cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure and histochemistry of corpora amylacea in the brain of an orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus).

Abstract The structure and histochemistry of corpora amylacea in the brain of a 7-year-old orangutan are described. Within the same tissue slices of this specimen, structural and histochemical differences occurred between subependymal and paravascular corpora amylacea. In most, but not all, of their optical, tinctorial and chemical properties, the corpora resembled those described by others in human brains. Postulated modes of their genesis and development are discussed; there is evidence that phagocytes in oedematous perivascular zones may form foci leading to their formation.
An unusual pattern of multiple cell and nuclear fusions in the heterothallic slime moldDidymium iridis

Photomicrographic evidence is presented of unusual multiple cell and multiple nuclear fusions in the heterothallic myxomyceteDidymium iridis. These fusions occur only at specific times in the age of the cultured cells and may be induced consistently by the investigator. Once established, the behavior pattern of the multiple-fusion cells is predictable. The possibilities of changes in cell surfaces mediating the multiple fusions are discussed.
Physics-based generation of gamma-ray response functions for CdZnTe detectors

A physics-based approach to gamma-ray response-function generation is presented in which the response of CdZnTe detectors is modeled from first principles. Computer modeling is used to generate response functions needed for spectrum analysis for general detector configurations (e.g., electrode design, detector materials and geometry, and operating conditions). With computer modeling, requirements for calibration and characterization are significantly reduced. Elements of the physics-based model, including gamma-ray transport, charge drift-diffusion, and circuit response, are presented. Calculated and experimental gamma-ray spectra are compared for a coplanar-grid CdZnTe detector.
Technical and economic performance of residential solar water heating in the United States

Abstract This paper examines the regional, technical, and economic performance of residential rooftop solar water heating (SWH) technology in the U.S. It focuses on the application of SWH to consumers in the U.S. currently using electricity for water heating, which currently uses over 120 billion kWh per year. The variation in electrical energy savings due to water heating use, inlet water temperature and solar resource is estimated and applied to determine the regional “break-even” cost of SWH where the life-cycle cost of SWH is equal the life-cycle energy savings. For a typical residential consumer, a SWH system will reduce water heating energy demand by 50–85%, or a savings of 1600–2600 kWh per year. For the largest 1000 electric utilities serving residential customers in the United States as of 2008, this corresponds to an annual electric bill savings range of about $100 to over $300, reflecting the large range in residential electricity prices. This range in electricity prices, along with a variety of incentives programs corresponds to a break-even cost of SWH in the United States varying by more than a factor of five (from less than $2250/system to over $10,000/system excluding Hawaii and Alaska), despite a much smaller variation in the amount of energy saved by the systems (a factor of approximately one and a half). We also consider the relationships between collector area and technical performance, SWH price and solar fraction (percent of daily energy requirements supplied by the SWH system) and examine the key drivers behind break-even costs.
A short, disordered protein region mediates interactions between the homeodomain of the yeast α2 protein and the MCM1 protein

Abstract Homeodomains are folded into a characteristic three-dimensional structure capable of recognizing DNA in a sequence-specific manner. We show that correct target site selection by the yeast α2 protein requires, as well as its homeodomain, an adjacent short and apparently unstructured region of the protein. This flexible homeodomain extension is responsible for specifying an interaction with a second regulatory protein, MCM1, which permits the cooperative binding of the two proteins to an operator. Two additional experiments suggest that this extension-homeodomain arrangement is likely to have some generality. First, when the extension of α2 is grafted onto the Drosophila engrailed homeodomain, it yields a protein with the DNA binding specificity of engrailed and the ability to bind cooperatively to DNA with MCM1. Second, the α2 extension specifies interaction not only with the yeast MCM1 protein, but also with the related human protein SRF.
The net immunologic advantage of laparoscopic surgery

The trauma of surgery evokes a variety of physiologic and immunologic alterations that should contribute to host defense. However, an exaggerated response to injury may result in immunosuppression and lead to significant postoperative morbidity and mortality. Laparoscopic surgery may result in less induced surgical trauma than conventional open surgery. Decreased postoperative pain and speedy functional recovery of laparoscopic patients may be attributable to the reduced inflammatory response and minimal immunosuppression. Inflammation, an early protective homeostatic immune response to injury, is characterized by the production of proinflammatory cytokines and by activation of cellular and humoral immune mechanisms. Postoperative levels of the inflammatory cytokines have been consistently lower after laparoscopic procedures, indicating a smaller degree of surgical insult and acute inflammatory reaction. Surgical stress derails the functions of both polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells, which may lead to an increased risk of postoperative infection. Comparative studies of cellular immunity after laparoscopic and conventional surgery demonstrate immunologic advantage conferred by laparoscopy. Exaggerated activation of peritoneal immunity may lead to a relative local immunosuppression, resulting in ineffective intraperitoneal bacterial clearance and serious postoperative infections. Functions of the peritoneal macrophages are better preserved when laparotomy is avoided. Decreased perioperative stress may be particularly important for oncologic patients. Laparoscopic approaches may result in diminished perioperative tumor dissemination and better cancer outcomes. Although laparoscopy is "minimally invasive," systemic immune responses still are undeniably activated. However, laparoscopic surgery appears to induce a smaller injury, resulting in proportionally decreased immunologic changes. In addition to improved cosmesis and faster functional recovery, a patient undergoing laparoscopic surgery may benefit most from a net immunologic advantage.
The health belief model and HIV risk behaviours: A causal model analysis among Anglos, African‐Americans and Mexican‐Americans∗

