cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Roles of Phosphodiesterases in Cyclic Nucleotide Cross-Talk in Cardiac Myocytes

The cyclic nucleotides (cNs) cAMP and cGMP regulate the response of cardiac myocytes to both external and internal stimuli. Distinctly-regulated phosphodiesterases (PDEs) control the degradation of these cNs. As a result of their regulation by cNs, PDEs also facilitate communication between the β-adrenergic and Nitric Oxide (NO)/cGMP/Protein Kinase G (PKG) signaling pathways, which regulate the synthesis of cAMP and cGMP, respectively. Activation of the β-adrenergic pathway potentiates cardiac contractility, whereas activation of the NO/cGMP/PKG pathway reduces it. As a result, the balance between cNs plays a critical role in regulating contraction. The phenomena where cAMP influences the dynamics of the cGMP pathway, and vice versa, are commonly referred to as cN cross-talk. However, the cross-talk response and the individual role of each PDE isoenzyme in shaping this response remain to be fully characterized. We have developed a computational model of the cN cross-talk network that mechanistically integrates the β-adrenergic and NO/cGMP/PKG pathways via regulation of PDEs by both cNs. The individual model components and the entire network model replicate experimentally observed activation-response relationships and temporal dynamics. The model predicts that under sub-maximal β-adrenergic stimulation, an increase of PDE2 and a decrease of PDE3 cAMP hydrolysis rates under concomitant NO stimulation results in a net cAMP accumulation, leading to the observed NO-mediated potentiation of Protein Kinase A (PKA) activation. In addition, under concomitant β-adrenergic stimulation, due to cGMP accumulation from increased PDE5 and decreased PDE3 cGMP hydrolysis rates, PKG can be further activated beyond the level achieved under NO alone. By defining cN cross-talk reactions based on the binding affinity of cNs to specific PDE domains and the associated hydrolysis rates, we pin-pointed the principal mechanisms driving the cross-talk response within this non-linear, tightly-coupled reaction system.
Second Heart Sound: A Phono‐Echocardiographic Correlation in 20 Cardiac Patients

In 20 cardiac patients, a study was made of the relationship between the second heart sound (S2) recorded by phonocardiography and the motion of the aortic valve recorded by simultaneous echocardiography. Since the first component of S2 coincided with closure of the aortic valve in all 20 patients, it is concluded that the origin of the first component of S2 may be related to aortic valve closure.
Nanoscale visualization of microcrystalline chlorophyll a investigated with scanning tunneling microscopy

Abstract We have studied the topography of microcrystalline chlorophyll a films, that have been electrodeposited onto gold electrodes, using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The STM revealed that the films possess a polycrystalline structure with small grain sizes of 50 to 100 nm in diameter and a very rough surface topography with a surface roughness of 5 to 10 nm over surface areas of 1 × 1 μ m. The surface structure correlates with results from an earlier photocurrent study of microcrystalline chlorophyll a .
The spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias L. maintains osmolyte balance during long‐term starvation

Over 56 days of starvation, spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias lost c. 0·3% body mass per day and condition factor and hepato-somatic index declined, but plasma osmolality levels remained higher than seawater levels for the entire period; major osmolytes in the plasma, such as urea, trimethylamine oxide and inorganic ions did not change appreciably. Urea was always the dominant nitrogen waste and was excreted at a constant rate over the 56 day starvation period, suggesting that a minimum rate of urea loss to the environment is unavoidable. Significant amounts of unknown-nitrogen compounds were also excreted at rates higher than that of ammonia. The dogfish can maintain its osmolytes constant despite losing large amounts of nitrogen-rich urea, and therefore maintains plasma hyperosmotic regulation over long-term starvation.
Transmission Line Characterization of Undercut-Ridge Traveling-Wave Electroabsorption Modulators

An experimental analysis of the electrical properties of traveling-wave electroabsorption modulators with undercut waveguides is presented. Modulators of varying ridge widths and amounts of undercut are fabricated and tested to compare characteristic impedance, effective index, microwave loss, and optical bandwidth. We demonstrate effective velocity matching and >40-GHz 3-dB bandwidth for a 400-mum-long device.
CONFLICTALK: An instrument for measuring youth and adolescent conflict management message styles

