cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical Management of Univentricular Heart with Subaortic Obstruction

In children with a univentricular heart and a rudimentary subaortic chamber, surgical relief of subaortic obstruction caused by a restrictive bulboventricular foramen is associated with high morbidity and mortality. A 6-year-old child with a univentricular heart of the left ventricular type, a rudimentary subaortic chamber, and atresia of the left-sided atrioventricular valve had pulmonary artery banding in infancy. Severe subaortic obstruction subsequently developed. At operation, the pulmonary artery was transected and the stump was anastomosed directly to the posterior aspect of the ascending aorta, diverting left ventricular blood into the aorta through the pulmonary valve. The distal pulmonary artery was anastomosed side-to-side to the ascending aorta to provide pulmonary blood flow. Cardiac catheterization fifteen months after the operation demonstrated an excellent hemodynamic result. When the pulmonary artery is adequate in size, a bypass operation by way of an anastomosis between the ascending aorta and the pulmonary artery is a relatively safe and effective means of relieving the ventricular outflow obstruction caused by a restrictive bulboventricular foramen.
Increased efflux rather than oxidation is the mechanism of glutathione depletion by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP).

Abstract Incubation of isolated hepatocytes in the presence of either the parkinsonian-inducing compound 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) or its putative toxic metabolite 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP + ) led to a depletion of intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH), which was mostly recovered as glutathione disulfide (GSSG). However, both MPTP- and MPP + -induced glutathione perturbances were relatively unaffected by the prior inhibition of glutathione reductase with 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU), suggesting that intracellular oxidation was not the major mechaism involved in the GSH loss. Inclusion of cystine in the incubation mixtures revealed a timedependent formation of cysteinyl glutathione (CySSG), indicating that an increased efflux was mostly responsible for the MPTP- and MPP + -induced GSH depletion. Therefore, the measurement of GSSG, which is apparently formed extracellularly, was not associated with oxidative stress.
NADPH Oxidase 4-Derived H2O2 Promotes Aberrant Retinal Neovascularization via Activation of VEGF Receptor 2 Pathway in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy

NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) is a major isoform of NADPH oxidase in retinal endothelial cells. Our previous study suggests that upregulation of Nox4 in retinal endothelial cells contributes to retinal vascular leakage in diabetes. In the current study, we investigated the role and mechanism of Nox4 in regulation of retinal neovascularization (NV), a hallmark of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), using a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Our results confirmed that Nox4 was expressed predominantly in retinal vasculature of mouse retina. Retinal expression of Nox4 was markedly increased in OIR, in parallel with enhanced phosphorylation of ERK. In human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRECs), overexpression of Nox4 by adenovirus significantly increased extracellular H2O2 generation, resulting in intensified VEGFR2 activation and exacerbated angiogenesis upon VEGF stimulation. In contrast, silencing Nox4 expression or scavenging H2O2 by polyethylene glycol- (PEG-) conjugated catalase inhibited endothelial migration, tube formation, and VEGF-induced activation of VEGFR2 signaling. Importantly, knockdown of retinal Nox4 by adenovirus-delivered siRNA significantly reduced ERK activation and attenuated retinal NV formation in OIR. Taken together, our data indicate that Nox4 promotes retinal NV formation through H2O2/VEGFR2/ERK signaling pathway. Reducing retinal Nox4 expression may represent a promising therapeutic approach for neovascular retinal diseases such as PDR.
Electron-tunneling spectroscopy: A test of quantum mechanics.

The mean energy of tunneling electrons at low temperatures may provide a very simple fundamental test between quantum mechanics and a class of alternative theories, the classical stochastic theories, since quantum theory and the stochastic alternatives differ in their descriptions of tunneling.
THIN CATION-EXCHANGE FOILS

Treatment of commercial polystyrene sheets with fuming sulfuric acid produced a thin layer of cation exchanger. The ion exchange capacity of the layer was measured by an isotope dilution procedure which utilizes Th/sup 228/ and Th/sup 232/. At the same time the thickness was found from the yield of Ra/ sup 224/ which escapes from the foils as alpha -decay recoils. A specific capacity of 5.6 milliequivalents per gram can readily be obtained, and the thickness can be varied from a few to several hundred micrograms/cm/sup 2/. The foils were used for preparation of alpha sources. (auth)
The Interest of Mechanical Engineering Students in the Grand Challenges for Engineering in the 21st Century

In 2008, the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) announced 14 Grand Challenges for Engineering in the 21st Century, a set of exceptionally complex problems associated with national security, quality of life, and a sustainable future. Understanding the extent to which engineering students are interested in these complex problems and the extent to which they feel confident that they can contribute to the solution of these problems could serve as a starting point to foster engagement with the Grand Challenges. This paper presents results from a survey of mechanical engineering (ME) students’ interest in the NAE Grand Challenges and their confidence in their ability to contribute to resolutions of the Challenges. Seventy-six sophomore mechanical engineering majors completed the survey composed of 36 examples of problems described within the NAE Challenge report. Survey results show a strong relationship between students’ interest and their confidence in meeting a challenge. Six students participated in a semi-structured interview regarding their experience with and knowledge of the Challenges. Interview results indicated the students had few course-related experiences that exposed them to the Challenges. Results of this study can contribute to a broader conversation among ME educators about ways to integrate the NAE Grand Challenges in undergraduate engineering education.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Cerebral palsy: a re-evaluation.