A causal model of the Health Belief Model (HBM) is empirically evaluated which emphasizes possible indirect paths linking distal demographic and seriousness/susceptibility variables to HIV risk behaviours among Anglo, African-American, and Mexican-American adults. A specific focus of the paper is upon alcohol-related expectancies (anticipation of disinhibitory effects of alcohol upon sexual behavior) as a 'barrier' to preventive behaviours. Ethnic comparisons stem both from the paucity of available research on the HBM in minority populations and from recent questions regarding the applicability of rational models such as the HBM among minority groups. Analyses of data from a community sample of 1390 adults indicate relatively consistent direct effects of barriers for males and benefits for females upon HIV risk behaviors. The analyses suggest distinct paths operative among males and females. The susceptibility-barriers-risk behaviours path among males may suggest that alcohol-related expectancies (barriers in this model) may be more strongly related to risk behaviours among males than minority females.
Endoscopic Versus Microsurgical Resection of Colloid Cysts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 1278 Patients

Objective Colloid cysts of the third ventricle have been successfully treated with transcranial microsurgical approaches. However, the endoscopic approach has recently been advocated as a lesser invasive technique. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies to compare the outcomes between the two approaches. Methods A PubMED search of contemporary literature (1990–2014) was performed to identify surgical series of open and endoscopic treatment of colloid cysts. Relevant articles were identified and data were extracted concerning surgical treatment, extent of resection, and outcomes. Results A meta-analysis was performed for recurrence rates based on treatment strategy. A total of 583 patients were included in the microsurgical group, and 695 patients in the endoscopic group. The microsurgical approach was found to have a significantly higher gross total resection rate (96.8% vs. 58.2%; P P = 0.0003), and lower reoperation rate (0.38% vs. 3.0%; P = 0.0006) compared with the endoscopic group. There was no significant difference in mortality rate (1.4% vs. 0.6%) or shunt dependency (6.2% vs. 3.9%) between the two groups. The overall morbidity rate was lower in the endoscopic group (10.5%) than in the microsurgery group (16.3%). Within the microsurgery group, the transcallosal approach had a lower overall morbidity rate (14.4%) than the transcortical approach (24.5%). Conclusions Microsurgical resection of colloid cysts is associated with a higher rate of complete resection, lower rate of recurrence, and fewer reoperations than with endoscopic removal. However, the rate of morbidity is higher with microsurgery than with endoscopy.
AIRA: Measurement of adolescents’ judgments regarding intentions to respond to physical and verbal aggression

The current study utilized a structural equations approach in developing an instrument to investigate adolescents' (N = 510; 9th-12th graders) judgments about the likelihood that they would actively respond to a witnessed aggressive situation. Two aggressive subscales were developed: physical and verbal. The instrument controlled for the relationship (acquaintance vs. friend) of the witness to the perpetrator and to the victim involved in the event. Results provided evidence for a domain approach to judgments about active responses to aggression. Furthermore, as predicted, the factors of gender, age, relationship of the witness to both the victim and the perpetrator, and aggressive situation influenced adolescents' judgments. Regardless of whether the perpetrator and the victim were acquaintances or friends of the witness, younger males indicated that they were less likely to respond to acts of physical aggression than were adolescents in the other three groups. In contrast, when acquaintances were involved in situations involving verbal aggression, younger males were less likely to respond than were younger females. When the perpetrator and the victim were friends of the witness, females, regardless of age, were more likely than males to respond to verbally aggressive acts.
Radiation measurements and quality control

Abstract Accurate measurements are essential to research leading to a successful radiation process and to the commissioning of the process and the facility. On the other hand, once the process is in production, the importance to quality control of measuring radiation quantities (i.e., absorbed dose, dose rate, dose distribution) rather than various other parameters of the process (i.e. conveyor speed, dwell time, radiation field characteristics, product dimensions) is not clearly established. When the safety of the product is determined by the magnitude of the administered dose, as in radiation sterilization, waste control, or food preservation, accuracy and precision of the measurement of the effective dose are vital. Since physical dose measurements are usually simpler, more reliable and reproducible than biological testing of the product, there is a trend toward using standardized dosimetry for quality control of some processes. In many industrial products, however, such as vulcanized rubber, textiles, plastics, coatings, films, wire and cable, the effective dose can be controlled satisfactorily by controlling process variables or by product testing itself. In the measurement of radiation dose and dose profiles by dosimetry, it is necessary to have suitable dose meter calibrations, to account for sources of error and imprecision, and to use correct statistical procedures in specifying dwell times or conveyor speeds and source and product parameters to achieve minimum and maximum doses within specifications.
Ene-yne tetrahydrofurans from the sponge Xestospongia muta. exploiting a weak CD effect for assignment of configuration.

