cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low Serum Vitamin D Is Independently Associated with Larger Lesion Volumes after Ischemic Stroke

Background Despite its high prevalence, known association with vascular disease and stroke incidence and fatality, little is known about the contribution of vitamin D status to a worse outcome after ischemic stroke. Therefore, we sought to assess whether low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), a marker of vitamin D status, is predictive of the ischemic infarct volume and whether it relates to a worse outcome. Methods We retrospectively analyzed prospective, consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients evaluated from January 2013 to January 2014 at a tertiary referral center. All patients (n = 96) had a magnetic resonance imaging–proven acute ischemic stroke. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were used to test whether vitamin D represents an independent predictor of infarct volume and poor 90-day outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of >2). Results In univariable analyses, lacunar infarct etiology, lower admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and higher serum 25(OH)D concentration were associated with smaller infarct volumes ( P P = .001). Multivariable analyses showed that the risk for a poor 90-day outcome doubled with each 10-ng/mL decrease in serum 25(OH)D. Conclusions Low serum 25(OH)D was independently associated with larger ischemic infarct volume, which may partially explain observed worse outcomes in ischemic stroke patients with poor vitamin D status. Although causality remains to be proven, our results provide the rationale to further explore vitamin D as a promising marker for cerebral ischemic vulnerability and to identify stroke patients at high risk for poor outcome.
Education of the Diabetic Patient

This chapter provides an overview of the importance of patient education in the clinical area of those with diabetes. A historical review of its development is provided, followed by the determinants of success or failure of educational processes. These include the weak relationship between knowledge and behavior, the context of the learning process, patients' perception of their disease and its treatment, non-acceptance of disease, the need for patient empowerment, perceived benefits and barriers, patient satisfaction and quality of life. Behavioral models of education are reviewed. Recommendations are provided for those planning programs about the choice between different types of program, problems of development of clear-cut definition of objectives in behavioral terms, choice of learning methods, the use of audiovisual aids and computer based learning materials. Certain specific problems are dealt with in more detail, for example; the initiation of insulin therapy and learning about hypoglycemia. Methods of evaluation of process and outcome are described and the need for these to be repeated on a regular basis stressed. The lifelong process of education and the recognition that all carers are involved and require training in this process, are emphasized. Keywords: diabetes; patient education; behaviour change; self-management
Acoustic heating and thermometry in microfluidic channels

This paper presents the results of the work performed in establishing closed loop temperature control of fluids in microfluidic channels. Acoustic energy is used to introduce heat into localized regions of the channel. The temperature of the fluid in these regions is determined by using the relationship between the attenuation and speed of sound propagating in the fluid with temperature. The above two operations of heating and temperature measurement when used in unison serve as a very powerful tool in microfluidics. The system requires milli-watts of power for heating and has a temperature measurement accuracy of 0.1 degrees.
Effect of certain smooth muscle depressants on isolated human myometrial tissues

PRE MAT u RI T Y is a leading cause of perinatal mortality. In many instances the exact mechanism for the premature expulsion of the products of conception is not known. However, enhanced uterine activity prior to full fetal development is an obvious suspect. It is now generally accepted that myometrial activity can be suppressed temporarily by a variety of agents including ether, nitrous oxide, magnesium, etc.1-4 Search for a myometrial depressant capable of being administered to the parturient over an extended period of time without appreciable disturbance to the total physiology of mother and fetus continues. The present study was initiated in an endeavor to assess the direct? local effect of certain smooth muscle depressants on the contractility of human myometrial tissues.
Using Graphing Calculators for Teaching Advanced Calculus Courses

It is suggested to extend using graphing calculators with symbolic calculations capabilities beyond the traditional framework of their applications. Among the new applications are evaluation of partial derivatives and the derivatives of composite functions, improper and repeated integrals, derivatives of the definite integrals with functional limits of integration, Laplace transforms, functional determinants, partial fractions etc. Such problems are typical for advanced calculus courses, and graphing calculator can serve as convenient alternative for more expensive and less available computer algebra systems like Mathematica, Maple, MatLab etc. The paper presents experience of the author in teaching advanced calculus courses at one of the colleges of New York City
Physicochemical properties of the anion-modified surfaces of silver nanostructures

Chemically-prepared nanostructures of silver were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and were found to have a mean diameter of 99 ± 10 nm. These Ag structures had mostly regular polyhedral geometries including two-dimensional trigonal, square, pentagonal, and hexagonal shapes, indicative of the isotropic aqueous environment in which the crystals were grown. Quantitative analysis of the crystallographic structure using selected area diffraction and convergent beam electron diffraction techniques indicated that the Ag nanostructures were composed of a face-centered cubic phase and had a lattice constant a = 4.05 ± 0.11 A, consistent with previous studies of fee silver. INTRODUCTION Suspensions of nanometer-sized silver particles have been studied as catalysts for condensed phase reactions and as substrates for enhancing Raman scattering from adsorbed molecules (1,2). The latter, known as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), arises partially from the unique optical properties of colloidal metals such as silver, gold, and copper (3). For particles of dimensions less than the wavelengths of light, discrete surface plasmon resonances can be optically excited. Existence of a plasmon resonance produces a tremendous increase in the local electromagnetic field near the
Source‐receptor relationships of column‐average CO2 and implications for the impact of observations on flux inversions

