cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
28 TUBERCULOUS PERICARDIAL EFFUSION: DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES ARE KEY TO EARLY DIAGNOSIS.

Purpose Pericarditis is a rare finding in primary tuberculosis. Prognosis is excellent with treatment so early diagnosis is crucial. Pathogenesis is particularly important, given that the direct spread from tuberculous pneumonia is uncommon, but instead from mediastinal nodes directly into the pericardium. These mechanisms must be taken in consideration in the interpretation of diagnostic tools. Case Presentation A 32-year-old female, who moved to Memphis from India 3 years ago, was admitted with a 1-month history of febrile illness, malaise, and weakness; more recently, she also complained of resting dyspnea, which was progressively worsening. A positive PPD and an abnormal chest x-ray prompted hospitalization, where she was found to have pulsus paradoxus of 20 mm Hg. Echocardiogram showed diastolic right chamber collapse along with respiratory variation of the mitral inflow, consistent with pericardial tamponade. A chest CT showed a large pericardial effusion and bilateral pleural effusions. A pericardiocentesis was performed with resolution of her resting dyspnea; 800 cc of serous fluid drained from the pericardial space over the following 24 h. Blood studies were remarkable for an elevated WBC (18,000 cells/μL) with neutrophil predominance. Serum studies showed slight elevation of liver transaminases and significantly elevated CRP (8.1 mg/L) and ESR (98 mm/h); a comprehensive workup for rheumatic diseases revealed no abnormal findings. Sputum and pericardial fluid cultures and smear for AFB and other organisms were negative. Pericardial fluid was exudative LDH 2432 U/L and WBC 10200 cells/μL with neutrophil predominance. Pericardial fluid PCR for M. tuberculosis DNA was negative; adenosine deaminase in pericardial fluid was elevated (44.4 U/L [normals 0-18]). Pericardial biopsy was consistent with chronic pericarditis, but with no evidence of granulomatous disease. The patient was treated with steroids and antituberculous therapy with resolution of the clinical syndrome and no recurrence of the effusion thereafter. Conclusion Adenosine deaminase, an enzyme marker of cell-mediated immune response activity to M. tuberculosis that includes activated T lymphocytes and macrophages, appears in pericardial fluid. Given the sensitivity and specificity of adenosine deaminase in tuberculous effusions, it is of considerable value in the absence of evidence of infection in the pericardial space. The diagnosis of tuberculous effusion can be made without demonstration of mycobacterium. A high level of suspicion should trigger early aggressive diagnosis with adenosine deaminase and appropriate treatment.
Prevention and diagnosis of congenital anomalies in diabetic pregnancies

The high rate of major congenital malformations among infants of diabetic women represents the largest and most refractory problem in the perinatal care of these women. The prenatal diagnosis of these malformations will always be easier than their prevention. They are clearly not, however, entirely "beyond our therapeutic control."
A Slower Speed of Light: Developing intuition about special relativity with games.

The effects of special relativity are not immediately observable in our everyday lives, so we tend to lack an intuition about them. For this reason, special relativity is often considered too abstract a concept for introductory physics courses. Games may provide one solution to this problem. In this paper, we introduce A Slower Speed of Light, a game by the MIT Game Lab to help students understand and visualize these complex phenomena by artificially lowering the speed of light to walking pace. We also discuss future directions for the game, as well as the release of OpenRelativity, an open-source relativistic toolkit for Unity3D.
Does extracorporeal membrane oxygenation improve survival in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Background/Purpose: The benefit of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in improving survival of neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has never been clearly demonstrated. This may be due to comparisons made between treatment groups of unequal illness severity and the low statistical power of analyses from previous studies. The authors analyzed the data from the multicenter CDH registry to determine if ECMO improves survival in CDH neonates with a high risk of mortality. Methods: A total of 730 neonates were enrolled in the CDH Registry from January 1995 to November 1997. Of these, 632 neonates had a complete data set and were eligible for ECMO by the weight criterion of greater than 2.0 kg. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess mortality risk for each neonate based on previously validated independent predictors of survival: birth weight and 5-minute Apgar. Five quintile groups were defined based on increasing predictive mortality risk. Multivariate logistic regression and X 2 analyses with birth weight, Apgar score at 5 minutes, and predictive mortality risk as covariates were then performed to assess survival benefit of ECMO compared with conventional therapy alone. Patient survival rate was defined as survival to discharge from hospital. Results: When analyzing all 632 neonates, ECMO neonates (n = 289) had a decidedly lower survival rate (52.9% v77.3%, P<.001) than non-ECMO neonates (n = 343) without standardizing for the degree of illness. However, when taking into account the patients' predictive mortality risk, ECMO was associated with improved survival in the neonates with mortality risk ≥80% (P<.05). Furthermore, ECMO was shown to be a positive independent predictor of survival when accounting for the covariates of birth weight, 5-minute Apgar, and mortality risk (P<.05). Conclusions: ECMO significantly improves survival rates for those CDH neonates with a predictive mortality risk ≥80%. Generally, the more critically ill the patient with CDH, the more marked the survival benefit obtained. J Pediatr Surg 34:720-725. Copyright © 1999 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Modeling of Bifurcated Tubular Structures for Vessel Segmentation

