cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New micro-optical methods to study metabolism in periportal and pericentral regions of the liver lobule.

New techniques employing microlight guides allow metabolic events to be studied noninvasively in tiny volumes of liver tissue located in defined regions within the liver lobule. These events include oxygen utilization, carbohydrate metabolism, ethanol oxidation, monooxygenation, glucaronidation, and sulfation. Two-fiber microlight guides are constructed from 80-microns optical fibers and are placed on periportal or pencentral regions of the liver lobule based on the pattern of liver pigmentation. Light of selected wavelengths is transmitted to the liver surface by one fiber, and the resultant fluorescence or reflectance is delivered to a photomultiplier by the second fiber. The experimental strategy is to monitor native fluors which are metabolically linked (e.g., NADH) or to infuse nonfluorescent substrates which are converted to fluorescent products by specific enzyme systems (e.g., 7-ethoxycoumarin for monooxygenation). Alternatively, disappearance of fluorescence can also be employed (e.g., 7-hydroxycoumarin for sulfation or glucuronidation). With these methods, rate-limiting steps in situ (e.g., substrate uptake, enzyme activity, cofactor supply) have been studied for several metabolic systems in periportal and pericentral regions of the liver lobule.
Genetic diversity and population structure in cultivated sunflower and a comparison to its wild progenitor, Helianthus annuus L

Crop germplasm collections are valuable resources for ongoing plant breeding efforts. To fully utilize such collections, however, researchers need detailed information about the amount and distribution of genetic diversity present within collections. Here, we report the results of a population genetic analysis of the primary gene pool of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) based on a broad sampling of 433 cultivated accessions from North America and Europe, as well as a range-wide collection of 24 wild sunflower populations. Gene diversity across the cultivars was 0.47, as compared with 0.70 in the wilds, indicating that cultivated sunflower harbors roughly two-thirds of the total genetic diversity present in wild sunflower. Population structure analyses revealed that wild sunflower can be subdivided into four genetically distinct population clusters throughout its North American range, whereas the cultivated sunflower gene pool could be split into two main clusters separating restorer lines from the balance of the gene pool. Use of a maximum likelihood method to estimate the contribution of the wild gene pool to the cultivated sunflower germplasm revealed that the bulk of the cultivar diversity is derived from two wild sunflower population genetic clusters that are primarily composed of individuals from the east-central United States, the same general region in which sunflower domestication is believed to have occurred. We also identified a nested subset of accessions that capture as much of the allelic diversity present within the sampled cultivated sunflower germplasm collection as possible. At the high end, a core set of 288 captured nearly 90% of the alleles present in the full set of 433, whereas a core set of just 12 accessions was sufficient to capture nearly 50% of the total allelic diversity present within this sample of cultivated sunflower.
Subversions of the International Order: Studies in the Political Anthropology of Culture

Subversions of the International Order: Studies in the Political Anthropology of Culture. John Borneman .Albany: State University of New York Press, 1998. 342 pp.
Prevalence of sexually transmitted infection/human immunodeficiency virus counseling services received by teen males, 1995-2002.

Abstract Purpose To examine whether improvements have been made in the delivery of sexually transmitted infection and/or human immunodeficiency virus (STI/HIV) counseling services to teen males. Methods Analysis was performed using the 1995 National Survey of Adolescent Males (N = 1,729, response rate=75%) and the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth (N = 1,121, response rate=78%), which are two nationally representative surveys of 15–19-year-old males. Main outcome measure included discussion about STIs/HIV with a doctor/nurse. Weighted bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression analyses examined the association of outcome measures and survey year among males engaging in various types of sexual behaviors (e.g., varying partner numbers, higher risk sex) unadjusted and adjusted for sociodemographic and health care access factors. Results In 2002, STI/HIV counseling receipt in the past year was reported by one-third of males who reported three or more female partners, anal sex with female partners, or oral/anal sex with male partners. Only 26% of males reporting high-risk sex (e.g., sex with prostitute, person with HIV or often/always high with sex) reported STI/HIV counseling receipt. Overall, no improvements were found between 1995 and 2002 in STI/HIV counseling, even after controlling for sociodemographic and health care access factors. Conclusions Mechanisms are needed to raise the importance of STI/HIV counseling services among sexually active male teens as well as to improve health care providers' delivery of these services.
Gravitational lensing of stars orbiting Sgr A* as a probe of the black hole metric in the Galactic center