Source-receptor relationships are the fundamental quantities used in atmosphere CO2 flux inversions. In this study, we systematically investigate the global source-receptor relationships of column CO2 (XCO2) in 12 continental-scale receptors in terms of transport and local versus nonlocal flux contributions using the GEOS-Chem adjoint model. Using simulated Greenhouse gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) XCO2, we quantify the impact of inclusion (add-on) or exclusion of observations (data-denial) within a receptor region on flux inversion. We discuss the connections between the observation impact and the underlying source-receptor relationships. The strong sensitivity of XCO2 to nonlocal fluxes makes the XCO2 observations have strong impact on nonlocal flux estimation. On an annual mean, the impact of GOSAT XCO2 over Europe on North America flux estimation is 10%–39% of the full observation impact. Because the Southern Hemisphere midlatitude XCO2 are most sensitive to local and tropical fluxes, the mean impact of GOSAT XCO2 over Southern South America on Northern South America (N-S-America) flux estimation is 30%–59% of the full observation impact. Because of the strong sensitivity of the XCO2 over N-S-America to Central Africa (C-Africa) fluxes, the mean impact on C-Africa flux estimation is between 14% and 31% of the full observation impact in spite of the sparse observation coverage. The results also show that XCO2 have similar sensitivity to local and nonlocal fluxes occurring 3 months before, which indicates that XCO2 observations cannot differentiate any fluxes occurring beyond 3 months.
NOTES ON A SMALL COLLECTION OF RAJIDS FROM THE SUB-ANTARCTIC REGION1

Five species of rajids from the Patagonian-Falkland Islands-South Georgia Island regions and off Valparaiso, Chile are described.
Hepatitis A and B among young persons who inject drugs--vaccination, past, and present infection.

Abstract Background Our study aims were to assess hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) susceptibility and infection among young persons who inject drugs (PWID) who may have been vaccinated as children and to evaluate self-report of HAV and HBV vaccination. Methods We recruited PWID aged 18–40 years-old in San Diego during 2009 and 2010 and collected demographic, socioeconomic, health, and behavioral factors. Participants were asked if they had been vaccinated against HAV and HBV, and serum samples were collected for HAV and HBV serologic testing. Results Of 519 participants, 365 (72%) were male, 252 (49%) were white non-Hispanic, 38 (7%) were Black non-Hispanic, 138 (27%) were White Hispanic, and 22 (4%) were born outside the U. S. Of the total participants, 245 (47%) had surface hepatitis B antibody (anti-HBs) titers Conclusion HAV and HBV antibodies in half or more of this young PWID population did not have levels indicative of protection, and about a quarter had HCV infection, putting them at risk for complications resulting from co-infection with HAV or HBV. Programs serving this population should vaccinate PWIDs against HAV and HBV and not rely on self-report of vaccination.
Constraints on the representation of gambles in prospect theory

Abstract D. Kahneman and A. Tversky's ((1979) Prospect theory: An analysis of decision under risk, Econometrica , 47 , 263–291) prospect theory postulates that the subjective value of a gamble is determined by different combination rules depending on the outcomes of the gamble. The theory distinguishes regular from irregular gambles, and in addition, distinguishes two different kinds of irregular gambles. The representations of value for these classes of gambles are formally analogous, but they differ in the way that gamble probabilities are integrated with the worth of gamble outcomes. The present work identifies properties of preference, restricted betweenness and equivalence under interchange, that play a central role in justifyting the use of different combination rules for different classes of gambles in prospect theory.
Dorsal Approach for Open Reduction of Complex Metacarpophalangeal Joint Dislocations

The metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint is resistant to injury due to its strong capsuloligamentous structures, which include the volar plate and deep transverse metacarpal and collateral ligaments. Complex MP joint dislocations are, by definition, irreducible by closed means and require open reduction, as the volar plate becomes entrapped between the metacarpal head and proximal phalanx. The dorsal approach may offer the following advantages: 1) reduced risk to palmarly displaced neurovascular structures, 2) facilitated management of osteochondral fractures, and 3) full exposure of the volar plate. However, the dorsal approach requires splitting of the volar plate for adequate reduction, which may delay recovery.
The evolution of water management in Latin America

