cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polvnucleotide analogs with PEI or PEI/polyethyloxazoline backbones

The synthesis and characterization of uracil- and thy mine-containing polynucleotide analogs with a linear polyethylenimine backbone is described. Hypochromicity is observed for these analogs in DMSO and in DMSO/H2O solutions and found lo increase as the percent water increases. The influence of water on the 240- to 280-nm absorptions of the analogs and their monomer models is correlated with the mobiliiy of the nucleic-acid-base-con tain ing pendant to the polymeric backbone. An impure 5-fluorouracil analog has been prepared, and its increased solubility in water relative to the corresponding uracil analog has been noted. A thy mine-containing analog with a PEI/PEOXZ backbone has been synthesized. The analog consists of water-soluble and insoluble forms characterized by NMR.
A strategy for obtaining a more accurate transition state estimate using the growing string method

Abstract The present study describes a new method for obtaining a more accurate transition state estimate through interpolation of the reaction pathway. The method can be implemented using the reaction pathway or during the reparameterization step of the modified-growing string method. The transition state estimate is obtained by mapping the location of the maximum in energy along the reaction pathway to a set of coordinates in phase space. This method has been tested on three reactions of increasing complexity, representing a 35.0–77.8% reduction in CPU time for the transition state optimization calculation compared to using the geometry highest in energy.
The Effect of Margin Width on Local Recurrence of Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Data addressing margin width and the risk of local recurrence (LR) for women undergoing breast-conserving therapy have not revealed improved recurrence rates with larger negative margins. However, incidence of LR has been revealed to vary between breast cancer subtypes, with the incidence of LR higher for triple negative (TN) breast cancer than for non-TN cancers, raising the question of whether the same margin width is appropriate for all breast cancer subtypes. This paper reviews the literature addressing margin status in breast-conserving therapy within the TN subtype. Current evidence does not support a wider surgical margin for TN breast cancer. Recent studies reveal similar LR for TN breast cancer treated with breast conservation and with mastectomy, suggesting that cancer biology, and not the negative margin width, determines the risk of LR.
Integrated Fabrication and Magnetic Positioning of Metallic and Polymeric Nanowires Embedded in Thin Epoxy Slabs

This paper describes a process for the fabrication and positioning of nanowires (of Au, Pd, and conjugated polymers) embedded in thin epoxy slabs. The procedure has four steps: (i) coembedding a thinfilm of metal or conducting polymer with a thin film of nickel metal (Ni) in epoxy; (ii) sectioning the embedded structures into nanowires with an ultramicrotome ("nanoskiving"); (iii)floating the epoxy sections on a pool of water; and (iv) positioning the sections with an external magnet to a desired location ("magnetic mooring"). As the water evaporates, capillary interactions cause the sections to adhere to the substrate. Both the Ni and epoxy canbeetchedtogeneratefree-standingmetallicnanowires.Theaveragetranslationaldeviationinthepositioning of two nanowires with respect to each other is 16 13 m, and the average angular deviation is 3 2°. Successive depositions of nanowires yield the following structures of interest for electronic and photonic applications: electrically continuous junctions of two Au nanowires, two Au nanowires spanned by a poly(3- hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nanowire; single-crystalline Au nanowires that cross; crossbar arrays of Au nanowires; crossbar arrays of Au and Pd nanowires; and a 5050 array of poly(benzimidazobenzophenanthroline ladder) (BBL) nanowires. Single-crystalline Au nanowires can be placed on glass woolfibers or on microfabricated polymeric waveguides, with which the nanowire can be addressed optically.
Angle-Tracking Adaptive Array -- Adaptive-Adaptive Array Processing

The optimal array, which maximizes the signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), is beam-formed by the following weigh vector: W = c[R-1s(Phi)]* where R is the covariance matrix of interference and receiver noise, and where s(Phi)is the steering vector from a desired direction Phi. The optimal array is well known and fundamental in the literature of adaptive array and signal processing but has not been actually applied to real radar because of huge computation burden for inverting R , which is on the order of N3/Deltatau. Here N is the number of sensors in an array and Deltatau is the update interval. Typically, N = 1,000 in a planar array and Deltatau = 1 mus. In order to reduce the computational burden, Brookner and Howells proposed the technique of adaptive-adaptive array, which transforms the large array of N sensors to a small array of M+1 beams of pointing to M interference sources and the desired direction Phi. The optimal array based on M+1 beams requires a computation burden only on the order of M3/Deltatau. The adaptive-adaptive array in Brookner and Howells (1986) is an ingenious conjecture rather than a solid technique, because no solid method for tracking the directions of M interference sources is given. In this paper, the angle-tracking adaptive array (ATAA) in (Gu, 2006) is introduced to implement the adaptive-adaptive array processing. The ATAA offers an even higher SINR than the well-known optimal array at a computational burden only on the order of NldrM2/Deltatau. The ATAA is providing a solid basis for the adaptive-adaptive array and is superior over the well known optimal array in both SINR and computation burden, suggesting a remarkable new direction to the adaptive array processing in the eve of digital beam-forming era.
Kernel-level caching for optimizing I/O by exploiting inter-application data sharing