We show that a possible astrophysical experiment, detection of lensed images of stars orbiting close to Sgr A*, can provide insight into the form of the metric around a black hole. We model Sgr A* as a black hole and add in a $\frac{1}{{r}^{2}}$ term to the Schwarzschild metric near the black hole. We then attempt to determine the effect of this extra term on the properties of the secondary images of the S stars in the Galactic center. When the $\frac{1}{{r}^{2}}$ term is positive, this represents a Reissner-Nordstrom metric. We show that there is little observational difference between a Schwarzschild black hole and a Reissner-Nordstrom black hole, leading to the conclusion that secondary images may not be a useful probe of electrical charge in black holes. A negative value for the $\frac{1}{{r}^{2}}$ term can enter through modified gravity scenarios. Although physically unlikely to apply in the case of a large black hole, the Randall-Sundrum II braneworld scenario admits a metric of this form, known as the tidal Reissner-Nordstrom metric. We use values of tidal charge ($Q$ in $\frac{Q}{{r}^{2}}$) ranging from $\ensuremath{-}6.4{M}^{2}$ to $1.6{M}^{2}$. A negative value of $Q$ enhances the brightness of images at all times and creates an increase in brightness of up to 0.4 magnitudes for the secondary image of the star S2 at periapse. We show that for other stars with brighter secondary images and positions more aligned with the optic axis, using the tidal Reissner-Nordstrom metric with negative $Q$ enhances the images as well. However, the effect is less pronounced. This effect is related to the increase in the size of the photon sphere in this spacetime and, therefore, should be noticeable in other metrics with a similar effect on the photon sphere. With the next generation of instruments and increased knowledge of radiation from Sgr A*, we may be able to use properties of secondary images to place constraints on the size of the $\frac{1}{{r}^{2}}$ term. This knowledge will be useful in constraining any modified gravity theory that adds a similar term into the strong field near a black hole.
Current Status of 2T-Physics and Future Directions

2T-physics has come a long way since its initial steps in 1995 [3, 4]. By now it has been established that nature obeys a fundamental general principle of broad significance.
Effect of leakage current on the power output of s band TRAPATT oscillators

The effect of externally enhanced leakage current on S band TRAPATT diodes is reported. Without enhanced leakage, the TRAPATT has an effective leakage current density of the order of 0·4 A/cm2. Calculations indicate that the leakage current due to carrier storage provides the electron density for initiating the avalanche process.
Arrayed silicon avalanche cathodes

Silicon avalanche cathodes (SACs) consisting of a heavily doped shallow (less than 300 A) p-n junctions were fabricated, characterized, and used as electron sources in Si-based microvacuum diodes. The emission current was investigated as a function of diode reverse-biased voltage and external field. The field was provided by an anode placed approximately 1 mm above the cathode to simulate the field which would be obtained with a built-on-chip anode. Eighteen different shapes and sizes of SACs were tested. An emission current of 0.24 mu A and an emission efficiency (emission current/total diode current) of 2.1*10/sup -5/ were observed from the single bare Si p-n junction cold cathode. >
Psychosocial Adjustment in Males with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Psychometric Properties and Clinical Utility of a Parent-report Questionnaire

Objective The primary aim of this study was to establish the psychometric properties and clinical utility of the Personal Adjustment and Role Skills Scale (PARS-III) for assessing psychosocial adjustment in males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Methods The parents of 287 male patients with DMD aged 5-18 years completed the PARS-III and Revised Rutter Scale. Results The α coefficients and factor analysis indicated good reliability and validity. Overall psychosocial adjustment was not significantly different in DMD compared to males with other chronic medical conditions and was positively associated with increases in age. A clinical cutoff score for screening in the DMD population is also reported. Conclusions The PARS-III is a reliable and valid index of youth psychosocial adjustment in DMD and can be used for both clinical screening and research purposes.
Blind decoders for linear dispersion codes in downlink DS-CDMA systems

Among many proposed space-time codes, the linear dispersion (LD) space-time codes possess many coding advantages and retain a simple decoding at the same time. An LD decoder combined with a blind subspace-based multiuser detector (MUD) is studied in the downlink of a DS-CDMA system. To further improve the performance, a subspace-based sphere decoding algorithm is proposed. Finally, a decimation-combining processing is applied to the proposed subspace-based blind decoders to reduce the complexity with only slight performance loss.
Dietary Apparent Metabolizable Energy and Amino Acid Density Effects on Growth and Carcass Traits of Heavy Broilers

SUMMARY Two experiments (EXP) were conducted to evaluate the interactive effects of dietary AME and amino acid (AA) density (total basis) on broiler chickens from 42 to 56 d of age. In EXP 1, diets were formulated to contain low AME (3,140 kcal/kg) and moderate AME (3,240 kcal/kg) in combination with moderate AA (16.2% CP, 0.88% Lys, and 0.75% TSAA) and high AA (18.0% CP, 0.98% Lys, and 0.83% TSAA) and fed to male broilers. Dietary treatments in EXP 2 were diets formulated to contain moderate AME (3,220 kcal/kg) and high AME (3,310 kcal/kg) combined with moderate and high AA concentrations used in EXP 1 and fed to male and female broilers. In general, dietary AME and AA did not interact to influence growth and meat yield responses. Broilers provided the low AME diet in EXP 1 consumed more feed and had poorer feed conversion but had higher total breast meat yield than birds fed the moderate AME diet. In EXP 2, broilers fed the high AME diet from 42 to 56 d had increased BW gain, decreased feed consumption, and improved feed conversion. Feeding the high AA diets in both EXP decreased feed consumption, improved feed conversion, and increased total breast meat yield. Nutritionists establishing nutritional programs for heavy broilers late in development from 2.5 to 3.6 kg may need to consider increasing AA density to optimize breast meat yield. Increasing the AME content of the diet improves feed conversion but not breast meat yield.
Types Of Patterned Variation In Bureaucratic Adaptations To Organizational Stress