This article examines the state of water management in Latin America within the context of both its historical development and current practice. Emphasis is placed on those factors which have inhibited the adoption of efficient management practices. Suggestions are made for improvement in water management through the better preparation of managers.
Novel bulk optic multichannel resonator device for close packed wavelength multiplexing

A simple bulk optic structure is described that is suitable for multiplexing or demultiplexing many closely spaced wavelengths of light. Aside from input/output coupling hardware, the structure is comprised of a single glass, high finesse, Fabry-Perot etalon with a low efficiency diffraction grating etched into one face. The device concept provides a capability for multiplexing ratios in excess of 10, channel frequency separations smaller than 1 GHz, and can be designed to support optical networks having a total communication capacity in excess of 100 GHz. A laboratory model of the multiplexer was constructed and evaluated to demonstrate concept feasibility. The demonstration model, adjusted to demultiplex nine channels separated by 2.2 GHz for a total capacity of 20 GHz, exhibited a throughput optical coupling of −7 dB and a signal-to-crosstalk ratio greater than 15 dB.
Defect dynamics: breaking up in a curved plane.

Interstitials and other localized defects in flat crystals are stable, yet interstitials in curved crystals can instead fractionalize. This observation should lead to a more general understanding of how to tailor defects in both classical and quantum crystalline systems.
Blower-conveying the gunite in the maintenance equipment of bessemer converters

The Il'ich metallurgical plant in Zhdanov uses equipment designed for guniting the 130 ton Bessemer converters and includes apparatus for hot lining repair and for preparing the gunite mix.
Fracture of a Starr-Edwards aortic ball valve with systemic embolism of ball fragments.

Abstract A case of ball variance with resultant fracture of a Starr-Edwards aortic prosthesis and systemic embolization of silicone rubber fragments is reported. The nature of ball variance in this case is described, with a review of 44 previously reported cases and their pathophysiologic significance. Despite recent modifications of the aortic prosthesis to minimize turbulence, ball excursion, impingement of the Teflon skirt on aortic root or ball pathway, and clot formation, we believe that more cases of ball fracture will continue to be seen. However, meticulous surgical technic especially in prevention of leak around the prosthesis and avoiding too large a prosthesis may decrease the amount of ball damage.
Interferometer evolution: imaging terras after building 'little' experiments (INEVITABLE)

Perhaps one of the most ambitious long-term goals of the astronomical community is to map distant exoplanets. This will require instruments that provide sufficient angular resolution to place multiple pixels across an image of an exoplanet. Many other science programs also require orders of magnitude improvement in angular resolution, and for all of these, single aperture telescopes are impractical. In fact, the array of scientific goals that require high angular resolution makes interferometry inevitable. Here, we discuss some of the long-term science needs, and the implications for future interferometers, and then talk about some possible paths towards these future missions.
Acute and chronic response of articular cartilage to holmium: YAG laser irradiation

A Ho:YAG (holmium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet) laser system operating at a wavelength of 2.1 microns has been introduced recently for use in arthroscopic surgery. The acceptability of this new tool will be determined not only by its ability to resect tissue, but also by its long-term effects on articular surfaces. Two studies were performed to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of the laser on cartilaginous tissue. The acute in vitro effects of 2.1-micron laser irradiation were evaluated, including measurement of ablation efficiency, ablation threshold, and thermal damage in meniscal and articular cartilage. To document the chronic effects on articular cartilage in vivo, a 10-week healing study was performed. Eight sheep weighing 30 to 40 kg underwent bilateral arthrotomy procedures. Multiple full-thickness and partial-thickness defects were created. Animals were euthanized at 0, 2, 4, and 10 weeks. The results of the healing study showed (1) no healing of full- or partial-thickness defects in hyaline cartilage at 10 weeks; (2) fibrocartilaginous granulation tissue filling full-thickness defects at 2 and 4 weeks that was no longer evident at 10 weeks; (3) chondrocyte necrosis extending to > 900 microns distal to ablation craters at 4 weeks, with no evidence of repair at later dates; (4) chondrocyte hyperplasia at the borders of the damage zone at 2 weeks but not at euthanization occurring at later periods.
Role of sialic acid in urinary cytoprotective activity of Tamm-Horsfall protein.

