cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Results of completion arteriography after minimally invasive off-pump coronary artery bypass.

Background The benefits of a minimally invasive approach to off-pump coronary artery bypass remain controversial. The value of completion arteriography in validating this technique has not been investigated. Methods From April 2007 to October 2009, fifty-six patients underwent isolated minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting through a left thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass. Forty-three of these patients underwent completion arteriography. Results Sixty-five grafts were performed in these 56 patients, (average, 1.2 grafts per patient; range, 1 to 3). Forty-eight grafts were studied in the 43 patients undergoing completion arteriography. There were 4 findings on arteriogram leading to further immediate intervention (8.3%). These included 3 grafts with anastomotic stenoses or spasm requiring stent placement, and1 patient who had limited dissection in the left internal mammary artery graft and underwent placement of an additional vein graft. These findings were independent of electrocardiographic changes or hemodynamic instability. The remainder of the studies showed no significant abnormalities. There were no deaths. One patient who did not have a completion arteriogram suffered a postoperative myocardial infarction requiring stent placement for anastomotic stenosis. Patients were discharged home an average of 6.8 days postoperatively. There were no instances of renal dysfunction postoperatively attributable to catheterization. Conclusions Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass is safe and effective. Findings of completion arteriography occasionally reveal previously under-recognized findings that, if corrected in a timely fashion, could potentially impact graft patency and clinical outcomes. Our experience validates this minimally invasive technique.
Characterization and Reactions of Previously Elusive 17-Electron Cations: Electrochemical Oxidations of (C6H6)Cr(CO)3 and (C5H5)Co(CO)2 in the Presence of [B(C6F5)4]-

The electrochemical oxidations of (C6H6)Cr(CO)3, 1, and (C5H5)Co(CO)2, 2, when carried out in CH2Cl2/[NBu4][B(C6F5)4], allow the physical or chemical characterization of the 17-electron cations 1+ and 2+ at room temperature. The generation of 1+ on a synthetic time scale permits an electrochemical “switch” process involving facile substitution of CO by PPh3 as a route to (C6H6)Cr(CO)2PPh3. The radical 2+ undergoes a second-order reaction to give a product assigned as the metal−metal bonded dimer dication [Cp2Co2(CO)4]2+. The new anodic chemistry of these often-studied 18-electron compounds is made possible by increases in the solubility and thermal stability of the cation radicals in media containing the poorly nucleophilic anion [B(C6F5)4]-, TFAB.
Cholesteryl ester synthesis and hydrolysis by subcellular fractions of corpora lutea and interstitial tissue from ovaries of pregnant rabbits.

Abstract Esterified cholesterol was localized primarily in the cytoplasmic lipid granules in both corpora lutea and interstitial tissue of the pregnant rabbit ovary. Esterification of cholesterol occurred by both an ATP- and CoA-dependent acyltransferase reaction, with optimal pH at 7.1, and a direct reaction with no cofactor requirement and optimal pH at 4.4. The acyltransferase activity was highest in the microsomal fraction and was higher in the interstitial tissue than in the corpora lutea. The direct, low pH esterification was highest in the mitochondrial fraction of both tissue compartments. Hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters occurred at similar rates in both corpora lutea and interstitial tissues, and was highest in the mitochondrial fractions.
45nm high-k + metal gate strain-enhanced CMOS transistors

At the 45 nm technology node, high-k + metal gate transistors were introduced for the first time on a high-volume manufacturing process [1]. The introduction of a high-k gate dielectric enabled transistors with a 0.7x reduction in Tox (electrical gate oxide thickness) while reducing gate leakage 1000x for the PMOS and 25x for the NMOS transistors. Dual-band edge workfunction metal gates were introduced, eliminating polysilicon gate depletion and providing compatibility with the high-k gate dielectric. High-k + Metal gates have also been shown to have improved variability at the 45 nm node [2]. In addition to the high-k + metal gate, the 35 nm gate length CMOS transistors have been integrated with a third generation of strained silicon and have demonstrated the highest drive currents to date for both NMOS and PMOS. An SRAM cell size of 0.346 mum2 has been achieved while using 193 nm dry lithography. High yield and reliability has been demonstrated on multiple single, dual-, quad- and six-core microprocessors.
Scaling radar measurements for advanced algorithms

This paper describes waveform diverse signal measurements using a two channel laboratory radar system. Using a combination of a Lab-Volt™ radar training system, Tektronix™ arbitrary waveform generator (AWG), Tektronix™ digital oscilloscope (DSO), and Tektronix™ real-time spectrum analyzer (RSA), a two channel, waveform diverse, multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) system is configured to collect both MIMO and bistatic radar measurements. In the experiments, the radar operates at X-band and samples the echoes at radio frequency (RF) before down-conversion into in-phase and quadrature (I/Q) channels. The laboratory environment does not need any special treatment as an anechoic chamber because the system uses very short duration and low power waveforms. Measured data for the MIMO radar is presented along with discussion of the bistatic configuration.
The Steady-State Modeling and Static System Design of a Refrigeration System for High Heat Flux Removal

