cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carotid Embolectomy in the Treatment of a Paradoxical Embolus

Development of a paradoxical embolus to the carotid circulation through a patent foramen ovale is uncommon but well documented. Previous surgical experience with this entity is limited. Treatment for this condition typically involves anticoagulation or the use of an inferior vena cava filter with concurrent closure of the patent foramen itself. We report successful surgical treatment of a woman with a paradoxical embolus lodged in her left carotid artery. In addition, we provide a brief review of this rare topic and treatment rationale.
Crystal and molecular structures of three M(NS)2 transmetalating agents (NS is a monoanionic S-methyl hydrazinecarbodithioate Schiff base; M = Co, Zn)

Abstract The crystal and molecular structures of the M(NS) 2 transmetalating agents bis-(S-methyl-isopropylidenehydrazinecarbodithioato) cobalt(II), its zinc analog and of bis-(S-methyl-benzylidenehydrazinecarbodithioato) zinc(II) are reported. Structural differences which may give rise to different mechanisms of transmetalation are noted.
The Effects Of Primary Divisiveness On General Election Outcomes In State Legislative Elections

Does a divisive primary contest harm a candidate’s chances in the general election? This question is addressed in an analysis of legislative campaigns in nine states during the 1994 and 1996 election cycles. Findings indicate that primary divisiveness does affect general election outcomes but in the opposite direction than anticipated. Greater divisiveness in a candidate’s primary leads to a higher vote share in the general election. Similarly, greater divisiveness in a general election opponent’s primary leads to a candidate receiving a lower vote share. Simply the presence of a primary challenge is found to exert a substantial positive influence for a candidate in the general election, particularly in open seat contests. Such counterintuitive results are attributed to the low levels of information that voters typically possess about state legislative primaries and to the strategic decisions of candidates who seek legislative office.
A study in frontal plane vectorballistocardiography.

Frontal plane ballistocardiograms obtained from 10 normal subjects were analyzed and compared with abnormal records obtained from patients with known cardiovascular disease. The normal vector loop is described, and the importance of the transverse ballistocardiogram is discussed. It is suggested that the orientation of the J loop may be related to the anatomic position of the heart. No such relationship was noted with the frontal plane H, I or K vector loops.
Substance Abuse Disorders Treatment in El Salvador: Analysis of Policy-Making-Related Failure

Illicit drug use and substance abuse disorders have increased dramatically in developing countries during recent decades. Sadly, treatment for people diagnosed as manifesting and/or attributed with substance abuse disorders in developing countries is usually inadequate to meet demand, not evidence based, and of poor quality. In response, international health organizations have developed best-practice guidelines for substance user treatment in developing countries, although little research has evaluated their implementation. This opinion piece will examine one such effort to improve substance user treatment in El Salvador. It will be argued that the program failed (2007–2008) because of a lack of political will by the Salvadoran government through their Ministry of Health to effectively supervise, monitor, and subsidize substance user treatment.
Strongly correlated fractional quantum Hall states: description in terms of weakly interacting composite fermions

Abstract This paper reviews a recent theory in which the strongly correlated electron system in the fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) is described in terms of weakly interacting composite fermions. It provides trial wavefunctions for all FQHE states. These have the following properties: (i) They provide a very simple way to think about the FQHE. (ii) They have essentially 100% overlap with the exact ground states for few particle systems, (iii) They are the exact ground states of some model Hamiltonians.
Temperature dependence of the antiferromagnetic anisotropy in MnF2

Abstract Existing data on the temperature dependence of the sublattice magnetization and of the antiferromagnetic resonance frequency of MnF2, together with our new antiferromagnetic resonance data, are used to determine the temperature dependence of the antiferromagnetic anisotropy energy EA. We find that for most temperatures from 0°K to the Neel temperature EA ∝ M2.88±0.16, where M represents the sublattice magnetization. We discuss the experimental results in terms of the existing theoretical treatments of this problem, particularly the classical theory of Zener, EA ∝ M3, and the spin-wave theory of Oguchi, ea ∝ M2.9. Our considerations indicate the existence of nearly complete correlation between neighboring spins at all temperatures right up to the Neel temperature.
Identification of mycobacteria infecting fish to the species level using polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme analysis

An assay is described utilizing PCR technology for a rapid diagnostic test to identify fish infection with Mycobacterium marinum, M. fortuitum and M. chelonae. A 924 bp DNA fragment from a highly conserved area of the mycobacterial 16S rRNA gene was amplified using mycobacteria genus-specific primers and digested with restriction enzymes (BanI and ApaI). This examination yielded unique restriction patterns for each mycobacterial specie enabling identification of mycobacteria infecting fish to the species level. The protocol can be applied to purified DNA, a simple colony preparation or infected fish tissue. This protocol can be completed in 1-2 days.
Optical anisotropy of polyisobutylene: Strain birefringence