Field data gathered by The Ohio State University Disester Research Center in studying complex organizations suggest that the bureaucratic model is inadequate to explain organizational adaptation to stress. The informal structure does not replace the formal structure in such situations. There is instead a variety of patterned responses in adating to the stress. The article illustrates these general points, sets forth a typology of possible patterned variations in bureaucraric adaptations, and indicates some internal and external factors to the organization which influences the direction and kind of adaptation followed.
Metabolic enzyme activities in swimming muscle of medusae: is the scaling of glycolytic activity related to oxygen availability?

This study compared the scaling of the glycolytic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the Krebs cycle enzyme citrate synthase (CS) in the swimming muscle and tentacle tissue of the mesopelagic coronate scyphomedusa Periphylla periphylla in two populations living under different oxygen minimum layer conditions. The LDH and CS activities in these tissues of two other coronate scyphomedusae (Paraphyllina ransoni and Periphyllopsis galatheae) and the bathypelagic narcomedusa Aegina citrea were also studied. The scaling of these two enzymes along with total protein was investigated in whole organism homogenates of the surface-living scyphomedusa Aurelia labiata. Mass-specific LDH activities in swimming muscle showed positive scaling in relation to body size in Periphylla periphylla collected off California and Hawaii. Mass-specific LDH activities in tentacle tissue increased with regards to increasing mass only in specimens of P. periphylla collected off California. The LDH values of the scaling coefficient, b, in swimming muscle and tentacle were significantly higher in P. periphylla collected in the low oxygen waters off California than from those collected off the Hawaiian Islands in a higher oxygen environment. The LDH showed a significant decrease with body size in Aegina citrea swimming muscle and in Aurelia labiata whole animal homogenates. The largest species in this study, Periphyllopsis galatheae, had LDH activities similar to the smallest specimens of Periphylla periphylla. The results of this study suggest that the scaling of glycolytic activity is related to oxygen availability for P. periphylla. In Aurelia labiata, which is only exposed to episodic hypoxia, and Aegina citrea, scaling of glycolytic activity is not affected by oxygen availability.
Magnetic force microscopy of single-domain cobalt dots patterned using interference lithography

We have fabricated arrays of Co dots having diameters of 100 nm and 70 nm using interference lithography. The density of these arrays is 7.2/spl times/10/sup 9//in/sup 2/. Magnetic force microscopy measurements indicate that the Co dots are single-domain with moments that can be controlled to point either in-plane or out-of-plane. Interference lithography is a process that is easily scaled to large areas and is potentially capable of high throughput. Large, uniform arrays of single-domain structures are potentially useful for high-density, low-noise data storage.
Effective index of refraction, optical rotation, and circular dichroism in isotropic chiral liquid crystals.

This paper concerns optical properties of the isotropic phase above the isotropic-cholesteric transition and of the blue phase BP III. We introduce an effective index, which describes spatial dispersion effects such as optical rotation, circular dichroism, and the modification of the average index due to the fluctuations. We derive the wavelength dependence of these spatial dispersion effects quite generally without relying on an expansion in powers of the chirality and without assuming that the pitch of the cholesteric P is much shorter than the wavelength of the light l, an approximation that has been made in previous studies of this problem. The theoretical predictions are supported by comparing them with experimental spectra of the optical activity in the BP III phase.
A Ring Cavity Raman Silicon Laser

Silicon photonics has made rapid progress in recent years achieving several key breakthroughs. In particular, chip-scale silicon lasers and amplifiers based on stimulated Raman scattering have been successfully demonstrated in continuous wave operation
Conformational dependence of the electrostatic potential-derived charges of dopamine: ramifications in molecular mechanics force field calculations in the gas phase and in aqueous solution

The electrostatic potential-derived charges for the catecholamine neurotransmitter dopamine were calculated at the STO-3G and 6-31G* basis sets for six different molecular conformations. The degree of variance of the charges with changing conformations was examined. The 6-31G* basis set produced charges that were more sensitive to changes in conformation than those derived from the STO-3G electrostatic potentials. The implication of the charge variations in molecular mechanics calculations was also investigated. The molecular mechanics results in the gas phase exhibited a variance depending upon the charge set used. The force field calculations varied much less when aqueous solvation was included in the calculations through a continuum model. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Influence of calcium antagonists on thrombin-induced calcium mobilization and platelet-vessel wall interactions