This paper investigates the steady-state modeling and static system design of a refrigeration system for high heat flux removal of high power electronics system. The refrigeration cycle considered consists of multiple evaporators, liquid accumulator, compressor, condenser and expansion valves. In contrast with conventional refrigeration systems with liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers for temperature control where the critical heat flux (CHF) is not a major concern, refrigeration systems for high heat flux removal have to ensure that the incoming heat flux is lower than the CHF to prevent device burnout. Since the superheated region in the evaporator has much lower heat transfer coefficient than the two-phase region, the evaporator exit should be two-phase for ensure sufficiently high CHF. The two-phase evaporator exit necessitates the inclusion of a heated liquid accumulator for the safe operation of the compressor to ensure only saturated vapor enters the compressor. The evaporators and condenser of the cycle are modeled by the mass balance, momentum balance, and energy balance equations. Due to the future utilization of microchannels to enhance heat transfer in heat exchangers, the momentum equation, rarely seen in previous modeling efforts, is included here to capture potentially significant pressure drops. The expansion valve and compressor are modeled as static components. The accumulator is modeled to regulate the active refrigeration charge of the system and to provide just enough heat to the outflow of the evaporator such that the inflow of the compressor is always saturated vapor. Based on the steady-state model, the static system design issues include determining the total refrigerant charge of the system to accommodate the varying operation conditions, sizing of the compressor and accumulator, and finding the optimal operation condition for given incoming heat flux to optimize the Coefficient of Performance (COP) while satisfying the CHF and other constraints. The steady-state model will be validated on a testbed currently in construction. The testbed consists of a reciprocating compressor with variable frequency drive, a plate condenser, a heated accumulator (tank with electric heater), three evaporators with immersed electrically controlled heaters, and one electronic expansion valve for each evaporator.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Chemical substructures that enrich for biological activity

Motivation: Certain chemical substructures are present in many drugs. This has led to the claim of ‘privileged’ substructures which are predisposed to bioactivity. Because bias in screening library construction could explain this phenomenon, the existence of privilege has been controversial. Results: Using diverse phenotypic assays, we defined bioactivity for multiple compound libraries. Many substructures were associated with bioactivity even after accounting for substructure prevalence in the library, thus validating the privileged substructure concept. Determinations of privilege were confirmed in independent assays and libraries. Our analysis also revealed ‘underprivileged’ substructures and ‘conditional privilege’—rules relating combinations of substructure to bioactivity. Most previously reported substructures have been flat aromatic ring systems. Although we validated such substructures, we also identified three-dimensional privileged substructures. Most privileged substructures display a wide variety of substituents suggesting an entropic mechanism of privilege. Compounds containing privileged substructures had a doubled rate of bioactivity, suggesting practical consequences for pharmaceutical discovery. Contact: fritz_roth@hms.harvard.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Role of Phosphorus in the Development and Progression of Vascular Calcification

Vascular calcification is associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Factors unique to patients with CKD, such as hyperphosphatemia, predispose these patients to early and progressive vascular calcification. Hyperphosphatemia appears to be involved in a number of mechanisms that trigger and advance the progression of vascular calcification, including (1) transition of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from a contractile to an osteochondrogenic phenotype and mineralization of VSMC matrix through sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporters, (2) induction of VSMC apoptosis, (3) inhibition of monocyte/macrophage differentiation into osteoclast-like cells, (4) elevation of fibroblast growth factor 23 levels, and (5) decreases in klotho expression. Whether vascular calcification can be prevented or reversed with strategies aimed at maintaining phosphate homeostasis presently is unknown. This review discusses these mechanisms in depth, exploring the interplay among vascular calcification promoters, inhibitors, and substrate that affect phosphorus handling leading to vascular calcification in individuals with CKD.
IntClust: A Software Package for Clustering Replicated Microarray Data

IntClust is a software package for clustering gene-expression data with repeated measurements based on interval data analysis. By utilizing interval data for representing replicated microarray data, IntClust is able to take into account the scopes where replicate microarray data are distributed instead of simple data points. The soft ware package offers several transformation models for interval data representations, supports different extended distance similarity/distance measures for interval data analysis, provides some variations of modified K-means clustering, and presents three popular clustering quality evaluation measures. Our experiments show that IntClust improves the clustering performance of gene-expression microarray data over traditional approaches. The software package is available at http://cadse24.cs.fiu.edu/IntClust
Amniote phylogeny and the position of turtles

The position of turtles among amniotes remains in dispute, with morphological and molecular comparisons giving different results. Morphological analyses align turtles with either lizards and their relatives, or at the base of the reptile tree, whereas molecular analyses, including a recent study by Chiari et al. in BMC Biology, place turtles with birds and crocodilians. Molecular studies have not wavered as the numbers of genes and species have increased, but morphologists have been reluctant to embrace the molecular tree.
Induction of Leptin Receptor Expression in the Liver by Leptin and Food Deprivation

