cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Large-eddy simulation of low-level jet-like flow in a canopy

The computational method of Large-Eddy Simulations has been used to study the weak, neutrally stable drainage flow within tree canopies. The computational results show that a secondary velocity maximum that resembles a jet is formed within the canopy under the nocturnal flow conditions. This jet-like flow is important in the analysis and measurements of the net ecosystem-atmosphere exchange (NEE) for carbon dioxide (CO2). A uniformly distributed, plane source was placed within the canopy in order to simulate the nocturnal production of CO2. The NEE is calculated as the sum of the integration of the rate of change of the concentration of CO2 over the computational domain, the vertical turbulent flux measured directly by eddy-covariance (EC) method, and the advection terms, which are not taken into account in the EC method. Numerical results of the velocity and concentration fields, within and above the canopy, are presented and their impact on the CO2 transport is investigated in detail. The computational results show that 15–20% of NEE is drained out by the advection process under the canopy. The results also show that the turbulent fluctuations in the lateral direction are also significant and may result in 2–5% CO2 transport.
Collisional polarizability anisotropies of the noble gases

We present a simple approximate calculation of the pair polarizability anisotropy β(R) of interacting inert gas atoms, including overlap effects. The overlap contribution to β(R) is found to be relatively long-range and to have an exponential form. We compare our results with recent ab initio Hartree-Fock calculations and experimental low density depolarized scattering spectra; agreement is excellent.
A mechanical measurement of textural relaxation in superfluid 3 He- A at very low temperatures

We have studied superfluid3He-A textures by a mechanical method in the very low temperature limit, T/Tc ≈ 0.14. The damping of a vibrating wire viscometer is affected by the structure of the 1-vector texture near the wire. The texture is disturbed by a violent motion of the wire. The relaxation of the texture, back to equilibrium, is then observed through changes in the damping of the wire's motion.
The efficacy of palatal augmentation prostheses for speech and swallowing in patients undergoing glossectomy: A review of the literature

This article provides a review of the literature to assist the clinician in determining the efficacy of palatal augmentation prosthesis regarding speech and swallowing for the patient undergoing glossectomy. A MEDLINE search was conducted. Peer-reviewed articles published from 1966 to July 2002 that addressed the question of the efficacy of this prosthesis to improve speech and swallowing after partial or total glossectomy were included. Studies reviewed had to incorporate an objective evaluation of one or both functions. Nine of 130 studies met the selection criteria (4 retrospective, 1 case control, and 4 case reports). A total of 50 subjects were studied, 42 for swallowing and 37 for speech. In 36/42 subjects, treatment was advantageous for swallowing and in 32/37 subjects, it was advantageous for speech. On the basis of the limited evidence available, the functional efficacy of the palatal augmentation prosthesis is supported.
Laser-based thermal pulse measurement of liquid thermophysical properties

Abstract In this work, a laser-based thermal pulse technique is presented that simultaneously measures thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity for liquids, from which the volumetric specific heat can be determined as well. The measurement is based on photothermal deflection of a HeNe laser beam that passes through the test liquid next to a thin heating wire. Liquid thermophysical properties are determined by fitting a numerical simulation of the heat conduction and probe beam deflection to the measured time-dependent probe beam deflection. Results are presented for five liquids: glycerol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, methanol, and ethanol, and are found to be in very good agreement with values reported in the literature. The experimental setup is small, inexpensive and reliable. The temperature dependence of the liquid refractive index is also determined during the measurement process, and the same experimental technique is capable of measuring the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of thin conducting wires.
Variations in PM-10 Concentrations Within two Metropolitan Areas and Their Implications for Health Effects Analyses

AbstractTemporal variations of PM-10 levels at multiple sites between 1985 and 1990 in two maJor metropolitan areas, Cook County, IL, and Los Angeles County, CA, were characterized, and sensitivity of mortality-PM-10 associations to the choice of alternate sites was examined. In both cities, the correlation of PM-10 levels among multiple sites decreased as their distance increased. While averaging PM-10 concentrations over multiple sites generally improved the significance of PM-10-mortality associations, the highest PM-10-mortaiity association in Cook County was found for an individual site. In Cook County, the magnitude of the mortality association for the average of 6 PM-10 sites, as expressed as “relative risk” per 100 μg/m3 PM-10, was similar (RR = 7.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.10) to those reported in other PM-10 studies with similar model specifications. However, the significance of regression coefficients for individual PM-10 sites varied considerably (t ratios range -0.62 to 3.30). Furthermore, every-6-day...
Using habitat models to determine conservation priorities for pond-breeding amphibians in a privately-owned landscape of northern Idaho, USA