Abstract There has been an increasing interest in the problems of the individual with cerebral palsy. Since 1945 there has been an organized cerebral palsy program in the State of California which has provided for the establishment of specialized diagnostic centers, the construction of residence schools, the development of special education, training facilities in the public schools, and medical-surgical care in connection with cerebral palsy. The program has been a responsibility of the State and local Departments of Education as well as the State and local departments of public health. Special diagnostic facilities have been available at the University of California Medical Center as well as other medical centers. It has become apparent that individuals with cerebral palsy may have sensory, mental, and emotional problems which may interfere with the prognosis and eventual habilitation of the individual; emotional factors may be the most limiting in relation to the eventual vocational placement and independence. Traditional therapy—physical, occupational, or speech—will not solve the problems of the child with cerebral palsy and his family. Good social counseling is necessary to strengthen the family and to prevent an adverse effect on the emotions of the child. Development of more programs for the preschool child where medical, psychiatric, and social services are available would be helpful. When the child reaches school age, there should be a constant review in order to select those children for regular school who need a minimum of therapy, and continued counseling should be available for those families where the dependency of the child continues beyond the need. For those children who show some hope of being educable, appropriate counseling should be made available to plan for a reasonable vocation and eventual referral to a state vocational rehabilitation service.
Full-band and atomistic simulation of n- and p-doped double-gate MOSFETs for the 22nm technology node

Physics-based simulations are widely recognized as an helpful support to develop novel transistor structures. In this paper we describe a two-dimensional full-band and atomistic simulator. The sp3d5s* tight-binding model is used as bandstructure model. Our tool allows the treatment of realistically extended n- and p-doped double-gate field-effect transistors. The devices are designed according to the ITRS specifications for the 22 nm technology node. Different crystal and surface orientations are investigated and compared to the ITRS targets. The importance of including spin-orbit coupling in the bandstructure model is discussed for p-doped FETs.
Update on Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery and Valvular Surgery

The introduction of minimally invasive techniques represents the most dramatic and controversial new development in cardiac surgery. Almost all minimally invasive surgery involves modified standard incisions and at least partial direct vision of the operative field. Therefore, minimally invasive cardiac surgery is defined as an operation through a smaller than usual incision. The procedures then can be divided into those with or without cardiopulmonary bypass. They can be applied in coronary artery bypass grafting or in valvular operations. Ultimately, almost all cardiac surgery could be performed in a minimally invasive fashion. However, the dominance of any type of procedure will depend on data supporting effectiveness, relative technical ease, ultimate cost savings, and improved patient outcome. Many of these data are lacking or are preliminary. Prospective, randomized comparisons are needed.
Intellectual Differences in Negro and White Mental Defectives.

Scores of 199 Southern Negro and white children whose Full Scale IQ was 69 or below were compared for the verbal and performance tests of the WISC. A multivariate test of the hypothesis of no mean racial differences resulted in the hypothesis being rejected for both sexes. A discriminant function determined from the tests classified 73% of the original Ss into their correct racial group and 63% of a cross-validation sample of 141. Examination of the function weights and test mean differences yielded the conclusion that while the whites had the typical pattern of intellectual performance found in other studies with retardates, the score pattern for Negroes resembled that of gifted children in that their verbal test scores were generally higher than their performance test scores. Implications of this finding for diagnostic and educational procedures are mentioned.
Clonazepam-induced up-regulation of serotonin1 binding sites in frontal cortex of rat.

Abstract Chronic administration of the benzodiazepine, clonazepam, increased the number of [ 3 H]-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT 1 ) binding sites in the frontal cortex of the rat. The increase reflected a change in the maximum density of binding sites ( B max ) with no change in ligand affinity (K d ). Increased binding occurred after continued exposure (10 days) to large (5.0 mg/kg) doses of clonazepam. The changes in [ 3 H]5-HT binding were regional in that they occurred in membranes from the frontal cortex but not the brainstem. The effects were also at least partially selective for 5-HT receptors since the binding of the β-adrenergic radioligand, [ 3 H]dihydroalprenolol, was not affected by clonazepam. A second benzodiazepine, diazepam, did not affect the binding of [ 3 H]5-HT at doses of 30 mg/kg per day. The latter data suggest that the effects of benzodiazepines on serotonin 5-HT 1 receptors are unique to clonazepam.
A New species of Periandra (Leguminosae: Lotoideae) from the Planalto of Brazil

