contour is generated and sent to display device, there is no need to keep it in the memory unless the solid model will be used for further processing. Thus, the space complexity of this algorithm is relatively low. >
A novel mutation of LAMB2 in a multigenerational mennonite family reveals a new phenotypic variant of Pierson syndrome.

Purpose To describe a novel laminin β-2 ( LAMB2 ) mutation associated with nephrotic syndrome and severe retinal disease without microcoria in a large, multigenerational family with Pierson syndrome. Design Retrospective chart review and prospective family examination. Participants An extended consanguineous family of 52 members. Methods The eyes, urine, and serum DNA were evaluated in all family members after discovering 2 patients, both younger than 10 years, with bilateral retinal detachments and concurrent renal dysfunction. Linkage analysis was performed in the 9 living affected individuals, 7 using the Illumina Human Hap370 Duo Bead Array (Illumina, San Diego, CA) and 2 using GeneChip 10K (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA) mapping arrays. Main Outcome Measures The prevalence and severity of ocular and kidney involvement and genetic findings. Results Eleven affected family members were identified (9 living), all manifesting chronic kidney disease and bilateral chorioretinal pigmentary changes, with or without retinal detachments, but without microcoria or neurodevelopmental deficits, segregating in an autosomal recessive pattern. The causative gene was localized to a 9-Mb region on chromosome 3. Comprehensive gene sequencing revealed a novel LAMB2 variant (c.440A→G; His147R) that was homozygous in the 9 living, affected family members, observed at a frequency of 2.1% in the Old Order Mennonite population, and absent in 91 non-Mennonite controls. The mutation is located in a highly conserved site in the N-terminal domain VI of LAMB2. Conclusions This study describes a novel mutation of LAMB2 and further expands the spectrum of eye and renal manifestations associated with defects in the laminin β-2 chain. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
The extracellular matrix proteoglycan perlecan facilitates transmembrane semaphorin-mediated repulsive guidance

The Drosophila transmembrane semaphorin-1a (Sema-1a) is a repulsive guidance cue that uses the Plexin A (PlexA) receptor during neural development. Sema-1a is required in axons to facilitate motor axon defasciculation at guidance choice points. We found that mutations in the trol gene strongly suppress Sema-1a-mediated repulsive axon guidance. trol encodes the phylogenetically conserved secreted heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) perlecan, a component of the extracellular matrix. Motor axon guidance defects in perlecan mutants resemble those observed in Sema-1a- and PlexA-null mutant embryos, and perlecan mutants genetically interact with PlexA and Sema-1a. Perlecan protein is found in both the CNS and the periphery, with higher expression levels in close proximity to motor axon trajectories and pathway choice points. Restoring perlecan to mutant motor neurons rescues perlecan axon guidance defects. Perlecan augments the reduction in phospho-focal adhesion kinase (phospho-FAK) levels that result from treating insect cells in vitro with Sema-1a, and genetic interactions among integrin, Sema-1a, and FAK in vivo support an antagonistic relationship between Sema-1a and integrin signaling. Therefore, perlecan is required for Sema-1a–PlexA-mediated repulsive guidance, revealing roles for extracellular matrix proteoglycans in modulating transmembrane guidance cue signaling during neural development.
iDENTM Phones Automated Testing in P2P

Peer-to-peer (P2P) computing is becoming increasingly popular as the Web continues to grow in both content and the number of connected devices. P2P provides a network that relies on the computing power and bandwidth of the participants in the network rather than concentrating it in a relatively few servers. However, in a P2P environment, most of the time, there are a lot of idle resources that can be harvested. Each peer is autonomous, while connection and network address may vary. A flexible and efficient job scheduling is needed to harvest the idle computing power, which is Motorolareg iDENtrade (integrated digital enhanced network) phones located locally and at plantation. This paper discusses how the distributed automated testing in P2P computing systems, which is using JXTAtrade technology, can be done. And also, what are the advantages of using P2P computing environment rather than the conventional computing system. Furthermore, the job scheduler framework for this P2P system is also included in this paper. The design of this job scheduler is done such a way to allow multiple consumers or clients to schedule the jobs to the resource providers and execute on its own. The result is sent back to the client when done
The Role of the Popliteofibular Ligament in Stability of the Human Knee A Biomechanical Study