Abstract As rural landscapes experience increasing levels of residential development, the persistence of species that rely on them will depend on informed planning and management decisions. An understanding of habitat requirements is essential for setting priorities and developing landscape-level plans for the survival of these species. In many temperate rural landscapes, artificially created ponds may be the only wetlands available for aquatic reproduction by amphibians. The introduction of non-native fish into these ponds reduces survival and prohibits successful reproduction of many native pond-breeding amphibians. We surveyed 105 randomly selected wetlands in a primarily privately-owned, rural landscape in north Idaho, USA, for pond-breeding amphibian larvae in 2004 and 2005. We used an information theoretic multimodel inference and an algorithmic (random forests) approach to model habitat for each species based on local and landscape characteristics. We also used a mail survey to quantify how landowners value fish in their wetlands and their plans for future wetland development and fish stocking. Sixty-seven percent of pond owners reported that fishing in their pond was at least slightly important to them and 36% of owners indicated that they were at least 50% likely to add fish to their ponds in the next 5–10 years. Landscape change predictions for this area indicate that forests will become more open due to thinning; habitat models indicated that this is likely to be detrimental to long-toed salamanders and beneficial to Pacific treefrogs. Habitat models also indicate that Columbia spotted frog breeding sites consist of wetlands on flat ground with high solar insolation and that this species is sensitive to nearby development, indicating that as this landscape becomes further developed, this species may require habitat protection for persistence.
Detection of tryptopnan messenger RNA in several bacterial species and examination of the properties of heterologous DNA-RNA hybrids

Abstract Addition of the tryptophan analog 3-indolylacrylic acid to cultures of Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella typhimurium, Aerobacter aerogenes, Serratia marcescens and Proteus mirabilis stimulates the synthesis of RNA which anneals to the DNA of bacteriophage which carry the Escherichia coli trp operon. This RNA is presumably trp messenger RNA since it does not anneal to phage DNA lacking the trp operon and is not detected in cultures grown in the presence of high levels of l -tryptophan. Using similar procedures, trp mRNA was not detected in Bacillus subtilis . In addition to annealing to DNA of the entire E. coli trp operon, the trp mRNA's of S. dysenteriae, S. typhimurium, A. aerogenes , and S. marcescens anneal to the DNA of phage carrying segments of the trp operon corresponding to E. coli trpE, trpD or trpB . DNA-RNA hybrids of E. coli trp operon DNA and heterologous trp mRNA are formed more slowly and are more sensitive to treatment with pancreatic RNase than the homologous hybrid ( E. coli DNA- E. coli mRNA). Thus, the levels of trp mRNA found in heterologous RNA preparations are greatest if annealing is done at high DNA-RNA ratios, and if the RNase treatment of hybrids is omitted. The stability of homologous and heterologous hybrids, determined by elution of RNA from hybrids at high temperatures, decreases in the following order; E. coli > S. dysenteriae > S. typhimurium > A. aerogenes > S. marcescens . The less stable hybrids are more sensitive to treatment with pancreatic RNase; however, E. coli trp mRNA annealed to homologous DNA is also somewhat sensitive to RNase treatment. If hybrids are not treated with RNase before elution, fragments of trp mRNA from E. coli, S. typhimurium and A. aerogenes which elute from E. coli trp operon DNA have the same mean size (50% of the label is in molecules less than 600 nucleotides long). Treatment of hybrids with RNase reduces the mean size of the trp mRNA fragments which elute. There is a greater effect on heterologous hybrids; the fragments recovered are considerably smaller than those recovered from similarly treated E. coli mRNA-DNA hybrids.
Cost-effective hiring in US high schools: estimating optimal teacher quantity and quality decisions

Extensive literature has shown that student attainment outcomes are affected by student-to-teacher ratios and overall teacher aptitude levels, but offers little information about which method offer...
Lateral Diffusion Rates of Lipid, Water, and a Hydrophobic Drug in a Multilamellar Liposome

The lateral diffusion constants of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3 phosphocholine (POPC), water, and ibuprofen were measured in multilamellar liposomes using pulsed field gradient magic-angle spinning (PFG-MAS) 1H NMR. The analysis of diffusion data obtained in powder samples and a method for liposome curvature correction are presented. At 322 K POPC has a diffusion constant of (8.6 ± 0.2) × 10−12 m2/s when dehydrated (8.2 waters/lipid) and (1.9 ± 0.1) × 10−11 m2/s in excess water. The diffusion constant of water in dehydrated POPC was found to be (4.7 ± 0.1) × 10−10 m2/s. The radius of curvature is 21 ± 2 μm for the dehydrated sample and 4.5 ± 0.5 μm for POPC sample containing excess water. The activation energies of diffusion are 40.6 ± 0.4 kJ/mole for dehydrated POPC, 30.7 ± 0.9 kJ/mole for POPC with excess water, and 28.6 ± 1.5 kJ/mole for water in dehydrated POPC. The diffusion constants and activation energies for a sample of POPC/ibuprofen/water (1:0.56:15) were also measured. The ibuprofen, which locates in the lipid-water interface, diffuses faster than POPC but has a slightly higher activation energy of lateral diffusion. Within certain restrictions, PFG-MAS NMR provides a useful method for characterizing membrane organization and mobility.
Assessing dietary intake for patient education planning and evaluation

Abstract Assessment of dietary intake is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition education in risk reduction. Dietary intake can be assessed by self-report, objective physiological measures or corroborative information. The four self-report methods are recalls, food records, food frequency questionnaires and food histories. Validation of these self-report methods may involve comparison with other self-report data, corroboration from other individuals, or objective laboratory tests. This paper discusses the advantages and weaknessess of each of these methods for patient education researchers, coordinators, and counselors.
Identification of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug-induced gastroduodenal injury in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

In a cohort of children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis treated with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and referred for gastrointestinal complaints, more than 75% had gastritis, antral erosions, or ulcers. Epigastric pain strongly correlated with documented gastroduodenal injury. Therapy with ranitidine or misoprostol led to clinical improvement. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs are associated with significant gastrointestinal abnormalities in children.
Transient serosal enhancement mimicking pneumoperitoneum.