Segmentation and geometric modeling of blood vessels from medical imaging is important for diagnosis of ischemia and atherosclerosis. Since conventional voxel-based methods are slow and unable to incorporate expert knowledge, machine learning methods are proposed for segmentation of cardiac structures by not only increasing the speed but also learning from the manual annotations. However, to our knowledge, all previous learning-based methods assume a loose combination of tubular structures and do not account for the bifurcation geometry. In this chapter, we propose a novel method for construction of complex lumen vasculature with a focus on explicit modeling of bifurcations for learning-based vessel segmentation. A bifurcation is modeled by using convex hulls to join tubular structures guided by centerlines. Subdivision and boosting-based segmentation are performed to adapt the bifurcation model to the target vessel boundaries. Our experiments show that constructed coronary artery geometry from CT imaging is not only water-tight but also accurate by comparing to the manual annotated ground-truths.
Epic video games: Narrative spaces and engaged lives:

Contemporary video games such as Mass Effect or Assassin’s Creed are emerging as a new form of media departing from traditional games purely seen as problem-solving exercises. They represent a new ...
Meeting the design challenges in modern RFCMOS technology

This paper describes the challenges of designing RF integrated circuits using the advanced RFCMOS technology. Following an overview of the RFCMOS process, design challenges for low cost, high performance RFICs and their integration issues are discussed. Discussions show that these challenges can be addressed through innovative circuit and system design, technology enhancement, accurate model support and close collaboration among designers and technology providers.
Applied epidemiology and public health: are we training the future generations appropriately?

Abstract To extend the reach and relevance of epidemiology for public health practice, the science needs be broadened beyond etiologic research, to link more strongly with emerging technologies and to acknowledge key societal transformations. This new focus for epidemiology and its implications for epidemiologic training can be considered in the context of macro trends affecting society, including a greater focus on upstream causes of disease, shifting demographics, the Affordable Care Act and health care system reform, globalization, changing health communication environment, growing centrality of team and transdisciplinary science, emergence of translational sciences, greater focus on accountability, big data, informatics, high-throughput technologies (“omics”), privacy changes, and the evolving funding environment. This commentary describes existing approaches to and competencies for training in epidemiology, maps macro trends with competencies, highlights an example of competency-based education in the Epidemic Intelligence Service of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and suggests expanded and more dynamic training approaches. A reexamination of current approaches to epidemiologic training is needed.
Test–retest reliability of brain morphology estimates

Metrics of brain morphology are increasingly being used to examine inter-individual differences, making it important to evaluate the reliability of these structural measures. Here we used two open-access datasets to assess the intersession reliability of three cortical measures (thickness, gyrification, and fractal dimensionality) and two subcortical measures (volume and fractal dimensionality). Reliability was generally good, particularly with the gyrification and fractal dimensionality measures. One dataset used a sequence previously optimized for brain morphology analyses and had particularly high reliability. Examining the reliability of morphological measures is critical before the measures can be validly used to investigate inter-individual differences.
Designing better playlists with monte carlo tree search

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the study of automated playlist generation - music recommender systems that focus on modeling preferences over song sequences rather than on individual songs in isolation. This paper addresses this problem by learning personalized models on the fly of both song and transition preferences, uniquely tailored to each user's musical tastes. Playlist recommender systems typically include two main components: i) a preference-learning component, and ii) a planning component for selecting the next song in the playlist sequence. While there has been much work on the former, very little work has been devoted to the latter. This paper bridges this gap by focusing on the planning aspect of playlist generation within the context of DJ-MC, our playlist recommendation application. This paper also introduces a new variant of playlist recommendation, which incorporates the notion of diversity and novelty directly into the reward model. We empirically demonstrate that the proposed planning approach significantly improves performance compared to the DJ-MC baseline in two playlist recommendation settings, increasing the usability of the framework in real world settings.
Active Self-Organization of Actin-Microtubule Composite Self-Propelled Rods

Spontaneous self-organization of active matter has been demonstrated in a number of biological systems including bacteria, cells, and cytoskeletal filaments. Cytoskeletal filaments act as active polar rods when they are propelled along a glass surface via motor proteins. Actin has previously been shown to display polar or nematic ordering, whereas microtubules have been shown to create large vortices. For the first time, we combine both the actin and microtubule gliding into a composite active system. In the absence of actin filaments, microtubule filament organization transitions from isotropic to nematic to polar as a function of filament density. We find that the presence of a crowder, methylcellulose, is essential for this transition. In the absence of microtubules, actin transition from isotropic to nematic. In combination, microtubules are affected by the presence of actin and the overall density of the filaments, becoming entrained with the nematic alignment of actin. Actin filaments are not as affected by the presence of microtubules. These results serve as first step in exploring the rich emergent behavior that can result from composite active matter system with tunable particle properties, self-propulsion speeds, and interparticle interactions.
Abstract 5497: Chronic Stenosis of the Proximal Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery in Juvenile Rats Results in a Critical Impairment in Coronary Flow Reserve and Leads to the Development of Hibernating Myocardium without Necrosis