Periandra gracilis is described, the type locality of this very rare species being the Parque Municipal do Gama, Distrito Federal. Thus far this species is known only from the type locality.
Host Basophils Are Dispensable for Induction of Donor T Helper 2 Cell Differentiation and Severity of Experimental Graft-versus-Host Disease

Host hematopoietic-derived antigen-presenting cells are important for induction of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The relative importance of various subsets of hematopoietic-derived antigen-presenting cells is not well understood. Recent data suggest that basophils can function as antigen-presenting cells and induce T helper 2 (Th2) lymphocyte responses. We investigated the role of host basophils in the induction of donor T cell responses and GVHD after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Elimination of host basophils did not alter the severity of GVHD-induced mortality across multiple clinically relevant models of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Furthermore, induction of donor T cell proliferation and Th2 polarization was not altered significantly after depletion of host basophils. Our results demonstrate that, in contrast to their role in inducing Th2 responses in certain contexts, basophils are dispensable for the induction of donor Th2 responses and for the severity of GVHD.
An Observing System Simulation Experiment for the Indian Ocean

Abstract An integrated in situ Indian Ocean observing system (IndOOS) is simulated using a high-resolution ocean general circulation model (OGCM) with daily mean forcing, including an estimate of subdaily oceanic variability derived from observations. The inclusion of subdaily noise is fundamental to the results; in the mixed layer it is parameterized as Gaussian noise with an rms of 0.1°C; below the mixed layer a Gaussian interface displacement with an rms of 7 m is used. The focus of this assessment is on the ability of an IndOOS—comprising a 3° × 3° Argo profiling float array, a series of frequently repeated XBT lines, and an array of moored buoys—to observe the interannual and subseasonal variability of subsurface Indian Ocean temperature. The simulated IndOOS captures much of the OGCM interannual subsurface temperature variability. A fully deployed Argo array with 10-day sampling interval is able to capture a significant part of the Indian Ocean interannual temperature variability; a 5-day sampling i...
Image deconvolution by nonlinear signal processing

We describe a nonlinear optical processor that can perform image deconvolution to restore a smeared or out-of-focus image. In this technique both the smeared image and the blur function are displayed side by side at the input plane of the processor. The joint power spectrum of the input signals is modified and hard clipped/thresholded to remove the amplitude distortion effects and to restore the correct phase of the original image. The phase information is restored by multiplying the Fourier transform of the blurred image by the conjugate of the phase of the blur function transform. An amplitude mask averaged over an ensemble of images is assigned to the thresholded power spectrum to provide the amplitude magnitude of the restored image. An analysis of the nonlinear processor for image deconvolution is presented. Computer simulation of the proposed technique for a linearly smeared image is provided.
Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the skin. A review of the world literature and the report of an additional case

The findings in the case of a man with solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the skin and a review of the world literature are presented. This is the seventh reported case of solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the skin. In our case, the tumor mass was surgically excised and a recurrence was treated with hemipelvectomy and radiation therapy. At necropsy, the tumor mass had extended into the peritoneal cavity with metastasis to the liver, pancreas, and thyroid, but there was no bone marrow involvement. The differentiation of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the skin from multiple myeloma is discussed as is therapy for this disease.
DSC and Raman spectra of α and β-Endosulfan plus 60/40 mixture

The symmetrical β−conformer of endosulfan has the identical chemical composition of the asymmetrical α−conformer, and both have very different melting/boiling points. The α− and β−isomer however have markedly different Raman spectra at each of 50°C, 75°C and 100°C. Moreover, the commercially available Raman spectra of the 60/40 (α−/β−) mixture at the same temperatures is discrete from either a- and b-isomer alone. Previous research demonstrated that at a- boiling point 110°C, β−conformer partially converts to α−. DSC curves of mixtures suggest thermal interactions and conformational changes occurs in BOTH α− and β−isomer at temperatures even 60°C lower than the liquid/gas phase transition.
Theoretical studies of pentene cracking on zeolites: C-C β-scission processes

Abstract The C–C bond-breaking step of pentene adsorbed on a model zeolite cluster is examined using ab initio and density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP) electronic structure techniques as an example of the β-scission process that arises in cracking of alkanes and alkenes. After pentene has been protonated by the acid site, the reactant for the cracking process corresponds to a pentyl cation covalently bound to the oxygen of the zeolite, ZO − –C 5 H + 11 . The product of the C–C bond-breaking process is propene plus an ethyl cation bound to a neighboring oxygen. The energy of the transition state relative from B3LYP calculations is 60 kcal/mol relative to the pentyl cationic reactant. For the case of the branched olefin methyl pentene, the transition state energy is slightly lower (55 kcal/mol), but the overall reaction energy is essentially the same as for pentene. The results are compared to the case of the gas phase pentyl carbenium ion.
The physical and mental load components of objective complexity in production systems