Strain birefringence measurements on crosslinked polyisobutylene (butyl rubber) confirm earlier work of Stein and Tobolsky on the linear polymer indicating the optical anisotropy to be much greater than should have been expected from the structural symmetry of the polyisobutylene (PIB) chain. The configuration–optical anisotropy parameter Δa for PIB at 25°C is 4.1(±0.1) × 10−24 cm3, or about half the value for crosslinked polymethylene, both polymers being undiluted and amorphous. Swelling with cyclohexane, CCl4, and CBrCl3 lowers Δa to values of 3.8, 3.4, and 2.8 × 10−24 cm3, respectively. Contributions from intermolecular correlations in the bulk polymer and from form anisotropy in the diluted systems are small, if not negligible. Temperature coefficients measured isometrically yield d In Δa/dT ≈ 0.2 × 10−3 deg−1. Both Δa and its temperature coefficient are much greater than calculated from rotational isomeric state theory assuming additivity of bond polarizabilities. The disparity (more than tenfold for Δa) cannot be relieved by any rational adjustment of the structural parameters. It is suggested that the severe crowding of groups in the PIB chain may affect the anisotropies of group polarizabilities.
Body composition in the dog. II. The effect of progressive congestive heart failure.

Summary o 1. The multiple simultaneous dilution technique has been employed to measure alterations in body composition occurring in dogs with surgically produced cardiac valvular lesions. Control studies in the normal state were followed by repeated estimations in the same animals with mild valvular damage (tricuspid insufficiency), and subsequently in the state of florid congestive heart failure (tricuspid insufficiency plus pulmonary stenosis). 2. The pattern of change has in general corresponded to that emerging from previous studies in the human. Total body water (TBW), exchangeable sodium (Nae) and exchangeable chloride (Cle) were found to be significantly elevated even in the earliest stage of valvular damage (TI), and grossly elevated in the stage of congestive failure (TI and PS). Exchangeable potassium (Ke) and red cell volume (RV) on the other hand were elevated in the stage of mild valvular damage but subsequently returned to control values in the stage of gross heart failure. 3. In a few details the response of the dog appears to differ from that in man. Hyponatremia is not a regular result of congestive heart failure; the expansion of body water is even greater than is seen in man and the ratio Nae+Ke/TBW is maintained at a higher level in the dog than in man in congestive heart failure. 4. The significance of these variations is discussed in the light of current knowledge.
Resistance among populations of yellow starthistle to thistle-head insects: results from garden plots in Italy.

Abstract Variation in resistance to thistle-head insects was studied in plants of Centaurea solstitialis L. (yellow starthistle) derived from Nearctic and Palearctic populations and grown in common gardens near Rome, Italy. Significant variation was found in the percentage of insect-damaged flowerheads among plant populations, with aggregate rates of herbivory higher on plants of the local (Italian) population. Two tephritid flies, Acanthiophilus helianthi (Rossi) and Chaetorellia succinia (Costa), accounted for most of the damage to all populations. In addition, more species of insects exploited the capitula of Italian plants (eight vs three to six species for the other populations). That only Italian plants were suitable host plants for Urophora jaculata Rondani suggests a host-plant resistance factor was responsible for the failure of this tephritid fly to become established on yellow starthistle in California. These results indicate that all populations of yellow starthistle are not equally susceptible to herbivory by thistle-head insects. On the other hand, adults of two potential biocontrol agents, U. quadrifasciata quadrifasciata (Meigen) and Terellia uncinata White, emerged from American plants; thus, there is reason to believe these tephritid flies would establish on Nearctic populations. Variation in resistance among plant populations was not related to differences in plant size. The overall results are consistent with the findings of other ecologists that noncrop plant species vary significantly in their resistance to individual herbivore species and to groups of insect herbivores. The results also point to the usefulness of the open field approach in host-specificity determination of insects for biological control of weeds.
An experimental method for determining the condensed phase heat of reaction of double-base propellants

Experimental method for determining condensed phase heat of reaction of deflagrating double-base propellant, defining minimum surface temperature at solid surface without heat feedback
A fuzzy variable structure approach to feedback regulation of uncertain dynamical systems, with application to robotics

This paper develops a fuzzy logic-based control design methodology for a large class of nonlinear uncertain dynamical systems. The proposed control design approach combines the powerful tools of fuzzy logic and approximate reasoning with the advanced mathematical synthesis techniques used in variable structure control systems theory. The rationale for the proposed control design approach is motivated by the results of a recent study that has rigorously established some connections between fuzzy logic and variable structure control systems. The results of this paper represent a step in the right direction for systematic design of a less expert-dependent fuzzy logic control. To illustrate the merits of the new control approach, the latter is applied to a 2 degree of freedom robot manipulator. Preliminary simulation results suggest that the proposed control design deals effectively with the chattering problem encountered when the classical variable structure control is used alone.
Calcite and iron sulfide cementation of Miocene sediments flanking the West Hackberry salt dome, southwest Louisiana, U.S.A.