Background: Previous studies in adult rats have shown that a chronic coronary artery stenosis can produce variable degrees of heart failure and global LV dysfunction with concomitant fibrosis and necrosis. In contrast, placement of a fixed LAD stenosis in juvenile swine leads to the gradual development of hibernating myocardium with regional dysfunction in the absence of infarction. We hypothesized that a similar approach could be used to produce hibernating myocardium in growing rats. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rat pups (3 wk old, 40±2g, n=24) were instrumented with a 200μm stenosis using an 8 – 0 suture around the proximal LAD and compared to sham controls (n=7). At 12-wks post-instrumentation (399±6g), ejection fraction (EF) and regional wall thickening (%WT) were determined by echocardiography and myocardial perfusion was measured using fluorescent microspheres (n=8). Histology was used to assess necrosis, fibrosis and regional myocyte loss. Results: Mortality was low (16%) and survivors (n=20) had no gross evidence of infarction. LAD end-diastolic wall thickness was normal (1.2 ± 0.04 vs. 1.2 ± 0.04 mm in controls, p=ns) and EF was preserved (65 ± 2% vs.70±1% in controls, p=0.07). After 12 weeks, LAD %WT was significantly reduced (49 ± 5% vs. 74 ± 5% in remote, p 2 in remote, p Conclusion: Like swine, a chronic LAD stenosis in growing rats leads to a critical impairment in coronary flow reserve with reduced regional myocardial perfusion, wall thickening and regional myocyte loss without infarction. Our findings establish a model of hibernating myocardium in rodents, facilitating high-throughput studies to identify novel mechanisms and therapies for chronic ischemic LV dysfunction.
Understanding the Role of Reactions to Race-Based Treatment in Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening

Racial and ethnic disparities in breast and cervical cancer mortality persist despite effective screening methods. We examined associations between race/ethnicity and Pap testing within three years or mammography within two years, controlling for a composite reactions-to-race-based-treatment variable created using data from the 2002 and 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Reactions to Race module, which assessed respondents experiences based on one's race. We calculated prevalence of Pap testing (for women aged > or = 18) and mammography (for women aged > or = 40) by race, and fit logistic regression models to estimate the strength of association of reactions to race-based treatment with screening and race--before and after controlling for demographics, socioeconomic status, health status, smoking and healthcare access. In the reduced model, black women were more likely (2.03: 95% CI: 1.55-2.65) to be screened for cervical cancer than whites. Reactions to race-based treatment did not impact the odds of black women receiving Pap tests or mammograms. Given current racial and ethnic disparities in breast and cervical cancer mortality, we suggest that more attention needs to be focused on follow-up of abnormal results and state-of-the art treatment for black and Hispanic women.
THE IMPACT OF NATIONAL CULTURE ON KNOWLEDGE SHARING IN GLOBAL VIRTUAL COLLABORATION: A PRACTICE LENS

Issues concerning global virtual collaboration have received considerable attention in IS research and practice; however, little research has been conducted on knowledge-sharing activities in global virtual collaboration, which is a key process to achieve collaboration effectiveness. In this paper, we investigate the impact of national culture on knowledge-sharing activities in global virtual collaboration from dynamic and individual perspectives. An exploratory case study was first used to explore how national culture impacts knowledge-sharing activities in global virtual collaboration. The purpose of the case study was to understand qualitatively the phenomenon under investigation and generate a set of hypotheses. In phase two, an online survey was used to test the hypotheses. The goal was to refine and generalize the findings from the first phase. The results emphasize the role of non-value-based cultural dimensions in global virtual collaboration and the importance of investigating national culture from an individual level and in practice.
Radiation-damage calculations: primary knock-on atom spectra, displacement rates, and gas production rates

A data base of primary knock-on atom spectra and an analysis program have been created to assist experimentalists in studying, evaluating, and correlating radiation-damage effects in different neutron environments. Since experimentally obtained typical controlled thermonuclear reactor (CTR) neutron spectra are not presently available, the data base can be extremely useful in relating currently obtainable radiation damage to that anticipated in future fusion devices. However, the usefulness of the data base is not restricted to only CTR needs. Most of the elements of interest to the radiation-damage community and all neutron reactions of any significance for these elements have been processed, using available ENDF/B-IV cross-section data, and are included in the data base. Calculated data such as primary knock-on atom spectra, displacement rates, and gas production rates, obtained with the data base, for different radiation environments are presented and compared with previous calculations.
Stereological characterization of the major cell lineages in the mouse dorsal dentate gyrus