Sir, In a prior issue of this journal, we reported two cases of a novel enhancement pattern involving the pericardium, peritoneum and soft tissues seen on radiographs in the early post-cardiac catheterization period [1]. Knowledge of this phenomenon is clinically important because the enhancement pattern renders a relative lucency over the liver. We report a third case of this radiographic phenomenon that mimicked the appearance of pneumoperitoneum and led to an exploratory laparotomy. A baby girl with hypoplastic left heart variant including a double-outlet right ventricle and restrictive atrial septum was born by cesarean section at 37 2/7 weeks to a gravida I para I woman. Cardiac catheterization was performed on the day the child was born for stent placement into veins decompressing into the left atrium. At 5 days old, the newborn was taken for a Norwood/Sano procedure and atrial septectomy. A complicated post-operative course followed, including renal insufficiency, respiratory failure, poor cardiac function, acidosis and delayed sternotomy closure. The infant was taken back to the cardiac catheterization lab to evaluate the pulmonary veins. A radiograph of the chest and abdomen obtained within 24 h of completion of the cardiac catheterization suggested the presence of free intraperitoneal air, characterized by a conspicuous relative lucency over the right upper quadrant (Fig. 1). A left lateral decubitus view did not confirm the presence of pneumoperitoneum. However, given the suggestive findings of pneumoperitoneum on the supine radiograph and the infant’s clinical condition, the child was taken to the operating room. Findings during the exploratory laparotomy were negative. The classic findings of pneumoperitoneum on supine abdominal radiography include radiolucency over the liver [2].
Yield–density functions as predictors of community structure in a serpentine annual grassland

Summary Two series of competition experiments involving the four annual plant species Bromus hordeaceus, Calycadenia multiglandulosa, Plantago erecta and Microseris douglasii were conducted in an experimental array of pots located at the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, San Mateo County, California, USA. One experiment was conducted during the 1988-89 growing season, the other during the 1989-90 growing season. A four-species yield-density model was constructed using seed yield data from the 1988-89 experiment. Model predictions were tested against seed yield data from the 1989-90 experiment. A systematic bias in predicted seed yields was found. As a consequence, the original model was reparameterized to provide a better fit to the observed yields for the 1989-90 experiment. Analyses were conducted to determine the importance of potential sources of bias in the original model, including (i) mis-specification of density effects at low densities due to the parameterization protocol; (ii) interaction effects among competing species; and (iii) year-to-year variability in competitive interactions. All three sources had a significant effect on at least one of the species in the experiment, although significant sources differed between species. Using two forms of sensitivity analysis, a comparison was made between the original and modified versions of the yield–density model to determine how they differed in predictions of long-term plant community dynamics. Rank order of average densities among species did not differ between models; however, there were several important differences in their predictions with respect to overall community structure. Implications of these results with respect to the use of yield–density models in studying plant community dynamics are discussed. The present study indicates that the effectiveness of the generally employed yield–density model at characterizing competitive interactions under different environmental conditions depends upon the criteria employed in making an assessment. One possible explanation is that competitive interactions within the serpentine community are highly sensitive to changes in environmental conditions and we found some evidence for this in Calycadenia and Plantago
Optimizing Outcomes for Patients with Depression and Chronic Medical Illnesses

Depression and comorbid chronic medical conditions such as coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and osteoarthritis are frequently seen in the primary care setting, and the interaction of these illnesses can complicate diagnostic and treatment efforts. Although the etiologies of these bidirectional associations are not well understood, a number of negative outcomes are apparent, and challenges exist at patient, provider, and healthcare system levels to better recognize and treat depression in patients with chronic medical comorbidity. Such patients are more likely to present with somatic complaints, engage in unhealthy behaviors, harbor unhealthy thoughts or cognitions, and are less likely to comply with therapeutic recommendations. Primary care encounters often represent the only opportunities for these patients to address these issues and obtain the professional attention their depression requires. For clinicians, forging empathetic partnerships with patients, prescribing appropriate treatments, and closely monitoring symptoms and therapeutic progress are invaluable for optimal management of both affective and medical disorders. Further opportunities to improve care also exist at the healthcare system level, such as developing, funding, and implementing multimodal collaborative care models in the primary care setting.
A Chip-on-Beam Calibration Technique for Piezoresistive Stress Sensor Die