Abstract Elevation of cytosolic ionized calcium plays a critical role in human platelet activation. We have evaluated three well-characterized calcium antagonists for their ability to prevent thrombin-induced calcium mobilization in Fura 2 AM-loaded platelets and also their ability to inhibit platelet-vessel wall interactions. Thrombin (0.2 U/ml) caused significant elevation of cytosolic calcium (basal 84 ± 18, activated 546 ± 76 n m ; n = 3). Verapamil, diltiazem, and nifedipine (100 μ m ) did not exert any inhibitory effect on thrombin-mediated calcium elevation. Untreated platelets perfused through a Baumgartner chamber containing a rabbit aorta preparation reacted with exposed and denuded subendothelium. The percentage of the total area covered by control platelet thrombi was 39.6 ± 3.4. Diltiazem and Nifedipine significantly reduced the percentage of area covered by platelet thrombi, but the drugs were not as effective as aspirin (8.2 ± 1.4). Calcium antagonists studied did not inhibit thrombinstimulated elevation of cytosolic calcium in blood platelets. Although these drugs have been shown to prevent in vitro platelet aggregation and offer some protection against risks for atherosclerosis and thrombosis, they failed to significantly inhibit platelet-vessel wall interactions leading to formation of spread platelets and aggregates.
An analysis of the pharmacokinetic parameter ratios in DCE-MRI using the reference region model

Abstract Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is performed by obtaining sequential MRI images, before, during and after the injection of a contrast agent. It is usually used to observe the exchange of contrast agent between the vascular space and extravascular extracellular space (EES), and provide information about blood volume and microvascular permeability. To estimate the kinetic parameters derived from the pharmacokinetic model, accurate knowledge of the arterial input function (AIF) is very important. However, the AIF is usually unknown, and it remains very difficult to obtain such information noninvasively. In this article, without knowledge of the AIF, we applied a reference region (RR) model to analyze the kinetic parameters. The RR model usually depends on kinetic parameters found in previous studies of a reference region. However, both the assignment of reference region parameters (intersubject variation) and the selection of the reference region itself (intrasubject variation) may confound the results obtained by RR methods. Instead of using literature values for those pharmacokinetic parameters of the reference region, we proposed to use two pharmacokinetic parameter ratios between the tissue of interest (TOI) and the reference region. Specifically, one parameter K R is calculated as the ratio between the volume transfer constant K trans of the TOI and RR. Similarly, another parameter V R is calculated as the ratio between the extravascular extracellular volume fraction v e of the TOI and RR. To investigate the consistency of the two ratios, the K trans of the RR was varied ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 min −1 , covering the cited literature values. A simulated dataset with different levels of Gaussian noises and an in vivo dataset acquired from five canine brains with spontaneous occurring brain tumors were used to study the proposed ratios. It is shown from both datasets that these ratios are independent of K trans of the RR, implying that there is potentially no need to obtain information about literature values from the reference region for future pharmacokinetic modeling and analysis.
The next phases of SETI@home

Since it’s public release in 1999, the capabilities of SETI@home have grown rapidly. The continuation of Moore's law has led to personal computers one thousand times faster than those available in 1999, with graphics processing units that can provide processing speeds only seen on supercomputers in the last century. The capabilities of the SETI@home software have increased to better utilize the available processing power. Increases in radio astronomy instrumentation technologies have also led to improvements in the potential data sources for SETI@home. I will describe the evolution of SETI@home, and how it will change in the future to better match the available technologies, in the data sources, the data processing techniques, and the candidate identification process.
Radiofrequency plasma stabilization of a low-Reynolds-number channel flow

The effects of plasma heating and thermal non-equilibrium on the statistical properties of a low-Reynolds-number ( ) turbulent channel flow were experimentally quantified using particle image velocimetry, two-line planar laser-induced fluorescence, coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy and emission spectroscopy. Tests were conducted at two radiofrequency plasma settings. The nitrogen, in air, was vibrationally excited to and 1550 K for 150 W and 300 W plasma settings, respectively, while the vibrational temperature of the oxygen and the rotational/translational temperatures of all species remained near room temperature. The peak axial turbulence intensities in the shear layers were reduced by 15 and 30 % in moving across the plasma for the 150 and 300 W cases, respectively. The plasma did not alter the transverse intensities. The Reynolds shear stresses were reduced by 30 and 50 % for the 150 and 300 W cases. The corresponding Reynolds shear stress correlation coefficient was also reduced, which indicates that the large-scale structures were diminished. Finally, the plasma enhanced the turbulence decay in the zero-shear regions, where the power law decay exponential factor decreased from 1.0 to 0.8.
Performance metric alerting: a new design approach for complex alerting problems