The dentate gyrus (DG) subregion of the mammalian hippocampus mediates critical cognitive processes related to memory and is a site of continuous adult neurogenesis. The mechanisms by which diverse neuronal and non-neuronal cell populations regulate adult neurogenesis and contribute to DG function are an intense, current focus of research. Obtaining an accurate estimate of DG cellular composition is vital for understanding how distinct cell populations contribute to hippocampal function. However, most studies examine only a select few cell types, and the reported numbers vary considerably. Here, we apply consistent stereological methods within a single study to estimate cell density for the major lineages in the dorsal DG of adult mice. Using immunohistochemical phenotypic markers, we quantified cell density for radial glia-like cells, neuronal intermediate progenitors, neuroblasts/immature neurons, mature neurons, stellate astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and their progenitors, microglia, and vascular endothelial cells. The value of a unified dataset was evident when evaluating the relative abundance of different cell types. Ratios of neurons:astrocytes generated using counts of each cell type obtained from separate studies could range from approximately 4.6:1 to 113:1. In contrast, our reported estimate of roughly 12 neurons:1 astrocyte is consistent with the 9:1 ratio from previous work where both cell types were quantified within the same study. This highlights the utility of counts obtained within a single study to make accurate comparisons of relative cell type abundance. We expect the data reported here will facilitate efforts to refine hypotheses about the functional contributions of DG cell populations.
Organic Hole Transport Material Ionization Potential Dictates Diffusion Kinetics of Iodine Species in Halide Perovskite Devices

Iodine-containing volatiles are major degradation products of halide perovskite materials under irradiation, yet iodine diffusion kinetics into and throughout organic hole transport materials (HTMs...
Evaluating the effects of mountain beaver ( Aplodontia rufa ) management on conifer stocking in western Oregon

Abstract Mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa) is the most primitive rodent species in North America and is endemic to the Pacific Northwest, USA. Within their range, mountain beaver cause more conflict with conifer forest regeneration than any other vertebrate species. Most damage occurs as a result of clipping and browsing new seedlings, which reduces stocking density and delays stand development. An integrated approach using trapping and a registered toxicant (baiting) has been suggested as the most efficacious means to reduce seedling loss during stand initiation. We evaluated this management strategy in intensively managed conifer stands across two mountain ranges in western Oregon. Harvest units were divided equally and management (trapping and baiting) was implemented on a randomly selected half of each unit; the remaining halves served as an experimental control. We conducted damage assessments in fixed 0.04 ha circular plots at approximate 1, 6, and 12 month intervals after planting and initiation of management activities. After 12 months, we observed mountain beaver damage in 100% of control plots and 95% of treatment plots; however, there was a 79% decrease in the estimated odds of damage for plots where trapping and baiting was implemented (95% CI 43–92). Mean seedling height was 10.6 cm taller in treated plots than control plots 1 year post-planting (95% CI 4.1–17.1). Reoccupation of vacant burrows began within 1 month; within 12 months, only 5% of trapped plots remained unoccupied. Reported costs and benefits varied among harvest units, but management was less expensive ($154.09/ha) than the cost of interplanting gaps created by mountain beaver damage ($182.13/ha). Although trapping and baiting may not offer a one-time solution to damage problems, it is an effective tool in reducing damage, saving management costs, and meeting compliance with forest regulations and certification requirements.
Reappraisal of electrocardiographic criteria for localization of idiopathic outflow region ventricular arrhythmias.

Background Electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria have been proposed to localize the site of origin of outflow region ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Many factors influence the QRS morphology of VAs and may limit the accuracy of these criteria. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of ECG criteria that differentiate right from left outflow region VAs and localize VAs within the aortic sinus of Valsalva (ASV). Methods One hundred one patients (mean age 52 ± 16 years; 55 [54%] women) undergoing catheter ablation of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) or ASV VAs with a left bundle branch block, inferior axis morphology were studied. ECG measurements including V2 transition ratio, transition zone index, R-wave duration index, R/S amplitude index, V2S/V3R index, V1–3 QRS morphology, R-wave amplitude in the inferior leads were tabulated for all VAs. Comparisons were made between the predicted site of origin using these criteria and the successful ablation site. Results Patients had successful ablation of 71 RVOT and 38 ASV VAs. For the differentiation of RVOT from ASV VAs, the positive predictive values and negative predictive values for all tested ECG criteria ranged from 42% to 75% and from 71% to 82%, respectively, with the V2S/V3R index having the largest area under the curve of 0.852. Morphological QRS criteria in leads V1 through V3 did not localize ASV VAs. The maximum R-wave amplitude in the inferior leads was the sole criterion demonstrating a significant difference between right ASV, right-left ASV commissure, and left ASV sites. Conclusion ECG criteria for differentiating right from left ventricular outflow region VAs and for localizing ASV VAs have a limited accuracy.
Genesis of clayey sediments and associated upland soils near the Upper Iowa River, Northeast Iowa