Objectives Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) from normal urine has been shown to protect against the cytotoxic effects of toxic urinary cations (TFs) in vivo and in vitro. This study investigated the effect of desialylation on the cytoprotective activity of THP. Methods From pooled 24-hour urine specimens from healthy individuals, both TFs and THP were obtained. Sprague-Dawley rats received intravesical NaCl or KCl, and the baseline urodynamic percentage of nonvoiding contractions (NVCs) was recorded. Then, rehydrated TF, TF plus THP, or TF plus THP-desialylated (THP-d) were instilled, followed by KCl, and the urodynamic measurements were repeated. In vitro, human HTB4 bladder cells were incubated overnight with the rehydrated TF, TF plus THP, TF plus THP-d, or assay media alone, and the cytotoxicity levels were determined. Results Acid hydrolysis resulted in an 88% loss of sialic acid. TFs consistently demonstrated a greater than 50% toxicity for human HTB4 cells compared with cells incubated in media ( P P P Conclusions The cytoprotective function of urinary THP in the bladder can be compromised when a decrease is present in the sialic acid residues on THP. Such a decrease in THP cytoprotective activity may play a critical role in the pathophysiology of interstitial cystitis.
Discrimination of Pitch Direction by Preschool Children with Verbal and Nonverbal Tasks

This study investigated the abilities of 4- and 5-year-old children for discriminating pitch direction using one of three modes of response: verbal (spoken), gestural, and performance-based. The sample (N = 107) included children from two different nursery school settings and was balanced with respect to age and gender. Three testing formats were constructed to correspond with the three response modes. They were designed to be as equivalent as possible. The results reinforced the notion that nonverbal, performance- based response modes are the most natural way for young children to react to pitch direction without substantive training. A large number of children (34%) responded at or below chance regardless of mode. The variables of gender, presentation order, number of pitches per item, item range, and item direction did not show significant effects on test results. Mean score tendencies, however, warrant further study.
Inhibition of glutathione synthesis in the newborn rat: a model for endogenously produced oxidative stress.

A model for oxidative stress is described in which glutathione (GSH) synthesis is selectively blocked in newborn rats by administration of L-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO). In this model, the normal endogenous physiological formation of reactive oxygen species is largely unopposed, and therefore oxidative tissue damage occurs; because GSH is used for reduction of dehydroascorbate, tissue ascorbate levels decrease. In lung there are decreased numbers of lamellar bodies and decrease of intraalveolar surfactant. Proximal renal tubular, hepatic, and brain damage also occur. A diastereoisomer of BSO that does not inhibit GSH synthesis, L-buthionine-R-sulfoximine, does not produce toxicity; this control experiment renders it unlikely that the observed effects of BSO are produced by the sulfoximine moiety itself. There is correlation between the decrease of mitochondrial GSH levels and mitochondrial and cell damage. Oxidative stress as evaluated by mitochondrial damage and mortality can be prevented by treatment with GSH esters or ascorbate. There is apparent linkage between the antioxidant actions of GSH and ascorbate. This model, which may readily be applied to evaluation of the efficacy of other compounds in preventing oxidative stress, offers an approach to study of other effects of GSH deficiency (e.g., on lipid metabolism, hematopoiesis), and closely resembles oxidative stress that occurs in certain human newborns and in other clinical states.
A vector study of the delta wave in nondelayed conduction.

Abstract 1. 1. At present, the electrocardiographic syndrome discussed could be adequately described as a “nondelayed” conduction. 2. 2. The directional incidence of the delta wave vector and remaining QRS vector, as well as the angular incidence between them at the RLF plane, were studied. The study was based on 50 limb lead electrocardiograms of “nondelayed” conduction. 3. 3. The left basal ventricular wall of either ventricle may possibly be the frequent site of the premature, weak, localized contraction associated with the delta wave vector. 4. 4. A leftward tendency of the remaining QRS activation was observed.
Colonial Law and "Native Customs": Indigenous Land Rights in Colonial Spanish America

Scholars of colonial Spanish America are divided between those who cherish Spaniards for respecting indigenous land rights and those who denounce them for not having done so. For the first group, Spanish respect was enshrined in political and theological debates and in legislation and practice that from the sixteenth century asserted that natives had right to the lands they possessed before Europeans arrived. For the second group, native dispossession was a dominant feature of colonial life. Whatever the theory may have mandated, the balance of power favored non-natives by allowing them access to a wide variety of social, legal, political, economic, and cultural instruments enabling them to control the land.
The scalar Nevanlinna-Pick interpolation problem with boundary conditions

We show that if the Nevanlinna-Pick interpolation problem is solvable by a function mapping into a compact subset of the unit disc, then the problem remains solvable with the addition of any number of boundary interpolation conditions, provided the boundary interpolation values have modulus less than unity. We give new, inductive proofs of the Nevanlinna-Pick interpolation problem with any finite number of interpolation points in the interior and on the boundary of the domain of interpolation (the right half plane or unit disc), with function values and any finite number of derivatives specified. Our solutions are analytic on the closure of the domain of interpolation. Our proofs only require a minimum of matrix theory and operator theory. We also give new, straightforward algorithms for obtaining minimal H"~ norm solutions. Finally, some numerical examples are given.
The Place and Time of the Political in Urban Political Ecology: Contested Imaginations of a River's Future