With applications becoming larger and the increasing load on high performance systems, it is important to tackle the I/O bottleneck problem from several angles. It is not only essential to optimize the I/O accesses of any one application, but also to be able to identify and exploit opportunities resulting front the sharing of datasets across applications. Clusters are rapidly becoming the platform of choice for demanding applications due to their cost-effectiveness and widespread deployment. Consequently, this paper attempts to optimize data sharing across applications concurrently executing on the cluster. Specifically, we propose and implement a kernel-level caching module at each node of a Linux cluster that can be used to service several processes of different applications. Using detailed evaluations on an actual Linux cluster this paper demonstrates the benefits of this module in optimizing intra and inter-application I/O requests.
Nursing Home and End-of-Life Care in Parkinson Disease. (S36.003)

OBJECTIVE: To examine the epidemiology of nursing home and end-of-life care in the PD population, and to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with PD in Long Term Care Facilities (LTCFs). BACKGROUND: Parkinson Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that causes physical decline. The number of institutionalized patients with PD will rise sharply because of increasing PD prevalence and improved treatments that have prolonged survival in advanced disease stages. DESIGN/METHODS: In this nationwide retrospective cohort study of 36 million Medicare beneficiaries, we examined LTCF and hospice utilization at the end of life among beneficiaries diagnosed with PD. These outcomes were compared by demographic, clinical and outpatient PD physician characteristics. We also examined the impact of outpatient neurologist care for institutionalized PD patients on end-of-life care. RESULTS: We identified 469,055 Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with PD in 2002. Nearly 25[percnt] (over 100,000 in total) resided in a LTCF. Women with PD had greater odds of nursing facility placement (AOR 1.34, 1.30-1.38). However, Blacks with PD were 34[percnt] more likely than Whites to reside in a LTCF (AOR 1.34, 1.30-1.38), contrary to typical race patterns for LTCF use. Hip fracture (AOR 2.10, 2.04-2.15) and dementia (AOR 4.06, 4.00-4.12) were the strongest clinical predictors of LTCF placement. Only thirty-three percent (n=38,334) of PD nursing home residents had outpatient neurologist care. Eighty-four percent (n=80,877) of LTCF residents died prior to December 31, 2005. Hospice utilization varied little by race and gender. LTCF residents who had outpatient neurologist care were twice as likely to utilize hospice services before death (AOR 2.35, 2.24-2.47). CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of the general PD population resides in a LTCF. There is substantial need for palliative care in the PD population. Increased efforts to provide specialist care to dependent individuals with PD may improve end of life care. Disclosure: Dr. Safarpour has nothing to disclose. Dr. Thibault has nothing to disclose. Dr. Boyd has nothing to disclose. Dr. DeSanto has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dorsey has received personal compensation for activities with Amgen, Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, Clintrex, Lundbeck Research USA, Inc., Medtronic, and Transparency Life Sciences. Dr. Dorsey has received compensation for editorial services for HD Insigh Dr. Racette has received research support from Phytopharm, PLC, NeuroSearch, Novartis, Schering-Plough Research Institute, Biotie Therapies Inc., Siena Biotech SpA, Abbott Products, Inc., Allergan, Inc, and the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Willis has nothing to disclose.
Hydration for recreational sport and physical activity

This review presents recommendations for fluid needs and hydration assessment for recreational activity. Fluid needs are based on sweat losses, dependent on intensity and duration of the activity, and will vary among individuals. Prolonged aerobic activity is adversely influenced by dehydration, and heat exposure will magnify this effect. Fluid needs predicted for running 5-42 km at recreational paces show that fluid losses are <2% body mass; thus, aggressive fluid replacement may not be necessary. Competitive paces result in greater fluid losses and greater fluid needs. Fluid needs for recreational activity may be low; however, carbohydrate consumption (sport drinks, gels, bars) can benefit high-intensity (≤ 1 h) and less-intense, long-duration activity (≥ 1 h). Spot measures of urine color or urine-specific gravity to assess hydration status have limitations. First morning urine concentration and body mass with gross thirst perception can be simple ways to assess hydration status.
Efficiency Analysis of Sustainable and Conventional Farms in the Republic of Korea with Special Reference to the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)

ABSTRACT This study compares the scale efficiency scores of conventional and sustainable farms. The analysis includes four different input- and output-oriented efficiency calculations by Constant Return to Scale (CRS) and by Variable Return to Scale (VRS). It was found that sustainable farms have a more profitable input/output relationship than conventional farms. According to an input-oriented scale efficiency analysis, conventional farms have a scale efficiency score of 0.896, while sustainable farms have a score of 0.977. There are, however, certain possibilities to increase the level of farm income in an input-oriented efficiency analysis by reducing present level of chemical fertilizers and pesticide application on both conventional and sustainable farms. For example, a conventional farm with a low efficiency score may increase its level of income by up to 73.2% with a 18.2% reduction in the cost of pesticide. At the same time, a sustainable farm may also increase its level of income by up to 27.69% ...
Psychoanalysis: science? Humanity? Do we want a place or a palace?