Alerting systems and related decision-making automation are widely used to enhance the safety and capability of controlled processes across many applications. Traditional alerting systems use physical metrics such as temperature, distance between vehicles, or time-to-impact as bases for making alerting decisions. Threshold values on these metrics are typically derived using an iterative process to ensure the achievement of desired performance goals, defined by higher-level metrics such as false alarm, safety, or success probabilities. We generalize this problem and develop two state spaces: one representing physical metrics and one representing performance metrics. A traditional alerting system operates completely within the physical space, using decision thresholds that have been developed off-line during the design process by examining how the physical threshold translates across to the performance state space. The physical metrics thus act as an indirect means to control the performance of the system. We propose an alternate approach that enables the system to operate online in the performance space. Alerting decisions are based directly on the computed values of metrics such as false alarm probability rather than on surrogate physical metrics. These two design approaches are then contrasted in case studies of recently-developed alerting systems.
The potential impact of externalities considerations on the market for biomass power technologies

Abstract Of all the renewable energy sources used for power generation, biomass energy has experienced the greatest growth over the last decade. Spurred by requirements established in the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA), as well as various tax incentives, biomass-based power generation now provides more than 50 billion kWh of electric energy from 10,000 MW of installed capacity. The overwhelming majority of this capacity, primarily wood-based, has been developed by the nonutility sector. However, the biomass industry is currently facing more difficult market conditions due to a reduction in federal incentives and changes in the generation market, such as lower utility avoided costs, slower demand growth, and greater competition among both generators and fuel sources. States are increasingly contemplating the inclusion of market externalities costs and benefits associated with different generation options in electricity resource planning and procurement decisions. Market externalities, as they relate to generation resources and technologies, represent impacts that are not wholly reflected in the market price of electricity derived from these sources. These impacts, which can be either positive or negative, can encompass environmental, economic and other social factors, but state considerations have focused predominantly on environmental externalities costs, especially air emissions. The explicit quantification of externalities could measurably affect the competitive standing of various energy resources and technologies in future generation resource acquisitions. This paper summarizes work undertaken to assess the status of externalities considerations in state and utility electricity resource planning processes and to determine how externalities considerations might help or hinder future development of biomass power plants.1 †
Cross-regulation of Pseudomonas motility systems: the intimate relationship between flagella, pili and virulence

Pseudomonas aeruginosa navigates using two distinct forms of motility, swimming and twitching. A polar flagellum and Type 4 pili power these movements, respectively, allowing P. aeruginosa to attach to and colonize surfaces. Single cell imaging and particle tracking algorithms have revealed a wide range of bacterial surface behaviors which are regulated by second messengers cyclic-di-GMP and cAMP; the production of these signals is, in turn, responsive to the engagement of motility organelles with a surface. Innate immune defense systems, long known to recognize structural components of flagella, appear to respond to motility itself. The association of motility with both upregulation of virulence and induction of host defense mechanisms underlies the complex contributions of flagella and pili to P. aeruginosa pathogenesis.
Dietary fat unsaturation enhances drug metabolism in cebus but not in squirrel monkeys.

Antipyrine disappearance and sleeping time following barbiturate anesthesia were assessed to evaluate the effects of dietary corn oil and coconut oil on the drug-metabolizing enzyme systems (DMES) in cebus (Cebus albifrons) and squirrel (SaimirA­sciureus) monkeys. Plasma antipyrine clearance (half-life) was measured in both species before and after induction of DMES by i.v. injection of barbiturates on two consecutive days. Sleeping time was measured after administra tion of either pentobarbital or hexobarbital and proved to be the most demonstrable measure of diet-drug interaction. In neither cebus nor squirrel monkeys was anti pyrine half-life significantly affected by dietary fat. Sleeping time for the coconut oil-fed squirrel monkeys was shorter than for those fed corn oil, whereas corn oil-fed cebus awoke sooner than the coconut oil-fed cebus. Thus, barbiturate but not anti pyrine metabolism in monkeys can be influenced by dietary fat unsaturation, and the effect appears to be species dependent. Genetic differences in phospholipid metabo lism are thought to underlie this difference J. Nutr. 115: 573-578, 1985.
Interactive first-order probabilistic logic

Being able to compactly represent large state spaces is crucial in solving a vast majority of practical stochastic planning problems. This requirement is even more stringent in the context of multi-agent systems, in which the world to be modeled also includes the mental state of other agents. This leads to a hierarchy of beliefs that results in a continuous, unbounded set of possible interactive states, as in the case of Interactive POMDPs. In this paper, we describe a novel representation for interactive belief hierarchies that combines first-order logic and probability. The semantics of this new formalism is based on recursively partitioning the belief space at each level of the hierarchy; in particular, the partitions of the belief simplex at one level constitute the vertices of the simplex at the next higher level. Since in general a set of probabilistic statements only partially specifies a probability distribution over the space of interest, we adopt the maximum entropy principle in order to convert it to a full specification.
Vasodilation evoked from medulla and cerebellum is coupled to bursts of cortical EEG activity in rats

