cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are hotspots of evolutionary potential adequately protected in southern California

Abstract Reserves are often designed to protect rare habitats, or “typical” exemplars of ecoregions and geomorphic provinces. This approach focuses on current patterns of organismal and ecosystem-level biodiversity, but typically ignores the evolutionary processes that control the gain and loss of biodiversity at these and other levels (e.g., genetic, ecological). In order to include evolutionary processes in conservation planning efforts, their spatial components must first be identified and mapped. We describe a GIS-based approach for explicitly mapping patterns of genetic divergence and diversity for multiple species (a “multi-species genetic landscape”). Using this approach, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA datasets from 21 vertebrate and invertebrate species in southern California to identify areas with common phylogeographic breaks and high intrapopulation diversity. The result is an evolutionary framework for southern California within which patterns of genetic diversity can be analyzed in the context of historical processes, future evolutionary potential and current reserve design. Our multi-species genetic landscapes pinpoint six hotspots where interpopulation genetic divergence is consistently high, five evolutionary hotspots within which genetic connectivity is high, and three hotspots where intrapopulation genetic diversity is high. These 14 hotspots can be grouped into eight geographic areas, of which five largely are unprotected at this time. The multi-species genetic landscape approach may provide an avenue to readily incorporate measures of evolutionary process into GIS-based systematic conservation assessment and land-use planning.
Rapid and label-free cell detection by metal-cluster-decorated carbon nanotube biosensors.

Abstract In this paper, the use of carbon nanotube biosensors toward alga cell detection was examined. The biosensor devices were fabricated on complete 4 in. wafers by first growing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and then depositing metal electrodes using a shadow mask. In addition, we decorated the biosensors with metal-clusters resulted in enhancing the sensitivity by 2000-folds and has enabled the detection of streptavidin down to 10 pM concentration. This sensitivity enhancement was attributed to activation of CNT channels due to formation of Schottky junctions between CNTs and metal-clusters. Real-time cell detection has been successfully carried out using the CNT biosensors for two kinds of alga related to brown tides: Aureococcus anophagefferens and BT3 . Functionalization of the CNT biosensors with the monoclonal antibody for A. anophagefferens has led to detection at a concentration of 10 4 cells/ml, with sensitivity lower than 10 4 cells/ml projected based on the signal-to-noise ratio of the sensors. Further functionalization with tween 20 led to suppression of non-specific binding of BT3 and enabled label-free and selective detection of A. anophagefferens . These nanobiosensors may find potential applications for environmental monitoring and disease diagnosis.
Lack of effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid administration on markers of oxidative stress during early pregnancy in mice

Abstract Induction of oxidative stress by 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) both as a pure compound and in commercial formulation was investigated during early pregnancy in mice. Pregnant animals were exposed to increasing doses of the herbicide (0.01, 0.1 and 100 mg/kg/d) during gestation days 0–9, after which animals were euthanized and their blood analyzed for catalase activity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Number of corpora lutea and uterine implantations and resorptions were also determined. Herbicide exposure did not cause any overt signs of maternal toxicity at any of the doses administered; neither did it cause an effect on developmental parameters. Catalase activity and TBARs were not modified by herbicide exposure although TAC was significantly decreased at 100 mg/kg/d of both pure and formulated compound. Thus, 2,4-D does not seem to induce oxidative stress during early pregnancy in mice at the doses administered, indicating that this mechanism is probably not involved in mediating herbicide toxicity at these dose levels. Furthermore, since no manifestations of developmental toxicity were observed after administration of the herbicide, it is also possible that 2,4-D may not produce any early developmental toxicity at the low environmentally relevant doses tested in this animal model.
Dispersion effects on grating‐assisted output couplers under ultrafast pulse excitations

The effects of dispersion on the performance of finite-length grating-assisted output couplers drien by ultrafast pulses are studied. Two different FDTD formulations of Lorentz dispersion are treated, and both dispersiew aeguides and grating teeth are considered. The impact of dispersion on the output beams is quantified. Q 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 17: 17)23, 1998.
Architecture and activity-mediated refinement of axonal projections from a mosaic of genetically identified retinal ganglion cells.

Summary Our understanding of how mammalian sensory circuits are organized and develop has long been hindered by the lack of genetic markers of neurons with discrete functions. Here, we report a transgenic mouse selectively expressing GFP in a complete mosaic of transient OFF-α retinal ganglion cells (tOFF-αRGCs). This enabled us to relate the mosaic spacing, dendritic anatomy, and electrophysiology of these RGCs to their complete map of projections in the brain. We find that tOFF-αRGCs project exclusively to the superior colliculus (SC) and dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and are restricted to a specific laminar depth within each of these targets. The axons of tOFF-αRGC are also organized into columns in the SC. Both laminar and columnar specificity develop through axon refinement. Disruption of cholinergic retinal waves prevents the emergence of columnar- but not laminar-specific tOFF-αRGC connections. Our findings reveal that in a genetically identified sensory map, spontaneous activity promotes synaptic specificity by segregating axons arising from RGCs of the same subtype.
Induction of sexual reproduction in Brachionus plicatilis (Monogononta, Rotifera) by a density-dependent chemical cue