Using “place” and “palace” as metaphors for location and via explication of the etymology of these words (i.e., from Latin for road and house of the Royal), the author explores some implications in considering psychoanalysis (the discipline of the royal road) as a science or a humanity. Various underpinnings of science are explored as they presumably pertain to psychoanalysis. To think of psychoanalysis as a science invariably means understanding it as a medical science that involves the search for causes (etiology) for understanding and treatment. As such, reductionism and materialism necessarily assert themselves. Are these doctrines consistent with psychoanalysis? What is gained and what is lost? What does it mean to make a subject the object of investigation via objective methods? Are there deep contradictions for a logical positivist science of mind? What might the humanities offer as ways of thinking about subjects? In order to more fully understand the position of psychoanalysis as a field of inquiry that offers what Marv Hyman (1994) refers to as a “means of access to important information about the emotional lives of individuals” (p. 6), we must attempt to locate psychoanalysis within the context of other fields. We invariably ask ourselves, implicitly or explicitly, something like: Is our discipline more like poetry/history/philosophy, i.e., situating psychoanalysis in what Kavanaugh (1998) refers to as the Arts of Communication, the Arts of Continuity, and the Arts of Critical Thinking ,o rmore like medicine and physiology, i.e., the natural sciences? The observation that we have to ask this question at all (or one like it) is itself intriguing. The question has long been with psychoanalysis despite
Propagating sharp group homology decompositions

A collection C of subgroups of a finite group G can give rise to three different standard formulas for the cohomology of G in terms of either the subgroups in C or their centralizers or their normalizers. We give a short but systematic study of the relationship among such formulas for nine standard collections C of p-subgroups, obtaining some new formulas in the process. To do this, we exhibit some sufficient conditions on the poset C which imply comparison results.
Tree-ring record of hillslope erosion and valley floor dynamics: Landscape responses to climate variation during the last 400 yr in the Colorado Plateau, northeastern Arizona

Abstract Dendrogeomorphologic approaches were used to study hillslope erosion and valley floor dynamics in a small drainage basin in the Colorado Plateau of northeastern Arizona, U.S.A. Root exposure in pinyon pines indicated hillslope erosion averaged 1.9 mm/yr over the last 400 yr, but erosion has been highly episodic. Negative increment growth anomalies in hillslope trees are interpreted as the consequence of rapid aerial exposure of roots by erosion. During the last 300 yr, two of three major episodes of these growth anomalies occurred after abrupt transitions from prolonged, multi-year droughts to sustained, lengthy periods of above-average precipitation. The most recent episode of these growth anomalies began within a few years after 1905 and was associated with the largest precipitation shift (drought to wet interval) in the last 400 yr. In contrast to trees on eroding hillslopes, increment growth of trees in more geomorphically stable landscape positions closely tracked the regional precipitation signal. Two major alluvial fills on the adjacent valley floor are also linked to the abrupt changes in precipitation regimes and the associated increases in delivery of runoff and sediments from slopes. The clay-cemented sandstones weather rapidly; rapid weathering and sediment production make slopes highly responsive to decadal precipitation changes. Significant vegetation declines on slopes during extreme drought make hillslope soils more prone to erosion if heavy precipitation follows soon thereafter.
Computation of Turbulent Flow in a Thin Liquid Layer of Fluid Involving a Hydraulic Jump

Numerically computed flow fields and free surface height distributions are presented for the flow of a thin layer of liquid adjacent to a solid horizontal surface that encounters a hydraulic jump. Two kinds of flow configurations are considered: two-dimensional plane flow and axisymmetric radial flow. The computations used a boundary-fitted moving grid method with a k-epsilon model for the closure of turbulence. The free surface height was determined by an optimization procedure which minimized the error in the pressure distribution on the free surface. It was also checked against an approximate procedure involving integration of the governing equations and use of the MacCormack predictor-corrector method. The computed film height also compared reasonably well with previous experiments. A region of recirculating flow was found to be present adjacent to the solid boundary near the location of the jump, which was caused by a rapid deceleration of the flow.
Asymmetric endoscopic inflammation of the ileal pouch: A sign of ischemic pouchitis?

Background: Pouchitis is associated with dysbiosis and dysregulated mucosal immunity, although secondary pouchitis with special etiologic factors, such as ischemia, can occur. The aim was to describe a disease phenotype of the ileal pouch with an endoscopic appearance suggestive of ischemia. Methods: We identified consecutive patients with endoscopic asymmetric inflammation of the pouch (inflammation of side of the pouch with a completely normal other limb of the pouch one limb and a sharp demarcation along the staple suture line). Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) of the pouch or antibiotic-responsive pouchitis, matched for duration of the pouch, served as controls. Histology slides of mucosal biopsies were re-reviewed independently by 2 blinded gastrointestinal pathologists. Demographic, clinical, endoscopic, histologic, and imaging characteristics were compared between the groups. Results: Ten patients with “ischemic” pouchitis, 15 with CD of the pouch, and 15 with antibiotic-responsive pouchitis were studied. Pyloric gland metaplasia was observed only in the groups with CD of the pouch (23.1%) or antibiotic-responsive pouchitis (13.3%). Of patients with “ischemic” pouchitis, 80% had extracellular hemosiderin or hematoidin deposits (versus 30.8% those with CD of the pouch and 13.3% of those with pouchitis, P = 0.003). The majority of patients (80%) with “ischemic” pouchitis did not respond to conventional antibiotic therapy. It appeared that subsequent abdominal surgeries after pouch construction and a history of postoperative portal vein thrombi were associated with “ischemic” pouchitis. Conclusions: Endoscopic asymmetric inflammation of the pouch may represent an ischemia-associated pouchitis with characteristic clinical, radiographic, and histologic features. Its hemodynamic, cellular, and molecular basis of mechanism warrants further study. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2010
Partial Migration in a Robust Brown Trout Population of a Patagonian River