8 INTRODUCTION 10 MATERIALS AND METHODS 14 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 19 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 46 REFERENCES 48 SECTION II. PARENT MATERIAL DIFFERENTIATION ALONG AN UPLAND HILLSLOPE TRAVERSE, IRISH HOLLOW CREEK WATERSHED, NORTHEAST IOWA 53 ABSTRACT 54
Slaves of Fortune: Sudanese Soldiers and the River War, 1896-1898

The Anglo-Egyptian re-conquest of Sudan - Churchill's 'River War' - has been well chronicled from the British point of view, but we still know little about its front line troops, the Sudanese soldiers of the Egyptian Army, the men who fought in all the battles, served as interpreters, military recruiters, and ethnic ambassadors throughout the campaign, and who were the real victors at the Battle of Omdurman. Making use of both published contemporary accounts and unpublished primary sources located in the United Kingdom and Sudan, 'Slaves of Fortune' provides an historiographic correction. It argues that nineteenth-century Sudanese slave soldiers were social beings and historical actors, shaping both European and African destinies, just as their own lives were being transformed by imperial forces. Ronald M. Lamothe is Lecturer in the Department of History at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Food Texture Perception

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that the importance of flavor to the acceptability of food has long been acknowledged. It is only more recently that texture has also been recognized to be of significant importance in consumers' responses to foods. This chapter discusses that of all the sensory stimulating properties of food, it is texture that produces the most complex sensory experience. A very significant portion of food texture perception is derived from sensations originating in the oral cavity. The labia (lips) are the most anterior structure of the oral cavity. The portion of the labia inside the oral cavity has a moist mucous lining, as do the majority of the tissues in the oral cavity. The mucous lining contains many minor salivary glands, which consist of small aggregates of salivary secretory cells that empty saliva into the oral cavity. The oral cavity contains receptors serving the senses of taste and somesthesis (skin senses), and it is the latter sense that is most important for the perception of texture. The perception of food texture requires the active manipulation or deformation of food. This is significant because differences in the degree, rate, and force of food manipulation and deformation will result in different textural sensations both for physiological and physical reasons. Lending support to the hypothesis that vibratory sensations are involved is the finding that sound, a product of vibration, occurs when cellular foods are crushed. To develop acceptable food products it is necessary to do more than measure the sensory and hedonic responses of consumers.
Regulation of ACTH secretion: variations on a theme of B.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the regulation of function in the adrenocortical system. There are three major characteristics that describe most changes in activity of the system: (1) the circadian rhythm in basal activity, (2) stress-induced activation, and (3) corticosteroid feedback regulation. The first two may occur on very different timescales, and it is probably a consequence of the differing temporal demands that the third, corticosteroid feedback inhibition, is exerted by a variety of mechanisms over time. At any time of the day, the adrenocortical system can be activated by application of stressors. These include alteration of the value of a regulated variable or may be invoked by subjecting an animal to sudden disturbances of its environment, for example, noise, flashing lights, handling, strange environment, mild heat or cold. The adrenocortical system may be activated by traumatic stimuli or by psychological stimuli—in man, examinations, or mental arithmetic, or medical school admissions exams; in rats, unexpected decreases in food rewards.
Learning With Growing Quality

Usually “quality” of learning grows with experience. Here is given a formalization of that phenomenon within a recursion theoretic framework. We consider the learning of total recursive functions by some algorithmic device (inductive inference machine) and describe the “quality” of learning in two different ways: as probability with which machine identifies the given function correctly, and as density of a set of arguments for which the hypothesis given by machine coincides with the identifiable function. We prove that in both cases there exist classes of sets of total recursive functions, such that for each of these sets the “quality” with which a learning device can identify an arbitrary function from the set grows with the number of other functions, which learning device are trying to identify at the same time, i.e., these classes are identifiable only with learning devices that show some improvement of learning capabilities with practice.
Hydrocarbon contamination on the Antarctic peninsula. II : Arthur Harbor―Inter- and subtidal limpets (Nacella concinna)

Abstract Accidental and operational releases of hydrocarbons during activities in support of scientific bases in the Antarctic can contaminate organisms in close proximity to these locations. Intertidal and subtidal limpets in Arthur Harbor were found to contain elevated levels of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons near Plamer and Old Palmer Stations. Contamination was highest in the intertidal and decreased with increasing water depth in the subtidal. The highest concentrations of tissue contamination were found in intertidal areas associated with high levels of onshore soil contamination. Limpets (Nacella concinna) preferentially incorporated the more water soluble aromatic compounds suggesting exposure to dissolved contaminants in run-off rather than particulates or slicks. This was in contrast to subtidal sediments that were primarily contaminated with freshly spilled diesel fuel. While contamination was present near stations, the concentrations observed are 1–2 orders of magnitude lower than the initial contamination caused by the Bahia Paraiso diesel fuel spill in 1989.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH—PHARMACOTHERAPY: Erectile Dysfunction Following Surgical Correction of Peyronie's Disease and a Pilot Study of the Use of Sildenafil Citrate Rehabilitation for Postoperative Erectile Dysfunction