Seven new brominated ene-yne tetrahydrofurans (THFs), mutafurans A−G, were isolated from the Bahamian sponge Xestospongia muta. The absolute configuration of the natural products was assigned as (5R,8S) by interpretation of the Cotton effect arising from weak perturbation of an ene-yne chromophore by a propargylic THF ring.
Serine racemase deletion disrupts memory for order and alters cortical dendritic morphology

There is substantial evidence implicating N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in memory and cognition. It has also been suggested that NMDAR hypofunction might underlie the cognitive deficits observed in schizophrenia as morphological changes, including alterations in the dendritic architecture of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), have been reported in the schizophrenic brain post mortem. Here, we used a genetic model of NMDAR hypofunction, a serine racemase knockout (SR-/-) mouse in which the first coding exon of the mouse SR gene has been deleted, to explore the role of D-serine in regulating cognitive functions as well as dendritic architecture. SR-/- mice exhibited a significantly disrupted representation of the order of events in distinct experiences as showed by object recognition and odor sequence tests; however, SR-/- animals were unimpaired in the detection of novel objects and in spatial displacement, and showed intact relational memory in a test of transitive inference. In addition, SR-/- mice exhibited normal sociability and preference for social novelty. Neurons in the medial PFC of SR-/- mice displayed reductions in the complexity, total length and spine density of apical dendrites. These findings show that D-serine is important for specific aspects of cognition, as well as in regulating dendritic morphology of pyramidal neurons in the medial PFC (mPFC). Moreover, they suggest that NMDAR hypofunction might, in part, be responsible for the cognitive deficits and synaptic changes associated with schizophrenia, and highlight this signaling pathway as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
Differentiation in Understanding One's Own and the Adversary's Identity in Protracted Intergroup Conflict: Zionism and Palestinianism

This study examines the meaning of identity for in-group and out-group members in protracted intergroup conflict, and the extent of differentiation people show in understanding in-group and out-group national identity. Based on the differential familiarity hypothesis, it was hypothesized that group members will show more differentiation when referring to in-group than to out-group identity. Based on the established relationship between cognitive complexity and political ideology, it was hypothesized that supporters of conciliatory political parties will demonstrate more differentiation when referring to in-group and out-group identity than supporters of nonconciliatory parties. These hypotheses were confirmed in a study that asked Arab and Jewish high-school students in Israeli schools about the meaning of Zionism and Palestinian identity.
Evaluating high-speed link performance using direct end-to-end measurement

A measurement based methodology is introduced to evaluate die-to-die link performance for high-speed IOs. The die-to-die link is from TX silicon pad to RX pad and incorporates all the storage IO interconnect components. A BERT scope is used as the TX buffer driving signal into a bare chipset package at the bumps with adjustable TX jitter, Vswing, de-emphasis, etc. An oscilloscope is used as the RX buffer receiving signal at the hard disk drive pad with scope built-in features such as DFE and CTLE. This methodology can be used to evaluate link die-die to performance before silicon tape out, to de-couple system issues between silicon and interconnect, to provide input for new spec development, to correlate simulation and measurement and to explore solution space envelope. This method does not call for a specially designed test vehicles. Test examples are introduced for a 6Gbps link to demonstrate the methodology and to evaluate the interconnect healthiness.
Toward an In Vivo Dissolution Methodology: A Comparison of Phosphate and Bicarbonate Buffers

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the difference between the pharmaceutical phosphate buffers and the gastrointestinal bicarbonates in dissolution of ketoprofen and indomethacin, to illustrate the dependence of buffer differential on biopharmaceutical properties of BCS II weak acids, and to recommend phosphate buffers equivalent to bicarbonates. The intrinsic dissolution rates of ketoprofen and indomethacin were experimentally measured using a rotating disk method at 37 °C in USP SIF/FaSSIF and various concentrations of bicarbonates. Theoretical models including an improved reaction plane model and a film model were applied to estimate the surrogate phosphate buffers equivalent to the bicarbonates. Experimental results show that the intrinsic dissolution rates of ketoprofen and indomethacin in USP and FaSSIF phosphate buffers are 1.5−3.0 times that in the 15 mM bicarbonates. Theoretical analysis demonstrates that the buffer differential is largely dependent on the drug pKa and second on solubil...
Putting the Librarian in Interlibrary Loan: Bucking the Trend

Whether an Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery department requires a masters of library and information science (MLIS) degreed professional to supervise operations is more of a never-ending debate than a simple question. Current trends, such as automated Interlibrary Loan management systems, unmediated patron requesting of materials, Google and electronic resource licensing agreements create a complex technological environment. This article discusses the advantages and the beneficial results produced when a degreed professional is added to an interlibrary loan/document delivery department.
Autoantibodies to glutamate receptor GluR3 in Rasmussen's encephalitis