Induction of mixis (sexual reproduction) in rotifers of the genus Brachionus is believed to be triggered by a chemical that is released into the water and accumulates at high population densities. However, direct and conclusive evidence for this hypothesis is thus far lacking. In this study, two mass cultures of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis were monitored as they grew from low to high population densities. Conditioned water was prepared daily from these cultures, and females were exposed in a bioassay, which consisted of juvenile Brachionus, cultured individually in large volumes that would normally suppress mixis. Conditioned water induced mixis in the bioassay at rates comparable to those found in the mass cultures. Both in bioassay and mass cultures, mixis was essentially absent in the beginning of the experiment, when population densities were very low. The first mictic females appeared at densities of 0.1 females ml-1, and their proportion increased rapidly as the populations grew to ≫1 female ml-1. The maximum rates of mixis in the bioassay were highly significant and reached 51% of those observed in the mass cultures. These results strongly support the hypothesis that mixis in Brachionus plicatilis is induced by a density-dependent chemical cue.
A theory of parameter-dependent connected components of gray images and segmentation

A new definition of the connected components of gray images which depends on two parameters /spl epsiv/ and /spl delta/ is introduced. The definition takes into account both the gray values of the pixels and the differences of the gray values of the neighboring pixels. An algorithm to partition an image into its (/spl epsiv/,/spl delta/)-components and several experimental results are given. A practical advantage of the definition is that a segmentation of an image can be done by finding its (/spl epsiv/,/spl delta/)-components for some appropriate values of /spl epsiv/, /spl delta/. Also, we may study an image globally through the interrelationships of the (/spl epsiv/,/spl delta/)-components rather than that of the pixels. Thus our theory provides a possible method of transition from low level computer vision to an intermediate level vision.
Multiple Congenital Septal Atresias of the Intestine: Histomorphologic and Pathogenetic Implications

Congenital atresias of the gastrointestinal tract are usually single and divided into three forms on a morphologic basis. The septal or diaphragmatic type (type I) is the least common. We report an infant with multiple type I atresias involving both the small and large intestine and describe the unique histologic features of the septa: (1) fragmentation of muscularis mucosa, (2) multiple septal cysts lined by columnar epithelium, (3) circular and longitudinal muscular layers, and (4) absence of inflammation. This infant had a sibling who died with multiple intestinal atresias of the septal type.
Complications of invasive monitoring

Invasive monitoring in anesthesiology is relatively safe. Arterial catheterization in particular has an extremely low rate of serious complications. Radial, brachial, and femoral artery catheterization sites appear to have similar and low complication rates. CVP and PA catheters are more dangerous and entail potentially fatal complications. The most troublesome complication with CVP catheters is perforation of the heart or cava, which should be avoidable under most circumstances if care is taken to position the catheter properly, outside the heart. Chest radiography should be used to specifically ascertain that the catheter is not in a dangerous location. The most troublesome complication with PA catheters is perforation of the pulmonary artery. This is probably a sporadic problem, and it is not necessarily avoidable by adherence to particular techniques. It should be assumed that hemoptysis in a patient with a PA catheter is caused by perforation of the pulmonary artery until proven otherwise, and it should be treated aggressively.
A phase equilibrium model for atmospheric aerosols containing inorganic electrolytes and organic compounds (UHAERO), with application to dicarboxylic acids

Computation of phase and chemical equilibria of water-organic-inorganic mixtures is of significant interest in atmospheric aerosol modeling. A new version of the phase partitioning model, named UHAERO, is presented here, which allows one to compute the phase behavior for atmospheric aerosols containing inorganic electrolytes and organic compounds. The computational implementation of the model is based on standard minimization of the Gibbs free energy using a primal-dual method, coupled to a Newton iteration. Water uptake and deliquescence properties of mixtures of aqueous solutions of salts and dicarboxylic acids, including oxalic, malonic, succinic, glutaric, maleic, malic, or methyl succinic acids, are based on a hybrid thermodynamic approach for the modeling of activity coefficients (Clegg and Seinfeld, 2006a, 2006b). UHAERO currently considers ammonium salts and the neutralization of dicarboxylic acids and sulfuric acid. Phase diagrams for sulfate/ammonium/water/dicarboxylic acid systems are presented as a function of relative humidity at 298.15 K over the complete space of compositions.
IC-P3-222: Insulin modulates hippocampal function in early Alzheimer's disease; preliminary results from the MAIN study