The popliteal tendon has a significant attachment to the fibula, the popliteofibular ligament. The role of this ligament in knee stability has not been determined. In this study we used selective cutting techniques to measure the static contribution of the popliteal tendon attachments to the tibia and the popliteofibular ligament for stability of the knee. Sectioning of all the posterolateral structures except the popliteal tendon attachments to the tibia or the popliteofibular ligament resulted in increased primary posterior translation, varus rotation, external rotation, and coupled external rotation. Although statistically significant, these increases were small. Sectioning of all the posterolateral structures resulted in larger increases in primary posterior translation, varus rotation, external rotation, and coupled external rotation. Our data indicate that the popliteal tendon attachments to the tibia and the popliteofibular ligament are important in resisting posterior translation and varus and external rotation. If an isolated injury to the posterolateral structures occurs, anatomic reconstruction of the major ligaments that restrain posterior translation and varus and external rotation may provide the best functional result. Reconstruction for isolated posterolateral instability should include anatomic attachment of the popliteal tendon to the tibia and the popliteofibular ligament.
Exit and Entrance Polling: A Comparison of Election Survey Methods

We report the results of an experiment in which voters participating in the 2008 presidential election were surveyed either as they exited their voting places (a traditional exit poll) or as they waited in line to vote (an ''entrance poll''). To the best of our knowledge, the efficacy of entrance polling has not been studied previously. Our data show that the entrance poll, when compared to the exit poll, produced a significantly higher cooperation rate among voters and a significantly lower item nonresponse rate. In our discus- sion of these results, we examine the benefits and potential complications of entrance polling.
GyrB versus 16s rRna sequencing for the identification of Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and Campylobacter lari

Species of the genus Campylobacter are responsible for the largest number of bacterial food-borne illness cases occurring yearly in the developed world. The majority of disease is caused by three of the thermotolerant Campylobacter species: Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and Campylobacter lari. An inability to differentiate these three species using the commonly employed 16S rRNA sequencing procedure has led to the development of alternative methods to identify these bacteria. Some of these methods include the utilization of the gyrB gene. A reliable method was developed for the differentiation of C. jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari employing the gyrB gene. It involves amplification and sequencing of a species-variable region of the gene with a single pair of DNA primers. The method works well for the separation and organization of the three Campylobacter strains as well as satisfying the suggested guidelines for sequence based identification for most strains investigated.
Health literacy and adolescents: a framework and agenda for future research

Health literacy is an important issue in public health today, especially as patients are taking a greater role in obtaining information about their health. Health literacy is commonly defined as ‘the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions’. While there is a large body of literature concerning health literacy and adults, few studies have focused on adolescents. Adolescents may have less interaction with the health care system and lower health care costs than adults, but they are increasingly involved with their health care, especially those with chronic illness. They are frequent users of mass media and other technology to access health information and are a target group for many health-related educational interventions. Adolescents are also at a crucial stage of development, learning skills they will carry with them into adulthood. The goal of this paper is to provide a summary of issues justifying the importance of studying health literacy as it relates to adolescents and to provide a framework and suggestions for future research.
On the relationship between yield and cycle time in semiconductor wafer fabrication

The author derives a relationship between the mean amount of time wafers spend in the fab and the mean production rate of nondefective die, assuming the number of defects per die is a Poisson random variable whose mean varies linearly with the amount of time the wafer spends in the fab. >
Pericles and Dracontides