Rasmussen's encephalitis is a progressive childhood disease of unknown cause characterized by severe epilepsy, hemiplegia, dementia, and inflammation of the brain. During efforts to raise antibodies to recombinant glutamate receptors (GluRs), behaviors typical of seizures and histopathologic features mimicking Rasmussen's encephalitis were found in two rabbits immunized with GluR3 protein. A correlation was found between the presence of Rasmussen's encephalitis and serum antibodies to GluR3 detected by protein immunoblot analysis and by immunoreactivity to transfected cells expressing GluR3. Repeated plasma exchanges in one seriously ill child transiently reduced serum titers of GluR3 antibodies, decreased seizure frequency, and improved neurologic function. Thus, GluR3 is an autoantigen in Rasmussen's encephalitis, and an autoimmune process may underlie this disease.
Characterization of cholecystokinin receptors in toad retina

Abstract The binding characteristics, structure, and pharmacologic properties of a cholecystokinin binding protein in toad retinal membranes have been studied. In competition binding studies using 125 I-CCK-8, toad retinal membranes exhibited a high affinity binding site having a Ki 50 of 1.5 nM using CCK-8 as competitive ligand. The relative potencies of CCK-related peptides in inhibiting radioligand binding were caerulein > gastrin II ≈ CCK-8 ≈ CCK-33 > CCK-8-DS ≈ gastrin I. L-364,718, a potent inhibitor of peripheral CCK receptors, was ineffective at competition binding at concentrations up to 1 μM; dibutyryl cyclic GMP was modestly effective at competing (K D ∼ 10 mM). Covalent binding of 125 I-CCK-33 to toad retinal membranes using chemical cross-linkers or UV irradiation resulted in the labeling of a major M r 62,000 protein and the intermittent labeling of minor components of M r 105,000 and M r 40,000 as determined by SDS-PAGE and autoradiography. The binding of 125 I-CCK-33 to retinal membranes and the concomitant labeling of the M r 62,000 component was specifically inhibited by CCK-8 (K D ∼ 1.5 nM). Reduction of membranes with DTT abolished specific binding of 125 I-CCK. SDS-PAGE analysis of affinity cross-linked membranes under non-reducing conditions revealed that the M r 62,000 protein migrated with an apparently lower molecular weight. These results suggest that the M r 62,000 CCK binding protein in the toad retina contains an intramolecular disulfide bond(s). The M r 62,000 protein was retained on a wheat germ agglutinin-agarose column and eluted with N -acetyl D-glucosamine, suggesting the glycoprotein nature of this protein. Digestion of the M r 62,000 protein with neuraminidase together with O-glycanase resulted in a discrete product of M r ∼60,000. These results indicate that the M r 62,000 protein is a glycoprotein with O-linked oligosaccharide chains. Taken together, these data indicate that the CCK receptor in toad retina has a distinct structure compared to that described in rat pancreas or brain. It will be important to establish whether this difference is reflected in differences in signal transduction mechanisms.
A state-space solution to the two-player decentralized optimal control problem

In this paper, we present an explicit state-space solution to the two-player decentralized optimal control problem. In this problem, there are two interconnected linear systems that seek to optimize a global quadratic cost. Both controllers perform output feedback, but they have access to different subsets of the available measurements. The optimal controller, which was not previously known, has a state dimension equal to twice the state dimension of the original system.
Calculation of nuclide distributions in deep inelastic scattering and the production of neutron rich nuclei

Abstract Nuclide distributions for deep inelastic fragments are calculated considering the diffusion of the intermediate dinuclear system in a two-dimensional liquid drop potential energy surface. Particle decay from the fragments is taken into account by statistical model calculations. The concept of charge equilibration is investigated. Calculations are compared to previously measured nuclide distributions. Predictions are made for the production cross sections of neutron-rich nuclei in deep inelastic reactions.
Tourists of History: Memory, Kitsch, and Consumerism from Oklahoma City to Ground Zero, by Marita Sturken

Marita Sturken, Tourists of History: Memory, Kitsch, and Consumerism from Oklahoma City to Ground Zero (Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2007), xii+344 pp. $24.95 (paper). On my old desk in Iowa,...
Level Crossing Obstacle Detection System

The article consists of Powerpoint presentation on level crossing obstacle detection system. The areas discussed include: radar scanner YD136; rolling stock protection; video monitoring; timing sequence level crossing; certification; etc.
Gravitational dynamos and the low-frequency geomagnetic secular variation