Leptin resistance is a common feature of obesity and the metabolic syndrome. However, the regulated expression of the leptin receptor (Ob-R) has not been studied in detail. Expression profiling of liver mRNA in leptin-treated wild-type mice revealed a marked increase in leptin receptor mRNA levels, which had not previously been described. This was confirmed by isoform-specific real-time PCR, which showed a >25-fold increase in the mRNAs encoding the short forms (Ob-Ra, Ob-Rc) and a >10-fold increase in the mRNA encoding the long (Ob-Rb) form of the leptin receptor in liver. In parallel, we also observed induction of plasma-soluble leptin receptor (SLR) protein by leptin administration, pair feeding, and short term food restriction. However, induction of SLR by leptin is abolished in mice with selective deletion of Ob-R from liver using Cre-LoxP technology. These data suggest that the liver is a major source of Ob-R mRNA expression under conditions of negative energy balance. Membrane-bound Ob-R is then shed into the circulation as SLR. Our study thus reveals an unexpected role of the liver in modulating total circulating leptin levels and possibly its biological activity.
Research issues and future directions in strategic alliances: a reply to Prof. Culpan (2009)

In this note, the author provides a critique of Culpan (2009). Specifically, the author addresses the epistemology of the extant body of alliance research, probes various schemas for categorising strategic alliances, and briefly discusses agency theory as a theoretical lens with the power to inform scholarly work on alliances. The author closes with two suggestions for future research, namely, bringing alliances and networks closer together as research topics, since they are tightly linked conceptually; and attempting to foresee the architecture of global business in coming decades, as the evolution of organisational forms continues under growingly porous firm, industry, and national boundaries.
Fracture and fatigue response of a self-healing epoxy adhesive

A self-healing epoxy adhesive for bonding steel substrates is demonstrated using encapsulated dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) monomer and bis(tricyclohexylphosphine)benzylidine ruthenium (IV) dichloride (Grubbs’ first generation) catalyst particles dispersed in a thin epoxy matrix. Both quasi-static fracture and fatigue performance are evaluated using the width-tapered-double-cantilever-beam specimen geometry. Recovery of 56% of the original fracture toughness under quasi-static fracture conditions occurs after 24 h healing at room temperature conditions. Complete crack arrest is demonstrated for fatigue test conditions that render neat resin and control samples failed. Inspection of fracture surfaces by electron microscopy reveals evidence of polymerized DCPD after healing. These results are the first mechanical assessment of self-healing for thin (ca. 360 mm) films typical of adhesives applications.
New lattice design for APS storage ring with potential tri-fold increase of the number of insertion devices

The advanced photon source (APS) recently held a workshop on upgrade options for the APS storage ring. Several options were discussed that included both storage ring and energy recovery linac options. Here we present a storage ring lattice that fits into the APS tunnel and has a number of significant improvements over the existing storage ring. The present APS lattice has 40-fold symmetry with each sector having one 5-m-long straight section for insertion device (ID) placement. Each sector also provides one beamline for radiation from the bending magnet. The upgrade lattice preserves locations of the existing insertion devices but provides for increased ID straight section length to accommodate 8-m-long insertion devices. This lattice also decreases emittance by a factor of two down to 1.6 nm-rad. And last but not least, it provides two additional 2.1-m-long ID straight sections per sector with one of these straight sections being parallel to the existing bending magnet beamline. We also present dynamic aperture optimization, lifetime calculations, and other nonlinear-dynamics-related simulations.
Scanning magnetoresistive microscopy study of quasi-static magnetic switching in mesoscopic square dots: observation of field-driven transition between flux-closure states

We used newly developed scanning magnetoresistance microscopy (SMRM) to observe time-lapsed magnetic domain images during magnetic switching in square Permalloy dots. Unlike magnetic force microscopy, the SMRM images measure the absolute local magnetic field from any microstructure. SMRM works in an external magnetic field, allowing the measurement of evolution of quasi-static domain structures. We observed a complete magnetic reversal in 5 /spl mu/m Permalloy dots from a positively saturated state to a negatively saturated state via a mixture of flux-closure states. We also observed field-driven transitions between the various flux closure states at low fields. There appears to be a distribution of switching field and mode, even for geometrically identical dots. This work demonstrates the novel capability of the SMRM technique and the rich switching physics of magnetic square dots.
Adaptive Multi-Column Deep Neural Networks with Application to Robust Image Denoising

Stacked sparse denoising autoencoders (SSDAs) have recently been shown to be successful at removing noise from corrupted images. However, like most denoising techniques, the SSDA is not robust to variation in noise types beyond what it has seen during training. To address this limitation, we present the adaptive multi-column stacked sparse denoising autoencoder (AMC-SSDA), a novel technique of combining multiple SSDAs by (1) computing optimal column weights via solving a nonlinear optimization program and (2) training a separate network to predict the optimal weights. We eliminate the need to determine the type of noise, let alone its statistics, at test time and even show that the system can be robust to noise not seen in the training set. We show that state-of-the-art denoising performance can be achieved with a single system on a variety of different noise types. Additionally, we demonstrate the efficacy of AMC-SSDA as a preprocessing (denoising) algorithm by achieving strong classification performance on corrupted MNIST digits.
Optimum coherent integration time for a surface target with periodic acceleration

