cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toward using stable spermatozoal RNAs for prognostic assessment of male factor fertility.

Objective To establish the stability of spermatozoal RNAs as a means to validate their use as a male fertility marker. Design Semen samples were randomly selected for 1 of 3 cryopreservation treatments. Setting An academic research environment. Patient(s) Men aged 19 to 55 years who had fathered a child by natural conception within the past 6 months. Intervention(s) Ejaculates were collected by masturbation and total spermatozoan RNA was isolated from two semen samples of ideal quality; one sample of medium quality, having been subjected to an additional freeze-thaw cycle, and two samples of poor quality, having been subjected to a third freeze-thaw cycle. Main Outcome Measure(s) Labeled cDNAs were generated and then used to interrogate Atlas Nylon Human Toxicology 1.2 microarrays. The spermatozoan transcriptomes were compared using a binomial approach. Result(s) The analysis identified a total of 228 unique spermatozoal transcripts among all samples. The medium quality sample shared 98% and 39% of its RNAs with the ideal and poor quality samples, respectively. A set of 36 RNAs resistant to insult were observed, some of which have been implicated in regulating male fertility, when all individuals were compared. Conclusion(s) These results support the view that a population of spermatozoal RNAs is rapidly degraded in response to insult, whereas another population appears protected from such damage. Because spermatozoal RNAs echo the gene expression of spermatogenesis, the latter is likely to prove useful as a clinical maker of fertility status.
Instability in competitive crystallization in porous viscoelastic materials

Abstract In a recent paper, the process of Ostwald ripening in segregation processes taking place in a viscoelastic porous matrix with a given initial pore size distribution was analyzed. An oscillatory instability was found at the initial stages of ripening, which is analyzed here in detail. The occurrence and the frequency of the oscillations depend on two parameters, the relaxation-to-growth parameter and the maximum-displacement parameter. The significance and effect of these parameters are analyzed and explained.
Enabling science at the advanced light source X-ray facility

X-ray light sources, including synchrotrons as well as free electrons lasers and plasma sources, are enabling a broad range of science, extending from basic research to applications, under static to dynamic conditions. I will discuss experiments and technology in this field.
Epstein-Barr virus associated with immune thrombocytopenic purpura in childhood : A retrospective study

Objective: Although Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is known to cause immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), the epidemiology of this pathogen in children with ITP is not known. In the present study, the clinicoepidemiology and laboratory characteristics of EBV-associated ITP in childhood were analysed retrospectively. Methods: The study cohort consisted of 108 children in whom ITP was diagnosed between 1990 and 1998. Patients were divided into EBV or non-EBV groups according to their serological status at diagnosis. Results: Thirty-five (32.4%) of 108 children had ITP associated with acute EBV infection. The clinical manifestations and laboratory data were similar in children with and without acute EBV. Responses to various modalities of therapy were analysed. The average time to achieve complete remission (platelet count ≥ 150 × 109/L) in EBV and non-EBV groups was 26 and 16 days, respectively. Conclusions: The incidence of childhood ITP associated with acute EBV infection is relatively high in Taiwan. Patients with EBV-associated ITP tended to resolve more slowly than those without EBV infection.
Identification of a Cell of Origin for Human Prostate Cancer

Luminal cells are believed to be the cells of origin for human prostate cancer, because the disease is characterized by luminal cell expansion and the absence of basal cells. Yet functional studies addressing the origin of human prostate cancer have not previously been reported because of a lack of relevant in vivo human models. Here we show that basal cells from primary benign human prostate tissue can initiate prostate cancer in immunodeficient mice. The cooperative effects of AKT, ERG, and androgen receptor in basal cells recapitulated the histological and molecular features of human prostate cancer, with loss of basal cells and expansion of luminal cells expressing prostate-specific antigen and alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase. Our results demonstrate that histological characterization of cancers does not necessarily correlate with the cellular origins of the disease.
Preventing database deadlocks in applications

Many organizations deploy applications that use databases by sending Structured Query Language (SQL) statements to them and obtaining data that result from the execution of these statements. Since applications often share the same databases concurrently, database deadlocks routinely occur in these databases resulting in major performance degradation in these applications. Database engines do not prevent database deadlocks for the same reason that the schedulers of operating system kernels do not preempt processes in a way to avoid race conditions and deadlocks - it is not feasible to find an optimal context switching schedule quickly for multiple processes (and SQL statements), and the overhead of doing it is prohibitive. We created a novel approach that combines run-time monitoring, which automatically prevents database deadlocks, with static analysis, which detects hold-and-wait cycles that specify how resources (e.g., database tables) are held in contention during executions of SQL statements. We rigorously evaluated our approach. For a realistic case of over 1,200 SQL statements, our algorithm detects all hold-and-wait cycles in less than two seconds. We built a toolset and experimented with three applications. Our tool prevented all existing database deadlocks in these applications and increased their throughputs by up to three orders of magnitude.
A Novel Output Feedback Pusher Plate Controller for the Penn State Electric Ventricular Assist Device

Modelisation mathematique du controleur de plaque mobile d'un systeme d'assistance ventriculaire et estimation des performances electriques du systeme
Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) reinforced polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) nanocomposites: properties, solubility of carbon dioxide, and foaming