Abstract Life history plasticity, particularly partial migration (i.e., coexistence of resident and anadromous forms), probably plays a major role in the ability of brown trout Salmo trutta to dominate food webs after introduction into Patagonian rivers. We documented brown trout establishment, distribution, and life history variation in relation to habitat features in the Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Results support the hypothesis that Rio Grande brown trout developed an anadromous life history form (“sea trout”) two decades after introduction in relation to localized food limitation as the population expanded throughout the basin. Tributary streams with only resident fish were narrower and had significantly higher levels of specific conductance and soluble reactive phosphorus than streams that were inhabited by both resident and anadromous brown trout. Invertebrate biomass was two to three times higher and juvenile brown trout density was significantly higher in resident-only sites than in s...
Effects of the pH/ p CO 2 control method on medium chemistry and phytoplankton growth

Abstract. The control of key chemical parameters in phytoplankton cultures, such as pCO2, pH and Ω (the saturation state of calcium carbonate), is made difficult by the interdependence of these parameters and by the changes resulting from the growth of the organisms, such as CO2 fixation, nutrient uptake and, for coccolithophores, calcite precipitation. Even in cultures where pCO2 or pH is maintained constant, other chemical parameters change substantially at high cell densities. Experimentally we observed that various methods of adjustment of pCO2/pH – acid or base addition, use of buffers or pH-stats, or bubbling of CO2-enriched air – can be used, the choice of one or the other depending on the goals of the experiments. At seawater pH, we measured the same growth rates in cultures of the diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii where the pCO2/pH was controlled by these different methods. The pH/pCO2 control method also did not affect the rates of growth or calcification of the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi at seawater pH. At lower pH/higher pCO2, in the E. huxleyi strain PLY M219, we observed increases in rates of carbon fixation and calcification per cell, along with a slight increase in growth rate, except in bubbled cultures. In our hands, the bubbling of cultures seemed to induce more variable results than other methods of pCO2/pH control. While highly convenient, the addition of pH buffers to the medium apparently induces changes in trace metal availability and cannot be used under trace metal-limiting conditions.
A Network Perspective on Dropout Prevention in Two Cities

Purpose: This exploratory case study examines how school systems and other local organizations have been working within two major U.S. cities to improve high school graduation rates. Systematically assessing active interorganizational dropout prevention networks may reveal characteristics affecting communities’ capacity to support school completion. Research Method: This study included the local affiliates within two U.S. cities of national partners in a dropout prevention initiative. A survey and follow-up interview probed for each organization’s cooperation with the other local organizations. Social network analyses revealed how school superintendents’ offices and other local agencies cooperated, as well as which organizations were most central within each city’s dropout prevention network. Findings: School systems in both cities cooperated with the YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, the mayor’s office, United Way, and Chamber of Commerce. Among the most central organizations in broade...
Deletion of the Complement C5a Receptor Alleviates the Severity of Acute Pneumococcal Otitis Media following Influenza A Virus Infection in Mice

There is considerable evidence that influenza A virus (IAV) promotes adherence, colonization, and superinfection by S. pneumoniae (Spn) and contributes to the pathogenesis of otitis media (OM). The complement system is a critical innate immune defense against both pathogens. To assess the role of the complement system in the host defense and the pathogenesis of acute pneumococcal OM following IAV infection, we employed a well-established transtympanically-induced mouse model of acute pneumococcal OM. We found that antecedent IAV infection enhanced the severity of acute pneumococcal OM. Mice deficient in complement C1qa (C1qa-/-) or factor B (Bf -/-) exhibited delayed viral and bacterial clearance from the middle ear and developed significant mucosal damage in the eustachian tube and middle ear. This indicates that both the classical and alternative complement pathways are critical for the oto-immune defense against acute pneumococcal OM following influenza infection. We also found that Spn increased complement activation following IAV infection. This was characterized by sustained increased levels of anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a in serum and middle ear lavage samples. In contrast, mice deficient in the complement C5a receptor (C5aR) demonstrated enhanced bacterial clearance and reduced severity of OM. Our data support the concept that C5a-C5aR interactions play a significant role in the pathogenesis of acute pneumococcal OM following IAV infection. It is possible that targeting the C5a-C5aR axis might prove useful in attenuating acute pneumococcal OM in patients with influenza infection.
Single molecule detection using graphene electrodes