In this paper we consider the effect of surface target dynamics on the detection performance of coherent radar. The echo from a surface target traveling with a constant velocity, that is not radial to the radar look direction or constant rate acceleration is represented in the form of chirp function. This is a simplistic model that must be extended to account for other periodic accelerations acting on the target. The dominant periodic acceleration is the radial surge component that may result in the smearing of the targets Doppler. This radial surge component is a result of the interaction of the target with the ocean wave. This effect must be taken into account when determining the optimum coherent integration time (CIT). In this paper we extend the model to accommodate an echo from a periodic accelerating target with a frequency-modulated signal that represents the surge component. The optimum CIT is derived based on maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the matched filter output. The results are verified based on data collected from a high frequency surface wave radar (HFSWR) operating at 15 MHz.
Variable selection by stepwise slicing in nonparametric regression

We consider variable selection issue in a nonparametric regression setting. Two stepwise procedures based on variance estimators are proposed for selecting the significant variables in a general nonparametric regression model. These procedures do not require multidimensional smoothing at intermediate steps and they are based on formal tests of hypotheses as opposed to existing methods in the literature. Asymptotic properties are examined and empirical results are given.
Reconstructing the ‘Sacred Canopy’: Mother Serafima and Novodevichy Monastery

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Orthodox Church and the Russian government have sought to restore monasteries, viewing them as key institutions in the regeneration of religion. Novodevichy Monastery in Moscow has historically been one of Russia's most important religious centres and its most famous monastery for women. Returned to the Church in 1994, Novodevichy was administered by Mother Serafima, a remarkable woman whose life covered most of the twentieth century. In reconstructing monastic life, she placed charity at the centre of her endeavours. In her struggles and her efforts to rebuild the ‘sacred canopy’ at Novodevichy is depicted, in microcosmic form, Russia's own quest to recover its heritage and redefine its identity.
Population health rankings as policy indicators and performance measures.

Population health rankings can be used by various actors for different purposes. This article examines those potential uses and concludes that the chief promise of population health rankings lies in 2 areas. The first is to help set agendas — stimulating awareness, motivation, and debate over means to improved health outcomes. The second is to help establish broad responsibility for population health and the need for multisectoral collaboration to improve outcomes. A new performance regime based on rankings will require more research to establish causal pathways and relative determinants of health, as well as stronger evidence about the effects of public and private interventions to guide investment strategies. Finally, leaders who develop and promote population health rankings must further develop the technical community needed to translate the response to the rankings into constructive public debate and policy development.
Friendly-Contention Ads Using Multiple Endorsers: Assessing Source Effects On Attribute Perceptions And Brand Attitudes

Our study is a preliminary investigation of multiple-source friendly-contention ads in which various endorsers argue about the brand's main benefit(s). The results demonstrate that such an ad convinced viewers that originally seemingly inconsistent attributes and benefits could both be found in the advertised brand. Further, the tested advertising format produced more favorable brand attitudes than did an equivalently informative single-source ad version. The argumentative ad appears entirely appropriate in industries where a company wishes to target heavy product users.
Structural requirements of pancreatic polypeptide receptor binding

Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) receptors have been identified and characterized on the basolateral membranes (BLM) of canine intestinal mucosa. The present study was designed to ascertain the structural requirements of the PP molecule for binding to its receptor. A radioreceptor assay using purified BLM was employed to elucidate receptors specific to PPs of various mammalian species and to modified bovine PP (bPP) fragments. Receptor cross-reactivities (CR) to various PPs and bPP fragments were established. Results show that percent receptor CR by PPs of various species was as follows: bPP (100%) greater than human PP (68%) greater than porcine PP (50%) greater than canine PP (45%) greater than ovine PP (36%) greater than rat PP (3%). The fragments bPP-(1-15), bPP-(1-17), bPP-(1-26), bPP-(16-23), bPP-(18-30), bPP-(24-36), bPP-(27-35), and bPP-(31-36) at 500 nM did not significantly displace tracer from receptor (less than 0.1% CR). Des-COOH-terminal tyrosinamide [bPP-(1-35)] produced less than 0.1% CR. Oxidation of bPP methionine-30 residue to methionine sulfoxide decreased displacement to 67%. Modification of native amidated tyrosinamide to the free acid abolished receptor binding, whereas esterification to the methyl ester of COOH-terminal tyrosine restored binding to 60%. Additionally, percent CR decreased progressively as amino acid residues were deleted from the NH2-terminal region. We conclude that the molecular homologue of PP primary structure is necessary for full receptor binding. Both the NH2- and COOH-terminal residues are required for recognition, and the COOH-terminal tyrosinamide must be intact for PP binding to its receptor.
Distribution and Movements of Two Species of Pocket Gophers (Geomyidae) in an Area of Sympatry in the Davis Mountains, Texas