ABSTRACT Introduction Peyronie's disease (PD) is correctable by several surgical approaches including plaque incision with grafting. While the best choice of graft material remains controversial, the risk of postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED) is apparent across previous reports. Aim We attempt to provide guidelines as to which patients may be at increased risk for developing postoperative ED after this procedure, as well as examine the role of sildenafil citrate (SC) in the postoperative period for prevention of this complication. Materials and Methods A retrospective review was performed on 37 patients who underwent surgical correction of PD with pericardial grafting after plaque incision. Mean follow‐up was 24 months. We evaluated patient age, duration of disease, defect size, plaque location, degree of curvature, shaft narrowing, preoperative coital activity, vascular risk factors for ED, as well as preoperative erection grade and duplex ultrasound parameters. Twenty‐six of these patients underwent a postoperative rehabilitation protocol of SC to enhance recovery of unassisted erections. Results Overall, 11 patients (29%) noted diminished postoperative rigidity, that compromised unassisted coitus, compared to preoperative status. Comparison of rates of ED among those with or without vascular risk factors yielded no statistically significant results. Peyronie's disease duration, patient age, defect size, plaque location, degree of curvature, and narrowing were also insignificant predictors of which patients developed ED. An increased percentage of patients who developed ED were not sexually active preoperatively compared to those that did not develop ED (58% vs. 80%). When patients were compared based on preoperative erection grade, those patients with compromised erectile function were more likely to develop postoperative ED vs. those with full erections ( P Conclusions No single parameter was found that predicted the occurrence of postoperative ED with the exception of preoperative erectile status. The surgeon must carefully assess and consult each patient when considering grafting as well as consider the possible role of SC in attempting to prevent this complication.
Use of Redox Enzymes for the Electrochemical Detection of Sequence-Specific DNA and Immunochemical Entities

There is a host of methods for the detection of immunoassays and sequence-specific DNA on a microarray chip (or biochip); see earlier chapter. Many detection technologies are optical methods, such as surface plasmon resonance, luminescence, fluorescence, and visible detection modes (absorbance or reflectance). They do require optical systems that are somewhat expensive. As shown in previous chapters, electrochemical detection is a viable option for immunochemical and sequence-specific DNA detection. The electrochemical detection methods vary greatly, with anything from impedance measurements, to oxidation of specific nucleotdides within the duplex, to conductive interacalators, redox-intercalators, metal tags, and redox enzyme systems. Many have specific niches and amplification modes. The bottom line is that electrochemical detection is sensitive, the system footprint is small, and the system is inexpensive. To date only a few electrochemical detection systems have been commercialized and succeeded. These include (1) the CombiMatrix ElectraSense system, utilizing HRP as a redox enzyme (1–6); (2) the Osmeotech Esense (Motorola Life Sciences) system, utilizing a Ferrocene tag (see Chapter 12 in this book); and (3) the Toshiba gene analyzer, utilizing a redox active dye (7). The CombiMatrix system is the only commercial system that uses a true microarray concept, up to 12,000 individual electrodes. The latter E-chem detection systems utilize a microarray that requires spotting onto gold electrodes and the number of electrodes is in the neighborhood of 15–25 per chip. In these cases, the voltage is scanned and current recorded. A substantial increase in the peak-to-peak current reflects the presence of the redox species present, and hence a duplex being formed. In the case where redox enzymes (or products that are redox active) are utilized for the detection of specific DNA sequences and immunoassays, there is a variety of enzymes from which to choose. Many have been used before on simple electrode
DNA Markers in Plant Improvement

Publisher Summary Genetic markers are held for a detailed investigation of complex questions in quantitative biology. The advent of DNA markers, greatly expanding the number of genetic markers available, is allowing researchers to begin to tap the potential of this technology, to the benefit of both basic biology and agricultural productivity. Genetic markers make a major contribution to the biological sciences, especially agriculture, for the foreseeable future. DNA markers can significantly accelerate many breeding endeavors. They may provide new approaches to some objectives, which have proven difficult to achieve with classical techniques, such as introgression of valuable traits from exotic germplasm into domestic cultivars. This chapter addresses the applications of DNA markers to plant breeding. Genetic markers represent genetic variation, permitting one to estimate relatedness between different genotypes and to predict which matings might produce new and superior gene combinations.
Higher-order diagrammatic vibrational coupled-cluster theory