An instrument for assessing youth and adolescent conflict management message styles is presented. The CONFLICTALK instrument is intended as a tool for training in school-based peer mediator–conflict manager programs. Data collected from elementary, middle, and high school grades indicate that the scales used in CONFLICTALK measure typical responses to interpersonal and group conflict. Construct validity, using factor analysis, suggests that CONFLICTALK discriminates three conflict styles: (1) adversarial, (2) collaborative, and (3) avoidance across elementary and middle school levels. Conflict message wording for high school students appears less reliable.
Licensing examinations in North America: Is external audit valuable?

The United States and Canada both have long-standing, highly developed national systems of assessment for medical-licensure based outside the institutions of medical education. This commentary reviews those programs and explores some of the reasons for their implementation and retention for nearly a century. The North American experience may be relevant to dialog about national or European assessments for medical practice.
An indirect pressure-gradient technique for measuring instantaneous flow rates in unsteady duct flows

A new technique is presented for making measurements of the instantaneous flow rate in unsteady laminar pipe flows. It utilizes a relationship between flow rate and pressure-gradient history that is an exact solution to the Navier–Stokes equations for parallel, developed flow of constant-property Newtonian fluids undergoing arbitrary unsteadiness from an initially steady or stationary state. The method does not rely on any assumption about velocity profiles, and applies instantaneously in momentarily reversing flow. Experimental comparisons between direct measurements of the cumulative flow and the results of this technique indicate that it is capable of providing measurements of cumulative flow and flow rate which are accurate to within a few percent at any instant during a flow transient, provided the instantaneous pressure gradient can be measured with this accuracy.
Effect of myocardial contractility on hemodynamic end points under concomitant microvascular disease in a porcine model.

In this study, coronary diagnostic parameters, pressure drop coefficient (CDP: ratio of trans-stenotic pressure drop to distal dynamic pressure), and lesion flow coefficient (LFC: ratio of % area stenosis (%AS) to the CDP at throat region), were evaluated to distinguish levels of %AS under varying contractility conditions, in the presence of microvascular disease (MVD). In 10 pigs, %AS and MVD were created using angioplasty balloons and 90-μm microspheres, respectively. Simultaneous measurements of pressure drop, left ventricular pressure (p), and velocity were obtained. Contractility was calculated as (dp/dt)max, categorized into low contractility 900 mmHg/s, and in each group, compared between %AS 50 using analysis of variance. In the presence of MVD, between the %AS 50 groups, values of CDP (71 ± 1.4 and 121 ± 1.3) and LFC (0.10 ± 0.04 and 0.19 ± 0.04) were significantly different (P < 0.05), under low-contractility conditions. A similar %AS trend was observed under high-contractility conditions (CDP: 18 ± 1.4 and 91 ± 1.4; LFC: 0.08 ± 0.04 and 0.25 ± 0.04). Under MVD conditions, similar to fractional flow reserve, CDP and LFC were not influenced by contractility.
Demonstration of quantum solar cell concepts in InGaP barrier structures

Quantum solar cell structures seek to harness a wide spectrum of photons by embedding low energy-gap wells or dots within a high energy-gap matrix. Contrary to previous reports and expectations, we find that an extended region of narrow band-gap material can be inserted into the depletion region of a wide band-gap p-n junction without significantly degrading the dark diode characteristics. In particular, thin InGaP barrier layers are found to be extremely effective at reducing the diode dark current of GaAs-based diodes by several orders of magnitude. Our results imply a clear separation in the quasi-Fermi level at the InGaP/GaAs heterointerface, as well as efficient photogenerated carrier transport over the potential energy barrier. This novel GaAs-based device structure has produced over a 100 mV increase in the open circuit voltage without any degradation in the short circuit current.
Low-cost differential front-end for Doppler radar vital sign monitoring