In his discourse on the causes of the Peloponnesian War ( Pericles 31–32), Plutarch devotes an inordinate time to what he calls ‘the worst charge [against Pericles], but that having the greatest number of supporters’. The elements of this charge may be outlined briefly: 1. Pheidias was indicted for embezzling the precious materials used in the construction of the great statue of Athena Parthenos. The informer was a certain Menon, a fellow workman, who was subsequently given immunity and tax-free status by a decree of the assembly proposed by Glycon. 2. At the same time, Pericles' consort Aspasia was indicted and his friend and teacher Anaxagoras was attacked indirectly through a law against religious nonconformity brought by Diopeithes. 3. While the people were still in this mood, Dracontides had a decree passed, requiring that Pericles' accounts be deposited with the council and that the dicasts try any resulting cases on the acropolis with ballots specially sanctified at the altar. This last clause was stricken from the bill by Hagnon, who specified that any resulting suits were to be tried by a jury of 1,500. 4. Because of all these attacks, Pericles resolved to start the war, using the Megarian decree as provocation. Plutarch reports here the popular fancy—that Pericles started a foreign war to avoid domestic embarrassments. The development of this tradition is a well-known chapter in the history of Greek literature, but as it is fundamental to this discussion, a brief review is called for.
Interactions Between Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Epithelial Cells

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) may be considered a paradigm for a multistage interaction between pathogen and host cell. EPEC strains produce a type IV pilus that is associated with initial adherence to host cells, and these strains possess a type III secretion apparatus that is necessary for transducing signals to host cells. Secretion of three Esp proteins is required for activation of a phosphotyrosine-containing receptor that allows EPEC to bind intimately to host cells via the bacterial outer membrane protein intimin. Intimately attached bacteria rest upon a pedestal composed of host cytoskeletal proteins in an arrangement recognized as the attaching and effacing phenotype. The precise molecular interactions that lead to these dramatic alterations in the host cell cytoskeleton remain to be elucidated.
Theophylline and Antiparasitic Drug Interactions A Case Report and Study of the Influence of Thiabendazole and Mebendazole on Theophylline Pharmacokinetics in Adults

To determine a change in theophylline pharmacokinetics during concomitant thiabendazole or mebendazole therapy, we studied six normal, healthy male volunteers. Aminophylline was administered intravenously, followed by a 30-h blood sampling period. Subjects were randomized to receive thiabendazole or mebendazole, then crossed over to receive the other therapy. Theophylline concentrations were measured utilizing an HPLC technique and a one-compartment model was fit to the data. Theophylline pharmacokinetic parameters were significantly different during thiabendazole therapy. Mean theophylline half-life increased, clearance decreased and elimination rate constant decreased. Two subjects experienced severe nausea and vomiting during thiabendazole therapy. There were no significant differences in theophylline pharmacokinetic parameters during mebendazole therapy. Thiabendazole administration results in a significant decrease in theophylline clearance and beta elimination rate constant. The theophylline half-life increased significantly. Concomitant administration of theophylline and thiabendazole resulted in severe nausea and vomiting. Mebendazole administration did not seem to alter theophylline pharmacokinetics. (Chest 1990; 97:84-87)
Inhibition of Immune Checkpoints and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor as Combination Therapy for Metastatic Melanoma: An Overview of Rationale, Preclinical Evidence, and Initial Clinical Data

The role of angiogenesis as a mediator of immune regulation in the tumor microenvironment has recently come into focus. Furthermore, emerging evidence indicates that immunotherapy can lead to immune-mediated vasculopathy in the tumor, suggesting that the tumor vasculature may be an important interface between the tumor-directed immune response and the cancer itself. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibition as an effective immunotherapeutic strategy for many cancers has led to a better understanding of this interface. While the inhibition of angiogenesis through targeting of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been used successfully for the treatment of cancer for many years, the mechanisms of its anti-tumor activity remain poorly understood. Initial studies of the complex relationship between angiogenesis, VEGF signaling and the immune system suggest that the combination of immune checkpoint blockade with angiogenesis inhibition has potential. While the majority of this work has been performed in metastatic melanoma, immunotherapy is rapidly showing promise in a broad range of malignancies and efforts to enhance immunotherapy will broadly impact the future of oncology. Here, we review the preclinical rationale and clinical investigations of combined angiogenesis inhibition and immunotherapy/immune checkpoint inhibition as a potentially promising combinatorial approach for cancer treatment.
Example: Fuzzy Arrival/Service Rates