A model of the objective complexity of production systems involving a single person and usually some machine, is developed. Objective complexity can be described and measured in terms of a physical component and a mental component. It is defined as task entropy and measured in terms of information processing rates. Empirical data are offered to validate the model and to postulate a channel capacity theorem. This is the maximum working capacity or total demand which can be placed on a human being and that fraction of capacity which is mobilized for long working periods. The impact of technology on the two components of complexity, taken separately and in combination, is analyzed and discussed.
Fetal fibronectin and endovaginal ultrasound in the management of preterm labor—a review of the evidence

Abstract Objective: Spontaneous preterm delivery ( P TD) complicates 10% of pregnancies. Preterm labor ( P TL) often precedes PTD. Fetal fibronectin assays (fFN) and endovaginal ultrasound (EVUSD) identify women likely to deliver preterm. We sought to review the literature on fFN and EVUSD in PTL risk assessment. Methods: We worked as part of the AHCPR Evidence Report on the Management of Preterm Labor. With ACOG and an advisory group, we developed search criteria. We did an exhaustive literature search, including the gray literature, for articles in English, French, or German from 1966 to 1998 for randomized trials and observational studies of fFN and EVUSD in women with PTL, without membrane rupture, both inpatient and outpatient. Two reviewers masked to authorship and journal established final inclusion eligibility. Only 16 studies evaluated fFN and EVUSD in symptomatic women. A methodologist and a clinician (also masked) abstracted data on birth outcomes and test performance characteristics; a third review resolved discrepancies. Results: We focus on fFN and EVUSD for assessing risk of preterm birth. We will summarize sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios. Estimates are on aggregate data from all 16 studies, evaluating fFN in 1,921 women and EVUSD in 476. Conclusions: We will present the findings and recommendations of the project team.
Life Events, Perceived Control and Illness: The Role of Uncertainty

Abstract The health implications of recognizing the difference between situations that are controllable and those that are not has been noted by a variety of sources. With this notion in mind, the present study examined the relationship between perceptions of control and desirability of life events and subsequent health in a college student sample. Subjects indicated which of a list of life events had occurred to them over a three-month span and also specified how desirable each was and to what extent they were in control of its occurrence. Illness was reported for the following month. The results indicated that both undesirable uncontrollable events and undesirable events of uncertain controllability were significantly related to the occurrence of illness. Of greatest interest was the finding that the occurrence of events of uncertain controllability was more strongly related to illness than events perceived as totally uncontrollable. The results are discussed in terms of research and theory stressing th...
CD4+ CD25+ Regulatory T Cells Impair HIV-1-Specific CD4 T Cell Responses by Upregulating Interleukin-10 Production in Monocytes

T cell dysfunction in the presence of ongoing antigen exposure is a cardinal feature of chronic viral infections with persistent high viremia, including HIV-1. Although interleukin-10 (IL-10) has been implicated as an important mediator of this T cell dysfunction, the regulation of IL-10 production in chronic HIV-1 infection remains poorly understood. We demonstrated that IL-10 is elevated in the plasma of individuals with chronic HIV-1 infection and that blockade of IL-10 signaling results in a restoration of HIV-1-specific CD4 T cell proliferation, gamma interferon (IFN-γ) secretion, and, to a lesser extent, IL-2 production. Whereas IL-10 blockade leads to restoration of IFN-γ secretion by HIV-1-specific CD4 T cells in all categories of subjects investigated, significant enhancement of IL-2 production and improved proliferation of CD4 T helper cells are restricted to viremic individuals. In peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), this IL-10 is produced primarily by CD14+ monocytes, but its production is tightly controlled by regulatory T cells (Tregs), which produce little IL-10 directly. When Tregs are depleted from PBMCs of viremic individuals, the effect of the IL-10 signaling blockade is abolished and IL-10 production by monocytes decreases, while the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), increases. The regulation of IL-10 by Tregs appears to be mediated primarily by contact or paracrine-dependent mechanisms which involve IL-27. This work describes a novel mechanism by which regulatory T cells control IL-10 production and contribute to dysfunctional HIV-1-specific CD4 T cell help in chronic HIV-1 infection and provides a unique mechanistic insight into the role of regulatory T cells in immune exhaustion.
Hypothyroidism in dogs: pathophysiology, causes and clinical presentation

Hypothyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder in dogs. Primary hypothyroidism is most common, resulting from primary thyroid gland failure associated with either lymphocytic thyroiditis or idiopathic follicular atrophy, both of which occur at approximately equal frequency. Lymphocytic thyroiditis is considered an immune-mediated disease, whereas the pathogenesis of idiopathic follicular atrophy is unknown. Secondary hypothyroidism results from failure of the pituitary gland, and accounts for less than 5% of cases.
Role of Chloride Ions in Suppression of Copper Electrodeposition by Polyethylene Glycol