Background: Defective insulin signaling may be associated with sporadic AD. Numerous studies have demonstrated enhanced performance on hippocampal-based cognitive tasks after the administration of both intravenous and intranasal insulin in AD. Insulin receptors are found in high density within the hippocampus. These observations lead us to hypothesize that insulin directly modulates hippocampal function in AD. Methods: These preliminary results from the Memory and Insulin in Early Alzheimer’s Disease (MAIN) study include 3 control and 3 early AD non-diabetic subjects over the age of 60. Each subject underwent fMRI scanning and cognitive testing twice, after double-blind, counterbalanced administration of 40IU insulin aspart and equal volume of saline placebo via nasal spray. During functional scanning subjects were presented a series of pseudorandom indoor/outdoor repeated and novel images blocks and responded by button press whenever an outdoor image was displayed. Fixed-effect GLM analysis (BrainVoyagerQX) was used to compare insulin related changes in BOLD response between the groups. A battery of standard cognitive tests was performed immediately after fMRI scanning. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to analyze changes in cognitive performance between the saline and insulin conditions. Results: The fMRI analysis showed greater hippocampal BOLD activity in the insulin condition compared to the saline condition in the AD subjects, while no difference in hippocampal BOLD activity was evident in the control group. The small sample size limits the interpretation of the cognitive testing results, however, analysis of the overall group showed slight mean performance increases on the Logical Memory II test (0.83, p 0.45), and the Selective Reminding Test (trial 1; 0.68, p 0.363, trial 3; 0.67, p 0.712). Conclusions: Insulin appears to differentially increase hippocampal activity in early AD compared to nondemented controls during a memory encoding fMRI stimulus suggesting differences in insulin activity between the groups. The results of this pilot study justify a continued study with a larger sample to better delineate the neural correlates of hyperinsulinemic memory facilitation.
Recurrent secondary generalization in frontal lobe epilepsy: Predictors and a potential link to surgical outcome?

Frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) frequently leads to secondary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (SGTCS). However, little is known about the clinical, electrophysiologic, and radiologic correlates of SGTCS and whether these could influence diagnosis and treatment.
Constitutional Law in 1953–1954

The membership of the Supreme Court remained unchanged during the 1953 Term. Chief Justice Vinson died on September 8, shortly before the opening of the Term. Governor Earl Warren of California was given a recess appointment by President Eisenhower on October 2, and was sworn in as the fourteenth Chief Justice on October 5. The Senate Judiciary Committee moved slowly, however, and the appointment did not reach the Senate until March 1, 1954, when it was confirmed by a voice vote without opposition. A week after the 1954 Term got under way Justice Robert H Jackson died, of a heart attack, on October 9, 1954, at the age of 62. For a man who had no law degree, Justice Jackson had done very well in the law. After a brilliant career as a lawyer in Jamestown, New York, he entered the government service in 1934 as General Counsel to the Bureau of Internal Revenue. He was appointed Solicitor-General in 1938, Attorney-General in 1940, and was elevated to the Supreme Court by President Roosevelt in June, 1941. He served as chief American prosecutor at the Nurnberg trial of top Nazi war criminals. Though appointed with the reputation of being a liberal New Dealer, Justice Jackson was actually close to the very center of the Court in many cases where the Justices were sharply divided. He was one of the most gifted opinion-writers on the Court, with a flair for felicitous phrasing and well-turned epigrams. To take the place of Justice Jackson, President Eisenhower nominated, on November 8, 1954, Judge John Marshall Harlan, whom he had appointed the previous March to the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Judge Harlan, once a successful New York lawyer, is the grandson of the Justice Harlan who served with such distinction from 1877 to 1911.
Swaging force control in drive resonance response

A typical resonance problem caused by the low swaging force was studied. With investigation on the deformation of the arm, the baseplate and the ball, theoretical model was built to estimate the relationship between the ball size, the degree of plastic deformation of baseplate as well as the swaging force. Experiment based on the results of the model indicated that the ball size introducing a 15% deformation is preferred to provide the an enhanced resonance performance.
AGENCY CONFLICTS IN DELEGATED PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT: EVIDENCE FROM NAMESAKE MUTUAL FUNDS

Namesake funds provide a unique sample for studying the two agency conflicts that exist within a mutual fund. The first is between the fund management company and fund shareholders, and the second is between the fund management company and the fund manager. A typical namesake fund manager sits on his or her fund’s board, frequently as the chairman, is the majority owner of the fund management company, and has significant investments in the fund he or she manages. Our results indicate that namesake funds charge higher fees, suggesting that the boards of namesake funds are less effective. We find that namesake funds are more tax efficient, consistent with the idea that managerial ownership helps align the interests of managers with those of shareholders. Because of fewer career concerns, namesake fund managers herd less while assuming greater unsystematic risk. We find weak evidence that namesake fund managers outperform their benchmarks and peers. Finally, we observe that namesake funds attract higher levels of investor cash flow.
Sleeve device functions as a Starling resistor to record sphincter pressure.