It is shown using density functional theory that the trapping of molecules between graphene electrode plates can be used to sense molecules through their vibrational fluctuations. This hypothesis is tested using water trapped in two graphene molecules connected to a potential difference. The electric current fluctuations generated through the junction correspond to the fluctuations of the vibrational modes. Since this system yield currents in a range workable by present electronic devices, there is no need for further 'molecular amplification'. Fluctuations of the three modes of water yield similar changes of potentials in the neighbourhood accessible to other molecules; therefore, vibrations from a single water molecule, as an example, or vibrations from any other molecule can be transduced into electrical currents of magnitude compatible with present silicon technology. In the particular case of the water molecule, a rectified potential signal is obtained from the fluctuations of the antisymmetric stretching mode and a simple transduction is obtained from the symmetric stretching and bending modes. It is argued that the high sensitivity is due to the strong delocalization of the frontier molecular orbitals or molecular plasmons on graphene electrodes, which guarantees the detection based on molecular potentials or molecular vibrations; these plasmon-like molecules are of major importance for the development of molecular and nano electronics.
Analog VLSI neuromorphic systems

The implementation of neuromorphic systems in analog VLSI technology is discussed. As an example, a silicon retina (nearest neighborhood connectivity) and the H-J independent component analyzer (fully connected) auto-adaptive network with on-chip analog storage and learning circuitry are considered. >
Using the Electronic Medical Record to Better Define “No Products of Conception” as a Critical Value in Anatomic Pathology

At present, the College of American Pathologists checklist requires documentation of communication of critical values in anatomic pathology to caregivers. Recently, our institution has begun using the electronic medical record to document the lack of imminent danger or emergency associated with the case rather than calling the caregiver. I sought to document this trend. The results of all critical values and all endometrial curettings with a diagnosis of "no products of conception seen" for the last 3 years at 1 hospital were reviewed. During the first 18 months, 0 of 11 critical cases were documented by reference to the electronic medical record. During the second 18 months 5 of 14 cases (36%; P = .02) were documented to have an intrauterine pregnancy by ultrasound and the physician was not notified. In our laboratory, cases without products of conception and a documented intrauterine pregnancy are no longer considered critical values in anatomic pathology. Documentation of the lack of imminent danger to the patient through reference to the electronic medical record is an increasingly common and acceptable means of ensuring patient safety and more accurately defining critical values in anatomic pathology.
Central Tempol alters basal sympathetic nerve discharge and attenuates sympathetic excitation to central ANG II.

In the present study, we established dose-response relationships between central administration of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (Tempol, a superoxide dismutase mimetic) and the le...
Weighted diagnosis with asymmetric invalidation

Prior research has extended the classical PMC (or Symmetric Invalidation) Model to incorporate a priori weights or probabilities associated with units. We consider a similar extension to the BGM (or Asymmetric Invalidation) Model. In contrast to the PMC model, where deciding the weighted diagnosability number is co-NP complete, we show that the diagnosability number in the weighted BGM model can be obtained in O(m/sup 2/) time, where m is the number of tests in the system. We also show that diagnosis in this weighted model can be performed in O(T(n)) time, where n is the number of units in the system and T(n)/spl ap/n/sup 2.376/ is the amount of time needed to multiply two n by n matrices.
Early-onset peripheral arterial occlusive disease: clinical features and determinants of disease severity and location

a Abstract: Early-onset peripheral lower extremity arterial occlusive disease (PAD) is an uncom- mon, poorly characterized manifestation of atherosclerotic vascular disease. We studied the clinical presentation and correlates of disease severity and location in patients with early-onset PAD identie ed at non-invasive arterial evaluation. We identie ed a series of 159 patients who were younger than 50 years and had an abnormal resting or postexercise ankle brachial index (ABI) (<0.9) or, if arteries were noncompressible, monophasic arterial Doppler signals. Disease severity and location were determined based on results of noninvasive vascular laboratory testing. Presence of coexisting atherosclerosis in other arterial beds was ascertained by review of patient records. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors associated with disease severity and location. Mean age of the patients was 42.7 6 4.2 years and 55% were women. Prevalence of risk factors was 76% for current or past smoking; 71%, dyslipidemia; 53%, hypertension; 35%, diabetes; and 53%, family history. Claudication was present in 50%, rest pain in 3%, ulceration in 31% and the remaining 16% did not have symp- toms from PAD. Low high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and female sex were associated with severity. Of 102 patients in whom disease location could be determined noninvasively, 65% had aortoiliac disease. Female sex, low HDL-cholesterol, and absence of diabetes were associated with aortoiliac disease. Atherosclerosis in other arterial beds was identie ed in 53% of the patients. Conclusion: In this study population of early-onset atherosclerotic PAD, men and women were equally represented. The disease involved predominantly the aortoiliac location. Low HDL-cholesterol and female sex were associated with disease severity. An aggressive approach to diagnosis and treatment may be warranted as atherosclerosis in other arterial beds was prevalent in half of the patients.
Role of Cardiac Imaging (CT/MR) Before and After RF Catheter Ablation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