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and its nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) reinforced nanocomposites were produced and foamed and its properties—such as the dynamic mechanical properties, crystallization behavior, and solubility of carbon dioxide (CO2)—were evaluated. PVOH was mixed with an NFC fiber suspension in water followed by casting. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, as well as the optical transparency of the films, revealed that the NFC fibers dispersed well in the resulting PVOH/NFC nanocomposites. Adding NFC increased the tensile modulus of the PVOH/NFC nanocomposites nearly threefold. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed that the NFC served as a nucleating agent, promoting the early onset of crystallization. However, high NFC content also led to greater thermal degradation of the PVOH matrix. PVOH/NFC nanocomposites were sensitive to moisture content and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) tests showed that, at room temperature, the storage modulus increased with decreasing moisture content. The solubility of CO2 in the PVOH/NFC nanocomposites depended on their moisture content and decreased with the addition of NFC. Moreover, the desorption diffusivity increased as more NFC was added. Finally, the foaming behavior of the PVOH/NFC nanocomposites was studied using CO2 and/or water as the physical foaming agent(s) in a batch foaming process. Only samples with a high moisture content were able to foam with CO2. Furthermore, the PVOH/NFC nanocomposites exhibited finer and more anisotropic cell morphologies than the neat PVOH films. In the absence of moisture, no foaming was observed in the CO2-saturated neat PVOH or PVOH/NFC nanocomposite samples.
Iran and America: Is Rapprochement Finally Possible?

The definitive version of this document can be found at http://www.blackwell-synergy.com This document was created using OCR technology, and may contain minor discrepancies from the published document.
Uveitis in Behçet's Disease

The ocular complications of Behcet's disease are considered one of the major criteria upon which the diagnosis is based. Its complications are frequently sight threatening and require constant atte...
Possible source of adenosine triphosphate released from rat myocytes in response to hypoxia and acidosis

Ventricular cells from adult rats were isolated enzymatically and used as a model system for determining what factors affect the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from myocardial cells. The enzyme systems used to isolate cells were trypsin:collagenase; hyaluronidase:collagenase and dispase:collagenase. Adenosine triphosphate was released in greater amounts in response to hypoxia from cells freed by each of the enzymatic procedures. This occurred while the intracellular concentration of ATP remained constant. Experiments were then performed to determine whether the conditions that occur during myocardial ischaemia or hypoxia altered the release of ATP. Cells suspended in either oxygenated or anoxic buffer at a pH of 6.8 released a significantly lower amount of ATP than cells suspended in either condition at pH 7.4. To test the possibility that ATP was released from nucleotide-protein-Ca2+ complexes located in the sarcolemma, artificial disruption of these structures was carried out. Incubation of oxygenated cells with the chelating agent, ethyleneglycol-bis (B-aminoethyl ether)-N, N-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), stimulated the release of ATP in a hyperbolic relationship while incubation of anoxic cells with ethylenediamine tetraacetate (EDTA) stimulated the release of ATP in such a way that the pattern of release followed a sigmoid response with maximal amounts of ATP, 995 +/- 55 pmol.mg-1 protein, occurring in the presence of 0.1 to 2.0 mmol.litre-1 EDTA. By incubating cells with radioactive EDTA, there was no indication that EDTA entered the cells. No release of ATP above control levels occurred when EDTA was chelated with Ca2+ before being applied to isolated cells. These data suggest that the source of ATP found extracellularly may have been nucleotide-protein-Ca2+ complexes located in the sarcolemma, and further support the role of ATP as a coronary vasodilator during hypoxic conditions.
Transverse Lattice Construction of 2+1 Chern-Simons Theory

A transverse lattice model, with one lattice dimension and two continuum dimensions, is constructed by introducing Wess-Zumino terms into the gauged (1+1)-dimensional nonlinear sigma model action of the link fields. Its continuum limit is the pure Chern-Simons gauge theory in 2+1 dimensions. The lattice model is quantized, and some simple expectation values for Wilson loops on M2×S1 are evaluated. This construction provides an explicit connection between Chern-Simons theory and the gauged Wess-Zumino-Witten model.
The Long Term Effects of Globalization on Income Inequality, Population Growth, and Economic Development

Population growth, inequality and economic development are among the most pressing social issues confronting us today. This research argues that these national problems are embedded within the context of increasingly complex multi-dimensional international networks, commonly referred to as globalization. Using cross-national comparisons among 88 less developed countries, I construct a series of structural equation models to estimate the effects of two aspects of globalization, foreign capital dependence and trade openness, on these three domestic concerns between 1980 and 1997. I find that foreign capital dependence has a positive effect on income inequality, raises fertility rates, accelerates population growth and retards economic development. Trade openness, in contrast, has long-term positive effects on economic development.
Uncovering cabdrivers’ behavior patterns from their digital traces