Wafer-level and four-point-bending (4PB) techniques are normally utilized for calibration of stress sensor test die. While excellent accuracy and repeatability have been demonstrated, the wafer-level technique requires access to a complete silicon wafer, whereas the 4PB method requires 5–10 cm strips of die. However, access to full wafers, or even strips of die, is typically limited to companies and universities with captive semiconductor fabrication facilities. In this paper, a chip-on-beam technique is demonstrated in which individual die are attached to silicon beams, and stress for calibration is applied to the beam using a precision 4PB fixture. Because of the resulting nonuniform stress distribution on the surface of the die, experimental measurements must be combined with finite element simulation results to extract the desired piezoresistive coefficients. These calibration results are compared to those obtained directly from strips of the same die, and it is shown that excellent agreement can be obtained between the two methods under proper experimental conditions. This work delineates the best location for calibration rosettes on the die as well as design of the beam geometry, relative to the chip dimensions, that will ensure the high accuracy calibration results. This technique permits measurement of the piezoresistive coefficients for a limited set of die such as those that may be obtained from typical MOSIS fabrication runs.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
The fine structure of the tegument of Tylocephalum metacestodes: with emphasis on a new type of microvilli.

Electron microscope studies on Tylocephalum metacestodes embedded in the tissues of the oyster, Crassostrea virginica, have revealed that the tegument of the larval tapeworm is comprised of an external and an internal level which are partially separated by a basal lamina and two layers of muscles. The outer tegumentary level is comprised of an anucleate, cytoplasmic syncytium in which are embedded large and small vesicles and mitochondria. Surfacial hooks are also embedded therein. The internal level is comprised of relatively large discrete cells including mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and large and small vesicles. These cells are intermittently connected with the external level by cytoplasmic bridges. Arising from the external level are unusual microvilli each of which terminates as a spherical vesicle. The stem of each microvillus is covered by a unit membrane which is continuous with that overlaying the body surface. In addition, each microvillus includes an external layer of medium electron density, a medial layer of intense electron density, and a core of heterogenous, medium electron density. These structures may be intertwined and bundles can be observed at the light microscope level as fibril-like projections from the parasite's body surface. One of their possible functions may be to prevent intimate contact between the encapsulating fibers of host origin and the parasite's body surface. In addition, the contraction and distention of the circular muscles result in microvillar movement which may keep the surrounding host fluids, including those of nutritional importance to the parasite, in a state of flux thus hypothetically permitting more uniform uptake. The abundance of vesicles in the syncytial external level of the tegument appears to be characteristic of the more primitive marine cestodes belonging to the orders Trypanorhyncha and Lecanicephala.
Learning in Normal and Mutant Drosophila Larvae

Adult Drosophila melanogaster have previously been conditioned with shock to avoid various odors. In these experiments, larvae also sensed airborne odorants, responded to electric shock, and learned. Larval behavior paralleled adult behavior for (i) a mutant, smellblind, which failed to respond to odorants; (ii) three mutants, dunce, turnip, and cabbage, which were deficient in olfactory learning ability; and (iii) a mutant heterozygote, turnip/+, which learned but also forgot rapidly.
Seed transmission of potato virus diseases

Seed transmission of the potato disease acropetal necrosis, caused by a virus occurs in a low percentage of cases. Some evidence is presented which indicates that entry of the virus into the embryo may be effected by means of the pollen. The findings are of significance in potato breeding programs where newly produced plants must be grown in the open and especially in those regions whereMyzus persicae is likely to be prevalent.
Determinants of the degree of functional mitral regurgitation in patients with systolic left ventricular dysfunction: A quantitative clinical study.

Background—Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) occurs with a structurally normal valve as a complication of systolic left ventricular dysfunction (LVD). Determinants of degree of FMR are poorly defined; thus, mechanistic therapeutic approaches to FMR are hindered. Methods and Results—In a prospective study of 21 control subjects and 128 patients with LVD (defined as ejection fraction <50%, mean 31±9%) in sinus rhythm, we quantified simultaneously by echocardiography the effective regurgitant orifice (ERO) of FMR by using 2 methods: mitral deformation (valve and annulus) and left ventricular (LV) global (volumes, stress, function, and sphericity) and local (papillary muscle displacements and regional wall motion index) remodeling. A wide range of ERO (15±14 mm2, 0 to 87 mm2) was observed, unrelated to ejection fraction (P=0.32). The major determinant of ERO was mitral deformation, ie, systolic valvular tenting and annular contraction in univariate (r=0.74 and r=−0.61, respectively; both P<0.0001) and mul...
Human hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase SULT2B1: two enzymes encoded by a single chromosome 19 gene.