Abstract Whereas calcite and sulfide cements have been previously documented by other workers in shallow cap rock above salt domes, recent studies in the Louisiana Gulf of Mexico Coast, U.S.A., demonstrate the presence of additional pervasive carbonate and sulfide cements in deep sedimentary strata along the margins of some salt domes. Miocene sediments along the southwest flank of the West Hackberry salt dome in southwest Louisiana, for example, are cemented by calcite, pyrite and pyrrhotite over the depth range of 1.4–2.1 km. Textural evidence indicates the sands were initially cemented by calcite and then by iron sulfides which aggressively replaced both calcite cement and silicate framework grains. Carbon isotopic composition of the calcites document derivation from a methane reservoir. Sr isotopic data suggest the calcite precipitated during burial and is not derived directly from Miocene seawater or coeval carbonates. The spatial distribution of the calcite cements can be determined by the high resistivity response of these zones on geophysical logs. The relative thickness of cemented sands decreases away from the dome, and the cement occurs preferentially in the basal portion of individual sand units in more sparsely cemented sequences. The systematic distribution of cemented sands with respect to the salt diapir suggests the presence of this structure may have controlled paleohydrology and thus the cementation patterns.
Airway Effects of Monosodium Glutamate in Subjects with Chronic Stable Asthma

We studied the effect of oral monosodium glutamate (MSG) on airways function in 12 subjects with a history of chronic stable asthma in a double-blind, randomized, crossover protocol. Subjects ingested either 25 mg/kg of MSG or sodium chloride (equimolar to MSG) following a 6-hour fast. Spirometry [forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity] was performed before administration of the test substances and for a minimum of 4 hours thereafter. At no time during the observation period was the mean change in FEV1 more negative following MSG than following placebo. MSG is unlikely to be a contributing factor in bouts of broncho-spasm in subjects with asthma, and routine avoidance of MSG by individuals with asthma need not be advised.
The Course of Sleep Disturbances in Early Alcohol Recovery: An Observational Cohort Study

Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MinnesotaIntroduction: Understanding the course and determinants of sleepdisturbances in alcoholic patients may help identify patients at highrisk of persistent sleep problems, relapse and guide treatmentinterventions.Methods: We prospectively administered the Pittsburgh SleepQuality Index (PSQI) to all patients (N ¼ 196) admitted to a 1‐month residential treatment program. Our analysis excluded patientswith active drug abuse/dependence. Demographic data, psychiatricdiagnoses, Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), Alcohol UseDisorders Identiﬁcation Test (AUDIT) and Inventory of Drug TakingSituations (IDTS) scores were obtained. Univariate and logisticregressionanalyseswereperformedusingsex,age,hazardousalcoholuse, PHQ‐9 scores, hypnotic use, and use of alcohol as a hypnotic ascorrelatestoadmissionPSQIscoresandimprovementinPSQIscores.Results:Atotalof119alcoholicpatientsmetinclusioncriteria(meanage 50.6 13.2 years). The rates of sleep disturbances at admissionand discharge were 69.3% and 49.1%, respectively. Self report ofusing alcohol to fall asleep and use of hypnotics were associated withelevated PSQI scores. Total PSQI scores improved over 4 weeks(p < .001).ChangeinPSQIscoreswasnoteffectedbygender,useofhypnotics, hazardous alcohol use, use of alcohol as a hypnotic or co‐morbid psychiatric diagnosis. Older age predicted improvement inPSQI scores in patients with sleep disturbances (p ¼ .004).Conclusion: While a large proportion of alcoholics had sleepdisturbances upon admission and at discharge from a residentialtreatment program, only older age was associated with improvementsin sleep disturbances during early alcohol recovery. (Am J Addict2014;23:21–26)
Determination of Nitrogen, Sulfur, Phosphorus, and Carbon in Solid Ecological Materials Via Hydrogenation and Element-Selective Detection

Abstract Element-selective detectors for carbon, sulfur, phosphorus, and nitrogen are used to determine methane, hydrogen sulfide, phosphine and ammonia in the effluent from a pyrolytic hydrogenator. Solid ecological field samples, e.g., forest floor litter, plant stream particulate, and insects, require no chemical pretreatment. These are pyrolyzed and the pyrolyzates pass through a catalyst bed which reduces the elements to the corresponding hydrides. Data are given for sulfur, carbon, and nitrogen.
Multidimensional upwind methods for hyperbolic conservation laws

Abstract We present a class of second-order conservative finite difference algorithms for solving numerically time-dependent problems for hyperbolic conservation laws in several space variables. These methods are upwind and multidimensional, in that the numerical fluxes are obtained by solving the characteristic form of the full multidimensional equations at the zone edge, and that all fluxes are evaluated and differenced at the same time; in particular, operator splitting is not used. Correct behavior at discontinuities is obtained by the use of solutions to the Riemann problem, and by limiting some of the second-order terms. Numerical results are presented, which show that the methods described here yield the same high resolution as the corresponding operator split methods.
Directional communication system for short-range vehicular communications