In 1976 Dent (Gastroenterology 71: 263–267) introduced a sleeve-catheter device for obtaining continuous recording of lower esophageal sphincter pressure. The infused sleeve accommodates for axial sphincter movement by providing a large surface of collapsible membrane that is capable of sensing maximal sphincter pressure at any point along the sleeve. Although sleeve performance was tested previously, the precise physical principal of its function has not been delineated. This study tests the hypothesis that the sleeve device functions as a Starling resistor. The term “Starling resistor” is an eponym that designates the physics of fluid flow through collapsible tubes. When pressure at any point along an infused collapsible conduit is greater than the intraluminal pressure at the distal end of the conduit, partial collapse occurs at some axial location along the conduit where the transmural pressure equals zero. The location of zero transmural pressure is termed the “equal pressure point” (EPP). The partial collapse at the EPP causes a local change in luminal resistance that is directly related to the magnitude of the external pressure at the EPP and accompanied by a corresponding change in the pressure upstream from the EPP. A correlate to the performance of Starling resistors is that the pressure upstream to the EPP is not affected by the downstream pressure, so long as the downstream pressure is less than the external pressure. To test our hypothesis, we evaluated sleeve performance in vitro using a two-chambered model that allowed application of static or oscillatory pressures at one or two sites along the sleeve.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Training in head and neck surgery and oncology.

Management of head and neck cancer truly represents the need for a multimodality approach. This manuscript discusses the history of head and neck surgery, head and neck fellowships and the current trends in the practice of head and neck surgery and oncology. Increasing emphasis is placed on organ preservation and non-operative treatment modalities. The head and neck surgeon (leader of the orchestra) must be familiar with appropriate indications of each treatment modality and outcome. The head and neck surgeon of today should be an all-rounder. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:717–720. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Operation of a high impedance applied-B extraction ion diode on the SABRE positive polarity linear induction accelerator

We present results from initial experiments with a high impedance applied-B extraction diode on the SABRE ten stage linear induction accelerator (6 MV, 300 kA). We have demonstrated efficient coupling of power from the accelerator through an extended MTTL (Magnetically Insulated Transmission Line) into a high intensity ion beam. Both MITL electron flow in the diode region and ion diode behavior, including ion source turn-on, virtual cathode formation and evolution, enhancement delay, and ion coupling efficiency, are strongly influenced by the geometry of the diode insulating magnetic field. For our present diode electrode geometry, electrons from the cathode feed play a large role in the evolution of the virtual cathode. Both experimental data and particle-in-cell numerical simulations show that a uniform radial distribution of these feed electrons is required for uniform ion emission and efficient diode operation.
Association between Sézary T Cell-activating Factor, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma

Sezary T cell-activating factor (SAF) was originally defined as an inducer of functional interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptors on normal and malignant T cells in patients suffering from Sezary syndrome. In fact, a combination of SAF and IL-2 stimulated the propagation of T cell lines from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of those patients, with approximately one third of those cell lines containing the predominant malignant clone as determined via cytogenetic and/or T cell receptor gene rearrangement analysis. Although the primary source of SAF was mitogen-stimulated PBMC of a patient with Sezary syndrome, we were unable to isolate the gene encoding SAF from eukaryotic libraries. However, we observed SAF activity in the cytoplasm of one of the malignant cell lines in a complex containing RNA and DNA. This observation led us to consider the possibility that SAF is not of eukaryotic origin. Intracellular pathogens replicate in the cytoplasm of host cells and contain proteins, DNA, and RNA. Using a panel of antichlamydial antibodies with confirmation from polymerase chain reaction primers, we found that most patients with mycosis fungoides were positive for these determinants. Immunoelectron microscopy and protein blotting further confirmed antibody reactivity. We showed that Chlamydia pneumoniae were capable of infecting normal human keratinocytes in culture. We also demonstrated that C. pneumoniae antigen expression was associated with active disease because these determinants were not expressed after psoralen and ultraviolet A therapy. We hypothesize that chronic infection by C. pneumoniae leads to expansion of C. pneumoniae-specific T cells, thereby potentiating the development of cutaneous T cell lymphoma.
Neurocognitive Monitoring and Care During Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Bypass — Current and Future Directions

Neurologic injury in patients with congenital heart disease remains an important source of morbidity and mortality. Advances in surgical repair and perioperative management have resulted in longer life expectancies for these patients. Current practice and research must focus on identifying treatable risk factors for neurocognitive dysfunction, advancing methods for perioperative neuromonitoring, and refining treatment and care of the congenital heart patient with potential neurologic injury. Techniques for neuromonitoring and future directions will be discussed.
Forces and Motion: How Young Children Understand Causal Events.