Pappogeomys castanops and two subspecies of Thomomys bottae ( T. b. limpiae and T. b. texensis ) are found in the Davis Mountains, Texas. The distribution of these taxa has changed in recent years. T. b. limpiae and T. b. texensis are no longer found at their respective type localities and Pappogeomys has expanded its range. In lower Limpia Canyon, the ranges of T. b. limpiae and Pappogeomys overlap for 1300 meters. This distributional overlap is unstable with Pappogeomys expanding its range more than 300 meters in 2 years and Thomomys decreasing its range by 160 meters during the same period. The ecology and dynamics of this zone of sympatry are discussed as are the climatic conditions in the Southwest that are suspected causes of observed distributional changes.
Multifield Analysis of a Piezoelectric Valveless Micropump

Coupled multifield analysis of piezoelectrically actuated valveless-micropump MEMS devices are carried out for liquid transport applications. We consider the three-way coupling between electrical, mechanical and fluidic fields in such systems where actuator deflection causes fluid flow through a micropump. Flow contraction and expansion (through a nozzle and a diffuser respectively) generates net fluid flow as the bilayer structural-piezoelectric membrane of the actuator deflects. The analysis involves structural and fluid field couplings in a sequential structural-fluid analysis of the microfluidic device. The effect of the driving voltage on silicon-PZT-5A membrane deflection and flow rate through the inlet/outlet is investigated via time averaging the predicted instantaneous velocity fields. At low actuation frequencies (below 10 kHz), the excitation voltage is a dominant factor on the flow rate of the micropump. The pressure, velocity and flow rate prediction models developed in the present study can be utilized to optimize the design of MEMS based micropumps.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A multi-platform investigation of midlatitude sporadic E and its ties to E – F coupling and meteor activity

Abstract. This paper describes the results of a multi-platform observing campaign aimed at studying midlatitude sporadic E (Es) and associated ionospheric phenomena. The assets used were the digisonde in Boulder, Colorado; the first station of the Long Wavelength Array, LWA1, in New Mexico; the transmitters of the radio station WWV in Colorado; and 61 continuously operating GPS receivers between LWA1 and WWV. The results show that southwestward-directed medium-scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) were substantially more prevalent when Es was detected. The amplitudes of these correlate with a plasma frequency up to about 4.5 MHz. For fp ≳ 5 MHz, the MSTIDs become significantly weaker and basically vanish above ∼ 6.5 MHz. The prevalence of meteor trail reflections observed with LWA1 also correlates with fp up to about 4.5 MHz; above this limit, the relationship exhibits a significant turnover. The observed intensity of coherent backscatter from Es field-aligned irregularities (FAIs) also correlates with inferred plasma frequency. However, this trend continues to higher frequencies with a peak near 6 MHz, followed by a much more subtle turnover. The reflected power from Es structures observed with LWA1 is significantly more correlated on spatial scales between 10 and 40 km. The magnitude of this correlation increases with fp up to ∼ 6 MHz, above which it drops. These results are consistent with the following: (1) southwestward-directed MSTIDs are produced via E–F coupling; (2) this coupling is stronger when the Es layer, seeded by meteor ablation, is more dense; (3) the coupling is substantially diminished for Es layers harboring extremely dense structures (fp ≳ 5 MHz).
Pathophysiology of Renal Tubular Acidosis: Core Curriculum 2016.

Metabolic acidosis results from either the gain of an acid or the loss of a base. The former is due to exogenous or endogenous acid loads resulting in anion gap metabolic acidosis. The latter is due to the loss of a base from either the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract, producing nonanion gap or hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) arises from the kidney’s inability to excrete enough acid or retain enough bicarbonate (HCO3 - ), resulting in a clinical syndrome characterized by nongap metabolic acidosis, hyperchloremia, and impaired urinary acidification. In this Core Curriculum, we briefly summarize the role of the kidney in acid-base homeostasis and discuss clinical presentations, diagnoses, and treatments of RTA. OVERVIEW OF RENAL ACID-BASE HOMEOSTASIS Total-Body Acid-Base Homeostasis Metabolism of food particles generates both volatile carbonic acid, which is excreted by the lung, and fixed acid, which is generated primarily from metabolism of proteins. On a Western diet containing high levels of animal protein, an adult generates 15,000 mEq of volatile acid derived from fat and carbohydrate combustion and w1 mEq of fixed acid per kilogram of body weight from metabolism of proteins. This latter is initially neutralized by the body buffers, including HCO3 - , and then excreted by the kidney. The kidney is therefore responsible for the regeneration of lost buffers through excretion of 1 mEq of hydrogen ion (H 1 ) per kilogram of body by the reabsorption of all filtered HCO3 - and the regeneration of HCO3 - lost through metabolism of food particles. Both processes involve secretion of H 1 , initially to reabsorb filtered HCO3 - and then to generate new HCO3 - . The secreted H 1 would either combine with filtered HCO3 - , resulting in HCO3 reabsorption, or combine with urinary buffers in the tubular fluid to be excreted as titratable acids and ammonium ion (NH4 1 ), thus leading to HCO3 regeneration. Net acid excretion (NAE) by the kidney equals the sum of titratable acids and ammonium amounts minus the amount of HCO3 - :
Are Hospital Quality Improvement and Public Accountability Compatible