We present a differential front end design for improving the performance of short-range low-cost Doppler radars for vital sign detection with application to automotive driver safety systems, health monitoring, and security screening. By using dual helical antennas each with a 40-degree beamwidth, it is possible to illuminate the body in two adjacent locations to perform a differential measurement. Since only one of the beams illuminates the heart, the baseband signal from the second radar is used for motion cancellation. We demonstrate this approach using a custom-designed dual helical antenna and simple direct-conversion radar circuits implemented in microstrip operating at 2.460 GHz and 2.510 GHz., respectively. Heart rate data is shown for detection distances of 0.5 meter showing reduction in background motion noise compared to data from traditional single radar unit design.
Anomalously high refractive index of an array of vertically aligned gold nanopillars on silicon

Reflectivity measurements on a film consisting of gold nanopillars surrounded by an anodized aluminum oxide medium suggest a refractive index much larger than that predicted by considering the dispersion curves of gold and aluminum oxide.
Motion of transfer RNA from the A/T state into the A-site using docking and simulations.

The ribosome catalyzes peptidyl transfer reactions at the growing nascent polypeptide chain. Here, we present a structural mechanism for selecting cognate over near-cognate A/T transfer RNA (tRNA). In part, the structural basis for the fidelity of translation relies on accommodation to filter cognate from near-cognate tRNAs. To examine the assembly of tRNAs within the ribonucleic–riboprotein complex, we conducted a series of all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the entire solvated 70S Escherichia coli ribosome, along with its associated cofactors, proteins, and messenger RNA (mRNA). We measured the motion of the A/T state of tRNA between initial binding and full accommodation. The mechanism of rejection was investigated. Using novel in-house algorithms, we determined trajectory pathways. Despite the large intersubunit cavity, the available space is limited by the presence of the tRNA, which is equally large. This article describes a “structural gate,” formed between helices 71 and 92 on the ribosomal large subunit, which restricts tRNA motion. The gate and the interacting protein, L14, of the 50S ribosome act as steric filters in two consecutive substeps during accommodation, each requiring: (1) sufficient energy contained in the hybrid tRNA kink and (2) sufficient energy in the Watson–Crick base pairing of the codon–anticodon. We show that these barriers act to filter out near-cognate tRNA and promote proofreading of the codon–anticodon. Since proofreading is essential for understanding the fidelity of translation, our model for the dynamics of this process has substantial biomedical implications. Proteins 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reducing cache invalidation overheads in wormhole routed DSMs using multidestination message passing

Current generation distributed shared memory (DSM) systems use point-to-point (unicast) messages for cache invalidations. This incurs a large number of control messages, heavy network traffic, and high occupancy at home nodes. This paper introduces a new approach to reduce these overheads by using multidestination-based reservation and gather worms for distributing invalidation requests and collecting acknowledgments. Different grouping schemes to generate multidestination worms on networks supporting deterministic (e-cube) or adaptive (turn-model) routing are investigated to implement the fully-mapped cache-coherence protocol. For different applications on a 2D mesh system, our simulation results indicate that up to 15% reduction in overall execution time can be achieved by using multidestination messages.
Dietary mineral content influences the expression of melanin-based ornamental coloration

Many animals develop bold patches of black or brown coloration that are derived from melanin pigments and serve as sexual or social signals. At present, there is much debate among behavioral ecologists over whether melanin-based color signals are costly to produce. Studies that have manipulated crude aspects of nutrition (i.e., total food intake) or health have generally found melanin-based plumage ornaments to be less responsive to such factors than other types of extravagant color (e.g., carotenoid or structural based). However, a recently advanced hypothesis argues that limited minerals in the diet, such as calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe), may serve to increase melanin pigment production and maintain signal honesty. Here, I experimentally tested whether variation in the calcium content of the diet affects the color and extent of melanin-based plumage in male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Calcium supplementation increased the size, but not darkness, of the black breast plumage patch in fledgling and adult males; however, sexually selected, carotenoid-based red beak coloration was not affected by the diet manipulation. These results are the first to support the idea that acquisition of minerals from the diet is a unique, limiting factor for the expression of ornamental melanin coloration in animals. Key words: calcium, honest signaling, plumage pigmentation, Taeniopygia guttata, zebra finch. [Behav Ecol]
Fibrations of the Persistent Invariant Manifolds