Recognizing high-level human behavior and decisions from their digital traces are critical issues in pervasive computing systems. In this paper, we develop a novel methodology to reveal cabdrivers’ operation patterns by analyzing their continuous digital traces. For the first time, we systematically study large scale cabdrivers’ behavior in a real and complex city context through their daily digital traces. We identify a set of valuable features, which are simple and effective to classify cabdrivers, delineate cabdrivers’ operation patterns and compare the different cabdrivers’ behavior. The methodology and steps could spatially and temporally quantify, visualize, and examine different cabdrivers’ operation patterns. Drivers were categorized into top drivers and ordinary drivers by their daily income. We use the daily operations of 3000 cabdrivers in over 48 million of trips and 240 million kilometers to uncover: (1) spatial selection behavior, (2) context-aware spatio-temporal operation behavior, (3) route choice behavior, and (4) operation tactics. Though we focused on cabdriver operation patterns analysis from their digital traces, the methodology is a general empirical and analytical methodology for any GPS-like trace analysis. Our work demonstrates the great potential to utilize the massive pervasive data sets to understand human behavior and high-level intelligence.
Potentiometric determination of enzyme activities with slopes computed with the savitzky-golay digital filter

Abstract The Savitzky-Golay least-squares differentiation digital filter is applied to the processing of potential/time response curves for quantifying enzyme activity with potentiometric membrane electrodes as detectors. The use of this filter avoids operator bias and provides a simple and rapid procedure for data processing.
Conformation and dynamics associated with the site of attachment of a carcinogen to a nucleotide.

Abstract The solution conformation associated with the fluorenyl nitrogen atom of 8-(N-fluoren-2-ylacetamido)-2′-deoxyguanosine 5′-monophosphate was investigated by 500 MHz 1 H and 67.89 MHz 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Barriers of 12–15 kcal/mole to internal rotation about the guanyl-nitrogen bond and the aryl amide bond were found. The energy minima conformations about the guanyl-nitrogen bond were characterized by an approximate orthogonal orientation between the planes of the acetamido moiety and the guanine ring. The four torsional diastereomers interconvert through a cyclic pathway. The torsional barriers are of importance because they may be a factor altering normal base stacking in modified DNA.
SU-E-I-22: Dependence On Calibration Phantom and Field Area of the Conversion Factor Used to Calculate Skin Dose During Neuro-Interventional Fluoroscopic Procedures

Purpose: To determine the appropriate calibration factor to use when calculating skin dose with our real-time dose-tracking system (DTS) during neuro-interventional fluoroscopic procedures by evaluating the difference in backscatter from different phantoms and as a function of entrance-skin field area. Methods: We developed a dose-tracking system to calculate and graphically display the cumulative skin-dose distribution in real time. To calibrate the DTS for neuro-interventional procedures, a phantom is needed that closely approximates the scattering properties of the head. We compared the x-ray backscatter from eight phantoms: 20-cm-thick solid water, 16-cm diameter water-filled container, 16-cm CTDI phantom, modified-ANSI head phantom, 20-cm-thick PMMA, Kyoto-Kagaku PBU- 50 head, Phantom-Labs SK-150 head, and RSD RS-240T head. The phantoms were placed on the patient table with the entrance surface at 15 cm tube-side from the isocenter of a Toshiba Infinix C-arm, and the entrance-skin exposure was measured with a calibrated 6-cc PTW ionization chamber. The measurement included primary radiation, backscatter from the phantom and forward scatter from the table and pad. The variation in entrance-skin exposure was also measured as a function of the skin-entrance area for a 30x30 cm by 20-cm-thick PMMA phantom and the SK-150 head phantom using four different added beam filters. Results: The entranceskin exposure values measured for eight different phantoms differed by up to 12%, while the ratio of entrance exposure of all phantoms relative to solid water showed less than 3% variation with kVp. The change in entrance-skin exposure with entrance-skin area was found to differ for the SK-150 head compared to the 20-cm PMMA phantom and the variation with field area was dependent on the added beam filtration. Conclusion: To accurately calculate skin dose for neuro-interventional procedures with the DTS, the phantom for calibration should be carefully chosen since different phantoms can contribute different backscatter for identical exposure parameters. Research supported in part by Toshiba Medical Systems and NIH Grants R43FD0158401, R44FD0158402 and R01EB002873
The senate, Mark Antony, and Caesar's legislative legacy

This paper seeks to dispel the notion that Mark Antony and the Senate indulged in a cat-and-mouse game over the control of Caesar's archives (his commentarii) in the weeks immediately following the Ides of March. At stake was whether unpublished documents drawn up by Caesar before his death should be ratified and put into force. The belief that the Senate and Antony contended over this issue and that Antony got the upper hand rests primarily on what I hope to show is a misinterpretation of two key passages in the Philippics. Moreover, since the standard interpretation of these two passages appears to be supported by Dio's account of how Antony cajoled the Senate into permitting him a freer hand to review and publish documents found in Caesar's archives, it will be necessary to have a closer look at Dio's probable sources for this particular section of his history.
Effects of various agents in vivo on phosphorylase activity of rat brain