How do children evaluate complex causal events? This study investigates preschoolers' representation of force dynamics in causal scenes, asking whether (a) children understand how single and dual forces impact an object's movement and (b) this understanding varies across cause types (Cause, Enable, Prevent). Three-and-a half- to 5.5-year-olds (n = 60) played a board game in which they were asked to predict the endpoint of a ball being acted upon by one or two forces. Children mostly understood the interactions of forces underlying each type of cause; only 5.5-year-olds could integrate two contradictory forces. Children perceive force interactions underlying causal events, but some concepts might not be fully understood until later in childhood. This study provides a new way of thinking about causal relations.
Nitric Oxide Enhances Resistance of SCID Mice to Mucosal Candidiasis

The capacity of macrophages from SCID and C.B-17 mice to kill Candida albicans via a nitric oxide (NO)-dependent pathway and the contribution of NO in resistance to mucosal candidiasis were assessed. In vitro, an inhibitor of NO synthase (NOS) reduced the candidacidal activity and nitrite-producing capacity of activated resident peritoneal macrophages from immunocompetent C.B-17 and immunodeficient SCID mice. In vivo, stomachs from gnotobiotic SCID mice that were colonized with a pure culture of C. albicans had low-grade infections and expressed inducible NOS (iNOS) mRNA. C. albicans-monoassociated SCID mice treated with an inhibitor of NOS had more severe orogastric candidiasis than controls. These data suggest that NO contributes to the candidacidal capacity of activated macrophages from C.B-17 and SCID mice and that NO synthesized by iNOS may contribute to the resistance of SCID mice to mucosal candidiasis.
Pathogenesis of indoor fungal diseases.

Mold growth within homes and other buildings has been associated to varying degrees with human health problems. These problems vary from allergenic disease to toxicosis. Case definitions for mold exposure have not been adequately defined to allow for a pathognomonic diagnosis of mold-caused disease following indoor exposure. Some important factors that may contribute to the pathogenesis of indoor mold induced disease include β (1,3)-D-glucans, outer cell wall fungal hydrophobins, 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene melanin, fungal volatile organic compounds, mycotoxins, and stachylysin. The information in this contribution was presented as the ISHAM Presidential address as a means to clarify some of the confusing surrounding indoor mold-related health issues.
Windows of sensitivity to toxic chemicals in the motor effects development.

Abstract Many chemicals currently used are known to elicit nervous system effects. In addition, approximately 2000 new chemicals introduced annually have not yet undergone neurotoxicity testing. This review concentrated on motor development effects associated with exposure to environmental neurotoxicants to help identify critical windows of exposure and begin to assess data needs based on a subset of chemicals thoroughly reviewed by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in Toxicological Profiles and Addenda. Multiple windows of sensitivity were identified that differed based on the maturity level of the neurological system at the time of exposure, as well as dose and exposure duration. Similar but distinct windows were found for both motor activity (GD 8–17 [rats], GD 12–14 and PND 3–10 [mice]) and motor function performance (insufficient data for rats, GD 12–17 [mice]). Identifying specific windows of sensitivity in animal studies was hampered by study designs oriented towards detection of neurotoxicity that occurred at any time throughout the developmental process. In conclusion, while this investigation identified some critical exposure windows for motor development effects, it demonstrates a need for more acute duration exposure studies based on neurodevelopmental windows, particularly during the exposure periods identified in this review.
Severe Asthma in Children: Lessons Learned and Future Directions

Severe asthma in children is a complicated and heterogeneous disorder that is extremely challenging to treat. Although most children with asthma derive clinical benefit from daily administration of low-to-medium-dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy, a small subset of children with "severe" or "refractory" asthma require high doses of ICS and even systemic corticosteroids to maintain symptom control. These children with severe asthma are at increased risk for adverse outcomes including medication-related side effects and recurrent and life-threatening exacerbations that significantly impair quality of life. This review highlights findings on severe asthma in school-age children (age 6-17 years) from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's Severe Asthma Research Program (SARP) over a 10-year period, between 2001 and 2011. Although SARP has advanced knowledge of the unique clinical, biological, and molecular attributes of severe asthma in children, considerable gaps remain for which additional studies are needed.
Analysis of Blast Effects On Pipelines

The study described in this paper gathered available information from several areas of technology and summarized them in one paper. The paper describes some of the existing concepts on initiation and propagation of seismic waves, a summary of experimental data and the empirical relations that have been derived from these data for soil movement as a function of soil type, blast size, and distance from the blast. An attempt was then made to use this information, using conservative assumptions, to provide some guidelines for field decisions if no experimental data exist. Recommendations are given for the type of measurements that could be made if field measurements are possible.
Intensity and Land Rent an Overlooked Aspect of Rent Theory

W TRITERS of recent textbooks in beginning economics V have been prone to imply that rent reflects the intensity of land use. The accepted scheme of the relationship of land rent to intensity is illustrated in figure 1 in which there is a symmetrical rise (or fall) in the intensity of the application of labor and capital to varying grades of land; the highest grade being in all instances that which is most
Abstract 28: Readmissions after Carotid Artery Revascularization in the Medicare Population