Pre-procedure X-ray computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) angiography are commonly used to delineate the complex and variable relationship of the left atrium, pulmonary veins, and surrounding structures. 3D CT and MR angiography are routinely incorporated into electroanatomic mapping systems to guide ablation lesion placement in the context of patient specific anatomy. Post-procedure CT and MRI have also proven useful for evaluating complications such as pulmonary vein stenosis. In the future, these imaging modalities may be used to visualize more detailed tissue characteristics such as atrial fibrosis and ablation lesions. This could improve selection of patients for different treatment strategies and perhaps guide more effective ablation. This review will discuss cur rent and emerging applications of CT and MRI before and after radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.
Promotion of asparagus shoot and root growth by growth retardants

Plantlets regenerated from shoot-tip culture of Asparagus officinalis L. possessed weak shoots and roots. Various combinations of auxins and cytokinins did not improve the plantlets. Incorporation of a number of growth retardants, viz. ancymidol, B-995, phosfon, Amo 1618, cycocel and paclobutrazol, promoted growth of stronger shoots and roots. The effectiveness of the growth retardants varied, with ancymidol being most effective and cycocel least effective. The response to ancymidol was prevented by exogenous GA3 and GA4/7. GA1/3 and GA4/7-like activities were detected in asparagus shoot-tip culture and these activities were reduced by the presence of the growth retardants ancymidol, Amo-1618, and cycocel.
Spontaneous growth of GaN nanowire nuclei on N- and Al-polar AlN: A piezoresponse force microscopy study of crystallographic polarity

Abstract The polarity of gallium nitride (GaN) nanowire nuclei grown on AlN layers was studied by piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). N- or Al-polar AlN layers were grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on Si (111) substrates by use of Al- or N-rich growth conditions, respectively. Short and low density GaN nanowires were then grown on each AlN polarity type. PFM measurements verified the expected AlN layer polarity and further indicated that predominantly N-polar nanowires are produced for growth on both AlN polarity types. Cross-section scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images further reveal that the nanowires on Al-polar AlN films are nucleated on regions in the AlN layer that contain inversion domains, which propagate into the GaN nanowire nuclei. PFM measurements were found to be a convenient technique for mapping the polarity of a statistically significant number of individual GaN nanowires.
Reduced continuous-flow left ventricular assist device speed does not decrease von Willebrand factor degradation

Abstract Background Nonsurgical bleeding is a frequent complication of continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. Abnormal von Willebrand factor (vWF) metabolism plays a major role. However, the relationship between LVAD speed and vWF degradation is unknown. Recent evidence has demonstrated that supraphysiologic shear stress from continuous-flow LVADs accelerates vWF degradation and causes an acquired vWF deficiency and bleeding. To manage LVAD-associated bleeding, it has been proposed that reduced LVAD speed may decrease shear stress and thereby reduce pathologic vWF metabolism. However, there are little published data to support this clinical practice. We tested the hypothesis that reduced continuous-flow LVAD speed decreases vWF degradation. Methods Whole blood was collected from patients before and after the implantation of a HeartMate II continuous-flow LVAD (n = 10) to quantify in vivo vWF degradation. In parallel, to evaluate the relationship between LVAD rpm and vWF degradation, whole blood was collected from human donors (n = 30). Single-donor units of blood circulated in an ex vivo HeartMate II mock circulatory loop for 12 hours at 11,400, 10,000, or 8600 rpm (n = 10/each rpm group). vWF multimers and degradation fragments were characterized with electrophoresis and immunoblot analysis. Paired Student t tests were performed within each group. ANOVA with Tukey post hoc test was performed across groups. Results In patients, LVAD support reduced large vWF multimers and significantly ( P Conclusions Reduced LVAD speed (within the clinical operational range) did not significantly decrease vWF degradation in a mock circulatory loop with human blood. During bleeding events, reduced LVAD speed, itself, may not diminish vWF degradation.
Using Hydrogeophysics to Monitor Change in Hyporheic Flow around Stream Restoration StructuresHydrogeophysics and Hyporheic Flow

Hyporheic exchange is important because water flux through the streambed influences microbial communities and water quality, but little is known about the way in which it changes over time, particularly in response to stream restoration. We used tracer tests and geophysical monitoring, along with streambed characterization, to examine the evolution of the hyporheic zone after construction of a stream restoration structure at Crabby Creek, an urbanized watershed in southeastern Pennsylvania. Changes were assessed by comparing data from 2009 and 2010 over a 13.5 m reach centered on a J-hook. The breakthrough curves from streambed well sampling were remarkably similar in 2009 and 2010, with steep rising and falling limbs indicating rapid exchange followed by a short period (less than 2 hours) of slightly elevated concentration before returning to background levels. The resistivity tomographs of the subsurface showed areas of lingering tracer after the injection stopped. Upstream of the J-hook, there was an area of lingering tracer that persisted for more than 3 hours after the injection stopped. This upstream region of slow exchange was similar for both years. Downstream of the structure, there was lingering tracer in 2009, but a smaller, less intense region in 2010. Streambed characterization showed that 20 cm of erosion occurred in the downstream section between the two years, along with an increased proportion of fines, which was associated with inhibited hyporheic flux. The resistivity profiles showed areas of lingering tracer and helped map changes in the hyporheic zone that were not apparent from well sampling alone.
T lymphocytes responding to Mls-locus antigens are Lyt-1+, 2− andI-A restricted