In this chapter we will look at two examples. The values of the parameters c and M are chosen to match those used in the two examples discussed in Chapters 7 and 9. We can not directly compare the numerical results \(\left( {\overline U ,\overline N ,\overline X ,\overline R } \right)\) between those in Chapters 7 and 9 to those in this chapter because the two models are very different. In Chapters 7 and 9 we started with fuzzy probabilities, computed a fuzzy transition matrix and then the fuzzy steady state probabilities before we obtained the fuzzy numbers for \(\left( {\overline U ,\overline N ,\overline X ,\overline R } \right)\). In this chapter we start with fuzzy numbers for the arrival rate and the service rate, then find the fuzzy steady state probabilities and the fuzzy numbers for \(\left( {\overline U ,\overline N ,\overline X ,\overline R } \right)\). In the model based on fuzzy probabilities we do not relate the fuzzy steady state probabilities, fuzzy arrival rate and the fuzzy service rate as in the balance equations (equation (11.3), Chapter 11). The expressions for \(\left( {\overline U ,\overline N ,\overline R } \right)\) are the same in both models, \(\overline X \) is computed differently in the two models. What we can compare is the computations needed in the model presented in Chapter 11 and this chapter to those seen in Chapters 7 and 9.
Trader Anonymity and Market Characteristics

We study the impact of trader anonymity on trading behavior and price characteristics. Revealing the identity of informed traders allows the market to better disaggregate the source of orders, but does not guarantee more informative prices. When markets are less anonymous, informed traders protect their information by adopting "bluffing" strategies, e.g., buying overvalued assets. This behavior decreases the price impact of trading, even to the point where informed traders may in fact prefer to trade in less anonymous markets. We extend our analysis to consider implications for price efficiency, information production, and the effects of anonymizing events on market stability.
The Different Reaction of Energy Stock on Carbon Market: Does EU ETS Provide Enough Incentive for Clean Energy Investment?

Since carbon emission trading place an important role in energy sector in EU. This paper tries to examine the correlation between energy stock and carbon price. We divided energy stock into new and conventional to observe their different reaction on carbon price. EU ETS is designed to increase the emission cost of conventional energy, and incent new/clean energy investment. In indicates that an increasing carbon price will reduce the profitability of conventional energy producer, and increase the revenue of new energy producer who sell allowance and/or credit. It should create a competitive advantage for new energy company for attracting more investment. However, our quantitative analysis showed counter-intuitive phenomenon that when carbon price rise, new energy stock falls, but conventional energy stocks rise. We provide our explanation by showing the carbon market is a buyer’s market of conventional energy company, and pointed out that new energy producer hard to expand productivity is the main cause of losing investment. Our results consist with Blanco & Rodrigues’s policy analysis that EU ETS does not provide enough incentive for new/clean energy investment.
Wavelength dependence of reverse-saturable-absorption optical limiters

The function of an optical limiter is to limit the output energy, fluence, or intensity of an optical beam to some specified maximum value while maintaining a high transmission at low input intensities. Reverse saturable absorbers are materials in which the effective absorption coefficient increases with incident intensity. They are attractive materials for optical limiting devices. Metal substituted phthalocyanines (Pc) have been shown to have a large nonlinear absorption in the visible region of the spectrum1 and, in particular, lead tetrakis (cumylphenoxy) phthalocyanine, PbPc(CP)4, has been shown to be effective as a limiter at 532 nm.2