We have cloned and characterized cDNAs that encode two human hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase (SULT) enzymes, SULT2B1a and SULT2B1b, as well as the single gene that encodes both of these enzymes. The two cDNAs differed at their 5'-termini and had 1050- and 1095-bp open reading frames that encoded 350 and 365 amino acids, respectively. The amino acid sequences encoded by these cDNAs included "signature sequences" that are conserved in all known cytosolic SULTs. Both cDNAs appeared, on the basis of amino acid sequence analysis, to be members of the hydroxysteroid SULT "family, " SULT2, but they were only 48% identical in amino acid sequence with the single known member of that family in humans, SULT2A1 (also referred to as DHEA ST). Northern blot analysis demonstrated the presence of SULT2B1 mRNA species approximately 1.4 kb in length in human placenta, prostate, and trachea and-faintly-in small intestine and lung. Expression of the two human SULT2B1 cDNAs in COS-1 cells showed that both of the encoded proteins catalyzed sulfation of the prototypic hydroxysteroid SULT substrate, dehydroepiandrosterone, but both failed to catalyze the sulfate conjugation of 4-nitrophenol or 17beta-estradiol, prototypic substrates for the phenol and estrogen SULT subfamilies. Both of these cDNAs were encoded by a single gene, SULT2B1. The locations of most exon-intron splice junctions in SULT2B1 were identical to those of the only other known human hydroxysteroid SULT gene SULT2A1 (previously STD). The divergence in 5'-terminal sequences of the two SULT2B1 cDNAs resulted from alternative transcription initiation prior to different 5' exons, combined with alternative splicing. SULT2B1 mapped to human chromosome band 19q13.3, approximately 500 kb telomeric to the location of SULT2A1.
The Impact of Hospital Cardiac Specialization on Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery Analysis of Medicare Claims Data

Background— Hospital volume has been widely embraced as a proxy measure for hospital quality; little attention has been focused on an alternative quality measure–hospital specialization. Even though specialization occurs on a continuum, previous studies have only focused on a small number of highly specialized hospitals (single-specialty hospitals). Studies on the broad relationship between hospital specialization and outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are limited. Methods and Results— We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 705 084 Medicare patients (1130 hospitals) who underwent CABG during 2001 to 2005. We stratified hospitals into quintiles, based on their degree of cardiac specialization (proportion of a hospital's Medicare discharges classified as Major Diagnostic Category 5–cardiovascular diseases). We compared patient and hospital characteristics and outcomes across quintiles of cardiac specialization. Patient characteristics were generally similar across quintiles, but mean annual CABG volume increased progressively from quintile 1 (least specialized) to quintile 5 (most specialized). Unadjusted 30-day mortality was similar at hospitals in quintiles 1 to 4 (4.8%), except quintile 5, where mortality was lower (4.3%). A strong inverse association was seen between hospital cardiac specialization and 30-day mortality after adjustment for patient characteristics ( P trend=0.001). However, this was no longer significant after additional adjustment for CABG volume ( P trend=0.65). Results were similar for other mortality outcomes and length of stay. Conclusions— After accounting for patient characteristics and CABG volume, greater cardiac specialization was not associated with clinically significant improvement in patient outcomes. This study calls into question the benefit of cardiac specialization for the vast majority of CABG-performing US hospitals.
Late complication of aortoiliac stent placement- atheroembolization of the lower extremities.

Background. Atheroembolization following aortoiliac stent placement is uncommon. The purpose of this study was to examine the management and risk factors of lower extremity atheroembolization following aortoiliac stent placement for occlusive disease. Materials and methods. From March 1993 to February 2001, the hospital records of all patients who developed thromboembolic events following aortoiliac stent placement were reviewed. Risk factor analysis was performed by comparing with the control group, which consisted of 493 patients treated with aortoiliac stents during the study period who did not develop atheroembolic complications. Patients with cardiac etiologies or aortic aneurysms as the source of embolization as well as those who developed acute embolization following stent deployment (<30 days) were excluded. Results. Atheroembolization occurred in eight patients (12 iliac artery stents and 1 aortic stent) at intervals ranging from 9 to 43 months (mean 22 months) following aortoiliac stent placement. Arteriography in all patients implicated the stented artery as the source of atheroembolism. Five corrective operations (two aorto-bifemoral bypasses, one ileofemoral bypass, and two aortoiliac endarterectomies) along with two concomitant femoropopliteal thrombectomies were performed successfully in five patients. The remaining three patients were treated with either thrombolysis and/or additional stent placement, which resulted in either iliac occlusion or recurrent embolic symptoms (P < 0.05). All 3 patients subsequently underwent bypass procedures (one ileofemoral and two femorofemoral bypasses). There was no perioperative mortality. During a mean follow-up of 16 months (range 3 to 45 months), two patients required minor amputations, whereas one required major leg amputation. No further episodes of atheroembolism occurred in the involved limbs following surgical bypass procedures. Risk factor analysis failed to identify potential variables that correlated with atheroembolism following aortoiliac stent placement. Conclusion. Patients with atheromatous embolization following aortoiliac stent placement should be evaluated aggressively. The treatment of choice is surgical correction or bypass with exclusion of the offending embolic source. Although intra-arterial stent placement in the atheroembolic stented iliac artery is feasible, it may provide a less durable result.
Effectiveness of Bystander Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Survival Following Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Objective. —To examine the independent relationship between effectiveness of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and survival following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Design. —Prospective observational cohort. Setting. —New York City. Participants. —A total of 2071 consecutive out-of-hospital cardiac arrests meeting Utstein criteria. Intervention. —Trained prehospital personnel assessed the quality of bystander CPR on arrival at the scene. Satisfactory execution of CPR required performance of both adequate compressions and ventilations in conformity with current American Heart Association guidelines. Main Outcome Measure. —Adjusted association between CPR effectiveness and survival. Survival was defined as discharge from hospital to home. Results. —Outcome was determined on all members of the inception cohort— none were lost to follow-up. When the association between bystander CPR and survival was adjusted for effectiveness of CPR in the parent data set (N=2071), only effective CPR was retained in the logistic model (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=5.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.7 to 12.2; P P P Conclusion. —The association between bystander CPR and survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest appears to be confounded by CPR quality. Effective CPR is independently associated with a quantitatively and statistically significant improvement in survival. ( JAMA . 1995;274:1922-1925)
A Rare Variant of Aggressive T-Cell Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia Associated With Hepatic Fibrosis and Trisomy 8: A Case Report and Literature Review