Chloride ions and polyethylene glycol (PEG) are used together as additives to copper damascene electroplating baths, in which they suppress deposition. When the Cl - concentration is lower than the order of 1 mM, suppression abruptly breaks down below a critical potential, around which hysteresis between active and inhibited deposition is observed. A mathematical model is presented which successfully predicts the observed Cl - concentration-dependent breakdown of PEG suppression and current-potential hysteresis. The model assumes that adsorbed Cl - ions are involved in binding of PEG to the Cu surface, and that these ions are incorporated in the deposited film. The expressions for Cl - incorporation and adsorption are consistent with experimental measurements of Cl in deposits. Hysteresis was found to depend on the high sensitivity of polymer surface coverage to the concentration of adsorbed Cl - ions, possibly because each PEG molecule has a small number of binding sites to the surface.
Total delay compensation in LAN control systems and implications for scheduling

In the first part of this paper it is shown that long access delays are not necessarily detrimental to the stability of local area network embedded control systems. In the second part we show that (under some mild conditions on the control system) scheduling in the return path is not needed. This is a consequence of the fact that for local area networks the access delays can be exactly determined and completely eliminated from the system representation.
Pseudocyst Drainage: ERCP and EUS Approaches

Pancreatic pseudocysts and peripancreatic fluid collections form after an episode of acute pancreatitis, in patients with chronic pancreatitis, with pancreatic duct obstruction, or after pancreatic trauma. Symptoms typically include abdominal pain, early satiety, or nausea, or may be those related to biliary compression. Mature pseudocysts should be drained when large and/or symptomatic or when infected. When planning a pseudocyst drainage procedure, it is important to be certain that the cyst is indeed a pseudocyst and not a cystic neoplasm. It is also important to exclude a pseudoaneurysm before drainage in select clinical situations. The traditional approach to drainage is surgical, with cystenterostomy and/or pancreatic resection, and may be done laparoscopically in expert hands. Over time, this has evolved to include percutaneous approaches, such as percutaneous drain placement or percutaneous cystenterostomy. Over the past 10 to 15 years, endoscopic approaches to pseudocyst drainage have gained acceptance and have become the primary means of pseudocyst drainage. This article will briefly review the indications for pseudocyst drainage as well as the percutaneous and surgical approaches to pseudocyst drainage. The primary focus, however, will be on the endoscopic drainage of pseudocysts. The technical aspects of transpapillary and transluminal drainage will be reviewed in detail, and we will briefly discuss the management of complications. We favor the single-step endoscopic ultrasound-guided approach to pseudocyst enterostomy, and this will be presented with detailed illustrations.
Simultaneous exposure of English sole (Parophrys vetulus) to sediment-associated xenobiotics: Part 1—uptake and disposition of 14C-polychlorinated biphenyls and 3H-benzo[a]pyrene

Abstract English sole ( Parophrys vetulus ) were exposed to environmentally realistic levels of sediment-associated 3 H-benzo[a]pyrene (3 μg BaP/g sediment, dry weight) and 14 C-Aroclor 1254 (1 μg PCBs/g), separately and together, for up to 10 days. BaP and its metabolites in tissues reached steady-state concentrations by the first day of the exposure, whereas PCBs did not approach steady-state concentrations until the tenth day of exposure. Simultaneous exposure of sole to BaP and PCBs, relative to separate exposure to the xenobiotics, significantly increased the concentrations of BaP-derived radioactivity and decreased the concentrations of PCB-derived radioactivity in some tissues and bile. Accumulation of PCB-derived radioactivity, estimated as the burden in tissues, was significantly greater (4- to 13-fold) than that of BaP-derived radioactivity throughout the experiments and regardless of the type of exposure. The rank of the concentrations of PCB-derived radioactivity in tissues and bile was: bile ∼ liver > brain > kidney ∼ gill > skin ∼ blood ∼ muscle and for BaP-derived radioactivity the order was: bile > liver > gill > kidney > skin ∼ blood > muscle > brain. BaP-derived radioactivity in liver and bile was present primary (85–99%) as metabolites, whereas PCB-derived radioactivity was present equally as parent compounds and metabolites in bile and primarily (98 %) as parent compounds in liver. Hydrolysis of bile from PCB/BaP-exposed sole with β-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase released 35 % of the BaP-derived radioactivity and 32 % of the PCB-derived radioactivity as primary metabolites. A much higher proportion of the BaP-derived radioactivity (64 %) than the PCB-derived radioactivity (13 %) in bile was unaffected by the enzyme treatment, indicating differences in the conjugation of the primary metabolites of PCBs and BaP. The results suggest that in contaminated environments the tissue to sediment concentration ratios for PCBs would exceed that for BaP and its metabolites; however, BaP would be continually absorbed and metabolized by sole to potentially carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds. In addition, the tissue levels of these toxic compounds may be increased by simultaneous exposure to PCBs.
Are Bt crops safe

The US EPA's analysis of Bt crops finds that they pose no significant risk to the environment or to human health.
DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS OF COMPETITION OR MICROENVIRONMENT ON BOREAL TREE SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT AFTER FIRE