Urban political ecology (UPE) has become an important and influential paradigm for the geographic analysis of socioecological transformation. Despite considerable progress in its empirical and theo...
Lipooligosaccharide Structure is an Important Determinant in the Resistance of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae to Antimicrobial Agents of Innate Host Defense

The strict human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae has caused the sexually transmitted infection termed gonorrhea for thousands of years. Over the millennia, the gonococcus has likely evolved mechanisms to evade host defense systems that operate on the genital mucosal surfaces in both males and females. Past research has shown that the presence or modification of certain cell envelope structures can significantly impact levels of gonococcal susceptibility to host-derived antimicrobial compounds that bathe genital mucosal surfaces and participate in innate host defense against invading pathogens. In order to facilitate the identification of gonococcal genes that are important in determining levels of bacterial susceptibility to mediators of innate host defense, we used the Himar I mariner in vitro mutagenesis system to construct a transposon insertion library in strain F62. As proof of principle that this strategy would be suitable for this purpose, we screened the library for mutants expressing decreased susceptibility to the bacteriolytic action of normal human serum (NHS). We found that a transposon insertion in the lgtD gene, which encodes an N-acetylgalactosamine transferase involved in the extension of the α-chain of lipooligosaccharide (LOS), could confer decreased susceptibility of strain F62 to complement-mediated killing by NHS. By complementation and chemical analyses, we demonstrated both linkage of the transposon insertion to the NHS-resistance phenotype and chemical changes in LOS structure that resulted from loss of LgtD production. Further truncation of the LOS α-chain or loss of phosphoethanolamine (PEA) from the lipid A region of LOS also impacted levels of NHS-resistance. PEA decoration of lipid A also increased gonococcal resistance to the model cationic antimicrobial polymyxin B. Taken together, we conclude that the Himar I mariner in vitro mutagenesis procedure can facilitate studies on structures involved in gonococcal pathogenesis.
Large Medical Databases, Population-Based Research, and Patient Confidentiality

OBJECTIVE: This article is a discussion of the use of large clinical databases in population-based research on psychiatric disorders. METHOD: The authors review uses of large clinical databases in research on the etiology, impact, and treatment of psychiatric disorders. They also describe existing privacy safeguards applicable to use of medical records data in research. RESULTS: The growth of large medical databases has prompted increasing concern about the confidentiality of patient records. Efforts to restrict access to computerized medical data, however, may preclude use of such data in important and legitimate research. Prior research using large medical databases has made important contributions across a broad range of topics, including epidemiology, genetics, treatment effectiveness, and health policy. Continued population-based research will be essential in order to preserve the accessibility and quality of treatment for people with psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Public domain research should ...
Multicritical phase diagrams of the Blume-Emery-Griffiths model with repulsive biquadratic coupling.

Six new phase diagrams, including a novel multicritical topology and two new ordered phases, high-entropy ferrimagnetic and antiquadrupolar, are found in the spin-1 Ising model with only nearest-neighbor interactions, for negative biquadratic couplings. Thus, the global phase diagram of this simple spin system includes nine distinct topologies and three ordered phases. It is indicated that these results, obtained by mean-field theory, are applicable to three-dimensional systems.
Immunomodulatory effects of RXR rexinoids : Modulation of high affinity IL-2R expression enhances susceptibility to denileukin diftitox.

Rexinoids binding to both the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and retinoid X receptor (RXR) families of rexinoid receptors have demonstrated clinical activity in hematologic malignancies and have been shown to mediate genes associated with both growth and differentiation. RXR rexinoids have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, but the mechanism of action is unclear. We explored the immunomodulatory effects of RAR and RXR rexinoids in human T- and B-cell leukemia cells and demonstrated that RXR rexinoids are capable of up-regulating high-affinity interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) expression. Exposure to 10(-6) to 10(-10) M bexarotene or Panretin for 48 hours was associated with increased expression of both the p55 and p75 subunits of the IL-2R in T-cell leukemias and p75 in B-cell leukemias. Furthermore, rexinoid exposure enhanced susceptibility of the cells to denileukin diftitox fusion toxin-targeting and -intoxicating cells expressing high-affinity IL-2R. These results suggest a rationale for combining rexinoids with IL-2R-targeted therapies in lymphoid malignancies as well as possibly in autoimmune diseases.
Toward improving identification of talent potential among minority and disadvantaged students

The under‐inclusion of economically disadvantaged and children of minority cultures in programs for the gifted is well documented. Suggestions are made for the elements of anew paradigm for identifying talent potential in underserved populations. In coming to grips with more effective approaches to the identification and development of talents among minority and disadvantaged gifted, educators will better understand how to improve identification of talent potential among all learners.
Purchasing power parity as a long-run relation