Introduction: In appropriately selected patients with severe carotid stenosis, carotid revascularization reduces risk of ischemic stroke. Prior clinical research has focused on the efficacy and safety of carotid revascularization, but few investigators have considered readmission as a clinically important outcome. We examined frequency and timing of 30-day readmission following carotid revascularization and assessed differences in 30-day readmission rates between patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS). We also examined whether hospital variation in procedural choice (CEA vs CAS) was associated with differences in hospitals’ risk standardized readmission rates (RSRR). Methods: Medicare administrative claims data were used to identify acute care hospitalizations of CEA and CAS from 2009 to 2011. The outcome of interest was time to first hospital readmission within 30-days of carotid revascularization. Hospitals performing more than 25 carotid interventions were stratified into tertiles by the proportion of CAS cases. RSRRs were derived from hierarchical generalized linear models adjusting for hospital clustering and standardized by unadjusted national readmission rate. Results: Of 180,059 revascularizations from 2,287 hospitals, CEA and CAS were performed in 81.5% and 18.5% of cases, respectively. The unadjusted 30-day readmission rate following carotid revascularization was 9.7% with half of these readmissions occurring by day 9. Crude 30-day readmission rates following CEA and CAS were 9.5% and 10.6%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, risk of readmission after CAS was higher than after CEA (Adjusted OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.08 - 1.18, P <0.01). When stratified by tertiles of proportional use of CAS, median 30-day RSRR for hospitals using CAS more frequently were comparable to those of hospitals that used CAS less frequently (Figure 1). Conclusions: Almost 10% of Medicare patients undergoing carotid revascularization were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Compared with CEA, CAS was associated with higher 30-day readmission rates. However, hospitals’ RSRR did not differ by their proportional use of CAS volume. Efforts to identify readmission risk factors are needed to reduce rates of readmissions following carotid revascularization. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Three-dimensional reconstruction of the pericellular nests (baskets) of the motor (area 4) and visual (area 17) areas of the human cerebral cortex. A Golgi study.

A detailed analysis of the structural organization, staining properties and distribution of the nests formed around the soma of the pyramidal neurons of the primary motor and visual areas of the human cerebral cortex is presented. The presence of pericellular nests in the human primary visual cortex (area 17), first postulated by Cajal seven decades ago, is confirmed. A simple method is introduced which consists of the reconstruction of transparent montages by superimposing various consecutive camera lucida drawings of any given structure. It has been possible, with this method, to reconstruct and to illustrate the complex structure of the pericellular nests of the human cerebral cortex. In addition, it has been possible to demonstrate, for the first time, the central, apparently empty and transparent cavity of the pericellular nest which is occupied by the unstained body of the pyramidal neuron. Transparent montages so constructed impart to the structure they represent a distinct and clear sense of depth which could be used in the study and in the reconstruction of other complex structures of the nervous system. It is hoped that the recognition of the pericellular nests of the human cerebral cortex as real anatomical entities and as a complex type of axosomatic synapses will encourage neurophysiological investigations of their possible functional role.
Further investigations of the microstructural mechanism of electromigration failure in Al-Cu lines with quasi-bamboo microstructures

Thin-film Al-2Cu conducting lines with “quasi-bamboo” microstructures were investigated to understand the microstructural mechanism of electromigration failure. Both conventional test structures and electron-transparent lines fabricated on silicon nitride windows were utilized to identify the “weakest” polygranular segments. Even when the current density was reduced to 0.75 MA/cm2 and the segment length was on the order of a few microns, failure occurs at the upstream termination of the longest polygranular segment in the line, at a time that decreases exponentially with the segment length. There is no apparent “Blech length” in quasi-bamboo Al-Cu lines; the longest segments are the failure sites, and their lifetime decreases with segment length in a regular way, even when the longest segments are only a few microns in length. It follows (and is observed) that the time-to-failure distribution of a group of lines is fixed by the distribution of the longest polygranular segments within them. This distribution can be effectively controlled by post-pattern annealing, which can refine the quasi-bamboo structure so that the longest polygranular segments are short and the distribution of longest polygranular segment lengths is narrow. Consequently, post pattern annealing is a very effective method for improving reliability by increasing the time to first failure.
A scalable method for the production of high-titer and high-quality adeno-associated type 9 vectors using the HSV platform