Abstract The phosphorylase enzyme, which catalyzes the conversion of glycogen to glucose-1-phosphate, appears to have its own activator(s) and possibly inhibitor(s) according to the source of the enzyme. Several drugs were tested in a search for substances that increase or decrease the level of activity of this enzyme in the brain. Fed or fasted rats were injected subcutaneously with the drugs and, 45–75 minutes later, the brains were removed and tested for enzyme activity. The values of the control group indicated that the phosphorylase of the brain is predominantly in the active form a . The activity of the enzyme was unaffected by starving. Of the substances tested, only insulin was able to enhance activity, and this increase was achieved only with drastic treatment— i.e. a near-convulsive dose plus 24-hr fasting. Both d -amphetamine and L-epinephrine decreased the enzyme activity significantly. Other substances tested ( l -DOPA, ACTH, cortisone, hydrocortisone, and chlorpromazine) had no effect.
Plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in acute trauma patients

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are a family of polypeptides that regulate cell growth. Their action and bioavailability are modified by binding proteins such as IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3). Plasma IGFBP-3 level was found to be growth hormone (GH)-dependent, which makes detection of IGFBP-3 useful in the evaluation of GH secretion. In the early catabolic flow phase of severe injury, when plasma levels of GH and IGF-1 are low versus uninjured levels, the role of IGFBP-3 has not been investigated. We have measured basal levels of these polypeptide hormones in 16 adult (13 men and three women aged 47 ± 7 years) severely injured (Injury Severity Score, 32 ± 2), hypermetabolic resting energy expenditure [REE] to basal energy expenditure [BEE] ratio, 1.30 ± 0.05), ventilator-dependent, multiple-trauma patients within 48 to 60 hours of injury when the patients were receiving maintenance fluids without calories or nitrogen. These basal values were compared with those of 16 age-matched postabsorptive normals. In the catabolic flow phase of injury, plasma levels of GH, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 were significantly reduced by 50%, 46%, and 45%, respectively. There was a significant linear inverse relationship between IGFBP-3 and age and also a positive correlation between IGFBP-3 and IGF-1 in both control and injured subjects. The ratio of IGFBP-3 to IGF-1 was not changed in trauma victims. Measurement of plasma IGFBP-3 levels has potential as a marker for monitoring GH therapeutic efficacy.
A Review of Response Surface Methodology: A Literature Survey*

Response surface methodology, an experimental strategy initially developed and described by Box and Wilson, has been employed with considerable success in a wide variety of situations, especially in the fields of chemistry and chemical engineering. It is the purpose of this paper to review the literature of response surface methodology, emphasizing especially the practical applications of the method. A comprehensive bibliography is included.
Flexible transgastric peritoneoscopy: a novel approach to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract Background A novel endoscopic peroral transgastric approach to the peritoneal cavity was tested in a porcine model in acute and long-term survival experiments. Methods Transgastric peritoneoscopy was evaluated in 50-kg pigs. After upper endoscopy, the peritoneal cavity was accessed by needle-knife puncture of the gastric wall, followed by extension of the incision either with a pull-type sphincterotome or by balloon dilation. The peritoneal cavity was examined, and a liver biopsy specimen was obtained. The gastric wall incision was closed with clips. Observations Twelve acute and 5 survival experiments were performed. Both techniques of gastric wall incision were without complication. The acute experiments demonstrated the technical feasibility of the approach. In the survival experiments, all pigs recovered and gained weight. Conclusions The peroral transgastric approach to peritoneal cavity technically is feasible and has the potential to be an alternative to laparoscopy and laparotomy.
A novel endo-hydrogenase activity recycles hydrogen produced by nitrogen fixation.

BACKGROUND Nitrogen (N(2)) fixation also yields hydrogen (H(2)) at 1:1 stoichiometric amounts. In aerobic diazotrophic (able to grow on N(2) as sole N-source) bacteria, orthodox respiratory hupSL-encoded hydrogenase activity, associated with the cell membrane but facing the periplasm (exo-hydrogenase), has nevertheless been presumed responsible for recycling such endogenous hydrogen. METHODS AND FINDINGS As shown here, for Azorhizobium caulinodans diazotrophic cultures open to the atmosphere, exo-hydrogenase activity is of no consequence to hydrogen recycling. In a bioinformatic analysis, a novel seven-gene A. caulinodans hyq cluster encoding an integral-membrane, group-4, Ni,Fe-hydrogenase with homology to respiratory complex I (NADH: quinone dehydrogenase) was identified. By analogy, Hyq hydrogenase is also integral to the cell membrane, but its active site faces the cytoplasm (endo-hydrogenase). An A. caulinodans in-frame hyq operon deletion mutant, constructed by "crossover PCR", showed markedly decreased growth rates in diazotrophic cultures; normal growth was restored with added ammonium--as expected of an H(2)-recycling mutant phenotype. Using A. caulinodans hyq merodiploid strains expressing beta-glucuronidase as promoter-reporter, the hyq operon proved strongly and specifically induced in diazotrophic culture; as well, hyq operon induction required the NIFA transcriptional activator. Therefore, the hyq operon is constituent of the nif regulon. CONCLUSIONS Representative of aerobic N(2)-fixing and H(2)-recycling alpha-proteobacteria, A. caulinodans possesses two respiratory Ni,Fe-hydrogenases: HupSL exo-hydrogenase activity drives exogenous H(2) respiration, and Hyq endo-hydrogenase activity recycles endogenous H(2), specifically that produced by N(2) fixation. To benefit human civilization, H(2) has generated considerable interest as potential renewable energy source as its makings are ubiquitous and its combustion yields no greenhouse gases. As such, the reversible, group-4 Ni,Fe-hydrogenases, such as the A. caulinodans Hyq endo-hydrogenase, offer promise as biocatalytic agents for H(2) production and/or consumption.
Punctuated Equilibrium and Congressional Budgeting