Dickey–Fuller and Stock–Watson tests of purchasing power parity (PPP) as a long-run proposition are provided within the cointegration framework proposed by Granger. Since different countries use different weights to construct price indices, the traditional constraint that the coefficients on the price indices should be unity in the log-linear PPP relation is relaxed. The absence of a general PPP relation cannot be rejected. At most, a PPP relation is indicated in five out of fifteen country pairs that are examined. Even if a long-run PPP relation exists, it is not found to be useful in predicting future nominal exchange rates, which is consistent with efficient speculative markets.
A review of point five: an analysis and modeling system

Point Five (Pacific Crest Software Inc.) is an analysis and modelling system designed for a wide range of users. In its simplest form, Point Five can be considered a calculator with over 50 built in functions for statistics, matrix algebra, finance, accounting, and a simple graphics package for visually displaying results.
The role of B cells in solid organ transplantation

The role of antibodies in chronic injury to organ transplants has been suggested for many years, but recently emphasized by new data. We have observed that when immunosuppressive potency decreases either by intentional weaning of maintenance agents or due to homeostatic repopulation after immune cell depletion, the threshold of B cell activation may be lowered. In human transplant recipients the result may be donor-specific antibody, C4d+ injury, and chronic rejection. This scenario has precise parallels in a rhesus monkey renal allograft model in which T cells are depleted with CD3 immunotoxin, or in a CD52-T cell transgenic mouse model using alemtuzumab to deplete T cells. Such animal models may be useful for the testing of therapeutic strategies to prevent DSA. We agree with others who suggest that weaning of immunosuppression may place transplant recipients at risk of chronic antibody-mediated rejection, and that strategies to prevent this scenario are needed if we are to improve long-term graft and patient outcomes in transplantation. We believe that animal models will play a crucial role in defining the pathophysiology of antibody-mediated rejection and in developing effective therapies to prevent graft injury. Two such animal models are described herein.
Inhibition of phototrophically growing Chromatium vinosum D by glycine

The effect of glycine on phototrophically growing Chromatium vinosum D was investigated in the presence and absence of various amino acids. Inhibition of autotrophic cells was more pronounced than that of heterotrophic cells. Cells of growth-inhibited cultures were misshaped, showing vacuolation and partial protoplast formation. Cells exposed to glycine in the presence of equimolar amounts of either d- or l-alanine did not show any inhibition of growth. Neither serine, leucine, valine, isoleucine nor α-aminoisobutyric acid could counteract the inhibition of growth by glycine. The inhibitory effect of glycine on growth is thus likely to be caused by a competition between glycine and alanine during cell wall synthesis. The possible functions of glycine transport system(s) in the natural habitat of C. vinosum are discussed.
Evidence for the sedimentary origin of Imbrium sculpture and lunar basin radial texture

The Imbrium sculpture texture, a distinctive ridged and furrowed pattern radial to the Imbrium basin and seen in other basins, has long been debated as to its origin (internal, formed by basin-related fractures; external, related to ejecta patterns). To test for the presence of deep radial fractures on the moon, the azimuth and length of linear rim segments of twenty-four post-Imbrium-basin craters were measured. Linear segments of crater rims parallel preexisting fracture patterns in terrestrial craters floored in an indurated substrate. Craters forming in a terrain containing pervasive fractures radial to Imbrium should show evidence of this tectonic influence by forming rim crest segments (terrace scarps) preferentially along these directions. No systematic relation of these segments with Imbrium radial structure was found. This suggests that the surface radial grooves may not extend to depth. The relatively young Orientale basin shows two types of radial structures: (1) pervasive subparallel ridges and furrows formed by a spectrum of sizes of secondary crater chains emanating from the main crater, and from flowage of material during secondary cratering; (2) parallel, generally radial ridges which appear to have formed on top of outward flows of debris. These types of radial textures (both depositional and erosional) appear unrelated to major faults or fractures. Therefore, these two lines of evidence suggest that much of the Imbrium-type sculpture surrounding major lunar basins is sedimentary, rather than tectonic, in origin.
An open-label pilot study of N-acetylcysteine for skin-picking in Prader-Willi syndrome.

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder caused by an abnormality on the long arm of chromosome 15 (q11-q13) that results in a host of behavioral characteristics including excessive interest in food, skin picking, difficulty with a change in routine, and obsessive and compulsive behaviors. Skin-picking can result in serious and potentially life-threatening infections. Recent evidence suggests that the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is dysregulated in obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and modulation of the glutaminergic pathway may decrease compulsive behaviors, such as recurrent hair pulling or skin-picking behaviors. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a derivative of the amino acid cysteine, is thought to act either via modulation of NMDA glutamate receptors or by increasing glutathione in pilot studies. Thirty-five individuals with confirmed PWS (ages 5–39 years, 23 females/12 males) and skin-picking behavior for more than 1 year were treated with N-acetylcysteine (Pharma-NAC®) at a dose of 450–1,200 mg/day. Skin-picking symptoms and open lesions were assessed after 12 weeks of treatment by counting and measuring lesions before and after the medication. All 35 individuals had improvement in skin-picking behaviors. Ten (29%) individuals (six males and four females) did not have complete resolution of skin-picking behavior, but had significant reduction in the number of active lesions. Longer-term, placebo-controlled trials are needed to further assess the potential benefit of this treatment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Superlattice doping interfaces