Aggressive T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGL) is a rare entity with a poor prognosis, the main clinical findings being splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, thrombocytopenia and a CD3 + /CD56 + phenotype. A 21-year-old lady presented with hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, “B” symptoms and thrombocytopenia. She subsequently developed jaundice, ascites and deranged liver function. LGL was detected in the peripheral blood and marrow. They had an aberrant CD3 + /CD4 - /CD8dim/CD56 + phenotype. Karyotyping showed trisomy 8 which has not previously been reported in aggressive T-LGL. A liver biopsy showed hepatic fibrosis with a sinusoidal LGL infiltrate. Her ascitic fluid also showed involvement by T-LGL. She had a poor response to cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone (CHOP) chemotherapy and opted for palliation. We performed targeted sequencing to detect mutations in the STAT3 , STAT5b and PTPRT genes which were absent, suggesting the presence of an alternative genetic driver in our patient. We report an unusual case of aggressive T-LGL with an aberrant immunophenotype, trisomy 8 and hepatic fibrosis with absence of mutations in the STAT pathway. Our case describes novel features of aggressive T-LGL and the need for further studies to elucidate the genetic basis of this rare disease. J Hematol. 2015;4(3):214-218 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jh223w
Voltage-Dependent κ-Opioid modulation of Action Potential Waveform- Elicited Calcium Currents in Neurohypophysial Terminals

Release of neurotransmitter is activated by the influx of calcium. Inhibition of Ca2+ channels results in less calcium influx into the terminals and presumably a reduction in transmitter release. In the neurohypophysis (NH), Ca2+ channel kinetics, and the associated Ca2+ influx, is primarily controlled by membrane voltage and can be modulated, in a voltage-dependent manner, by G-protein subunits interacting with voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). In this series of experiments we test whether the κ- and µ-opioid inhibition of Ca2+ currents in NH terminals is voltage-dependent. Voltage-dependent relief of G-protein inhibition of VGCC can be achieved with either a depolarizing square pre-pulse or by action potential waveforms. Both protocols were tested in the presence and absence of opioid agonists targeting the κ- and µ-receptors in neurohypophysial terminals. The κ-opioid VGCC inhibition is relieved by such pre-pulses, suggesting that this receptor is involved in a voltage-dependent membrane delimited pathway. In contrast, µ-opioid inhibition of VGCC is not relieved by such pre-pulses, indicating a voltage-independent diffusible second-messenger signaling pathway. Furthermore, relief of κ-opioid inhibition during a physiologic action potential (AP) burst stimulation indicates the possibility of activity-dependent modulation in vivo. Differences in the facilitation of Ca2+ channels due to specific G-protein modulation during a burst of APs may contribute to the fine-tuning of Ca2+-dependent neuropeptide release in other CNS terminals, as well. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 223–232, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of metabolic inhibition on technetium-99m-MIBI kinetics in cultured chick myocardial cells.

Cellular uptake characteristics of hexakis(methoxyisobutylisonitrile)technetium(I) ([99mTc]MIBI), a myocardial perfusion imaging agent, were evaluated in cultured chick embryo heart cells. Myocyte net uptake of 99mTc-MIBI approached a plateau with a half-time of 9.3 +/- 1.5 min (mean +/- s.e.m.; n = 10). Tracer [99mTc]MIBI showed apparent competitive displacement by carrier [99Tc]MIBI at relatively high molar ratios ([99mTc]MIBI/[99Tc]MIBI) indicating a low affinity cellular retention process (apparent KD approximately 7 x 10(-5)). Metabolic inhibition induced by pre-incubation of cells for 2.5 hr in rotenone (10 microM), iodoacetate (1 mM), or both metabolic inhibitors together reduced 1-min [99mTc] MIBI uptake to 74.1% +/- 8.0% (p less than 0.05), 6.2% +/- 3.4% (p less than 0.01), and 10.1% +/- 3.6% of control (p less than 0.01), respectively (n = 11-12). Half-maximal inhibitory concentration of iodoacetate was approximately 5 microM. Iodoacetate inhibition of [99mTc]MIBI uptake kinetics was time-dependent; no significant effect on [99mTc]MIBI uptake was seen during the first 60 min of metabolic inhibition despite significant depletion of ATP content determined on the same preparations (control ATP: 40.2 nmoles/mg protein versus iodoacetate incubation: 2.8 nmoles/mg protein; p less than 0.01). However, prolonged metabolic blockade did eventually depress 1-min [99mTc]MIBI uptake. These data indicate that a late component of myocardial cell injury can depress [99mTc]MIBI cellular uptake.
Book Review: Imagining the Urban: Sanskrit and the City in Early India