We have investigated primary and secondary responses of mouse splenic T cells to strong mixed lymphocyte stimulating antigens controlled by theMls locus using MHC-identical mixtures of cells. Our studies show that strong primaryMls-locus specific responses involve recognition of self I-A antigens, since BUdR and light suicide or F1 into parent radiation bone-marrow chimeras both demonstrate a preference of unprimed F1 T cells to respond to Mis-locus antigens associated with one parent's MHC antigens. Furthermore, conventional anti-I-A antisera and monoclonal anti-I-A antibody both inhibitMls-locus responses in an MHC-specific manner. Finally, as is typical of T cells responding to I-A antigens or to nominal antigens associated with self I-A,Mlslocus responses are mediated by Lyt-1+, 2− cells. One striking finding in these studies was the very high frequency of cells capable of responding to Mls-locus antigens, the highest being 1/300 splenic T cells. This plus evidence for recruitment during primaryMls-locus responses may account for reports of a lack ofI-A restriction in secondary anti-Mls locus responses to strong Mls-locus antigens, a finding with which we concur. The possibility that these secondary responses between noncongenic strains of mice may be directed at other genetic loci is also discussed. These experiments leave open the question of the biological role of theMls-locus and of the very large number of T cells reactive to it.
Inactivation of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus by pH and Temperature Changes and by Formaldehyde

Summary1) Rates of inactivation of tissue-culture-derived, foot-and-mouth disease virus, type A, strain 119 (FMDV–A119), at various pH levels and temperatures and by formaldehyde were determined. R...
Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth:1 Contact Toxicity of 20 Insecticides Applied to the Larvae

Twenty chemicals were tested for their toxicity to 4th-instars of Hemerocampa pseudotsugata McDunnough. Eleven were more toxic than the standard, mexacarbate, at both LD50 and LD90. They were, in decreasing order of toxicity at LD50 bioethanomethrin, NIA 26021 ([+] cis stereo isomer of resmethrin), NIA 18739 ([+] trans stereo isomer of resmethrin), resmethrin, methomyl, phoxim, DDTpp′, chlormethylfos, and Phosvel ®([2, 5-dichloro-4-bromophenyl) O-methyl phenyl thiophosphate). The descending order of toxicity at LD90 was: bioethanomethrin, NIA 26021, NIA 18739, resmethrin, methomyl, phoxim, chlorphoxim, pyrethrins, DDTpp′, chlormethylfos, and Phosvel. The cis isomer of resmethrin was significantly more toxic at both LD50 and LD90 than the trans isomer. Data also were obtained on the effect of posttreatment holding conditions and on the effect of dye tracers and stabilizing adjuvants on the insecticidal activity of pyrethrins.
A Case of Bilateral “Middle Ear Myoclonus” (P4.318)

Objective: We present a case of a 62-year-old woman with middle ear myoclonus. We discuss the heterogeneity of the diagnosis and suggest a more uniform way of describing it. Background: Middle ear myoclonus is an umbrella diagnosis for several conditions causing rhythmic tympanic membrane movement. Patients present with difficult to describe symptoms of ear popping, clicking, or pulsatile tinnitus. Reports have varied in unilateral or bilateral symptoms and in lesion localization and mechanism. It can be accompanied with other cranial nerve involvement and treatment varies depending on etiology. Methods: This is a case report and review of literature. The literature search includes middle ear myoclonus, hemifacial spasm, and blepharospasm. Results: Our patient presented with a 25-year history of rhythmic, bilateral “ear popping” with bilateral “eye blinking.” Her examination revealed 2-3 Hz rhythmic movement of each tympanic membrane, often synchronous with bilateral blepharospasm. Contrasted brain MRI with attention to the cerebellopontine angle, and MRA, were negative. Bilateral tensor tympanectomy resolved the ear popping sensation, but she had persistent rhythmic blepharospasm. Conclusions: Middle ear myoclonus is a heterogenous syndrome, and a misnomer as the underlying etiology may not necessarily be myoclonus. Localization can be central or peripheral and possible mechanisms include myoclonus, dystonia, peripheral nerve irritation (e.g. hemifacial spasm from a vascular loop), or muscular. In our case both cranial nerves V (to the stapedius muscle) and VII (to the orbicularis oculi) were involved. We propose a unifying term for the subjective sensations of tympanic membrane movement: oscillacusia. Under this term, the specific etiology causing the tympanic membrane movement should be elucidated and treated. Disclosure: Dr. Siegel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wszolek has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Parkinsonism & Related Disorders and the European Journal of Neurology. Dr. Wszolek has received royalty payments for the discovery of LRRK2 gene mutations.
The Experimental Study on Error-frequency Characteristics of Capacitor Voltage Transformer