Self-sustaining numerical dynamos are used to infer the sources of low-frequency secular variation of the geomagnetic field. Gravitational dynamo models powered by compositional convection in an electrically conducting, rotating fluid shell exhibit several regimes of magnetic field behavior with an increasing Rayleigh number of the convection, including nearly steady dipoles, chaotic nonreversing dipoles, and chaotic reversing dipoles. The time average dipole strength and dipolarity of the magnetic field decrease, whereas the dipole variability, average dipole tilt angle, and frequency of polarity reversals increase with Rayleigh number. Chaotic gravitational dynamos have large-amplitude dipole secular variation with maximum power at frequencies corresponding to a few cycles per million years on Earth. Their external magnetic field structure, dipole statistics, low-frequency power spectra, and polarity reversal frequency are comparable to the geomagnetic field. The magnetic variability is driven by the Lorentz force and is characterized by an inverse correlation between dynamo magnetic and kinetic energy fluctuations. A constant energy dissipation theory accounts for this inverse energy correlation, which is shown to produce conditions favorable for dipole drift, polarity reversals, and excursions.
Bilateral Intrathoracic Kidneys and Adrenal Glands Associated With Posterior Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernias

We present a case of bilateral intrathoracic kidneys and adrenal glands associated with bilateral posterior diaphragmatic defects in a symptomatic 18-month-old baby boy. The diaphragmatic defect did not appear to be the typical posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia of Bochdalek. The patient underwent primary surgical correction through an abdominal approach. Postoperatively, the patient enjoyed an uneventful course and was discharged home without any further events. We discuss this report of bilateral intrathoracic kidneys associated with bilateral diaphragmatic hernias, we describe the operative management, and we analyze the possible embryological development of this defect.
Computational experience with a stochastic assembly line balancing algorithm

Abstract This paper discusses approaches for coding a preference order dynamic programming algorithm for solving an assembly line balancing problem with stochastic task times. Our objective is to mitigate the “curse of dimensionality” so that problems of moderate sizes (say, those containing less than fifty tasks) can easily be solved on a computer. We start with a review of the solution algorithm given in [6] and the node processing procedure developed by Schrage and Baker [11]. We then propose the adaptations and enhancements needed for accomplishing our objective. Finally we present some computational experience, and suggest conditions (i.e. problem sizes and strengths of precedence relations) under which the solution procedure will be useful for practical applications.
Dietary self-selection and the regulation of protein and energy intake in chicks

Studies were conducted to determine whether chicks could regulate their protein intake independent of total energy intake in self-selection feeding trials. Day-old White Mountain cockerels were reared in electrically-heated battery brooders and given access to either a 23% protein control ration (no choice) or two diets containing 10% or 60% protein with or without supplemental amino acids. The latter were added to either improve the dietary amino acid balance or to alter plasma and brain levels of free large neutral amino acids (tryptophan, isoleucine, leucine, valine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine) which have been implicated in the neuroregulation of feed intake. Both feed and water were provided ad lib, and the location of the feed troughs within each pen were changed daily. Body weights and feed intakes were measured daily, and total calorie and protein intakes were calculated. Chicks offered 10% and 60% protein diets with no supplemental amino acids exhibited reduced weight gains and markedly higher protein intakes as compared to birds fed either the control ration or those given a choice between 10% and 60% protein diets supplemented with methionine. The higher protein consumption by chicks fed the unsupplemented diets most likely was a result of an attempt to compensate for a dietary methionine deficiency. Chicks fed the 10% and 60% protein diets supplemented with amino acids grew at a slower rate than those fed the 23% protein control diet. In general, plasma and brain data did not support a proposed relationship between certain large neutral amino acid ratios and protein or energy intake.
Nociceptive Sensitization Reduces Predation Risk

Summary Sublethal injury triggers long-lasting sensitization of defensive responses in most species examined, suggesting the involvement of powerful evolutionary selection pressures [1]. In humans, this persistent nociceptive sensitization is often accompanied by heightened sensations of pain and anxiety [2]. While experimental [3] and clinical [4] evidence support the adaptive value of immediate nociception during injury, no direct evidence exists for adaptive benefits of long-lasting sensitization after injury. Recently, we showed that minor injury produces long-term sensitization of behavioral and neuronal responses in squid, Doryteuthis pealei [5, 6]. Here we tested the adaptive value of this sensitization during encounters between squid and a natural fish predator. Locomotion and other spontaneous behaviors of squid that received distal injury to a single arm (with or without transient anesthesia) showed no measurable impairment 6 hr after the injury. However, black sea bass given access to freely swimming squid oriented toward and pursued injured squid at greater distances than uninjured squid, regardless of previous anesthetic treatment. Once targeted, injured squid began defensive behavioral sequences [7, 8] earlier than uninjured squid. This effect was blocked by brief anesthetic treatment that prevented development of nociceptive sensitization [6, 9]. Importantly, the early anesthetic treatment also reduced the subsequent escape and survival of injured, but not uninjured, squid. Thus, while minor injury increases the risk of predatory attack, it also triggers a sensitized state that promotes enhanced responsiveness to threats, increasing the survival (Darwinian fitness) of injured animals during subsequent predatory encounters.
A non-experimental study of oral anticoagulation therapy initiation before and after national patient safety goals