Cerebral blood flow (rCBF), measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry, spontaneously fluctuates at approximately 6 events/min in the anesthetized rat. These cerebrovascular waves (CWs) are preceded by si...
Modeling the Role of NCX in the Regulation of Cardiomyocyte Microdomain Ca2+ Dynamics

The sodium (Na+)/calcium (Ca2+) exchanger (NCX) is an electrogenic membrane transporter that mainly serves as a Ca2+ removal mechanism during relaxation and maintains Ca2+ homeostasis in cardiomyocytes. The direction of transport reverses at membrane potentials near action the potential plateau, generating an influx of Ca2+ into the cell. Therefore, there has been great interest in the role NCX plays in cardiac Ca2+-induced Ca2+-release (CICR), with some controversial findings questioning whether NCX has any role at all. A recent super-resolution optical imaging study suggested that ∼17% of NCX co-localize within the domain occupied by ryanodine receptor (RyR) clusters and ∼30% of NCX are within 100nm of the dyad boundary. Therefore, NCX may play a critical role in modulating Ca2+ spark activity and CICR as a result of its spatial distribution in the T-tubule. Here we examine the potential role of NCX using computational modeling. We have developed a novel mechanistic and biophysically-detailed model of NCX that describes both NCX transport kinetics and dynamics of Ca2+-dependent allosteric regulation. We incorporated this new NCX model into a previously developed super-resolution Ca2+ spark model to examine effects of local NCX spatial distribution on properties of Ca2+ sparks. Dyadic NCX reduces spark frequency but has minimal effects on spark amplitude and half-width. Furthermore, we incorporate NCX into a previously developed computational model of the cardiac ventricular myocyte that includes a detailed description of CICR simulated with stochastic gating of L-Type Ca2+ channels and RyRs in the dyad and accounts for local Ca2+ gradients via inclusion of peri-dyadic compartments. We use this model to investigate the role of NCX and its localization on whole-cell Ca2+ dynamics, the Ca2+ levels in the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum, and APs.
Risk Factors for Multiple Sclerosis after First Attack of Inflammatory CNS Demyelination

Clinical, radiologic, or CSF factors predicting development of multiple sclerosis (MS) after a first inflammatory demyelinating attack were identified in 117 children (56% <10 years, 34% <6 years) participating in a nationwide retrospective multicenter study in the Netherlands.
New genus and six new species of chiggers (Acari: Trombiculidae and Leeuwenhoekiidae) collected from small mammals in Argentina.

Argentinacarus , n. gen., is proposed with Argentinacarus expansus , n. sp., off Ircnomys tarsalis and Akodon longipilis , as type species. Quadraseta akodonica , off Akodon longipilis and Aulisconujs micropus, Colicus sinpretarsus , off Histiotus montanus, Parasecia argentincnsis , off Phyllotis xanthopygus, Parasecia neuquenensis , off Akodon longipilis , and Andalgalomacanis xanthopyga , off Phyllois xanthopygus and Eligmodontia morgani , are described as new. All specimens were collected in Argentina.
Infrared photodissociation spectroscopy of vanadium oxide-carbonyl cations.

Mass selected vanadium oxide–carbonyl cations of the form VOm(CO)n+ (m = 0–3 and n = 3–6) are studied via infrared laser photodissociation spectroscopy in the 600–2300 cm–1 region. Insight into the structure and bonding of these complexes is obtained from the number of infrared active bands, their relative intensities and their frequency positions. Density functional theory calculations are carried out in support of the experimental data. The effect of oxidation on the carbonyl stretching frequencies of VO(CO)n+, VO2(CO)n+, and VO3(CO)n+ complexes is investigated. All of these oxide–carbonyl species have C–O stretch vibrations blue-shifted from those of the pure vanadium ion carbonyls. The V–O stretches of these complexes are also investigated, revealing the effects of CO coordination on these vibrations. The oxide–carbonyls all have a hexacoordinate core analogous to that of V(CO)6+. The fully coordinated vanadium monoxide–carbonyl species is VO(CO)5+, and those of the dioxide and trioxide are VO2(CO)4+ ...
Familial intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are acquired abnormal communications between dural arteries and veins. Risk factors for development include sinus thrombosis and hypercoagulability, such as occurs in heritable thrombophilias. While there have been reports of other types of vascular anomalies (such as cavernous and arteriovenous malformations) occurring in families, to our knowledge there have been no reports of familial intracranial DAVFs. We describe the first 2 cases of intracranial DAVFs occurring in first-degree relatives. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old woman presented with an 18-month history of bilateral pulsatile tinnitus. Neurological examination was significant for a prominent pulsatile bruit over the left mastoid region. Laboratory studies demonstrated heterozygosity for Prothrombin G20210A mutation. Imaging disclosed a large left Type I Borden DAVF involving the distal transverse-sigmoid sinus junction. She underwent uncomplicated stereotactic radiosurgery to the fistula that led to complete resolution of her tinnitus and the fistula. A 73-year-old woman, the sister of the previous patient, presented with a 24-month history of pulsatile tinnitus affecting the left ear. Laboratory studies demonstrated heterozygosity for the Prothrombin G20210A mutation. Imaging revealed a left Type I Borden DAVF involving the left transverse and sigmoid sinuses. The patient's symptoms resolved spontaneously without treatment. Repeat imaging revealed interval involution of the fistula. CONCLUSION: We describe 2 sisters who were heterozygous for Prothrombin G20210A mutation and found to have DAVFs. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for these fistulas to congregate in first-degree relatives via heritable thrombophilias such as the Prothrombin G20210A mutation.
Proton–hydride tautomerism in hydrogen evolution catalysis