Recent research has suggested that punctuated equilibrium models best describe the outputs of policymakers. While this literature has convincingly demonstrated that the distributions of policy outputs conform to the expectations of punctuated equilibrium theory, little attention has been paid to testing hypotheses related to the causes of punctuated equilibrium distributions. This research note illustrates a method for testing hypotheses related to punctuated equilibrium theory with a test of the effects of congressional reorganization. The results suggest that congressional reorganization has made the budgetary outputs of Congress less consistent with punctuated equilibrium theory.
SOMATOMEDIN ACTIVITY AND INORGANIC SULFATE IN CHILDREN UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS

Bioassayable serum somatomedin activity could be estimated in uremic subjects only after appropriate correction for increased circulating inorganic sulfate. Somatomedin activity increased after hemodialysis in six of ten patients, possibly due to removalof somatomedin inhibitors.
Analysis of Herpes Simplex Virion Tegument ICP4 Derived from Infected Cells and ICP4-Expressing Cells

ICP4 is the major transcriptional regulatory protein of herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is expressed in infected cells with immediate early kinetics and is essential for viral growth. ICP4 is also a structural component of the virion tegument layer. Herpesviral tegument proteins exert regulatory functions important for takeover of the host cell. Tegument ICP4 has not been well characterized. We examined the ICP4 present in HSV-1 virions that were either derived from wild type infected cells or from ICP4-expressing (E5) cells infected with ICP4 deletion virus d120. Limited proteolysis demonstrated that virion-associated ICP4 from particles derived from E5 cells was indeed an internal component of the virion. A similar subset of virion structural proteins was detected in viral particles regardless of the cellular origin of ICP4. Genotypically ICP4-negative virions complemented with tegument ICP4 entered cells via a proteasome-dependent, pH-dependent pathway similar to wild type virions. In infected cells, ICP4 was distributed predominantly in intranuclear replication compartments regardless of whether it was expressed from a transgene or from the HSV genome.
Synaptic signaling and aberrant RNA splicing in autism spectrum disorders.

Interactions between presynaptic and postsynaptic cellular adhesion molecules drive synapse maturation during development. These trans-synaptic interactions are regulated by alternative splicing of cellular adhesion molecule RNAs, which ultimately determines neurotransmitter phenotype. The diverse assortment of RNAs produced by alternative splicing generates countless protein isoforms necessary for guiding specialized cell-to-cell connectivity. Failure to generate the appropriate synaptic adhesion proteins is associated with disrupted glutamatergic and gamma-aminobutyric acid signaling, resulting in loss of activity-dependent neuronal plasticity, and risk for developmental disorders, including autism. While the majority of genetic mutations currently linked to autism are rare variants that change the protein coding sequence of synaptic candidate genes, regulatory polymorphisms affecting constitutive and alternative splicing have emerged as risk factors in numerous other diseases, accounting for an estimated 40-60% of general disease risk. Here, we review the relationship between aberrant RNA splicing of synapse-related genes and autism spectrum disorders.
Improved multislice perfusion imaging with velocity-selective arterial spin labeling.

Purpose To improve the multislice performance of velocity-selective arterial spin labeling (VS-ASL) imaging for cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurement such that it might be routinely applied for clinical applications with whole brain coverage. Materials and Methods VS-ASL was performed with improvements such as timing optimization, stimulated echo removal, and slice profile sharpening. Each improvement was evaluated in volunteers by measuring temporal noise in the CBF measurement. VS-ASL with all these improvements was performed in 20 patients with Moyamoya disease some of whom also underwent xenon-enhanced CT (xeCT) imaging which was the reference standard for CBF measurement. Results Sequence timing optimization and inter-slice crosstalk reduction using stimulated echo removal and slice profile sharpening all contributed to reduction of temporal noise. VS-ASL imaging with all these improvements performed in Moyamoya disease patients showed significant reduction of temporal noise (P < 0.0001) and increased correlation coefficient with xeCT CBF imaging (from 0.07 to 0.62). Conclusion We demonstrated that timing optimization, stimulated echo removal, and slice profile improvement have a large effect on image quality and robustness of VS-ASL in clinical imaging applications. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:1422–1431. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevention of Suboptimal β-Blocker Treatment in Patients with Myocardial Infarction

OBJECTIVE:To review the published data and clinical guidelines on the use of β-blockers in myocardial infarctions (MIs) and contrast that with actual clinical practice.DATA SOURCES:A MEDLINE search (January 1970–June 1999) was performed to identify all relevant articles. References from these articles were also evaluated for review if deemed important.DATA SYNTHESIS:Intravenous and oral β-blockers have been proven to improve outcomes in patients with MIs in numerous clinical trials. In current clinical practice, only 15% of MI patients receive intravenous β-blockers and long-term β-blocker therapy is used in <40% of patients without contraindications. However, they could be safely administered to 40% and 70% of these patients, respectively. Furthermore, most of these patients are receiving doses far below those found beneficial in clinical trials. Many of the real and perceived contraindications to β-blockers are reviewed to allow the practitioner to identify patients who are incorrectly excluded from β-b...
Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy Transitioning to Adult Health Care Services