Recombinant adeno-associated vectors based on serotype 9 (rAAV9) have demonstrated highly effective gene transfer in multiple animal models of muscular dystrophies and other neurological indications. Current limitations in vector production and purification have hampered widespread implementation of clinical candidate vectors, particularly when systemic administration is considered. In this study, we describe a complete herpes simplex virus (HSV)-based production and purification process capable of generating greater than 1 × 1014 rAAV9 vector genomes per 10-layer CellSTACK of HEK 293 producer cells, or greater than 1 × 105 vector genome per cell, in a final, fully purified product. This represents a 5- to 10-fold increase over transfection-based methods. In addition, rAAV vectors produced by this method demonstrated improved biological characteristics when compared to transfection-based production, including increased infectivity as shown by higher transducing unit-to-vector genome ratios and decreased total capsid protein amounts, shown by lower empty-to-full ratios. Together, this data establishes a significant improvement in both rAAV9 yields and vector quality. Further, the method can be readily adapted to large-scale good laboratory practice (GLP) and good manufacturing practice (GMP) production of rAAV9 vectors to enable preclinical and clinical studies and provide a platform to build on toward late-phases and commercial production.
RHINITIS : DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

The successful treatment of rhinitis can be very satisfying, both for the patient and health professionals. The symptoms can be persistent and debilitating, and may have a serious impact on lifestyle. In most cases, a combination of avoidance or reduction of exposure to the provoking factors and treatment with a topical steroid will result in a dramatic improvement in symptoms within a day or two.
Bacterial killing by phagocytes: potential role(s) of hypochlorous acid and hydrogen peroxide in protein turnover, DNA synthesis, and RNA synthesis.

Although phagocytic cells clearly play a primary role in host defense against bacterial infection, the exact mechanisms of bacterial killing are largely unknown. Stimulation of an NADPH oxidase system during the “respiratory burst” in phagocytes generates a series of oxidants. Molecular oxygen is reduced to superoxide which then rapidly dismutates to form hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Myeloperoxidase from phagocyte granules then uses the H2O2 to oxidize chloride ions to form hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The importance of these oxidants is underscored by studies of patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). CGD patients suffer severe, recurrent bacterial infections (with catalase postive bacteria) because their neutrophils are unable to reduce oxygen to superoxide. The exact role(s) of oxygen metabolites (thought to act synergistically with cytotoxic proteins) in bacterial killing remain(s) undetermined.
TU-D-209-02: A Backscatter Point Spread Function for Entrance Skin Dose Determination

Purpose: To determine the distribution of backscattered radiation to the skin resulting from a non-uniform distribution of primary radiation through convolution with a backscatter point spread function (PSF). Methods: A backscatter PSF is determined using Monte Carlo simulation of a 1 mm primary beam incident on a 30 × 30 cm × 20 cm thick PMMA phantom using EGSnrc software. A primary profile is similarly obtained without the phantom and the difference from the total provides the backscatter profile. This scatter PSF characterizes the backscatter spread for a “point” primary interaction and can be convolved with the entrance primary dose distribution to obtain the total entrance skin dose. The backscatter PSF was integrated into the skin dose tracking system (DTS), a graphical utility for displaying the color-coded skin dose distribution on a 3D graphic of the patient during interventional fluoroscopic procedures. The backscatter convolution method was validated for the non-uniform beam resulting from the use of an ROI attenuator. The ROI attenuator is a copper sheet with about 20% primary transmission (0.7 mm thick) containing a circular aperture; this attenuator is placed in the beam to reduce dose in the periphery while maintaining full dose in the region of interest. The DTS calculated primary plus backscatter distribution is compared to that measured with GafChromic film and that calculated using EGSnrc Monte-Carlo software. Results: The PSF convolution method used in the DTS software was able to account for the spread of backscatter from the ROI region to the region under the attenuator. The skin dose distribution determined using DTS with the ROI attenuator was in good agreement with the distributions measured with Gafchromic film and determined by Monte Carlo simulation Conclusion: The PSF convolution technique provides an accurate alternative for entrance skin dose determination with non-uniform primary x-ray beams. Partial support from NIH Grant R01-EB002873 and Toshiba Medical Systems Corp.
Imaging High-dimensional Spaces with Spatially Entangled Photon Pairs

We directly measure the biphoton probability distribution within a 373 million dimensional Hilbert space using an electron multiplying CCD camera. These data allow for simultaneous characterization of correlations and their application for sub-diffraction-limited imaging.
Instabilità traumatica cronica dello scafolunato

Riassunto L’instabilita dello scafolunato e il tipo piu frequente d’instabilita carpale. Il legamento scafolunato intrinseco (interosseo) (SLL, ScaphoLunate Ligament) e il principale stabilizzatore del carpo. Rotture dell'SLL creano un quadro di collasso carpale chiamato instabilita del segmento dorsale intercalato (DISI, Dorsal Intercalated Segment Instability) con rotazione dello scafoide e dissociazione tra scafoide e semilunare. Questo porta a una progressiva artrosi denominata SLAC (ScaphoLunate Advanced Collapse). Il trattamento nella fase acuta e subacuta consiste nella riparazione dell'SLL. Nella fase cronica, questo e raramente possibile ed e quindi necessaria una ricostruzione. In assenza di artrosi, si possono eseguire una capsulodesi, una legamentoplastica o un’artrodesi parziale. In presenza di lesioni cartilaginee, sono disponibili solo procedure di salvataggio: carpectomia della filiera prossimale, scafoidectomia con artrodesi a quattro angoli o denervazione. Raramente e necessaria un’artrodesi radiocarpometacarpale totale.
Genetics of Human Anxiety and Its Disorders