We continue to work in \({{\tilde{D}}_{k}}\), where the bumped perturbed flow (2.6.27) is defined. From Proposition 3.1.1, we know the existence of the C n codimension 1 center-unstable manifold \(W_{{{{\delta }_{1}},\delta }}^{{cu}}\), the C n codimension 1 center-stable manifold \(W_{{{{\delta }_{1}},\delta }}^{{cs}}\), and the C n codimension 2 center manifold \({{W}_{{{{\delta }_{1}},\delta }}}\), under the bumped perturbed flow (2.6.27). More specifically, \(W_{{{{\delta }_{1}},\delta }}^{{cu}}\) exists in \(\tilde{D}_{k}^{{(1)}}\); moreover, it is overflowing invariant. \(W_{{{{\delta }_{1}},\delta }}^{{cs}}\) exists in \(\tilde{D}_{k}^{{(2)}}\); moreover, it is inflowing invariant. Then \({{W}_{{{{\delta }_{1}},\delta }}} \equiv W_{{{{\delta }_{1}},\delta }}^{{cu}} \cap W_{{{{\delta }_{1}},\delta }}^{{cs}}\) exists in \(\tilde{D}_{k}^{{(2)}}\), and it is inflowing invariant. Since the fibration theorem is concerned with the fiber representations of \(W_{{{{\delta }_{1}},\delta }}^{{cu}}\) and \(W_{{{{\delta }_{1}},\delta }}^{{cs}}\) with respect to \({{W}_{{{{\delta }_{1}},\delta }}}\) as the base, we have to work in a region where \({{W}_{{{{\delta }_{1}},\delta }}}\) exists. Therefore, we can work only inside \(\tilde{D}_{k}^{{(2)}}\). We know that \({{W}_{{{{\delta }_{1}},\delta }}}\) is inflowing invariant in \(\tilde{D}_{k}^{{(2)}}\). Next, we will prove the following lemma:
A 64-4096 point FFT/IFFT/Windowing Processor for Multi Standard ADSL/VDSL Applications

A programmable 64-4096 point FFT/ IFFT/Windowing processor for DSL applications is discussed. Dynamic scaling, computation restructuring in terms of radix-2 butterfly and clustered computation power down methods are presented. The single multiplier based 360 MHz design occupies 0.38 sqmm of area in 90 nm process and consumes 19.8 mW of dynamic power for a 4096 point computation.
The three-dimensional structure of breaking Rossby waves in the polar wintertime stratosphere

The three-dimensional nature of breaking Rossby waves in the polar wintertime stratosphere is studied using an idealized global primitive equation model. The model is initialized with a well-formed polar vortex, characterized by a latitudinal band of steep potential vorticity (PV) gradients. Planetary-scale Rossby waves are generated by varying the topography of the bottom boundary, corresponding to undulations of the tropopause. Such topographically forced Rossby waves then propagate up the edge of the vortex, and their amplification with height leads to irreversible wave breaking. These numerical experiments highlight several nonlinear aspects of stratospheric dynamics that are beyond the reach of both isentropic two-dimensional models and fully realistic GCM simulations. They also show that the polar vortex is contorted by the breaking Rossby waves in a surprisingly wide range of shapes. With zonal wavenumber-1 forcing, wave breaking usually initiates as a deep helical tongue of PV that is extruded from the polar vortex. This tongue is often observed to roll up into deep isolated columns, which, in turn, may be stretched and tilted by horizontal and vertical shears. The wave amplitude directly controls the depth of the wave breaking region and the amount of vortex erosion. At large forcing amplitudes, the wave breaking in the middle/lower portions of the vortex destroys the PV gradients essential for vertical propagation, thus shielding the top of the vortex from further wave breaking. The initial vertical structure of the polar vortex is shown to play an important role in determining the characteristics of the wave breaking. Perhaps surprisingly, initially steeper PV gradients allow for stronger vertical wave propagation and thus lead to stronger erosion. Vertical wind shear has the notable effect of tilting and stretching PV structures, and thus dramatically accelerating the downscale stirring. An initial decrease in vortex area with increasing height (i.e., a conical shape) leads to focusing of wave activity, which amplifies the wave breaking. This effect provides a geometric interpretation of the ‘‘preconditioning’’ that often precedes a stratospheric sudden warming event. The implications for stratospheric dynamics of these and other threedimensional vortex properties are discussed.
Biting Cousins-Disseminated Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus Infection from a Human Bite.