Data from the 2009-2010 US National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs were examined to determine the health, developmental and behavioral status of adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and to assess how well pediatric health care providers were preparing them for transition to adult health care services. Adolescents with CP had no higher rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, anxiety, oppositional or conduct disorders, or autism spectrum than a comparison group. However, those with CP participated less in sports, clubs, or other organized activities (P < .001). Neither group reported much help in coordinating health services or preparing for transition to adult health care services. Inadequate adult health care services have a direct and unsatisfactory impact on the adult life span. Physicians and other health care providers who include adolescents with CP in their practices should begin discussion and planning for transition to adult health care early in adolescence.
A Foreign Graduate With US Training Reimmigrates to the United States

My return to and settlement in the United States after six years' service in my native land was the result of many influences, including disillusionment with working conditions in my home country, greater career choices in the United States, appreciation of the American way of life, and, perhaps, greater economic opportunity.
Do Mergers Increase Product Variety? Evidence from Radio Broadcasting

Mergers can reduce costs and alter incentives about how to position products, so that theory alone cannot predict whether mergers will increase product variety. We document the effect of mergers on variety by exploiting the natural experiment provided by the1996 Telecommunications Act. We find that consolidation reduced station entry and increased the number of formats available relative to the number of stations. We find some evidence that increased concentration increases variety absolutely. Based on the programming overlap of jointly owned stations, we can infer that the effects operate through product crowding that is consistent with spatial preemption.
Supply and Demandware: New on-demand e-commerce platform focuses on the bottom line

The recent announcement of a newcomer in the on-demand arena, Demandware, once again raises two fundamental questions regarding such e-commerce services: What are they exactly, and has the market demonstrated a need for them?
Toward a pedagogy of ethical practice

Teaching computing ethics in a manner that allows students to address both abstract ethical knowledge and actual ethical practice.
Indirect effects of fish predation on calcite supersaturation, precipitation and turbidity in a shallow prairie lake

SUMMARY. 1 We tracked calcite saturation and seston composition during 1987 and 1988 in a shallow, hardwater prairie lake, 1 year before and 1 year after a lake-wide fish removal. We also measured the contribution of calcite to turbidity during 1988. 2 In both years calcite saturation increased rapidly after all ice had thawed and peaked during mid-late summer with the mineral saturation index of calcite (SI) sometimes exceeding 30. 3 Removal of calcite from lake seston by gentle acidification of unfiltered water samples showed suspended calcite to be an important source of lurbidity in this lake. 4 The lake-wide fish removal produced detectable changes in the annual cycle of calcite saturation and precipitation. Increased grazing by Daphnia galeata and Daphnia pulex apparently reduced calcite saturation during early summer by suppressing the phytoplankton, and lowering the demand for CO2. 5 Lower calcite precipitation, as well as direct removal of calcite by Daphnia grazing, probably contributed to the improvement in water transparency observed after the fish kill.
Inductance in One-Dimensional Nanostructures

The physical origin of kinetic inductance is examined for 1-D nanostructures, where the Fermi liquid theory prevails. In order to have appreciable kinetic inductance, ballistic transport must exist, with no inelastic scattering inside the nanowires. Kinetic inductance is assigned to the nanowire itself and independent of its surroundings, whereas magnetic inductance is assigned to the nanowire and substrate. Kinetic and magnetic inductances are in series in an equivalent circuit representation. If there are m transmission modes and n multiwalls in the nanostructure, kinetic inductance decreases by a factor of 1/(mn). The relation of the predicted results to preliminary experimental findings is discussed.
State Legislatures and Communism: The Current Scene

The prosecution of the cold war on the domestic front was a major concern of the state legislatures which convened in 1949. Quantitatively, last year's output of state laws against subversive movements surpassed that of any other year in our history except 1919. It was a rare hopper which did not receive at least a sprinkling of bills of this sort. And the fact that no more than fifteen states enacted anti-Communist laws can be attributed in large part to the inability of lawmakers to think of restrictive measures which an earlier legislature had not already placed on the statute books.As 1950 began, Maine alone among the states was without a law designed specifically to repress or combat subversive organizations or individuals. Thirty-eight states at that date had criminal statutes prohibiting acts of violence and utterances urging violence for the purpose of effecting political or economic change. Although Tennessee's Sedition Act goes back to 1715 and two other states enacted similar statutes in the nineteenth century, these laws are for the most part products of the present century.
Counterfeit ICs: Taxonomies, Assessment, and Challenges

The problem of counterfeiting of electronic components has drawn a major attention to the media, industry, and government as the counterfeit components market is growing exponentially over the past few years. A study conducted from 2005–2007 [1] reveals that 50 % of original component manufacturers (OCM) and 55 % of distributors (authorized and unauthorized) have encountered counterfeit parts. The most recent data provided by IHS shows that reports of counterfeit parts have quadrupled since 2009 [2]. IHS [3] reports the five most commonly counterfeited components according to the percent of reported counterfeit incidents as: analog ICs (25.2 %), microprocessor ICs (13.4 %), memory ICs (13.1 %), programmable logic ICs (8.3 %), and transistors (7.6 %). Together, these five component groups contribute slightly more than two-thirds of all counterfeit incidents reported in 2011.
Structurally Characterized Erbium Alkoxides for Use as an Amphoteric Dopant in PErZT Ceramic Thin Film and Nanoparticles