Efficient generation of hydrogen from renewable resources requires development of catalysts that avoid deep wells and high barriers. Information about the energy landscape for H2 production can be obtained by chemical characterization of catalytic intermediates, but few have been observed to date. We have isolated and characterized a key intermediate in 2e– + 2H+ → H2 catalysis. This intermediate, obtained by treatment of Cp*Rh(bpy) (Cp*, η5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl; bpy, κ2-2,2′-bipyridyl) with acid, is not a hydride species but rather, bears [η4-Cp*H] as a ligand. Delivery of a second proton to this species leads to evolution of H2 and reformation of η5-Cp* bound to rhodium(III). With suitable choices of acids and bases, the Cp*Rh(bpy) complex catalyzes facile and reversible interconversion of H+ and H2.
Springs and their offspring: the international consequences of domestic uprisings

A political spring is an abrupt, broad, sustained increase in public dissent in a state that has prohibited it, as in Czechoslovakia in 1968 or Tunisia in early 2011. Some springs produce offspring – clusters of events within neighbouring states (civic unrest, increased state repression, co-option of dissent, revolution) and among those states (intensification of international rivalries, foreign interventions). An English Spring in 1558–9 produced such a cluster in Northwestern Europe. This article addresses the underlying causal mechanism connecting springs and their offspring, rather than the related correlational question (viz. under what conditions a spring is followed by offspring). That mechanism is transnational group polarisation, or the progressive separation of preferences across a population into pro- and anti-government groups. Transnational polarisation along a pro-versus-anti-government axis is an endogenous process triggered by exogenous events, such as violence or public demonstrations that raise the status of, or threat to, one of the groups. It presents powerful actors across states with new threats and opportunities and can help explain how the Tunisian Spring of early 2011 produced throughout the Arab Middle East infectious unrest, serial repressions and reforms, heightened international tensions, and foreign interventions.
In Vivo Chromatin Decondensation Assays: Molecular Genetic Analysis of Chromatin Unfolding Characteristics of Selected Proteins

Of critical importance to many of the events underlying transcriptional control of gene expression are modifications to core and linker histones that regulate the accessibility of trans-acting factors to the DNA substrate within the context of chromatin. Likewise, control over the initiation of DNA replication, as well as the ability of the replication machinery to proceed during elongation through the multiple levels of chromatin condensation that are likely to be encountered, is almost certain to involve the creation of chromatin accessibility. In the latter case in particular, chromatin access will likely need to be a transient event so as to prevent total genomic unraveling of the chromatin that would be deleterious to cells. While there are many molecular and biochemical approaches in use to study histone changes and their relationship to transcription and chromatin accessibility, few techniques exist that allow a molecular dissection of the events underlying DNA replication control as it pertains to chromatin changes and accessibility. In this review, we outline a novel experimental strategy for addressing the ability of specific proteins to induce large-scale chromatin unfolding (decondensation) in vivo upon site-specific targeting to an engineered locus. We have used this system successfully to directly address the ability of DNA replication proteins to create chromatin accessibility and have incorporated modifications to the basic approach that allow for a molecular genetic analysis of the players involved in causing chromatin decondensation by a protein of interest. Here, we briefly describe the nature of the experimental system, its history, and a basic protocol for using the system. Alternative approaches involving co-transfections, concurrent drug treatments, and analysis of co-localizing histone modifications are also addressed, which are useful for extending basic findings to physiological mechanisms.
Medicocultural Innovations to Cope with Collapse