2-week-old boy was bitten on his forehead by his 18month-old cousin. Three days later, he was seen by his pediatrician because several fluid-filled vesicles had appeared at the site. He was afebrile, vigorous, and feeding and voiding well. Amoxicillin-clavulanate and topical mupirocin were prescribed for presumed cellulitis. However, at follow-up, the lesions had progressed to partially coalesced, purulent, fluid-filled vesicles with surrounding erythema (Figure). His mother recalled that the cousin had similar lesions around his mouth at the time of the bite. The mother had no history of herpes simplex virus (HSV). The infant was admitted for further evaluation and management of presumed primary HSV infection. Intravenous acyclovir, (60 mg/kg/d divided every 8 hours) 1 was administered. The patient’s cerebrospinal fluid was acellular with glucose 44 mg/dL and protein 70 mg/dL, and a complete blood count was unremarkable (white blood cells 9800 cells/mL: 31.8% neutrophils, 48.7% lymphocytes). However,elevatedserumhepaticenzymeswerenoted(aspartate aminotransferase 195 U/L, alanine aminotransferase 122 U/L). Polymerase chain reaction tests on blood and wound specimens were positive, but polymerase chain reaction on cerebrospinal fluid was negative. Detection of HSV infection and elevated serum hepatic enzymes confirmed the diagnosis of disseminated neonatal HSV-1 infection without central
Effects of Light Color on Consumers’ Acceptability and Willingness to Eat Apples and Bell Peppers

Abstract This study aimed to determine whether ambient light colors affect consumers’ willingness to eat, sensory perceptions and hedonic impressions of foods. Sliced apples and red bell peppers were presented under five different colors of light: white, yellow, green, blue and red, respectively. Participants were asked to observe the presented food under these colored lights, to rate their willingness to eat and liking of food appearance. After tasting, participants were asked to rate intensities of flavor and crispness and rate overall impression of the food. When the food samples were presented under white or yellow light rather than blue light, participants not only wanted to eat more, but also liked the foods more. Participants were especially more willing to eat apples under yellow light than under white light commonly experienced in daily life. Flavor intensity of apples was found to be lower under blue light than under yellow, white or red light; this trend was not observed in flavor intensity of bell peppers. Crispness intensities were not different among the five light-color conditions. In conclusion, our findings support and extend the notion that light colors modulate consumers’ willingness to eat and their hedonic impressions of foods, especially apples and bell peppers. Practical Applications As multicolored light-emitting diode bulbs have become popular, foods and drinks are often displayed under colored light in restaurants and retail stores. The results of this study will provide sensory scientists and food-service professionals with valuable insights as to how their consumers will most likely behave under colored lights in a given dining establishment. In addition, based on findings that participants’ appetites were significantly higher for apples under yellow light than under white light, yellow light might be used as a tool for encouraging people to consume more apples in everyday life.
Wideband HF and 4G ALE Near Vertical Incidence Skywave test results

This paper examines the results of Wideband High Frequency (WBHF) Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) Over-The-Air (OTA) testing conducted in the upper Midwest region of the United States of America (USA). Two distances, 45 miles and 180 miles, were used for evaluating data throughput performance over very short and typical distance NVIS links. Two separate trials were conducted, one in early summer, another in the autumn of 2014 for capturing diverse seasonal performance characteristics. A prototype implementation of a WBHF Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) protocol serves as the frequency, bandwidth, and data rate selection function for HF channels ranging from 3 kHz to 48 kHz wide. Several performance metrics were collected from each campaign for seasonal and geographical diverse comparisons.
Reflective Geometry of the Brocard Points

(1963). Reflective Geometry of the Brocard Points. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 162-175.
Stimulation of plant growth by antibiotics.