We used a combination of surveys of natural vegetation and seed-sowing and seedling transplant experiments to determine the relative importance of competition and microenvironmental modification as mechanisms by which understory vegetation influences the establishment of tree seedlings in an Alaskan postfire boreal forest. Seedlings of white spruce (Picea glauca) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera) became established more frequently than expected in patches that were dominated by horsetail (Equisetum arvense), and less frequently than expected in patches of bluestem (Calamagrostis canadensis) and other vegetation. Similarly, birch and spruce, whether sown directly or transplanted as seedlings into horsetail-dominated patches generally showed greater survivorship, growth, and nitrogen accumulation (for birch only) than did those transplanted into bluestem or quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) patches. Clipping experiments demonstrated that the presence of aboveground vegetation reduced survivorship (for b...
Diagnosis of suspected cardiac echinococcosis with negative serologies: role of transthoracic, transesophageal, and contrast echocardiography.

The early recognition and treatment of hydatid disease of the heart is important as it can result in potentially lethal complications. We present the clin- ical and echocardiographic features of a 71 year old Afghanistani man who pre- sented with left-sided chest pain. Transthoracic (TTE), transesophageal (TEE), and contrast echo demonstrated a calcified cystic structure within the distal ante- rior septum consistent with an echinococcal cyst, despite negative serologies. Treatment strategies for this patient are discussed.
A New Approach to Analyzing Convergence and Synchronicity in Growth and Business Cycles: Cross Recurrence Plots and Quantification Analysis

Convergence and synchronisation of business and growth cycles are important issues in the efficient formulation of euro area economic policies, and in particular European Central Bank (ECB) monetary policy. Although several studies in the economics literature address the issue of synchronicity of growth within the euro area, this is the first study to address this issue using cross-recurrence analysis. The main findings are that member state growth rates had largely converged before the introduction of the euro, but there is a wide degree of different synchronisation behaviours which appear non-linear in nature. Many of the euro area member states display what is termed here as "intermittency" in synchronization, although this is not consistent across countries or members of the euro area. These differences in synchronization behaviors could cause problems in future implementation of euro area monetary policy.
Corporate Restructuring: Breakups and LBOs

Abstract This chapter surveys the empirical literature on corporate breakup transactions (divestitures, spinoffs, equity carveouts, tracking stocks), leveraged recapitalizations, and leveraged buyouts (LBOs). Many breakup transactions are a response to excessive conglomeration and reverse costly diversification discounts. The empirical evidence shows that the typical restructuring creates substantial value for shareholders. The value-drivers include elimination of costly cross-subsidizations characterizing internal capital markets, reduction in financing costs for subsidiaries through asset securitization and increased divisional transparency, improved (and more focused) investment programs, reduction in agency costs of free cash flow, implementation of executive compensation schemes with greater pay-performance sensitivity, and increased monitoring by lenders and LBO sponsors. Buyouts after the turn of the century created value similar to LBOs of the 1980s. Recent developments include club deals (consortiums of LBO sponsors bidding together), fund-to-fund exits (LBO funds selling the portfolio firm to another LBO fund), a highly liquid (until mid-2007) leveraged loan market, and evidence of persistence in fund returns (perhaps because brand-sponsors borrow at better rates). Perhaps the greatest challenge to the restructuring literature is to achieve a modicum of integration of the analysis across transaction types. Another challenge is to produce precise estimates of the expected return from buyout investments in the presence of limited data on those portfolio companies that do not return to public status.
LACTATE ENHANCES SODIUM CHANNEL CONDUCTANCE IN ISOLATED GUINEA PIG VENTRICULAR MYOCYTES

Myocardial hypoxia and ischemia result in the production of lactate. To study the effect of lactate on the rapid Na+ current (INa), we used the whole cell voltage-clamp technique in enzymatically isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes. Experiments were conducted at 16 degrees C. Extracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]o) was maintained in control and test solutions and extracellular pH was 7.4. Lactate (4-10 mM, either sodium lactate or lactic acid) augmented INa in each of eight experiments, increasing the peak Na+ conductance from 75.4 to 84.7 nS (13-16% at all test voltages in the linear portion of the conductance curve). The voltage dependence of steady-state availability and the time course of inactivation remained unchanged. The increase in peak Na+ conductance was concentration dependent, with an apparent dissociation constant of 1.8 mM and Hill coefficient of 1.8. Lactate in the range of 1-10 mM did not significantly reduce the Ca2+ activity of test solutions. These effects of lactate were still observed in Mg(2+)-free test solutions and when the buffering capacity of internal solution was reinforced by increasing N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid concentration from 5 to 20 mM. In conclusion, lactate enhances INa via a mechanism that does not involve chelation of Ca2+ or Mg2+ or changes in intracellular pH. These effects of lactate on the Na+ channel might alter electrophysiological properties during myocardial ischemia and could protect the heart from ischemia-induced conduction abnormalities or, alternatively, could lead to arrhythmias.
354 Watch and Wait? - Elevated Pretreatment CEA Is Associated With Decreased Pathological Complete Response in Rectal Cancer

Introduction Between 10 and 30 % of rectal cancer patients experience pathological complete response after neoadjuvant treatment. However, physiological factors predicting which patients will experience tumor response are largely unknown. Previous single-institution studies have suggested an association between elevated pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen and decreased pathological complete response.
Enhanced degradation of collagen within apical vs. basal wall of ovulatory ovine follicle.