Objectives The Joint Commission revised its National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) to include oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) in 2008. We sought to examine the effect of including OAT in The Joint Commission9s NPSGs on historically low rates of OAT initiation for individuals with incident atrial fibrillation (AF). Setting Southeastern state in the USA. Participants North Carolina State Health Plan claims data from 944 500 individuals enrolled between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2010, supplemented with data from the Area Resource File and Online Survey, Certification and Reporting data network. We evaluated OAT initiation before and after the 2008 NPSGs revisions in a retrospective cohort new user design with an AF intervention group and two control groups: a positive control—patients estimated to be at very high risk of thromboembolism (mechanical heart valve and pulmonary embolism); and a negative control—patients with very low perceived risk of thromboembolism (paroxysmal AF). We developed multivariable models using a difference-in-difference parameterisation. Effects were estimated with generalised estimating equations. Primary outcome measure OAT initiation, a binary outcome defined as having a prescription drug claim for warfarin within 30 days of the index claim. Results OAT initiation was low (26.8%) for eligible individuals with incident AF in 2006–2008 but increased after NPSGs implementation (31.7%, p=0.022). OAT initiation was high but decreased in the positive control group (67.5% vs 62.0%, p=0.003). Multivariate analysis resulted in a relative 11% (95% CI (4% to 18%), p Conclusions We document a substantial increase in guideline concordant OAT initiation in incident AF after the establishment of NPSGs, suggesting that regulatory healthcare agency initiatives can influence clinical practice.
In vivo imaging with near-infrared fluorescence lifetime contrast

Fluorescence imaging is a mainstay of biomedical research, allowing detection of molecular events in both fixed and living cells, tissues and whole animals. Such high resolution fluorescence imaging is hampered by unwanted signal from intrinsic background fluorescence and scattered light. The signal to background ratio can be improved by using extrinsic contrast agents and greatly enhanced by multispectral imaging methods. Unfortunately, these methods are insufficient for deep tissue imaging where high contrast and speedy acquisition are necessary. Fluorescence lifetime (FLT) is an inherent characteristic of each fluorescent species that can be independent of intensity and spectral properties. Accordingly, FLT-based detection provides an additional contrast mechanism to optical measurements. This contrast is particularly important in the near-infrared (NIR) due to relative transparency of tissue as well as the broad absorption and emission spectra of dyes that are active in this region. Here we report comparative analysis of signal distribution of several NIR fluorescent polymethine dyes in living mice and their correlations with lifetimes obtained in vitro using solution models. The FLT data obtained from dyes dissolved in serum albumin solution correlated well with FLTs measured in vivo . Thus the albumin solution model could be used as a good predictive model for in vivo FLT behavior of newly developed fluorescent reporters. Subsequent experiments in vivo , including monitoring slow release kinetics and detecting proteinuria, demonstrate the complementary nature of FLT for fluorescence intensity imaging.
Cryptococcal osteomyelitis in a 20-year-old male with sarcoidosis.

Abstract Background context We present the case of a 20-year-old male with sarcoidosis with cryptococcal infection of the spine. Purpose To present the case and add to the existing body of literature on clinical cryptococcal infection. Study design/setting An academic tertiary care center. Methods Chart review and clinical examination.
Confidence intervals based on estimators with unknown rates of convergence

Abstract Confidence interval construction for an unknown parameter typically requires precise knowledge of the convergence rate of a point estimator targeting the parameter and explicit specification of the asymptotic distribution of the (standardized) point estimator. A subsampling method is presented here for obtaining confidence intervals which requires very little knowledge of the estimator's asymptotic distribution or of its convergence rate; the asymptotic distribution may be non-Normal, and the convergence rate may differ from the familiar n 1/2 . Serial dependence is allowed in the observed data sequence, and the dependence mechanism can be unknown. Under mild conditions, the intervals asymptotically obtain the nominal coverage level and interval width shrinks to zero as sample size increases. Finite-sample behavior of the proposed confidence interval is studied by example, simulation, and Edgeworth expansion.
Immune Evasion by Helicobacter pylori: Gastric Spiral Bacteria Lack Surface Immunoglobulin Deposition and Reactivity with Homologous Antibodies

Background.Helicobacter pylori infection persists in the presence of potent serum and gastric mucosal anti-body responses against bacterial antigens. The aim of this article is to report on a study determine whether there is antibody deposition on H. pylori in vivo in the stomach of infected patients and whether gastric and cultured forms of H. pylori differ in their antibody reactivity. Materials and Methods.Serum, gastric biopsies, and antral brushings were obtained from 10 patients having endoscopy. H. pylori was cultured from gastric biopsies. Bacterial samples were stained directly for immunoglobulin deposition and indirectly using rabbit antiurease serum or patient serum. Samples were examined by immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Results.Although spiral bacteria could be identified easily by acridine orange staining and antiurease staining of gastric brushings from H. pylori infected patients, gastric bacteria did not have detectable IgG or IgA present, and only one of five samples could be stained for IgG and IgA indirectly using patient serum. In contrast, cultured bacteria could be stained readily with homologous serum for IgG and IgA in the majority of cases. Low pH inhibited immunoglobulin reactivity with cultured H. pylori. Conclusions.Gastric H. pylori may evade humoral defense owing to poor deposition of immunoglobulin in the gastric environment or failure to express surface antigens that are present on cultured forms of H. pylori.
Potential roles of cell-derived microparticles in ischemic brain disease