SummaryData from 3 types of experiments have shown a stimulation of plant growth by antibiotics: tissue culture, standard laboratory seed germination, and seed germination and subsequent growth in soil. The use of antibiotics in animal nutrition, particularly in the feeding of swine and poultry, is already prevalent. The preliminary experiments here described suggest the possibility that antibiotics might have a practical application in the stimulation of plant growth as well as in the control of plant diseases 7-9). The use of tissue culture technics should prove a useful tool in the study of the mechanism of stimulatory action by antibiotics.
Report on detection of non-O1 and non-O139 vibrio choloera for the first time in Xishan District of Wuxi City

[Objective]To identify a suspected Vibrio cholerae isolated from a river in Xishan District of Wuxi City.[Methods]The specimens in external environment were collected for isolation and culture of Vibrio cholerae according to the 5th Edition of"Cholera Prevention and Control Manual"in 1999 and the" Diagnostic Criteria for Cholera"in 2008,etc.[Results]The results were contradistinctive in blood serum agglutination reaction of 3 different kinds of serum.It was positive of 2 kinds of blood serum which was made in China and the rest ones was negative by using Thailand made serum.It was showed that the strain was non-O1 non-O139 in the gene nucleic acid detection using RT-PCR.[Conclusion]It is necessary to apply molecule diagnostic method in detecting suspected cholera Vibrio to exclude obscure factors from serodiagnosis and biochemistry identification in the future,which can provide direct evidence for identification of Vibrionaceae species in molecular level.
Analysis of HBsAg and ALT test results in College freshmen

Objective:To learn freshmen serum hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg) and alanine aminotransferase carrying(ALT) and changes in abnormal circumstances,and to provide the scientific basis for disease prevention and control for the campus.Methods: To statistics and analysis the test results Of ALT and HBsAg of college freshmen in 2009.Results: The HBsAg positive rate of 5310 freshmen was 4.33%,the abnormal rate of ALT was 1.47%,the HBsAg-positive with ALT abnormality detection rate 0.24%;the male HBsAg-positive rate was 5.00%,the female HBsAg positive rate was 3.77%.The difference was statistically significant(χ2 = 4.817,P0.05);the male ALT abnormal rate was 2.42%,the female ALT abnormal rate was 0.453 percent,the difference was statistically significant(χ2 = 37.989,P0.05).Conclusion: ALT tests are the first during routine blood screening on physical examination of freshmen,to cancel the project detection of hepatitis B,on ALT abnormalities,further diagnosis.
Salmonella Minnesota Re 595 Lipid a Induced Nephritis

Injection of heat killed bacteria into kidney parenchyma results in pathologic lesions similar to chronic pyelonephritis while immunosuppression reverses this phenomenon. These observations and the propensity of lipid A to bind to cell membranes suggest that the lipid component of bacterial lipopolysaccharide antigens may be important in the pathogenesis of kidney tubule cell death. The right kidneys of syngeneic Fischer 344 rats were repeatedly injected with glycolipid prepared from Salmonella minnesota Re 595 cell walls. As a control, the contralateral kidney was injected with normal saline. The inflammatory response observed in the glycolipid injected kidney was significantly greater (p less than 0.005) than the response detected in the contralateral saline injected control kidney. Electron microscopy of kidney tubule cells incubated with peroxidase conjugated glycolipid demonstrated glycolipid bound to the kidney tubule cell plasma membranes. These studies suggest that individual antigenic components can induce kidney lesions and tubule cell death similar to that seen in chronic pyelonephritis.
Conditional and Marginal Mutual Information in Gaussian and Hyperbolic Decay Time Series