Article-at-a-Glance Background The goals of public accountability and quality improvement are compatible in theory but not necessarily in practice. Both concepts emphasize the customer. However, those working toward these two goals design systems with quite different roles and relationships between the providers and consumers of health care. Superficial interactions obstruct meaningful dialogue about how to build a better system meeting both sets of goals. Issues Current practices of public accountability and quality improvement have fundamentally different paradigms concerning the roles and responsibilities of those who provide and those who consume health care. Conclusions There are at least three ways to improve the current relationship between public accountability and quality improvement. First, optimizing the design and performance of each effort would be an improvement since the goals are highly compatible. Neither ideal currently meets its own expectations, creating distrust among the proponents of each when reality falls short. Second, the two efforts could be coordinated through joint community-level planning and sharing. Finally and optimally, the two concepts could be made part of the same community-level cooperative system, an approach that offers the greatest opportunity for achieving shared goals.
Epidemiology and natural history of urinary tract infection in school age children.

The concept of significant bacteriuria. The rationale for a well-structured program of detection and long-term management.
Ovarian follicular populations and in vitro steroidogenesis on three different days of the bovine estrous cycle.

This study was undertaken to determine changes in follicular populations on ovaries of dairy cows during three stages of the estrous cycle and their steroidogenic capacity in vitro. Numbers of small (2.0 to 5.0 mm), intermediate (5.1 to 10 mm) and large (greater than 10 mm) antral follicles on ovaries of multiparous cows and heifers (n = 31) in the early luteal (d 4), mid-luteal (d 12) and follicular phase (d 19) of the estrous cycle were determined (d 0 = estrus), and steroidogenic capacity of intermediate and large follicles was measured in vitro. Total number of follicles and number of small follicles were greatest (P less than .05) on d 19 compared with d 12, with numbers on d 4 not different from either d 12 or 19. Intermediate follicles were fewer (P less than .05) on d 19 compared with d 4 or 12. Numbers of large follicles did not change. The proportion of estrogen active (EA) follicles was greater (P less than .05) on d 19 compared with d 4 or 12. Accumulation of estradiol-17 beta (E) into culture medium by intermediate follicles decreased (P less than .05) with increasing days of the estrous cycle, while accumulation of progesterone (P) was greater on d 19. In large follicles, accumulation of E into culture medium was greatest (P less than .05) on d 19 and the lowest on d 12 (P less than .05). In summary, the proportion of EA follicles increases during the preovulatory period, and E production increases in large EA follicles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Fluorescent Dendrimeric Molecular Catalysts Demonstrate Unusual Scaling Behavior at the Single-Molecule Level

A series of surface-supported molecular palladium catalysts were synthesized using a dendrimeric attachment motif to incorporate multiple BODIPY fluorophores for single-molecule fluorescence microscopy. An unusual fluorescence intensity scaling law was observed, whereby the addition of multiple fluorophores did not result in a substantial increase in single-molecule brightness. Possible quenching mechanisms are discussed, and simulations of photophysical population dynamics are used to identify singlet–triplet annihilation as the likely origin of the scaling law. This work is a conspicuous example of how the availability of different photophysical kinetic pathways can have substantial influence on molecular design rules, with implications for light-harvesting strategies.
Considering the Role of Affect and Anticipated Emotions in the Formation of Consumer Loyalty Intentions

Ajzen and Sheikh (2013) recently challenge calls for adding explicit measures of emotions or affect as independent constructs into the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). This assertion has potentially significant theoretical and operational implications for marketers in terms of parsimony and insight. The specific questions of whether or not the addition of anticipated forms of emotions and/or hedonic attitudes to traditional attitude-based models meaningfully contributes to understanding loyalty intention formation in a retail marketing setting are empirically assessed in this research. Results suggest that, consistent with the arguments of Perugini and Bagozzi (2001), the independent addition of anticipated emotions (AEs) to attitude models such as the TRA, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Model of Goal-Directed Behavior (MGB) can be justified in terms of model fit with data, predictive validity (∆R2), and efficacy in explanation. Interestingly, however, and consistent with the theoretical arguments underlying the TRA, the models receiving the most overall support appear to be models wherein AttitudeOverall mediates the contributions of positive and negative AEs on endogenous variables such as Desires and IntentionsLoyalty. While it remains up to the individual marketer which perspective to embrace given the observed gains reported herein, the present research also supports the notion that the addition of hedonic attitude forms and/or AEs can offer an overall net gain for many marketers. The managerial and research implications of the results are discussed.
Cross-National Consumer Research Traditions