To study the effect of the error changing with frequency of capacitor voltage transformer,error characteristics of CVT in theoretical analysis has been made and the experimental system is built to test the specific error changing with frequency.The preliminary experiment result indicates that the changing of frequency has a certain influence on error of CVT.
New Puzzles About Divine Attributes

According to traditional Western theism, God is maximally great (or perfect). more explicitly, God is said to have the following divine attributes: omnipotence, omniscience, and omnibenevolence. In this paper, I present three puzzles about this conception of a maximally great (or perfect) being. The first puzzle about omniscience shows that this divine attribute is incoherent. The second puzzle about omnibenevolence and omnipotence shows that these divine attributes are logically incompatible. The third puzzle about perfect rationality and omnipotence shows that these divine attributes are logically incompatible.
Enhancing Patent Disclosure for Faithful Claim Construction

Claim construction jurisprudence is in disarray. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reverses trial court claim construction decisions at a worryingly high rate. The proportion of Federal Circuit claim construction opinions that include separate concurrences or dissents continues to grow. And the muddled mix of issues the Federal Circuit framed for en banc review in the Phillips case suggests that the court is having trouble reaching consensus on what the central questions are, much less on how to answer them. Perhaps the path to adequately predictable claim construction is continued tinkering with the analytical constructs internal to the Federal Circuit's claim construction jurisprudence. But I doubt it. In this paper, I therefore take a sharply different approach to the question, how can we make claim construction more predictable? Inspired by the maxim garbage in, garbage out, I look to the patent system actor that has plenary power, within the broad outline set by the Patent Act, over the details of all patent disclosures - namely, the Patent Office. Specifically, I examine additional, low-cost disclosures that would assist claim construction and that the Patent Office can demand from all patent applicants. Carefully selected disclosures would make all patents far more helpful tools in their own construction, providing social benefits that far outweigh the added patent preparation costs. I explore four additional patentee disclosures, all requiring express statements on the face of the patent itself: (a) the field of art to which the claimed invention pertains; (b) all problems that the claimed invention helps solve; (c) a lexicon of all claim terms to which the applicant gives a meaning other than its accustomed meaning to people having ordinary skill in the pertinent art (along with a supporting interpretive rule barring special meanings for any terms not in the lexicon); and (d) a list of preferred objective reference sources, such as technical treatises and dictionaries (general or specialized), to which an interested reader should refer to learn about the ordinary meaning of the remaining claim terms to a person having ordinary skill in the art. In any subsequent claim construction process, whether for licensing, design-around, or litigation purposes, parties would have the benefit of patents enriched with this new information. The patent document, enhanced in this way, would better fulfill its role as claim construction's central resource.
Tensile strength of 〈1 0 0〉 and 〈1 1 0〉 tilt bicrystal copper interfaces

Abstract Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to model dislocation nucleation at or near symmetric tilt bicrystal copper interfaces with 〈1 0 0〉 or 〈1 1 0〉 misorientation axes. MD simulations indicate that orientation of the opposing lattice regions and the presence of certain structural units are two critical attributes of the interface structure that affect the stress required for dislocation nucleation. Boundaries that contain the E structural unit are found to emit dislocations at comparatively low tensile stress magnitudes. A simple model is proposed to illustrate the impact of interfacial porosity and stresses acting on the slip-plane in non-glide directions on tensile interface strength. Accounting for interfacial porosity through an average measure is found to be sufficient to model the tensile strength of boundaries with a 〈1 0 0〉 misorientation axis and many boundaries with a 〈1 1 0〉 misorientation axis.
Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4) modulates Rho GTPase levels and function via regulation of RhoGDIα

In earlier studies, we showed that ATF4 down-regulation affects post-synaptic development and dendritic spine morphology in neurons through increased turnover of the Rho GTPase Cell Division Cycle 42 (Cdc42) protein. Here, we find that ATF4 down-regulation in both hippocampal and cortical neuron cultures reduces protein and message levels of RhoGDIα, a stabilizer of the Rho GTPases including Cdc42. This effect is rescued by an shATF4-resistant active form of ATF4, but not by a mutant that lacks transcriptional activity. This is, at least in part, due to the fact that Arhgdia, the gene encoding RhoGDIα, is a direct transcriptional target of ATF4 as is shown in ChIP assays. This pathway is not restricted to neurons. This is seen in an impairment of cell migration on ATF4 reduction in non-neuronal cells. In conclusion, we have identified a new cellular pathway in which ATF4 regulates the expression of RhoGDIα that in turn affects Rho GTPase protein levels, and thereby, controls cellular functions as diverse as memory and cell motility.
High MOF loading in mixed-matrix membranes utilizing styrene/butadiene copolymers

A series of styrene/butadiene polymers were combined with up to 90 wt% UiO-66 to form mixed-matrix membranes with varying physical properties. Notably, polystyrene-block-polybutadiene (SBS) membranes retained much of the processability and flexibility of the native polymer component and the porosity, chemical tunability, and adsorption of the native MOF.