Improving safety in vehicles is achieved today by improving their ability to perceive and react to threats in the environment. Much effort is directed towards increasing the safety envelope around each vehicle with the introduction of increasingly sophisticated sensor technology (e.g., ultrasound, video, thermal imaging, and LIDAR). This envelope can also be increased by leveraging the exchange of safety messages between neighboring vehicles through localized communications between and among vehicles. This paper describes the requirements for messaging in a nearest-neighbor data interchange for several types of safety threats and makes a case for directional communications. The results of our analysis indicate performance limitations for omnidirectional communications and favors a directional scheme. The packet delay approaches 300ms for IEEE 802.11 at a density of 100 vehicles/km in saturation mode for backoff window parameter (W=128). This value is equivalent or close to the human reaction time and is considered unsuitable for safety messaging applicaitons. The design and development of a prototype directional communication system implemented with optical transceivers is described; its related application in providing improved situational awareness in conjunction with an in-car computer platform connected to a local GPS unit and on-board data monitoring interface is also described.
Postural Balance and Adaptations in Transitioning Sloped Surfaces

This study investigated the influence of sloped surfaces (18°, 26°, 34°) on postural balance and adaptation period. Twelve male participants performed a simulated roof-shingling operation involving real roof work duration and a dynamic posture task. The findings indicate that individuals experienced a greater postural instability at on earlier phase in the task when on the steeper surface. Additionally, this study highlights that a significant decrement in postural control on flat surfaces existed after working on inclined (pitched) surfaces. More emphasis should be given to the individuals in this postural adaptation period, with additional monitoring and cautionary measures. After performing a roofing task on a pitched roof, workers should be afforded ample time to recover before moving into heavy manual materials handling. The findings of the study could be used to improve safe work practices, as well as to mitigate the potential risk for falls during construction work.
Mitigating ISI Through Self-Calibrating Continuous-Time Equalization

A method for designing self-calibrating continuous-time equalizers is proposed. Two distinct error terms, generated from the channel pulse response, may be used to adaptively calibrate the equalizer, resulting in a significant reduction of intersymbol interference (ISI). Both error terms are based on the minimization of accumulating ISI versus total ISI. By limiting the change in ISI from bit to bit, reasonable voltage and timing margins are achieved. Matlab simulations show the clear opening of 10-Gb/s data eyes across 6 in and 20 in of FR4, as well as the clear opening of a 20-Gb/s data eye across 6 in of the same medium
Interactive responses of old-field plant growth and composition to warming and precipitation

As Earth’s atmosphere accumulates carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, Earth’s climate is expected to warm and precipitation patterns will likely change. The manner in which terrestrial ecosystems respond to climatic changes will in turn affect the rate of climate change. Here we describe responses of an old-field herbaceous community to a factorial combination of four levels of warming (up to 4 °C) and three precipitation regimes (drought, ambient and rain addition) over 2 years. Warming suppressed total production, shoot production, and species richness, but only in the drought treatment. Root production did not respond to warming, but drought stimulated the growth of deeper (> 10 cm) roots by 121% in 1 year. Warming and precipitation treatments both affected functional group composition, with C4 grasses and other annual and biennial species entering the C3 perennial-dominated community in ambient rainfall and rain addition treatments as well as in warmed treatments. Our results suggest that, in this mesic system, expected changes in temperature or large changes in precipitation alone can alter functional composition, but they have little effect on total herbaceous plant growth. However, drought limits the capacity of the entire system to withstand warming. The relative insensitivity of our study system to climate suggests that the herbaceous component of old-field communities will not dramatically increase production in response to warming or precipitation change, and so it is unlikely to provide either substantial increases in forage production or a meaningful negative feedback to climate change later this century.
Melanin Pigment Uptake Within Paget Cells

Background: The differential diagnosis of intraepidermal neoplasms showing cell clusters and/or single units with upward migration includes Pagets disease, melanoma in-situ, Bowens disease, and Pagetoid reticulosis. Purpose: We describe three cases of Pagets disease of the nipple with melanin pigment uptake by Paget cells. Results: Clinical and pathologic material of three women with biopsy proven Pagets disease of the nipple was reviewed. Clinically, two cases demonstrated an excoriated nipple, one of which also showed a zone of depigmentation. The clinical appearance of the third case was not available. Histologically, each case demonstrated Paget cells singly and in clusters with cytoplasmic uptake of melanin pigment. Melanocytes were found in each case, but were neither increased in number nor showed atypical forms. The dendritic processes of melanocytes were found to encase single Paget cells. Pigment was also found dispersed in the papillary dermis and within melanophages. Conclusions: Melanin pigment uptake by Paget cells represents a significant potential pitfall in ultimately arriving at the correct diagnosis. Misdiagnosing these cases as a melanocytic lesion could potentially delay the management of an underlying breast cancer. Careful examination of melanocyte and melanin distribution with respect to Paget cells is warranted in such cases.
Waldo Lake History: Prehistoric Period to Present

ABSTRACT Waldo Lake and vicinity remained essentially an uncharted wilderness until the second half of the Nineteenth Century. The area was largely devoid of its aboriginal inhabitants when Judge John Breckenridge Waldo and his companions spent their summers recreating in the Cascades between 1880 and 1907. These Cascade Mountain respites ultimately led Waldo to call for the area's preservation. But Waldo Lake succumbed to another force in the history of the West, the reclamation movement. In 1905, promoters filed for water rights on Waldo for use as a natural reservoir. The first phase that began in 1905 was a failed attempt to develop the lake as a reservoir for power generation, ending in the mid-1930s as markets declined for hydroelectric power and irrigation water. Federal reclamation projects soon took up the slack, beginning in 1939 with a proposal to divert Waldo Lake out of the Willamette drainage entirely to the Upper Deschutes Project via canals and tunnels through the crest of the Oregon Casca...
Race for Cures: Rethinking the Racial Logics of ‘Trust’ in Biomedicine