Abstract The effect of background doping on current transport in quantum well structures is investigated by the use of n + -n junctions superimposed on superlattices. Data are presented which show that the applied bias appears across only lightly doped and depleted regions. Current vs. voltage characteristics are observed which are consistent with expected electron barriers for these superlattice structures. Negative differential resistance effects and conductance oscillation effects are also observed, and are shown to originate from movement of bias-dependent depletions.
Digestibility, growth and excretion response of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) to feeds of different ingredient particle sizes

The effects of feed ingredient particle size on apparent digestibility, growth and excretion responses of rainbow trout were investigated in pilot production systems. Particle size of the feed ingredients (ground using a hammer mill with 0.6 and 3.0 mm screen sizes) had no significant effect (P > 0.05, d.f. = 1/6) on the apparent digestibility of dry matter, phosphorus and crude protein in cold-extruded diets. Feed ingredient particle size had an impact on the feed conversion ratio over an 85-day feeding trial when key ingredients (78.65% of diet) were ground using a pulverizer and a hammer mill with 3.0 mm screen size and heat extruded. No significant differences (P > 0.05, d.f. = 1/12) were observed in the excretion ratios of TAN (total ammonia nitrogen), TKN (total Kjeldahl nitrogen), TP (total phosphorus), BOD5 (5-day biochemical oxygen demand) and TSS (total suspended solids) among three feed types, which included a wide ingredient particle size distribution.
The Boston Market for Banking and Industrial Equities, 1835–1897

(2000). The Boston Market for Banking and Industrial Equities, 1835–1897. Historical Methods: A Journal of Quantitative and Interdisciplinary History: Vol. 33, No. 3, pp. 163-169.
Automated in vivo segmentation of carotid plaque MRI with Morphology-Enhanced probability maps†

MRI is a promising noninvasive technique for characterizing atherosclerotic plaque composition in vivo, with an end-goal of assessing plaque vulnerability. Because of limitations arising from acquisition time, achievable resolution, contrast-to-noise ratio, patient motion, and the effects of blood flow, automatically identifying plaque composition remains a challenging task in vivo. In this article, a segmentation method using maximum a posteriori probability Bayesian theory is presented that divides axial, multi-contrast-weighted images into regions of necrotic core, calcification, loose matrix, and fibrous tissue. Key advantages of the method are that it utilizes morphologic information, such as local wall thickness, and coupled active contours to limit the impact from noise and artifacts associated with in vivo imaging. In experiments involving 142 sets of multi-contrast images from 26 subjects undergoing carotid endarterectomy, segmented areas of each of these tissues per slice agreed with histologically confirmed areas with correlations (R(2)) of 0.78, 0.83, 0.41, and 0.82, respectively. In comparison, manually identifying areas blinded to histology yielded correlations of 0.71, 0.76, 0.33, and 0.78, respectively. These results show that in vivo automatic segmentation of carotid MRI is feasible and comparable to or possibly more accurate than manual review for quantifying plaque composition.
The effect of cerulenin on Moloney murine leukemia virus morphogenesis.

Abstract Cerulenin is an antibiotic that interferes with fatty acid synthesis in eukaryotic cells. It had been shown by Schultz and Oroszlan (1983), that murine leukemia virus (MuLV) Pr65 gag , the polyprotein precursor to the virion core proteins contains the fatty acid myristate at its NH 2 terminus. We showed that when 20 μg/ml of cerulenin is added for 3 h to mouse fibroblasts chronically infected with Moloney (M)-MuLV it causes a > 4-fold decrease in virus production. This is accompanied by an accumulation of uncleaved Pr65 gag in the infected cells. Further, thin-section electron micrographs of cerulenin-treated cells show a 2-fold increase in the number of nascent-budding forms, as well as the appearance of aberrant viral forms at the cell membrane. This suggests that the failure to add myristic acid to Pr65 gag prevents their proper assembly into viral particles.
Xenoreactive natural antibodies in the world of natural antibodies: typical or unique?