Electron microscopic examination of ovulatory ovine follicles indicated that dissolution of thecal collagen was enhanced along the follicular circumference adjacent to the ovarian serosa. Concentrations of hydroxyproline were correspondingly lower within apical than basal tissues. Collagenolytic activity of tissue homogenates and extracts was assessed by monitoring radioactive peptide release from cocultured collagen fibrils. Collagenase inhibitors were separated from enzyme by sequential extraction of follicular homogenates with detergent and heating. Enzymatic activities of homogenates and heat extracts of apical and basal tissues increased toward ovulation. A distinction between apex and base was not attributed to significant differences in homogenates; however, collagenolytic activity of heat extracts of apical tissue was selectively elevated (i.e., extraction was evidently required to effectively dissociate collagenase from thecal fibrils, making more enzyme available for substrate digestion). Activity of detergent extracts was restored by dithiothreitol and iodoacetamide (which inactivate tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases), and collagenolysis induced by heat extracts was augmented by aminophenylmercuric acetate (a stimulator of latent collagenases). Nonetheless, variations between apex and base invoked by these compounds were relative. It therefore appears that active collagenase is more tightly bound within the extracellular matrix of the follicular apex than enzyme associated with basal tissue. This phenomenon might serve to preferentially favor enzymatic catabolism of collagen in that region, thereby dictating the ovarian site of follicular rupture.
Distributed estimation of betweenness centrality

Betweenness centrality is a fundamental centrality measure that quantifies how important a node or an edge is, within a network, based on how often it lies on the shortest paths between all pairs of nodes. In this paper, we develop a scalable distributed algorithm, which enables every node in a network to estimate its own betweenness and the betweenness of edges incident on it with only local interaction and without any centralized coordination, nor high memory usages. The development is based on exploiting various local properties of shortest paths, and on formulating and solving an unconstrained distributed optimization problem. We also evaluate the algorithm performance via simulation on a number of random geometric graphs, showing that it yields betweenness estimates that are fairly accurate in terms of ordering.
Spatiotemporal response shaping of transport-reaction processes via adaptive reduced order models

We present a framework to address the dynamic response shaping question of nonlinear transport-reaction chemical processes. The spatiotemporal behavior of such processes can be described in the form of dissipative partial differential equations (PDEs), the modal infinite-dimensional representation of which can in principle be partitioned into two subsystems; a finite-dimensional slow and its complement infinite-dimensional fast and stable subsystem. The dynamic shaping problem is addressed via regulation of error dynamics between the process and a desired spatiotemporal behavior presented by a target PDE system. We approximate the infinite-dimensional nature of the systems via model order reduction; adaptive proper orthogonal decomposition (APOD) is used to compute and recursively update the set of empirical basis functions required by Galerkin projection to build switching reduced order models of the spatiotemporal dynamics. Then, the nonlinear output feedback control design is formulated by combination of a feedback control law and a nonlinear Luenberger type dynamic observer to regulate the error dynamics. The effectiveness of the proposed control approach is demonstrated on shaping the thermal dynamics of an exothermic reaction in a catalytic chemical reactor.
Dark Vibes: D.H. Lawrence and Occult Electricity

Due in part to the mystical aura pervading the cultural history of electricity from as early as the 1600s, electrical experimentation becomes an important generic feature of Gothic literature. By focusing on the supernatural dimensions of electricity in the contexts of spiritualism, hypnotism, and thought reading, this chapter explores the ways in which Lawrence extends the motif of the enemy within to demonic vibrations operating at the level of bodily materiality and in the realm of the imagination. As Lawrence’s characters become fatefully charmed by obscure powers from within, they discover this tantalizing yet destructive secret interior as the fundamental driving force of what it seems to subvert—in this case, the sexual desire that makes them appear to be distinctively modern and genuinely human.
Smoking and Smoking Cessation

Cigarette smoking is the number one preventable cause of death in the United States. Smoking is a major contributor to risk of heart disease, malignant neoplasms, and stroke, the three leading causes of death in the United States (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1987). Recent estimates indicate that smoking accounts for at least 400 thousand premature deaths each year and causally relates to 170 thousand deaths from cardiovascular disease, 130 thousand deaths from cancer, and 50 thousand deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1988; U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, 1979). Of most recent concern is the effect of passive smoking, which may account for up to 53 thousand nonsmoker deaths per year (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1986).
Association of sugar-sweetened beverage intake frequency and asthma among U.S. adults, 2013.