Shonaleeka Kaul, Imagining the Urban: Sanskrit and the City in Early India, Delhi: Permanent Black, 2010, pp. 278.
Allelic Imbalance in Drosophila Hybrid Heads: Exons, Isoforms, and Evolution

Unraveling how regulatory divergence contributes to species differences and adaptation requires identifying functional variants from among millions of genetic differences. Analysis of allelic imbalance (AI) reveals functional genetic differences in cis regulation and has demonstrated differences in cis regulation within and between species. Regulatory mechanisms are often highly conserved, yet differences between species in gene expression are extensive. What evolutionary forces explain widespread divergence in cis regulation? AI was assessed in Drosophila melanogaster‐Drosophila simulans hybrid female heads using RNA-seq technology. Mapping bias was virtually eliminated by using genotype-specific references. Allele representation in DNA sequencing was used as a prior in a novel Bayesian model for the estimation of AI in RNA. Cis regulatory divergence was common in the organs and tissues of the head with 41% of genes analyzed showing significant AI. Using existing population genomic data, the relationship between AI and patterns of sequence evolution was examined. Evidence of positive selection was found in 30% of cis regulatory divergent genes. Genes involved in defense, RNAi/RISC complex genes, and those that are sex regulated are enriched among adaptively evolving cis regulatory divergent genes. For genes in these groups, adaptive evolution may play a role in regulatory divergence between species. However, there is no evidence that adaptive evolution drives most of the cis regulatory divergence that is observed. The majority of genes showed patterns consistent with stabilizing selection and neutral evolutionary processes.
μPET imaging of EphA2 and EphB4 receptors in ovarian cancer xenografts using 64Cu-labeled YSA-TNYL heterodimer

80 Objectives The co-overexpression of both EphA2 and EphB4 receptors in various tumor types suggests that Epherin receptors are attractive targets for cancer imaging and therapy (Pasquale. Nat Rev Cancer. 2010;10:165). We recently reported 64Cu-labeled peptide with high binding affinity to EphB4, 64Cu-DOTA-TNYL-RAW, for EphB4 imaging in human prostate PC-3M and colon cancer CT-26 xenografts (Xiong et al., J Nucl. Med., in press). The purpose of this study is to investigate the synergistic effect of a heterodimer peptide recognizing both EphA2 and EphB4 receptors for PET imaging of tumors. Methods A YSA-TNYL heterodimer was synthesized from YSA and TNYL-RAW peptides through an oligomeric ethylene oxide linker and then labeled with 64Cu via 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N, N9, N99, N999-tetraacetic acid (DOTA). The receptor-binding characteristics and tumor-targeting efficacy of heterodimer was evaluated in vitro with SPR and in vivo using µPET imaging. Results DOTA-YSA-TNYL peptide had comparable binding affinity to EphB4 compared with TNYL-RAW peptide and higher binding affinity to EphA2 compared with YSA peptide. In human ovarian tumor HEY xenografts, 64Cu-DOTA-YSA-TNYL peptide showed significantly higher tumor uptake value compared with monomeric 64Cu-DOTA-TNYL-RAW and monomeric 64Cu-DOTA-YSA peptide tracer analogs at all time points examined. The HEY tumor uptake of 64Cu-DOTA-YSA-TNYL was inhibited partially in the presence of an excess amount of unlabeled TNYL-RAW, YSA, or both TNYL-RAW and YSA peptides. Compared with 64Cu-DOTA-TNYL-RAW and 64Cu-DOTA-YSA, the heterodimer 64Cu-DOTA-YSA-TNYL also showed improved pharmacokinetics, resulting in a significantly higher target-to-background ratio. Conclusions Heterodimer 64Cu-DOTA-YSA-TNYL showed significantly improved tumor-targeting efficacy and improved imaging property. This class of radiotracers directed at both EphA2 and EphB4 should be useful imaging probes for early tumor detection and noninvasive characterization of Ephrin receptor expression in a variety of solid tumors. Research Support John S. Dunn Foundatio
GROUP WORK AS A METHOD OF PROMOTING COHESIVENESS WITHIN A WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS TEAM

This study examined the effects of membership in a personal growth group on group cohesiveness within a women's gymnastics team. 15 gymnasts were randomly assigned to either a treatment or control group. The treatment group (n = 8) met weekly for 15 1-hr. sessions while the control group (n = 7) received additional practice. Prior to the start of the season (and again at the conclusion) subjects were administered the Group Environment Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Sport Cohesive Instrument, and the Team Climate Questionnaire. Analysis of covariance and binomial expansion showed a significant increase in cohesiveness within the treated group.
What happens to your brain on the way to Mars