Abstract Purpose: The objective of this study is to review the role of cell-derived microparticles in ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. Materials and methods: An extensive PubMed search of literature pertaining to this study was performed in April 2009 using specific keyword search terms related to cell-derived microparticles and ischemic stroke. Some references are not cited here as it is not possible to be all inclusive or due to space limitation. Discussion: Cell-derived microparticles are small membranous vesicles released from the plasma membranes of platelets, leukocytes, red cells and endothelial cells in response to diverse biochemical agents or mechanical stresses. They are the main carriers of circulating tissue factor, the principal initiator of intravascular thrombosis, and are implicated in a variety of thrombotic and inflammatory disorders. This review outlines evidence suggesting that cell-derived microparticles are involved predominantly with microvascular, as opposed to macrovascular, th...
Preeclampsia and small-for-gestational age are associated with decreased concentrations of a factor involved in angiogenesis: soluble Tie-2.

Objective. An anti-angiogenic state has been described in patients with preeclampsia, small-for-gestational age (SGA) fetuses and fetal death, and changes in the concentration of circulating angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors can precede the clinical recognition of preeclampsia and SGA by several weeks. Gene deletion studies demonstrate that a selective group of endothelial growth factors are required for vascular development, including members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, as well as angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), both ligands for the tyrosine kinase endothelial cell receptor Tie-2. These angiogenic factors have been proposed to promote angiogenesis in a coordinated and complementary fashion. Soluble Tie-2 (sTie-2) is the soluble form of the Tie-2 receptor, which is detectable in biological fluids. The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients with preeclampsia and mothers who deliver a SGA neonate have changes in the plasma concentrations ...
Activation Kinetics of Skinned Cardiac Muscle by Laser Photolysis of Nitrophenyl-EGTA

The kinetics of Ca2+-induced contractions of chemically skinned guinea pig trabeculae was studied using laser photolysis of NP-EGTA. The amount of free Ca2+ released was altered by varying the output from a frequency-doubled ruby laser focused on the trabeculae, while maintaining constant total [NP-EGTA] and [Ca2+]. The time courses of the rise in stiffness and tension were biexponential at 23°C, pH 7.1, and 200 mM ionic strength. At full activation (pCa < 5.0), the rates of the rapid phase of the stiffness and tension rise were 56 ± 7 s−1 (n = 7) and 48 ± 6 s−1 (n = 11) while the amplitudes were 21 ± 2 and 23 ± 3%, respectively. These rates had similar dependencies on final [Ca2+] achieved by photolysis: 43 and 50 s−1 per pCa unit, respectively, over a range of [Ca2+] producing from 15% to 90% of maximal isometric tension. At all [Ca2+], the rise in stiffness initially was faster than that of tension. The maximal rates for the slower components of the rise in stiffness and tension were 4.1 ± 0.8 and 6.2 ± 1.0 s−1. The rate of this slower phase exhibited significantly less Ca2+ sensitivity, 1 and 4 s−1 per pCa unit for stiffness and tension, respectively. These data, along with previous studies indicating that the force-generating step in the cross-bridge cycle of cardiac muscle is marginally sensitive to [Ca2+], suggest a mechanism of regulation in which Ca2+ controls the attachment step in the cross-bridge cycle via a rapid equilibrium with the thin filament activation state. Myosin kinetics sets the time course for the rise in stiffness and force generation with the biexponential nature of the mechanical responses to steps in [Ca2+] arising from a shift to slower cross-bridge kinetics as the number of strongly bound cross-bridges increases.
Visual Perception During Naturalistic Near-Death Out-of-Body Experiences

Study attempting to ascertain the most appropriate content and placement of visual stimuli in a hospital-based study of the veridicality of out-of-body perception in the near-death experience (NDE), and the likelihood that a subject in such a study would notice, clearly perceive, and accurately recall a visual stimulus.
Proportions of Various Straight and Branched Fatty Acid Chain Types in the Sebaceous Wax Esters of Young Children

The fatty acid composition of sebaceous wax esters was examined in 20 children, ages 6–8, using quartz capillary gas chromatography. The results were compared with a previously reported study of wax ester composition in 10 adults, in which the same analytical techniques were used. The children's wax esters showed more variability in the proportions of all fatty acid chain types than was found in adults. The most striking difference between the 2 age groups was in the proportions of iso-branched fatty acids with odd numbers of carbon atoms. These ranged from 1–26% of fatty acids in the children's wax esters but were not more than 3% of fatty acids in the adults' wax esters. Some of the variability in wax ester fatty acid composition in children seemed to be related to variation in rates of sebum production. The highest percentages of terminally branched (iso-even, iso-odd, and anteiso) and the lowest percentages of internally branched fatty acids were found in the children with the lowest rates of sebum secretion. However, even in children with similar rates of sebum secretion there were considerable differences in wax ester fatty acid composition, especially with respect to iso-even fatty acids. The results suggest that sebum fatty acid composition is influenced both by genetic factors and by limitations on the supply of precursors for terminally branched, but not internally branched, fatty acids.
Evolution of the CD163 family and its relationship to the bovine gamma delta T cell co-receptor WC1.