Trepanation, the intentional removal of a piece of the cranial vault, is a surprisingly nuanced form of prehistoric surgery that emerged sui generis in the aftermath of Wari’s imperial retraction from Andahuaylas. Comprehensive bioarchaeological evaluation of well-contextualized human remains informs on the development of these operations within Chanka and Quichua society. This approach allows us to more fully understand the cultural contingencies that motivated medical intervention, reconstruct the ordeals and outcomes of patients, and broadly elucidate the complex system of medical knowledge attained by practitioners as well as the therapeutic treatments developed by caregivers. The dataset from Andahuaylas, where about 10% of the population shows signs of trepanation, suggests that the physiological impacts of head wounds, the sequela of lingering infections on the skull, and potentially lethal “soul loss” caused by fear of violence, were primary factors that motivated surgical intervention. These stressors intensified throughout the region due to widespread conflict and the overall decreased quality of life after Wari’s collapse. Yet despite the fact that these traumata equally impacted men, women, and children, trepanations were almost exclusively limited to adult males. Trial-and-error experimentation with different cutting techniques, increasing standardization on where trepanations were placed, and peri-operative procedures like poultice and prosthetic use quickly became widespread and successful endeavors, evinced by bony healing—patient survival. These results speak to the maturation of distinct, culturally-informed understandings on wellness and healing and, importantly, highlight the in situ development of innovative techniques to cope with novel challenges in the aftermath of state collapse.
Des Jardins, Julie Walter Camp: Football and the Modern Man New York: Oxford University Press 416 pp., $29.95, ISBN 9780199925629 Publication Date: October 2015

Julie Des Jardins's “portrait of the ‘Father of Football’ depicts a man against the backdrop… of a crisis of identity in white, Protestant men who once held dominion in American life but sensed cul...
Non-Surgical Therapy for Peri-Implant Diseases: a Systematic Review.

The purpose of this paper was to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of non-surgical therapy for the treatment of peri-implant diseases including both, mucositis and peri-implantitis lesions.
Evaluating handoffs in the context of a communication framework.

Background The implementation of mandated restrictions in resident duty hours has led to increased handoffs for patient care and thus more opportunities for errors during transitions of care. Much of the current handoff literature is empiric, with experts recommending the study of handoffs within an established framework. Methods A prospective, single-institution study was conducted evaluating the process of handoffs for the care of surgical patients in the context of a published communication framework. Evaluation tools for the source, receiver, and observer were developed to identify factors impacting the handoff process, and inter-rater correlations were assessed. Data analysis was generated with Pearson/Spearman correlations and multivariate linear regressions. Rater consistency was assessed with intraclass correlations. Results A total of 126 handoffs were observed. Evaluations were completed by 1 observer ( N = 126), 2 observers ( N = 23), 2 receivers ( N = 39), 1 receiver ( N = 82), and 1 source ( N = 78). An average (±standard deviation) service handoff included 9.2 (±4.6) patients, lasted 9.1 (±5.4) minutes, and had 4.7 (±3.4) distractions recorded by the observer. The source and receiver(s) recognized distractions in >67% of handoffs, with the most common internal and external distractions being fatigue (60% of handoffs) and extraneous staff entering/exiting the room (31%), respectively. Teams with more patients spent less time per individual patient handoff (r = −0.298; P = .001). Statistically significant intraclass correlations ( P ≤ .05) were moderate between observers (r ≥ 0.4) but not receivers (r P > .05). The quality of the handoff process was affected negatively by presence of active electronic devices (β = −0.565; P = .005), number of teaching discussions (β = −0.417; P = .048), and a sense of hierarchy between source and receiver (β = −0.309; P = .002). Conclusion Studying the handoff process within an established framework highlights factors that impair communication. Internal and external distractions are common during handoffs and along with the working relationship between the source and receiver impact the quality of the handoff process. This information allows further study and targeted interventions of the handoff process to improve overall effectiveness and patient safety of the handoff.
Risk Management and Corporate Governance: The Case of Enron

Enron Board's Finance Sub-Committee's approval of the first bankrupting Raptor transaction, Talon, is examined in as much detail as published documents allow. In so doing, this article examines a failure of corporate social responsibility. As not only members of the public were harmed, but also Enron's residual owners, the shareholders, this article examines a failure of corporate governance. The examination reveals that the decision was governed by analyses of the transaction's risks. The examination also reveals that the sub-committee was presented with false risk management information. The article highlights the importance of the risk management function, especially in corporations redesigned, or re-engineered, by strategies of outsourcing and project team management.
Practical Management of Antibiotic Hypersensitivity in 2017.

Antibiotics are the most common class of medications that individuals report allergy or intolerance to. Adverse reactions are reported at a predictable rate with all antibiotic use that vary by antibiotic. Antibiotic allergy incidence rates are sex dependent, higher in females than in males. Most of these events are not reproducible or immunologically mediated. Antibiotic allergy prevalence increases with increasing age and is more common in hospitalized populations and in populations that use more antibiotics. Determining potential mechanisms for the observed symptoms of the adverse reactions is the starting point for effective management of antibiotic hypersensitivity. Skin testing and direct challenges are the primary tools used to determine acute tolerance in 2017. Commercially available in vitro testing is not currently clinically useful in determining antibiotic hypersensitivity, with rare exceptions. Desensitization can be used when acute-onset immunologically mediated hypersensitivity is confirmed to safely administer a needed antibiotic. Desensitization is not possible when clinically significant T-cell–mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity is present. Effective management of antibiotic allergy is an important part of a comprehensive antibiotic stewardship program.