This article examines the normative underpinnings of ‘trust talk’, asking how biomedical discourse constructs racial group boundaries and what implications this has for our understanding of the politics of medicine more broadly. Drawing upon a 2-year multi-method study of the world’s largest stem cell research initiative and extending key insights from the sociology of race‐ethnicity and social studies of science and medicine, this paper identi! es three ways in which discourse in the stem cell ! eld constructs racial group boundaries ‐ through diversity outreach, clinical gatekeeping, and charismatic collaborations. In so doing, the paper also explicates counter-narratives ‐ medical racial pro! ling, subversive whiteness, and biopolitical minstrelsy ‐ as forms of discursive resistance that challenge the normative underpinnings of recruitment discourse.
Nitric oxide inhibits surfactant protein B gene expression in lung epithelial cells.

Surfactant protein B (SP-B) is an essential constituent of pulmonary surfactant. In a number of inflammatory diseases of the lung, elevated nitric oxide (NO) levels are associated with decreased SP...
Gunshot wound of the thoracic aorta with right popliteal artery embolization: a case report of bullet embolism with review of relevant literature

Bullet embolism is a well-known but relatively uncommon complication of gunshot injuries. Their rarity and the potential lack of early symptoms lead to delays in diagnosis and often in inadequate early management that can potentially result in the loss of a limb or life. We present an interesting case in which a small caliber bullet to the upper anterior abdomen penetrated the thoracic aorta and traveled to the right popliteal artery embolizing the vessel. The exploratory laparotomy failed to locate neither the bullet nor the trajectory resulting in sudden deterioration and eventual death 5 hours into the postoperative period.
A Risk Assessment Model for Voting Systems using Threat Trees and Monte Carlo Simulation

There continues to be a requirement for better models, tools, and techniques for conducting risk assessment of voting systems. We propose a model of risk and a technique for risk assessment, which builds on threat trees and Monte Carlo simulation. The goal is to provide a means of facilitating informed decisions regarding voting system security standards through a rational and parsimonious quantification of intuition or estimation of risk. Such a means should support an evaluation of trade-offs, sensitivity analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and estimation of residual risk of current and proposed voting systems, technologies and controls.
Photovoltaic energy conversion with n-CdS&#8212;p-CdTe heterojunctions and other II-VI junctions

n-CdS-p-CdTe heterojunctions have been prepared by close-spaced vapor transport of p-CdTe films onto single crystal n-CdS, by vacuum evaporation of n-CdS films onto single crystal p-CdTe, and by solution spraying of n-CdS films onto single crystal p-CdTe. In addition, a number of other II-VI p-n heterojunctions have been prepared by the close-spaced vapor transport technique. The highest solar efficiency to date has been obtained with a cell prepared by vacuum evaporation of n-CdS film onto p-CdTe crystal, in which the CdS is covered with an indium-tin-oxide coating and then with an antireflection coating; the photovoltaic parameters of this cell are an open-circuit voltage of 0.63 V, a quantum efficiency of 0.82, a fill factor of 0.66, and a solar efficiency of 7.9 percent. II-VI heterojunction cells with efficiency greater than 10 percent are expected in the near future.
Rituximab, an Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody: History and Mechanism of Action

Rituximab, chimeric anti-human CD20, is approved for treatment of B-cell lymphoma in adults. It is being used experimentally in other various immune-related diseases such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura, systemic lupus erythematosus, myasthenia gravis and rheumatoid arthritis. In transplant recipients, it is used for treatment of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, to anecdotally reduce pre-formed anti-HLA and anti-ABO antibodies and for the prevention and treatment of acute rejection. This article primarily reviews the science behind rituximab: its history, pharmacokinetics and potential mechanism of action. A need for controlled clinical trials is clearly indicated before the widespread use of this drug in transplant.
Linear parallel interference cancellation using fixed weighting factors for long-code CDMA

Linear weighted multistage parallel interference cancellation (PIC) implements exactly the family of polynomial expansion detectors. For long-code CDMA, a set of optimal weights is found which minimizes the ensemble averaged mean squared error (MSE) over random codes. The weights are dependent on moments of the eigenvalues of the correlation matrix, where exact expressions are derived. The loss incurred by averaging rather than using the optimal, time-varying weights is practically negligible.
Island tameness: living on islands reduces flight initiation distance.