Cross-national consumer research is one of the most challenging and exciting areas of consumer inquiry. As a clearly defined stream of research, it first emerged in the US in the early 1970s. The initial impetus for this research came from a growing recognition of the importance of understanding consumer behavior as a basis for developing effective marketing strategies, combined with an awakening interest in market opportunities in other countries. Thus, in both academic and industry circles, greater awareness of a need to understand differences and similarities in customer behavior and response patterns in diverse settings began to emerge.
Trends in the Study of Urban Politics: A Paradigmatic View

Urban political study has experienced several critical junctures. Rather than following an incremental path of cumulative development, urban analysis has gone through phases of reframing akin to what Thomas Kuhn called paradigm shifts. The purpose of this article is threefold: (1) to examine paradigmatic frameworks as alterations in urban inquiry, (2) to address the issue of why such shifts come about, and (3) to remind readers that shifts are double-edged, not only bringing new perspective to inquiry but also risking that other significant considerations may be overlooked in the process. Urban paradigms compete for preeminence, and all are in need of ongoing critical reassessment. The hold of any given framework of analysis proves impermanent in part because the underlying urban situation it illuminates is never static. The risk of a lag in analysis is never low.
Potency and stability of compounded formulations of chlorambucil, melphalan and cyclophosphamide.

Background Oral chemotherapy agents are frequently compounded in veterinary medicine however, the potency of some formulations have been shown to vary from that of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved products. Aims The objective of this study was to evaluate the potency and stability of three compounded oral chemotherapeutics commonly prescribed to be administered over time. Materials & Methods Compounded chlorambucil 1 mg, cyclophosphamide 5 mg and melphalan 1 mg were obtained and for potency tested upon receipt and 6 weeks later. Results Potency ranged from 71 to 104% for chlorambucil and 58 to 109% for melphalan; 1/4 and 2/4 samples were <90% of labelled strength at baseline and 6 weeks, respectively, for both drugs. Potency of cyclophosphamide ranged from 92 to 107% with all samples +/−10% of labelled strength at all time points. Discussion/Conclusion These results demonstrate variability of compounded chemotherapy products, and highlight the need to consider both potency and stability when prescribing orally compounded chemotherapy.
Preliminary Outcomes from an Integrated Pediatric Mental Health Outpatient Clinic

An estimated 1 in 5 children in the United States meet criteria for a diagnosable mental disorder, yet fewer than 20% receive mental health services. Unmet need for psychiatric treatment may contribute to patterns of increasing use of the emergency department. This article describes an integrated pediatric evaluation center designed to prevent the need for treatment in emergency settings by increasing access to timely and appropriate care for emergent and critical mental health needs. Preliminary results showed that the center provided rapid access to assessment and treatment services for children and adolescents presenting with a wide range of psychiatric concerns.
Emergency Department Utilization by Children in the USA, 2010–2011

Author(s): Goto, Tadahiro; Hasegawa, Kohei; Faridi, Mohammad K.; Sullivan, Ashley F.; Camargo, Carlos A. | Abstract: Introduction: Epidemiological surveillance data for emergency department (ED) visits by children areimperative to guide resource allocation and to develop health policies that advance pediatric emergencycare. However, there are sparse population-based data on patient-level information (e.g., the number ofchildren who present to the emergency department [ED]). In this context, we aimed to investigate boththe patient- and visit-level rates of ED utilization by children.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using population-based multipayer data – state EDdatabases (SEDD) and state inpatient databases (SID) – from six geographically-dispersed U.S. states(California, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, New York, and Utah) in 2010 and 2011. We identified all childrenaged l18 years who presented to the ED and described the patient-level ED visit rate, visit-level ED visitrate, and proportion of all ED visits made by children. We conducted the analysis using the 2011 SEDDand SID data. We also repeated the analysis using the 2010 data to determine the consistency of theresults across different years.Results: In 2011, 2.9 million children with a patient identifier presented to EDs in the six U.S. states.At the patient-level, 15 out of every 100 children presented to an ED at least once per year. Of thesechildren, 25% presented to EDs 2-3 times per year with an approximately 1.5-fold variation across thestates (e.g., 19% in Utah vs. 28% in Florida). In addition, 5% presented to EDs ≥4 times per year. At thevisit-level, 6.7 million ED visits were made by children in 2011 – 34 ED visits per 100 children annually.ED visits by children accounted for 22% of all ED visits (including both adults and children), with arelatively small variation across the states (e.g., 20% in New York vs. 24% in Nebraska). Analysis of the2010 data gave similar results for the ED utilization by children.Conclusion: By using large population-based data, we found a substantial burden of ED visits at bothpatient- and visit-levels. These findings provide a strong foundation for policy makers and professionalorganizations to strengthen emergency care for children.
Too much of a good thing: How modulating LTB 4 actions restore host defense in homeostasis or disease.