Objectives Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake among U.S. adults is associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. An association between SSB intake and asthma has been shown among U.S. children and Australian adults, but scant published information exists for U.S. adults. We examined associations between SSB intake and current asthma among U.S. adults, and the role of obesity in this association.
Does the Company of a Dog Influence Affective Response to Exercise? Using Ecological Momentary Assessment to Study Dog-Accompanied Physical Activity

Purpose:This study used ecological momentary assessment (EMA), a real-time self-report strategy, to examine (1) whether dog owners were more likely to be physically active when they were with their dogs and (2) whether being with a dog amplifies positive and dampens negative affective response during physical activity.Design:Electronic EMA surveys for 12 days.Setting:Free-living.Participants:Seventy-one adult dog owners.Measures:The EMA survey included 1 question about current activity, 3 questions about positive affect (Cronbach α = .837), 4 questions about negative affect (Cronbach α = .865), and 1 question about the presence of dog.Analysis:Multilevel modeling.Results:The company of a dog did not increase the likelihood of being active versus sedentary at any given EMA prompt. However, greater positive affect during physical activity was reported in the company of a dog. Negative affect did not differ between active and sedentary activity, regardless of being with a dog or not.Conclusion:This study dem...
The We-Lead Model for Bridging the Low-Income Community Leadership Skills-Practice Gap

ABSTRACTThere are several community leadership development programs that devote tremendous resources to help improve the vitality and wealth of individuals and communities through the development of local leadership capacities. One great challenge is that these programs fail to coordinate existing community resources to create opportunities to engage program graduates. This article interrogates the effectiveness of leadership development programs in creating opportunities for engagement. Expanding on U-Lead model, the article proposes a WE-Lead model that can bridge the skills-practice gap by emphasizing the importance of aligning community leadership development programs with community needs through building community coordinated coalitions.
Unbalanced Hole and Electron Diffusion in Lead Bromide Perovskites

We use scanning photocurrent microscopy and time-resolved microwave conductivity to measure the diffusion of holes and electrons in a series of lead bromide perovskite single crystals, APbBr3, with A = methylammonium (MA), formamidinium (FA), and Cs. We find that the diffusion length of holes (LDh+ ∼ 10–50 μm) is on average an order of magnitude longer than that of electrons (LDe– ∼ 1–5 μm), regardless of the A-type cation or applied bias. Furthermore, we observe a weak dependence of LD across the A-cation series MA > FA > Cs. When considering the role of the halide, we find that the diffusion of holes in MAPbBr3 is comparable to that in MAPbI3, but the electron diffusion length is up to five times shorter. This study shows that the disparity between hole and electron diffusion is a ubiquitous feature of lead halide perovskites. As with organic photovoltaics, this imbalance will likely become an important consideration in the optimization of lead halide perovskite solar cells.
Prevalence and Trends in Morbidity and Disability Among Older Mexican Americans in the Southwestern United States, 1993-2013.

This study examines the prevalence of morbidity and disability among older Mexican Americans using 5-year age groups. Twenty-year panel data from the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidem...
Mechanisms of Drug-Induced Interstitial Nephritis.

Drug-induced acute interstitial nephritis (DI-AIN) is a drug hypersensitivity reaction (DHR) that manifests 7 to 10 days after exposure to the culprit drug. DHRs account for fewer than 15% of reported adverse drug reactions. The kidneys are susceptible to DHR because: (1) the high renal blood flow whereby antigens are filtered, secreted, or concentrated, and (2) it is a major site of excretion for drugs and drug metabolites. More than 250 different drugs from various classes have been incriminated as causative agents of DI-AIN, the third most common cause of acute kidney injury in the hospital. DI-AIN must be differentiated from drug-induced nephrotoxic acute tubular necrosis because of their differing pathophysiology and treatment. DI-AIN begins with antigen processing and presentation to local dendritic cells. The dendritic cells activate T cells, and the subsequent effector phase of the immune response is mediated by various cytokines. Incriminated antigenic mechanisms include response to a conjugation product of the drug or its metabolite with a host protein (eg, beta-lactam or sulfonamide antibiotic) or the direct binding of the drug to a particular host allele to elicit a hypersensitivity response (eg, certain anti-epileptic drugs). If the offending drug is not identified and discontinued in a timely manner, irreversible fibrosis and chronic kidney disease will occur. The core structure of each drug or its metabolite is an antigenic determinant, and the host interaction is termed the structure-activity relationship. Differing structure-activity relationships accounts for effect, hypersensitivity, and cross-reactivity among and between classes. The essence of management of DI-AIN lies with the four sequential steps: anticipation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of DI-AIN because of their potent anti-inflammatory effects on T cells and eosinophils. Anticipation and prevention require notifying the patient that DI-AIN is an idiosyncratic, hypersensitivity reaction that recurs on re-exposure, and the drug should be avoided.
Is online patient information at NCI cancer centers too complex for broad general readership

6526 Background: The NIH and the Department of Health and Human Services recommend that online patient information (OPI) be written at a 6th grade level to facilitate broad readership comprehension...