One of Darwin's most widely known conjectures is that prey are tame on remote islands, where mammalian predators are absent. Many species appear to permit close approach on such islands, but no comparative studies have demonstrated reduced wariness quantified as flight initiation distance (FID; i.e. predator–prey distance when the prey begins to flee) in comparison with mainland relatives. We used the phylogenetic comparative method to assess influence of distance from the mainland and island area on FID of 66 lizard species. Because body size and predator approach speed affect predation risk, we included these as independent variables. Multiple regression showed that FID decreases as distance from mainland increases and is shorter in island than mainland populations. Although FID increased as area increased in some models, collinearity made it difficult to separate effects of area from distance and island occupancy. FID increases as SVL increases and approach speed increases; these effects are statistically independent of effects of distance to mainland and island occupancy. Ordinary least-squares models fit the data better than phylogenetic regressions, indicating little or no phylogenetic signal in residual FID after accounting for the independent variables. Our results demonstrate that island tameness is a real phenomenon in lizards.
Cost-Effectiveness of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy With Morcellation Compared With Abdominal Hysterectomy for Presumed Myomas.

Abstract Study Objective Hysterectomy for presumed leiomyomata is 1 of the most common surgical procedures performed in nonpregnant women in the United States. Laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) with morcellation is an appealing alternative to abdominal hysterectomy (AH) but may result in dissemination of malignant cells and worse outcomes in the setting of an occult leiomyosarcoma (LMS). We sought to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of LH versus AH. Design Decision-analytic model of 100 000 women in the United States assessing the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in dollars per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained (Canadian Task Force classification III). Setting U.S. hospitals. Patients Adult premenopausal women undergoing LH or AH for presumed benign leiomyomata. Interventions We developed a decision-analytic model from a provider perspective across 5 years, comparing the cost-effectiveness of LH to AH in terms of dollar (2014 US dollars) per QALY gained. The model included average total direct medical costs and utilities associated with the procedures, complications, and clinical outcomes. Baseline estimates and ranges for cost and probability data were drawn from the existing literature. Measurements and Main Results Estimated overall deaths were lower in LH versus AH (98 vs 103). Death due to LMS was more common in LH versus AH (86 vs 71). Base-case assumptions estimated that average per person costs were lower in LH versus AH, with a savings of $2193 ($24 181 vs $26 374). Over 5 years, women in the LH group experienced 4.99 QALY versus women in the AH group with 4.91 QALY (incremental gain of .085 QALYs). LH dominated AH in base-case estimates: LH was both less expensive and yielded greater QALY gains. The ICER was sensitive to operative costs for LH and AH. Varying operative costs of AH yielded an ICER of $87 651/QALY gained (minimum) to AH being dominated (maximum). Probabilistic sensitivity analyses, in which all input parameters and costs were varied simultaneously, demonstrated a relatively robust model. The AH approach was dominated 68.9% of the time; 17.4% of simulations fell above the willingness-to-pay threshold of $50 000/QALY gained. Conclusion When considering total direct hospital costs, complications, and morbidity, LH was less costly and yielded more QALYs gained versus AH. Driven by the rarity of occult LMS and the reduced incidence of intra- and postoperative complications, LH with morcellation may be a more cost-effective and less invasive alternative to AH and should remain an option for women needing hysterectomy for leiomyomata.
Source rock facies distribution predicted from oil geochemistry in the Central Sumatra Basin, Indonesia

The molecular and compound-specific isotopic composition of the n-alkanes in 30 oil samples from the Central Sumatra Basin were analyzed with the purpose of determining facies variations of the source rock in this basin. The oil samples were generated by the Eocene-Oligocene lacustrine Brown Shale Formation. Biomarkers in the oil samples indicate varying contributions from algal and terrigenous organic matter, primarily under oxic, or suboxic depositional conditions. Five source rock facies were identified based on the relative concentrations of n-alkanes, isoprenoids, tricyclic terpanes, and steranes. The individual facies were also distinguished by the compound-specific isotopic composition of the n-alkanes. Source rock depositional environments vary from deep lacustrine, shallow lacustrine, and lacustrine saline to coal and mixed coal and lacustrine shale. Deep lacustrine facies predominate in the Aman and Bengkalis troughs whereas saline and shallow lacustrine facies predominate in the South Aman and Kiri troughs, respectively. Oils derived from coal and mixed coal and lacustrine shale facies predominate in the northern part of the Central Sumatra Basin, in the Tanjung Medan and north of the Balam grabens.
Noninvasive prenatal testing in the general obstetric population: clinical performance and counseling considerations in over 85 000 cases.

Objective The primary goal of this study was to provide clinically relevant information for appropriate patient counseling. Method Demographics and test metrics were reviewed for 86 658 clinical cases. Outcome information was requested for samples reported as aneuploidy detected or suspected for chromosomes 21, 18, or 13; voluntary outcome reporting was encouraged for all discordant outcomes. Results Of 86 658 cases, 85 298 (98.4%) met inclusion criteria for result reporting. Of the 1360 (1.6%) cancellations, only 101 (0.1%) were for technical reasons. Average time to result was 3.3 business days. Aneuploidy was detected or suspected in 2142 (2.5%) samples. For aneuploidy detected cases with known clinical outcomes, the overall positive predictive value (PPV) was 83.5% (608/728); observed PPVs for trisomies 21, 18, and 13 ranged from 50.0 to 92.8%. As individual PPVs are determined by a patient's prior risk, we developed a chart for counseling patients on positive predictive value based on maternal age. Conclusion This large-scale report reinforces that noninvasive prenatal testing is a highly accurate screen for fetal aneuploidy in the general obstetric population. Test improvements have facilitated a reduction in failure rates, time to result, and borderline results/unclassifiable results. We have developed a positive predictive value counseling tool to ensure appropriate patient education, counseling, and clinical utilization. © 2015 Illumina. Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is it Alzheimer's?