As NASA prepares for the first manned spaceflight to Mars, questions have surfaced concerning the potential for increased risks associated with exposure to the spectrum of highly energetic nuclei that comprise galactic cosmic rays. Animal models have revealed an unexpected sensitivity of mature neurons in the brain to charged particles found in space. Astronaut autonomy during long-term space travel is particularly critical as is the need to properly manage planned and unanticipated events, activities that could be compromised by accumulating particle traversals through the brain. Using mice subjected to space-relevant fluences of charged particles, we show significant cortical- and hippocampal-based performance decrements 6 weeks after acute exposure. Animals manifesting cognitive decrements exhibited marked and persistent radiation-induced reductions in dendritic complexity and spine density along medial prefrontal cortical neurons known to mediate neurotransmission specifically interrogated by our behavioral tasks. Significant increases in postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) revealed major radiation-induced alterations in synaptic integrity. Impaired behavioral performance of individual animals correlated significantly with reduced spine density and trended with increased synaptic puncta, thereby providing quantitative measures of risk for developing cognitive decrements. Our data indicate an unexpected and unique susceptibility of the central nervous system to space radiation exposure, and argue that the underlying radiation sensitivity of delicate neuronal structure may well predispose astronauts to unintended mission-critical performance decrements and/or longer-term neurocognitive sequelae.
Alt-forwarding in mobile frequency-hop wireless networks

The terminals in a mobile store-and-forward wireless network must be able to react quickly to changes in propagation conditions and interference levels on the links in a network. Routing updates are often very slow in responding to changes in link quality, especially for the links that are not utilized frequently. The adaptive-forwarding protocol can assist the routing protocol by forcing some transmissions on less frequently utilized links, thereby updating the information about the states of these links. We say that alt-forwarding occurs for a given packet if that packet was originally scheduled for transmission on one link but the adaptive-forwarding protocol elects to transmit the packet on a different link. By forcing a packet on an alternative link, we allow the adaptive-transmission protocol to update the transmission parameters for the link, and we cause the adaptive-routing protocol to deliver the packet along a secondary route. The feedback gathered by utilizing an alternative link helps the networking protocols respond to dynamic conditions and discover more energy-efficient routes. We show that by designing the criteria for selecting an alternative link to account for the status of the link and the likelihood that the link leads to an efficient route, there is a significant increase in the energy efficiency of the network.
Neighbor current ratio (NCR): a new metric for I/sub DDQ/ data analysis

I/sub DDQ/ test loses its effectiveness for deep sub-micron chips since it cannot distinguish between faulty and fault free currents. The concept of current ratios, in which the ratio of maximum to minimum I/sub DDQ/ is used to screen faulty chips, has been previously proposed. The neighboring chips on a wafer have similar fault free properties and are correlated. In this paper, the use of spatial correlation in combination with current ratios is investigated. By differentiating chips based on their nonconformance to local I/sub DDQ/ variation, outliers are identified. The analysis of SEMATECH data is presented.
Validation of SYBR Green based quantification assay for the detection of human Torque Teno virus titers from plasma

Quantification of titers of ubiquitous viruses such as Torque teno virus (TTV) that do not cause clinical symptoms might be helpful in assessing the immune status of an individual. We hereby describe the validation of a SYBR Green-based TTV quantification method for plasma samples. Plasmids with TTV specific inserts were used for preparing standards and absolute quantification of TTV was performed using SYBR Green methodology. The method was assessed for its accuracy and precision (intra and inter-day) on four non-consecutive days. TTV was also quantified from plasma samples of 20 healthy volunteers and from 30 hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. The assay was specific and showed satisfactory efficiency (82.2%, R2=0.99) with the limit of quantification defined as 100 copies per reaction. The assay had good precision (inter and intra-day coefficient of variation in cycle threshold (CT) < 4%) and accuracy (100 ± 10%) in the range of 100 to 1010 copies/reaction. We found TTV loads ranging from 2.5 – 4.07 log copies/mL of plasma with CT (mean ± SD) of 33.8 ± 1.77 in healthy individuals and 2.06 – 8.49 log copies/mL of plasma with CT (mean ± SD) of 24.3 ± 1.04 in HSCT recipients. SYBR Green-based q-PCR assay combines simplicity with satisfactory sensitivity and may be suitable for monitoring the immune status of transplant recipients, where TTV loads over time may serve as a marker for immune reconstitution in human plasma samples.
Experiments in Control and Anti-Control of Chaos in a Dry Friction Oscillator:

We describe a mechanical oscillator with a dry friction nonlinearity and feedback control. It is shown to exhibit both control of chaos, i.e., the stabilization of unstable periodic orbits in a strange attractor, as well as anti-control of chaos. Anti-control of chaos is the use of feedback to drive a nonlinear system into a chaotic state near a periodic motion. The addition of noise or dither onto periodic oscillations can often be useful in engineering devices. The control and anti-control method is based on “ occasionally proportional feedback” developed by Hunt as an extension of the well-known OGY theory of the control of chaos. In this work, the control is effected by changing the normal force of the dry friction element using a magnetic actuator.