Diagrammatically size-consistent and basis-set-free vibrational coupled-cluster (XVCC) theory for both zero-point energies and transition frequencies of a molecule, the latter through the equation-of-motion (EOM) formalism, is defined for an nth-order Taylor-series potential energy surface (PES). Quantum-field-theoretical tools (the rules of normal-ordered second quantization and Feynman–Goldstone diagrams) for deriving their working equations are established. The equations of XVCC and EOM-XVCC including up to the mth-order excitation operators are derived and implemented with the aid of computer algebra in the range of 1 ≤ m ≤ 8. Algorithm optimizations known as strength reduction, intermediate reuse, and factorization are carried out before code generation, reducing the cost scaling of the mth-order XVCC and EOM-XVCC in an nth-order Taylor-series PES (m ≥ n) to the optimal value of O(Nm+⌊n/2⌋), where N is the number of modes. The calculated zero-point energies and frequencies of fundamentals, overtones,...
Tuning the Plasmonic Extinction Resonances of Hexagonal Arrays of Ag Nanoparticles

Plasmonically enhanced effects on a self-assembled, hexagonal array layer of ~4-nm silver nanoparticles are analyzed using three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (3D FDTD) simulations and compared against experimentally measured extinction spectra. The effect of particle size, lattice spacing, and lack of monodispersity of the hexagonal array of silver nanoparticles on the extinction resonance was investigated to help determine optimal design specifications for efficient organic solar power harvesting.
Random time evolution of infinite particle systems

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses random time evolution of infinite particle systems. Every Markov random field (MRF) in dimension N = 1 is a stationary Markov chain, with values 0, 1, and time parameter in Z1 . Thus, the MRF is a natural definition of a multi (time) dimensional Markov process. It has been shown, in increasingly general settings, that an MRF is nothing but an IGS with nearest neighbor potential V.
Cluster analysis of preferences ratings of pictorial stimuli

The present research attempted to utilize cluster analysis to develop a comprehensive array of objective pictorial scales that could be used to identify the distinguishing perceptual and personality characteristics of various medical and psychiatric hospital populations. A cluster analysis of individuals' preference ratings of a large number of picture stimuli was described.
Fear-like biochemical and behavioral responses in rats to the predator odor, TMT, are dependent on the exposure environment.

Several laboratories have reported that exposure to predator odor can result in stress-like effects in rodents. While some laboratories have reported fear-like alterations in behavior, other laboratories, including our own, have failed to consistently observe fearful behaviors in rats exposed to the predator odor TMT. One potential contributing factor to this discrepancy is the handling of the rat and its test environment. In the current report, we examine biochemical, endocrinological, and behavioral effects of TMT in two distinct open fields: one small, familiar, and dimly lit, while the other was large, novel, and brightly lit. Only exposure to TMT in the large, novel open field resulted in fearful behavior; however, no increase in dopamine turnover was noted compared to no odor and control odor rats. As expected, the different open fields resulted in some biochemical and behavioral differences, including more horizontal locomotion and less grooming, higher serum corticosterone, and increased dopamine turnover in the ventral prefrontal cortex in the large open field. Finally, compared to the same open field controls, TMT exposure elevated rat serum corticosterone levels in both open fields and dopamine turnover in the dorsal and ventral medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala of rats only in the small, familiar open field. These results indicate that the TMT-induced biochemical activation of may occur without detectable fearful behaviors and may indicate a mechanism that prepares the animal for the expression of a fearful response if additional provocative stimuli are present.
1620 COMPARATIVE ONTOGENY OF NERVE GROWTH FACTOR (NGF) IN MALE MOUSE BRAIN AND SUBMAXILLARY GLAND (SMG)

NGF is a protein found in highest concentration in the adult male mouse SMG and essential for maturation and maintenance of adrenergic neurons in the peripheral nervous system. We have previously detected NGF in adult and neonatal mouse brain. Using a specific and sensitive radioimmunoassay for NGF, we compared the postnatal patterns of ontogenesis of NGF concentration in SMG and brain of male Swiss-Webster mice. Mean SMG NGF concentration was 0.19 ± 0.02 ng/mg protein at age 11 days and increased to 103, 2678, and 20,353 ng/mg protein at ages 21, 32 and 60 days of age respectively. Cerebellar NGF increased from 681 to 2241 pg/mg protein between ages 2 and 15 days, and subsequently fell to a plateau level of 1484 pg/mg protein by age 17 days. Cerebral NGF increased steadily from 251 to 1383 pg/mg protein between ages 2 and 32 days, whereas brain stem NGF maintained a plateau averaging 1100 pg/mg protein. Conclusions: 1) The developmental patterns of NGF concentration in brain and salivary gland are clearly different. 2) SMG NGF levels increase exponentially after 11 days of age. 3) Brain NGF levels increase during the first 2-4 weeks seeming to parallel known patterns of cell differentiation in each brain region. 4) The results support the possibility of intrinsic brain NGF synthesis.
A Family of Mechanisms Controlling Bursting Activity and Pulse-triggered Responses of a Neuron Model