Normal variation in human emotionality, in temperament and risk for affective disorders, is explained to a large degree by genetic variation. The sequencing of the human genome has made it possible to test the role of specific genes on measures of human emotionality, on risk for affective disorders, and on the brain systems that appear to mediate emotion-related phenotypes. A novel approach, called imaging genetics, has shown that several genes that impact on brain serotonergic signaling affect the development and function of circuits of the limbic system involved in emotional experience and behavior.
Enzyme Modulator as Label in Separation-Free Immunoassays: Enzyme Modulator Mediated Immunoassay (EMMIA)

Enzyme modulator mediated immunoassay (EMMIA) is a separation-free enzyme amplified immunoassay. The assay uses an enzyme modulator (M) as the tag to label a ligand analyte (L). Such stable covalent enzyme modulator-ligand conjugates (M-L) is capable of modulating the activity of an indicator enzyme by either causing a significant inhibition of the enzyme activity or a dramatic activation.
53 Mn– 53 Cr radiometric dating of secondary carbonates in CR chondrites: Timescales for parent body aqueous alteration

Abstract We present 53Mn–53Cr ages of secondary carbonates in Renazzo-like (CR) chondrites, determined by secondary ion mass spectrometry. The timing of aqueous alteration in CR chondrites has been unconstrained in the literature. We measured 53Mn–53Cr isotope systematics in carbonates from three different CR-chondrite lithologies. Calcite in the interchondrule matrix of Renazzo, calcite in the matrix of GRO 95577, and dolomite in a dark inclusion of Renazzo all show excesses in 53Cr, interpreted as the daughter product from the decay of 53Mn. The Renazzo calcite yields an initial ratio of (53Mn/55Mn)0 = (3.6 ± 2.7) × 10−6, and the Renazzo dark inclusion dolomite ranges from (53Mn/55Mn)0 = (3.1 ± 1.4) × 10−6 (corrected to the RSF of a calcite standard) to (3.7 ± 1.7) × 10−6 (corrected to an inferred dolomite RSF). When anchored to the D’Orbigny angrite, the Renazzo carbonates yield ages between 4563.6 and 4562.6 Ma, or ∼4.3–5.3 Myr after the formation of CV CAIs. Calcite measured in the heavily altered specimen GRO 95577 yields a shallower slope of (53Mn/55Mn)0 = (7.9 ± 2.8) × 10−7, corresponding to a much younger age of 4555.4 Ma, or ∼12.6 Myr after CAI formation. The two Renazzo ages are contemporaneous with Mn–Cr ages of carbonates in Tagish Lake, CI, and CM chondrites, but the GRO 95577 age is uniquely young. These findings suggest that early aqueous alteration on chondritic parent bodies was a common occurrence, likely driven by internal heating from 26Al decay after accretion. The young carbonate ages of GRO 95577 suggest that either the CR parent body was sufficiently large to sustain heating from 26Al for ∼8 Myr, or that late-stage impact events supplied heat to the region where GRO 95577 originated.
Lightweight sheet molding compound (SMC) composites containing cellulose nanocrystals

Abstract A scalable technique was introduced to produce high volume lightweight composites using sheet molding compound (SMC) manufacturing method by replacing 10 wt% glass fibers (GF) with a small amount of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). The incorporation of 1 and 1.5 wt% CNC by dispersing in the epoxy matrix of short GF/epoxy SMC composites with 25 wt% GF content (25GF/CNC-epoxy) produced 7.5% lighter composites with the same tensile and flexural properties of 35GF/epoxy composites with no CNC. The addition of 1 wt% CNC in 25GF/CNC-epoxy SMC composites resulted in increases of 15% in elastic modulus, 11% in flexural modulus and 14% in flexural strength, reaching the corresponding properties of 35GF/epoxy SMC composites. Moreover, it was found that although addition of CNC did not alter the impact energy, removing 10 wt% GF resulted in reduction of impact energy.
Clocks and timing in the NASA deep space network

A new timing system has been developed for the NASA deep space network (DSN) and is currently in the final stages of integration, testing and implementation in all three DSN sites. The DSN is a distributed antenna network for deep space communication, whose facilities are continuously engaged in spacecraft tracking, very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) or radio astronomy activities. Its primary components consist of three deep space communication centers (DSCC) separated nearly equidistant around the Earth in California, USA; Spain; and Australia. Within each DSCC, synchronized, low jitter timing signals must be distributed to many users over distances of up to 30 kilometers. The design criteria for the timing system required state of the art stability and jitter performance, but also extremely high operability and reliability. This paper describes some of the key features and recent system performance data as measured both in the laboratory and the operational DSN