Abstract The ability to regulate inflammatory pathways and host defense mechanisms is critical for maintaining homeostasis and responding to infections and tissue injury. While unbalanced inflammation is detrimental to the host; inadequate inflammation might not provide effective signals required to eliminate pathogens. On the other hand, aberrant inflammation could result in organ damage and impair host defense. The lipid mediator leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent neutrophil chemoattractant and recently, its role as a dominant molecule that amplifies many arms of phagocyte antimicrobial effector function has been unveiled. However, excessive LTB4 production contributes to disease severity in chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes and arthritis, which could potentially be involved in poor host defense in these groups of patients. In this review we discuss the cellular and molecular programs elicited during LTB4 production and actions on innate immunity host defense mechanisms as well as potential therapeutic strategies to improve host defense.
Hedgehog Pathway Drives Fusion-Negative Rhabdomyosarcoma Initiated From Non-myogenic Endothelial Progenitors.

Summary Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a pediatric soft tissue sarcoma that histologically resembles embryonic skeletal muscle. RMS occurs throughout the body and an exclusively myogenic origin does not account for RMS occurring in sites devoid of skeletal muscle. We previously described an RMS model activating a conditional constitutively active Smoothened mutant (SmoM2) with aP2-Cre . Using genetic fate mapping, we show SmoM2 expression in Cre-expressing endothelial progenitors results in myogenic transdifferentiation and RMS. We show that endothelium and skeletal muscle within the head and neck arise from Kdr -expressing progenitors, and that hedgehog pathway activation results in aberrant expression of myogenic specification factors as a potential mechanism driving RMS genesis. These findings suggest that RMS can originate from aberrant development of non-myogenic cells.
Evaluation of Hard TiN Coatings by Depth Sensing Indentation and Scratch Testing Methods

The IAR Nanomechanical Probe (NMP) was used in the depth sensing indentation mode to evaluate the Vickers hardness (HV) and elastic modulus E of five commercial TiN coatings applied to a 17-4 PH stainless steel substrate. The HV values of the TiN layers at depth to thickness (DTT) ratios of less than 0.1 varied between about 28 and 39 GPa, depending on the deposition process. The elastic modulus was within the range of 300 to 400 GPa, corresponding to published values, at DTT ratios of less than or equal to 0.05. At higher DTT values, the elastic modulus decreased with increasing DTT ratio due to larger and larger interference from the less rigid stainless steel substrate. Depth sensing scratch tests were also performed on the samples to determine the critical load crvalues needed to cause spallation of the coatings. For each coating, the interfacial fracture toughness Kic was calculated from crand used to describe the adhesive strength. Distinct differences between the Kic values of the different samples were observed, reflecting differences in adhesive strength. The significance of these results is discussed in terms of the application of titanium nitride coatings to gas turbine engines.
Inflamed T cells and stroma drive gut tumors.

Inactivating somatic mutations causing loss of function in the tumor suppressor gene STK11 (serine-threonine kinase 11), which encodes the protein LKB1 (liver kinase B1), frequently occur in several sporadic cancers, notably lung, pancreatic, and female reproductive tumors. Additionally, inherited heterozygous germline mutations in STK11 cause Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), a cancer predisposition syndrome ( 1 ). A hallmark of PJS is the growth of numerous benign gastrointestinal (GI) hamartomatous polyps and an elevated risk of developing malignancies in several organs ( 2 ). Studies in mouse models of PJS have pointed to LKB1 deficiency in the stroma, not epithelium, as the contributing factor for the formation of the GI polyps ( 3 ). Stroma consists of the fibroblasts, smooth muscle, extracellular matrix, and basement membrane that support epithelial tissue. However, how LKB1 deficiency in stromal cells could trigger polyp formation was unclear. Two recent studies now shed light on the mechanism of PJS polyp formation. On page 406 of this issue, Poffenberger et al. ( 4 ) find that loss of a single allele of Stk11 in T cells is sufficient to drive the formation of GI polyps. Similarly, a study by Ollila et al. ( 5 ) demonstrated that heterozygous loss of Stk11 in gastric stromal cells was sufficient to drive GI polyp formation. Transcriptional profiling in both studies revealed an up-regulation of inflammatory cytokines involved in promoting the expansion and overgrowth of both stroma and normal GI epithelium. By finding that inflammation in the stromal compartment due to LKB1 loss in T cells ( 4 ) or stromal cells ( 5 ) drives polyp formation, these studies highlight how inflammatory signals can profoundly alter the microenvironment and fuel tumor formation.
Afterword: 12 Points to Ponder—Then Smile!

Here are twelve summary points, which the author finds moving and which were at one time initially surprising. They include grounds for some big potential shifts. What could life be like? The final example, “Smile Cards,” may sound small. Yet these have spread around the world. The reader can try this too. (Plus it is healthy to do so.) Furthermore these are part of a larger movement generating a creative business—now a required case study for Harvard Business School! The parting question: What is our (higher) human nature?