The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease includes documentation of cognitive impairment and exclusion of other causes of dementia. Screening of mental status can be performed by the primary care physician or by a neuropsychologist for a more in-depth assessment. Testing for genetic markers has a clearly defined role only in patients with a family history of early-onset disease.
Actinomycosis caused by Arachnia propionica: report of 11 cases.

Arachnia propionica may produce disease clinically indistinguishable from that caused by Actinomyces israelii . The two organisms are morphologically alike and produce similar biochemical reactions. They may be distinguished by special laboratory procedures such as cell wall analysis, gas–liquid chromatography, or specific fluorescent antibody technics. Two serotypes of Arachnia propionica isolated from a wide variety of human lesions, including systemic infections, are described. The multiple etiologic agents of actinomycosis are discussed.
Vergence Adaptation to Short-Duration Stimuli in Early Childhood.

PURPOSE To investigate whether nonstrabismic typically developing young children are capable of exhibiting vergence adaptation. METHODS Fifteen adults (19.5-35.8 years) and 34 children (2.5-7.3 years) provided usable data. None wore habitual refractive correction. Eye position and accommodation were recorded using Purkinje image eye tracking and eccentric photorefraction (MCS PowerRefractor). Vergence was measured in three conditions while the participant viewed naturalistic targets at 33 cm. Viewing was monocular for at least 60 seconds and then binocular for either 5 seconds (5-second condition), 60 seconds (60-second), or 60 seconds through a 10-pd base-out prism (prism 60-second). The right eye was then occluded again for 60 seconds and an exponential function was fit to these data to assess the impact of adaptation on alignment. RESULTS The 63% time constant was significantly longer for the prism 60-second condition (mean = 11.5 seconds) compared to both the 5-second (5.3 seconds; P = 0.015) and the 60-second conditions (7.1 seconds; P = 0.035), with no significant difference between children and adults (P > 0.4). Correlations between the 63% time constant (prism 60-second condition) and age, refractive error, interpupillary distance (IPD), or baseline heterophoria were not significant (P > 0.4). The final stable monocular alignment, measured after binocular viewing, was similar to the baseline initial alignment across all conditions and ages. CONCLUSIONS For a limited-duration near task, 2- to 7-year-old children showed comparable levels of vergence adaptation to adults. In a typically developing visual system, where IPD and refractive error are maturing, this adaptation could help maintain eye alignment.
Incumbent Firm Adaptation: New Perspectives on Organizational Change

The ability of organizations to innovate and adapt to changes in the external environment is a critical component of competitive success. Research on incumbent firm adaptation has historically focused on the importance of developing new capabilities; increasingly, scholars are highlighting that adaptation also requires shifts in organizational characteristics and processes. The purpose of this symposium is to showcase current research that offers a range of perspectives on how incumbent firms engage in organizational change as their environments shift. Some of the papers draw attention to the implications of elements of organizations that have been given relatively little attention in the literature on incumbent adaptation—for example, the role of intra-organizational power struggles, routines, and organizational identity. Others consider the unique ways in which incumbents, versus new entrants, react to environmental change. The papers take a range of different theoretical and methodological approaches t...
Incorporating Process Variations Into SRAM Electromigration Reliability Assessment Using Atomic Flux Divergence

Electromigration (EM) greatly affects the long-term reliability of VLSI chips. Not only power/ground lines but also bitlines of SRAM arrays may be damaged by EM. In this paper, we analyze current flow on SRAM bitline, demonstrate that it may suffer EM due to the pulsed dc pattern, and conclude that bitline’s EM reliability can dramatically be worsened by process variation due to a significant increase of subthreshold leakage current. We statistically model the effects of process variation that includes both transistor parameter fluctuation and interconnect line roughness, propose an atomic flux divergence-based current conversion scheme for applying Blech criterion, and develop a procedure for preventing EM failure by modifying the width of bitlines. Considering the effect of bitline width modification on cell stability and performance, we propose a tradeoff between functional and EM failures and indicate an optimal bitline width that maximizes the yield of SRAM arrays.
Conformational Plasticity of the NNRTI-Binding Pocket in HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase: A Fluorine Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study.

HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) is a major drug target in the treatment of HIV-1 infection. RT inhibitors currently in use include non-nucleoside, allosteric RT inhibitors (NNRTIs), which bind to a hydrophobic pocket, distinct from the enzyme’s active site. We investigated RT–NNRTI interactions by solution 19F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), using singly 19F-labeled RT proteins. Comparison of 19F chemical shifts of fluorinated RT and drug-resistant variants revealed that the fluorine resonance is a sensitive probe for identifying mutation-induced changes in the enzyme. Our data show that in the unliganded enzyme, the NNRTI-binding pocket is highly plastic and not locked into a single conformation. Upon inhibitor binding, the binding pocket becomes rigidified. In the inhibitor-bound state, the 19F signal of RT is similar to that of drug-resistant mutant enzymes, distinct from what is observed for the free state. Our results demonstrate the power of 19F NMR spectroscopy to characterize conformational pro...
Serological surveillance on antibody to influenza A subtype H1,H3,H5,H9 viruses in people of Shanghai

To explore the epidemic trend of influenza A3, A1 and the existent situation of antibodies to avian influenza H9,H5 viruses through studying the distribution of antibodies to influenza A(H1,H3,H5,H9)viruses in people of different age groups in Shanghai. From healthy people at Huangpu,Jiading,Nanhui and Pudong district of Shanghai in June 2002,500 serum samples were taken and divided into 5 groups according to people's ages:0～4,5～14,15～24,25～59,≥60yr,100 samples per group. The titers of antibodies to influenza A(H1,H3,H5,H9)viruses were detected by hemagglutination-inhibition test. HI titer≥20 is considered positive,the total positive rate of HI titer of antibody to influenza viruses A/SH/1/98(H3N2),A/SH/7/99(H1N1) was 96.20%,72.60% respectively. Meanwhile,a certain positive rate of HI titer of antibody to avian influenza H9 virus was also detected in every age group,with total positive rate 7.56%. Only two serum samples with antibody to avian influenza H5 virus were detected. One was detected from 25～59 age group, HI titer was 80.The other from ≥60,HI titer was 40. The total positive rate was only 0.75%. [Conclusion] It's impossible that A/SH/1/98(H3N2)-like virus could arise an epidemic again in Shanghai in the following years. It is possible that A/SH/7/99(H1N1) like virus could arise limited epidemic and scattered cases,especially in 0～4 age group in Shanghai. People were infected by avian influenza H9 virus in Shanghai,so the possibility of transmisson of the influenza H9 virus from local aves to people could not be excluded. Only few people were infected by avian influenza H5 virus in Shanghai,may be very small quatity of H5 virus existed in aves of Shanghai. Therefore,the situation of local aves infected by avian influenza viruses and their influence to people should be further studied. We suggest that some avian or animal influenza virus antigens should be added in serological surveillance on antibody to influenza virus in people.
Specific endothelial heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor deletion ameliorates renal injury induced by chronic angiotensin II infusion

Transactivation of EGF receptor (EGFR) by angiotensin II (Ang II) plays important roles in the initiation and progression of chronic kidney diseases. Studies suggest that heparin-binding EGF-like f...
Dermatologic manifestations of diabetes and collagen diseases.

Cutaneous changes often indicate the presence of undiagnosed systemic disease. Necrobiosis lipoidica may be the first manifestation of the diabetic state. Lupus erythematosus is characterized by a distinctive distribution of erythema and by scale and atrophic scarring. Hidebound alterations and thick plaques in the skin are distinctive of scleroderma. Heliotrope discoloration of the skin is unique to dermatomyositis.
Evaluating Patient-Level Medication Regimen Complexity Over Time in Heart Transplant Recipients.

Background: Medication regimen complexity describes multiple characteristics of a patient’s prescribed drug regimen. Heart transplant recipients must comply with a lifelong regimen that consists of numerous medications. However, a systematic assessment of medication regimen complexity over time has not been conducted in this, or any other, transplant population. Objective: The objective of this study was to quantify patient-level medication regimen complexity over time following primary heart transplantation and heart retransplantation, using the validated patient-level Medication Regimen Complexity Index (pMRCI) tool. Methods: Medication lists were reviewed at transplant discharge and years 1, 3, and 5 post–primary heart transplant, and at transplant discharge and years 1 and 3 post–heart retransplantation. Medications were categorized as transplant-specific, other prescription, and over-the-counter (OTC). Results: In primary heart transplant recipients (n = 60), mean total medication count was 14.3 ± 3....
The Struggle to be Seen

In 1937, The Growth of the American Republic (Morrison & Commager, 1937) opened with a reference to the “wild Indians” and “savages.” Beyond portraying the American natives as obstructions to progress, the authors never mentioned them again.
Oxidation of Hf2SnC and Nb2SnC in Air in the 400–600°C Temperature Range

The oxidation behavior in air of fully dense, predominantly (92+vol.%) single phase, samples of Nb2SnC and Hf2SnC was studied in the 400–600°C temperature range. The oxidation products in both cases were SnO, SnO2 and either Nb2O5 or HfO2. The oxidation is characterized by an initial incubation period, the duration of which decreased with increasing temperatures, followed by a period of near-linear oxidation kinetics. Oxidation at temperatures as low as 400°C for 72 hr resulted in the total disintegration of bulk samples, and their total conversion to oxides. Comparison with published results indicate that the oxidation kinetics of Hf2SnC are poorer than those of Hf or HfC. Similarly, Nb2SnC is more prone to oxidation than pure Nb metal.