Central pattern generating neuronal networks coordinate and control rhythmic movements. In many such networks, the phase relations of activities of neurons are conserved over a range of values of cycle period. How temporal characteristics are controlled in oscillatory networks is an open question. We model cell intrinsic mechanisms that control temporal characteristics and produce phase maintenance in neuronal networks. We focus on the coregulation of a potassium current (IK) and a hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih). The dynamics of this model are governed by a codimension-2 bifurcation: the cornerstone bifurcation. The bifurcation satisfies conditions for the saddle-node bifurcation on invariant circle (SNIC) and the blue sky catastrophe [1]. For parameter values close to the bifurcation, we achieved control over the burst duration and interburst interval by varying the voltages of half activation of IK and Ih. Similarly we were able to control the latency to spiking after inhibition in a spiking neuron and the duration of single evoked bursts in a silent neuron. We constructed a series of network motifs for central pattern generators typical for motor control and demonstrated how control of bursting activity on the level of individual cells controls phase constancy.
New Roles for Copper Metabolism in Cell Proliferation, Signaling, and Disease

Over the past 2 decades, the molecular mechanisms by which cells acquire, distribute, and utilize copper have been under intense investigation. Significant progress has been made in the identification of genes encoding copper homeostasis proteins and in fundamental aspects of their structure, function, and mechanisms of action in copper balance. A number of more comprehensive reviews of the field with respect to the genetics, structure, function, and physiology of copper metabolism have recently appeared elsewhere (1–4). Here, we review general mechanisms for eukaryotic copper metabolism at the cellular level in the context of recent discoveries in the field, identifying potential new functions for copper and copper metabolism proteins in cell signaling, gene expression, tumor cell metastasis, and resistance to anti-neoplastic drugs.
Understanding the SNO+ Detector

SNO+, a large liquid scintillator experiment, is the successor of the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) experiment. The scintillator volume will be loaded with large quantities of 130Te, an isotope that undergoes double beta decay, in order to search for neutrinoless double beta decay. In addition to this search, SNO+ has a broad physics program due to its sensitivity to solar and supernova neutrinos, as well as reactor and geo anti-neutrinos. SNO+ can also place competitive limits on certain modes of invisible nucleon decay during its first phase. The detector is currently undergoing commissioning in preparation for its first phase, in which the detector is filled with ultra pure water. This will be followed by a pure scintillator phase, and then a Tellurium-loaded scintillator phase to search for neutrinoless double beta decay. Here we present the work done to model detector aging, which was first observed during SNO. The aging was found to reduce the optical response of the detector. We also describe early results from electronics calibration of SNO+.
Three Dimensional Receding Horizon Control for UAVs

This paper presents a receding horizon controller (RHC) that can be used to design trajectories for an aerial vehicle flying through a three dimensional terrain with obstacles and no-fly zones. To avoid exposure to threats, the paths are chosen to stay as close to the terrain as possible, but the vehicle can choose to pop-up over the obstacles if necessary. The approach is similar to our previous two-dimensional algorithms that construct a coarse cost map to provide approximate paths from a sparse set of nodes to the goal and then use Mixed-integer Linear Programming (MILP) optimization to design a detailed trajectory. The main contribution of this paper is to extend this approach to 3D, in particular providing a new algorithm for connecting the cost map and the detailed path in the MILP. This connection is done by introducing a new cost-to-go function that includes an altitude penalty and accounts for the vehicle dynamics. Initial guess for MILP RHC is constructed from the previous solution and is shown to reduce the solution time. Several simulation results are presented to show that the path planning algorithm yields good overall performance and is computationally tractable in a complex environment.
A Criminogenic Market Structure: the Automobile Industry

Sociologists have come under attack for ignoring the role powerful elites play in controlling society's central master institutions by establishing policies which set structural conditions that cause other (lower level) people to commit crimes. This study suggests how one elite, automobile manufacturers, creates a “criminogenic market structure” by imposing on their new car dealers a pricing policy which requires high volume and low per unit profit While this strategy gives the manufacturer increased total net aggregate profit (by achieving economies of scale and by minimizing direct competition among oligopolist “rivals”), it places the new car dealer in a financial squeeze by forcing him to constantly free-up and continuously re-cycle capital into fixed margin new car inventory. This squeeze sets in motion a downward spiral of illegal activities which (1) inclines the new car dealer to engage in compensatory profit taking through fraudulent service operations, (2) under certain conditions, generates a “kickback” system which enables used car managers of new car dealerships to exact graft from independent used car wholesalers, and (3) forces the independent used car wholesaler into illegal “short-sales” in order to generate unrecorded cash for kickback payments.