A family of erbium alkoxides [Er(OR) 3 ] was prepared from the reaction of Er[N(SiMe 3 ) 2 ] 3 with a series of alcohols (HOR) in selected solvents and crystallographically characterized as: [Er(μ-Onep) 2 (Onep)] 4 , (1), [Er 4 (μ 4 -O)(μ 3 -Onep)(μ-Onep) 5 -(Onep) 4 (py) 3 ] (3), Er 3 (μ 3 -OtBu)2(μ-OtBu)3(OtBu) 4 (HOtBu)2 (4), Er 3 (μ 3 -O)(μ-OtBu)4(OtBu)3(py)3 (7), Er(dmp) 3 (solv) 3 [solv = thf (9), py (10)], [Er(η-dip)(dip) 2 ] 2 (11), Er(dip) 3 (thf) 2 (12), [Er(μ-OH)(dbp)2(thf)]2 (15), Er(dbp) 3 (py) 2 (16), [Er(μ-tps)-(tps) 2 ] 2 (17), Er(tps) 3 (solv) 3 [solv = thf (18) and (py) (19)] where Onep = neopentoxide (OCH 2 CMe 3 ), OtBu = tert-butoxide (OCMe 3 ), dmp = 2,6-dimethylphenoxide [OC 6 H 3 -(Me) 2 -2,6], dip = 2,6-diisopropylphenoxide [OC 6 H 3 -(CHMe 2 ) 2 -2,6], dbp = 2,6-di-tert-butylphenoxide [OC 6 H 3 -(CMe 3 ) 2 -2,6], tps = triphenylsiloxide [OSi(C 6 H 5 ) 3 ], tol = toluene, thf = tetrahydrofuran, and py = pyridine. The structures observed and data collected for the Er family of compounds are, in general, consistent with those reported previously for the Dy congeners over the range of solvated mono-, di-, tri-, and tetranuclear species. Representative members of the Er(OR) 3 precursors were used for the production of a PErZT precursor solution, which was subsequently used to generate thin films and nanoparticles. Further, these select Er precursors were used to generate Er 2 O 3 nanoparticles. The full characterization of this family of compounds is reported along with the results of the materials investigations.
Plasma Corticosterone Radioimmunoassay and Levels in the Neonate Chick

The objective was to develop and validate a rapid, precise plasma corticosterone radioimmunoassay using a commercially available antiserum, for use in Gallus domesticus. Sample preparation consisted of sequential 2,2,4-trimethylpentane and dichloromethane extraction to partition progestins and glucocorticoids, respectively. Progesterone, 11 beta-Hydroxyprogesterone, and deoxycorticosterone significantly cross reacted with the antiserum used. However, progesterone was effectively removed prior to assay by the 2,2,4-trimethylpentane plasma washings while 11 beta-Hydroxyprogesterone and deoxycorticosterone interference is doubtful for reasons discussed. Standard curve data showed a linear range from 0 to 150 pg by log-logit transformation with a 5 pg assay sensitivity. Mean percent unlabeled corticosterone recovery was 96% with intraassay and interassay coefficients of variation being 3.75 and 5.62%, respectively. The assay was utilized to characterize corticosterone fluctuations during day one post hatch in broiler chicks. Method of blood collection, rapid decapitation vs. heart stab, resulted in no difference in mean plasma corticosterone levels. Corticosterone levels differed over a 24 hr sampling period, such that highest levels were found upon receipt of the chicks at the hatchery (approximately 20 ng/ml) and 20 hr later (approximately 11 ng/ml). Lowest plasma corticosterone concentrations occurred from 10 to 14 hr (approximately 6 ng/ml) after receipt of the chicks.
Population Genetics of Lepidomeda vittata, the Little Colorado River Spinedace

Abstract Lepidomeda vittata (the Little Colorado River spinedace) is a cyprinid fish native to the Little Colorado River in Arizona. Mitochondrial DNA and allozymes were used to determine patterns of genetic variation in remaining populations of L. vittata. The pattern of variation observed indicated that genetic diversity was low, but population structure was high because of partitioning of genotypes among samples. Similarity of genotypes suggest current populations are relics from a single, large population that was one continuously distributed throughout the LCR drainage. Patterns of variation were consistent with decreases in population size; however, because of low levels of variation, it was impossible to determine whether the decline occurred during the past century or a larger time scales.
Emendation of the Family Name Amoebidiaceae (Choanozoa, Mesomycetozoa, Ichthyosporea)

The family Amoebidiaceae Lichtenstein is emended to Amoebidiidae Lichtenstein to promote nomenclatural stability within Choanozoa.
The Development of Genetic Modification Techniques in Intracellular Parasites and Potential Applications to Microsporidia.