Abstract Xenoreactive natural antibodies are thought to be responsible for initiating the hyperacute rejection of porcine organs transplanted into primates. Progress has been made in recently years in the characterization of the specificity and functions of these antibodies. Xenoreactive natural antibodies recognize Galα1-3Gal, a carbohydrate related to the blood group A and blood group B antigens. The presence of Galα1-3Gal may not be sufficient to allow the binding of xenoreactive natural antibodies under physiological conditions; rather, the clustering of Galα3-3Gal determinants may dictate the extent to which xenoreactive natural antibodies attach to surfaces on which Galα1-3Gal is expressed. The predominant role of xenoreactive natural antibodies in the pathogenesis of hyperacute rejection in porcine-to-primate xenotransplantation involves the activation of complement. Complement activation is mediated by IgM, not IgG xenoreactive natural antibodies. Based on functional avidity, thermal binding optima, thermal liability and homogeneity of binding interactions, xenoreactive natural IgM appear to be members of a family of natural antibodies which includes isohaemagglutinins. The classification of xenoreactive antibodies and isochaemagglutinins into a family of antibodies may provide further insight into the nature and physiological function of xenoreactive natural antibodies.
Predicting Film Genres with Implicit Ideals

We present a new approach to defining film genre based on implicit ideals. When viewers rate the likability of a film, they indirectly express their ideal of what a film should be. Across six studies we investigate the category structure that emerges from likability ratings and the category structure that emerges from the features of film. We further compare these data-driven category structures with human annotated film genres. We conclude that film genres are structured more around ideals than around features of film. This finding lends experimental support to the notion that film genres are set of shifting, fuzzy, and highly contextualized psychological categories.
The Influence of Cultural Diversity on End-of-life Care and Decisions

The heath care system in the United States is based on specific cultural beliefs that are sometimes inappropriate with groups that have different belief systems. These cultural differences can be seen in various end-of-life situations. To familiarize providers with some of the ways that culture can influence end-of-life care and decisions, the authors focus on the following three individual characteristics shown to be important in the literature: age, ethnicity, and gender. The article contains a broad overview of the (a) documented differences in the cultural interpretations of the ethical meta principles (e.g., autonomy and respect), (b) provision of medical service in general and pain management in particular to different groups, and (c) attitudes toward various end-of-life interventions and the use of advance directives. Finally, the authors summarize guidelines for making end-of-life care more culturally sensitive, which emphasize that each person must be interacted with as a unique individual.
Structural studies of commercial fat emulsions used in parenteral nutrition

Abstract In this paper, we demonstrate that by employing a combination of sedimentation field‐flow fractionation (sedFFF) and other characterization techniques, such as photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) and freeze–fracture electron microscopy (EM), it is possible to show that commercial fat emulsions of similar overall chemical compositions not only may exhibit different size distributions but may have different densities as well. A closer look at the density difference between droplet and suspension medium, on the one hand, and the droplet size, on the other, demonstrates that fat emulsions may have structures other than the traditional oil droplet surrounded by a monolayer of surfactant. From our determined and simulated density differences, we propose that these emulsion droplets may have a multilayered surfactant arrangement as well as an inclusion of water vesicles in the oil phase of the emulsion. Freeze‐fracture EM observations provide evidence to confirm the existence of such complex structures. These findings are supported by recent EM work from other laboratories, as well as through chemical verification of elevated water contents in the oil droplets of these emulsions.
Identifying and Attracting the “right” Investors: Evidence on the Behavior of Institutional Investors

This article summarizes the findings of research the author has conducted over the past seven years that aims to answer a number of questions about institutional investors: Are there significant differences among institutional investors in time horizon and other trading practices that would enable such investors to be classified into types on the basis of their observable behavior? Assuming the answer to the first is yes, do corporate managers respond differently to the pressures created by different types of investors– and, by implication, are certain kinds of investors more desirable from corporate management's point of view? What kinds of companies tend to attract each type of investor, and how does a company's disclosure policy affect that process? The author's approach identifies three categories of institutional investors: (1) “transient” institutions, which exhibit high portfolio turnover and own small stakes in portfolio companies; (2) “dedicated” holders, which provide stable ownership and take large positions in individual firms; and (3) “quasi-indexers,” which also trade infrequently but own small stakes (similar to an index strategy). As might be expected, the disproportionate presence of transient institutions in a company's investor base appears to intensify pressure for short-term performance while also resulting in excess volatility in the stock price. Also not surprising, transient investors are attracted to companies with investor relations activities geared toward forward-looking information and “news events,” like management earnings forecasts, that constitute trading opportunities for such investors. By contrast, quasi-indexers and dedicated institutions are largely insensitive to shortterm performance and their presence is associated with lower stock price volatility. The research also suggests that companies that focus their disclosure activities on historical information as opposed to earnings forecasts tend to attract quasi-indexers instead of transient investors. In sum, the author's research suggests that changes in disclosure practices have the potential to shift the composition of a firm's investor base away from transient investors and toward more patient capital. By removing some of the external pressures for short-term performance, such a shift could encourage managers to establish a culture based on long-run value maximization.