The scavenger receptor cysteine rich (SRCR) domain is an ancient and conserved protein domain. CD163 and WC1 molecules are classed together as group B SRCR superfamily members, along with Spα, CD5 and CD6, all of which are expressed by immune system cells. There are three known types of CD163 molecules in mammals, CD163A (M130, coded for by CD163), CD163b (M160, coded for by CD163L1) and CD163c-α (CD163L1 or SCART), while their nearest relative, WC1, is encoded by a multigene family so far identified in the artiodactyl species of cattle, sheep, and pigs. We annotated the bovine genome and identified genes coding for bovine CD163A and CD163c-α but found no evidence for CD163b. Bovine CD163A is widely expressed in immune cells, whereas CD163c-α transcripts are enriched in the WC1+ γδ T cell population. Phylogenetic analyses of the CD163 family genes and WC1 showed that CD163c-α is most closely related to WC1 and that chicken and platypus have WC1 orthologous genes, previously classified as among their CD163 genes. Since it has been shown that WC1 plays an important role in the regulation of γδ T cell responses in cattle, which, like chickens, have a high percentage of γδ T cells in their peripheral blood, CD163c-α may play a similar role, especially in species lacking WC1 genes. Our results suggest that gene duplications resulted in the expansion of CD163c-α-like and WC1-like molecules. This expanded repertoire was retained by species known as "γδ T cell high", but homologous SRCR molecules were maintained by all mammals.
Hindlimb unloading results in increased predisposition to cardiac arrhythmias and alters left ventricular connexin 43 expression

Hindlimb unloading (HU) is a well-established animal model of cardiovascular deconditioning. Previous data indicate that HU results in cardiac sympathovagal imbalance. It is well established that cardiac sympathovagal imbalance increases the risk for developing cardiac arrhythmias. The cardiac gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) is predominately expressed in the left ventricle (LV) and ensures efficient cell-to-cell electrical coupling. In the current study we wanted to test the hypothesis that HU would result in increased predisposition to cardiac arrhythmias and alter the expression and/or phosphorylation of LV-Cx43. Electrocardiographic data using implantable telemetry were obtained over a 10- to 14-day HU or casted control (CC) condition and in response to a sympathetic stressor using isoproterenol administration and brief restraint. The arrhythmic burden was calculated using a modified scoring system to quantify spontaneous and provoked arrhythmias. In addition, Western blot analysis was used to measure LV-Cx43 expression in lysates probed with antibodies directed against the total and an unphosphorylated form of Cx43 in CC and HU rats. HU resulted in a significantly greater total arrhythmic burden during the sympathetic stressor with significantly more ventricular arrhythmias occurring. In addition, there was increased expression of total LV-Cx43 observed with no difference in the expression of unphosphorylated LV-Cx43. Specifically, the increased expression of LV-Cx43 was consistent with the phosphorylated form. These data taken together indicate that cardiovascular deconditioning produced through HU results in increased predisposition to cardiac arrhythmias and increased expression of phosphorylated LV-Cx43.
Advanced qualification techniques [microelectronics]

This paper demonstrates use of the Qualified Manufacturers List (QML) methodology to qualify commercial and military microelectronics for use in space applications. QML "builds in" the hardness of the product through statistical process control (SPC) of technology parameters relevant to the radiation response, test structure to integrated circuit (IC) correlations, and techniques for extrapolating laboratory test results to low-dose-rate space scenarios. Each of these elements is demonstrated and shown to be a cost-effective alternative to expensive end-of-line IC testing. Several examples of test structure-to-IC correlations are provided and recent work on complications arising from transistor scaling and geometry is discussed. The use of a 10-keV X-ray wafer-level test system to support SPC and establish "process capability" is illustrated and a comparison of 10-keV X-ray and Co/sup 60/ gamma irradiations is provided for a wide range of CMOS technologies. The X-ray tester is shown to be cost-effective and its use in lot acceptance/qualification is recommended. Finally, a comparison is provided between MIL-STD-883, Test Method 1019.4, which governs the testing of packaged semiconductor microcircuits in the DoD, and ESA/SCC Basic Specification No. 22900, Europe's Total Dose Steady-State Irradiation Test Method. Test Method 1019.4 focuses on conservative estimates of MOS hardness for space and tactical applications, while Basic Specification 22900 focuses on improved simulation of low-dose-rate space environments. >