Microsporidia constitute a large phylum of eukaryotic obligate intracellular pathogens that can infect a variety of animal hosts. Understanding the biology of microsporidia is severely limited by our current inability to genetically manipulate these parasites. With a growing number of microsporidian genome sequences available and the revolution of successful CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in virtually every organism tested, the development of DNA transformation techniques would likely lead to rapid and significant progress in understanding microsporidia biology. Here, we outline the challenges in transformation development and review the exciting recent development of DNA transformation and CRISPR/Cas9 genetic manipulation of Cryptosporidium, as well as summarize the successful genetic manipulation strategies in other intracellular eukaryotic parasites, including Plasmodium and Toxoplasma. By providing a list of possible strategies for transforming microsporidia, we hope to facilitate progress in this important area of microbiology and pathogenesis.
Underuse of anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke. Guidelines recommend anticoagulation for patients with intermediate and high stroke risk (CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2). Underuse of anticoagulants among eligible patients remains a persistent problem. Evidence demonstrates that the psychology of the fear of causing harm (omission bias) results in physicians' hesitancy to initiate anticoagulation and an inaccurate estimation of stroke risk. The American Heart Association (AHA) initiated the Get With The Guidelines-AFIB (GWTG-AFIB) module in June 2013 to enhance guideline adherence for treatment and management of AF. Better quality of care for AF patients can be provided by increasing adherence to anticoagulation guidelines and improving patient compliance with anticoagulation therapy through education and established protocols. Nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants may facilitate better patient adherence due to ease of administration and reduced monitoring burden. In this review, we discuss the reasons for underuse, omission bias contributing to underuse, and different strategies to address this issue.
Towards Inclusive Security in Ethiopia

UNSCR 1325, as one of the most important UN resolutions within the field of peace and security, was adopted unanimously on 31 October 2000. On several occasions, UN member states were invited to prepare national action plans in order to take strong steps towards the implementation of UNSCR 1325. This research analyzes the implementation of UNSCR 1325 in Ethiopia against a modest conceptual elucidation of the concept of ‘inclusive security’. The conceptual analysis paves the way for an evaluation of its implementation of under the rubric of inclusive security in Ethiopia so far.
Regulation of Membrane Localization of Type Two Voltage Gated Calcium Channels

In neurons, type 2 voltage gated calcium channels (CaV2's) are important in neurotransmission initiation and regulation of excitability. Here we examine membrane expression of CaV2 subtypes using whole cell patch clamp on primary cultures of rat superior cervical ganglia (SCG) neurons. The goal is to understand the discernible differences in regulation of trafficking between CaV2 subtypes (CaV2.1, CaV2.2, CaV2.3). Recombinant cDNA of subtype-defining α1 subunit is injected intranuclearly into dissociated SCG neurons. CaV2 membrane expression is evaluated in whole cell patch clamp recordings. We have found that recombinant CaV2.1 and CaV2.3 expression increases current density above uninjected levels, suggesting these subtypes have increased membrane expression. Recombinant CaV2.2 expression does not increase current density beyond uninjected levels, suggesting that CaV2.2 has limited membrane expression. Additionally, pharmacological evidence suggests that recombinant CaV2.1, but not CaV2.3, displaces native CaV2.2. This hierarchy of membrane localization (CaV2.1 > CaV2.2 > CaV2.3) suggests that cells employ a mechanism to regulate and perhaps cap expression levels of specific CaV2 channel subtypes. Immunocytochemistry analysis shows that availability of auxiliary subunits (β4 and α2δ1) is not limited. We hypothesize that the trafficking hierarchy is defined by important interactions which are sequence specific.
INTEGRATING DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTIONARY PATTERNS AND MECHANISMS: A CASE STUDY USING THE GASTROPOD RADULA.

Determining the connection between ontogeny and phylogeny continues to be a major theme in biology. However, few studies have combined dissection of pattern and process that lead to transformation of complex mor- phological structures. Here we examine the patterns and processes of shape change in a model system-the gastropod radula. This system is a simple one having only two processes: initial secretion and postsecretional movement of teeth. However, it produces a tremendous amount of shape variability and fusion patterns. To determine both pattern and mechanism of shape change in an evolutionary context, we use three complementary approaches and datasets. First, we use a phylogenetic hypothesis to determine the polarity of developmental events. Second, we perform a morphometric analysis of shape change using relative warp analysis that allows us to locate and compare the direction and magnitude of ontogenetic and phylogenetic shape divergence. These comparisons are the basis for testing hyptheses of heterochrony and heterotopy, and we show how our results do not conform to expectations of pure heterochrony. The rejection of heterochrony as a hypothesis is based on empirically demonstrating (1) initial shape differs in each taxon; (2) a single dimension of shape variability does not simultaneously describe ontogenetic and evolutionary shape changes; and (3) a significantly different shape and size covariance between taxa. This rejection is probably based on spatial changes in initial conditions and not spatial changes caused by the process itself. Finally, we construct a mechanistic model that explains how shape change happens based on the sequence of events during ontogeny. By using the parameters in the model as characters in the phylogenetic dataset, we show that different parts of the system have arisen at different times and become co-opted into the process. By integrating our analyses together we show that spatial process parameters can be responsible for our nonspatial patterns and that different ontogenetic processes can create similar end morphologies.