We consider the amount of available information about an arbitrary future state of a Gaussian stochastic process. We derive an infinite series for the marginal mutual information in terms of the autocorrelation function. We derive an infinite series for the newly available information for prediction, the conditional mutual information, in terms of the moving average parameters, and directly characterize predictability in terms of sensitivity to random shocks. We apply our results to long memory, or more generally, hyperbolic decay models, and give information-theoretic characterizations of the transition from persistence to anti-persistence, stationary long memory to nonstationarity, and a stationary regime where the mutual information is not summable.
Pediatric Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome

Objective:To describe the state of the science, identify knowledge gaps, and offer potential future research questions regarding promising therapies for children with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome presented during the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Developm
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Appearance and Mechanism of Action of Five Hemostatic Agents Used in Neurosurgery

Objective To describe the magnetic resonance (MR) image appearance of 5 hemostatic agents placed in the brain, and to review their clinical application. Study Design Descriptive ex vivo and in vivo study. Animals Canine cadavers (n=4), client-owned dogs (n=4). Methods Heads from 4 canine cadavers were used, each with 5 hemostatic agents placed in specific locations in the brain. Hemostatic agents were used in their native form in 2 cadaveric brains, and in 2 others the materials were saturated with fresh whole blood prior to placement to mimic application in a field of active hemorrhage. The heads underwent MR imaging and the images were reviewed. Postoperative MRI images from 4 dogs undergoing brain tumor resection were retrospectively reviewed and compared to the images from the cadavers. All clinical cases and cadaveric specimens underwent surgical closure prior to MR imaging including placement of titanium mesh over the craniotomy defect with a dural graft of porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) sealed with Tisseel (fibrin sealant). Results The SIS and Tisseel used in the dural graft were consistently indistinguishable from the surrounding tissues on MR images. The MR imaging appearance of the remaining 4 hemostatic agents (Gelfoam, Avitene, Surgicel, and Floseal) placed on the surface or in the parenchyma of canine brain, varied with MR sequence weighting and blood saturation. Conclusion Accurate evaluation of the degree of brain tumor resection on postoperative MR images requires careful differentiation between hemorrhage, residual tumor, and hemostatic agents implanted.
Context-Dependent Modulation of Excitatory Synaptic Strength by Synaptically Released Zinc

Abstract Synaptically released zinc inhibits baseline excitatory neurotransmission; however, the role of this neuromodulator on short-term plasticity during different levels of synaptic activity remains largely unknown. This lack of knowledge prevents our understanding of information transfer across zinc-releasing synapses, including 50% of excitatory synapses in cortical areas. We used in vitro electrophysiology in mouse brain slices and discovered that the effects of zinc on excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) amplitudes are context-dependent. At lower frequencies of activity, synaptically released zinc reduces EPSC amplitudes. In contrast, at higher stimulation frequencies and vesicular release probability (Pr), zinc inhibits EPSC amplitudes during the first few stimuli but leads to enhanced steady-state EPSC amplitudes during subsequent stimuli. This paradoxical enhancement is due to zinc-dependent potentiation of synaptic facilitation via the recruitment of endocannabinoid signaling. Together, these findings demonstrate that synaptically released zinc is a modulator of excitatory short-term plasticity, which shapes information transfer among excitatory synapses.
Evaluation of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization Rates with Early Plerixafor Administration for Adult Stem Cell Transplantation

Abstract The addition of plerixafor to high-dose colony-stimulating growth factor has been shown to improve stem cell mobilization rates in autologous transplant patients with multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This study evaluates the change in administration time of plerixafor to determine if cell mobilization rates are similar between the US Food and Drug Administration–approved administration time of 11 hours before apheresis and an earlier administration time of 16 hours before apheresis. Medical records of patients age ≥ 18 years undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation requiring the use of plerixafor after at least 4 days of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor therapy to complete stem cell mobilization from January 1, 2010 through September 30, 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was CD34+ cell mobilization success rates when plerixafor was administered 11 ± 2 hours (standard administration group) compared with 16 ± 2 hours before cell apheresis (early administration group), as defined as collection of ≥2 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg. Secondary outcomes included the number of plerixafor therapy days required to collect a total of ≥2 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg, the number of apheresis cycles required to achieve ≥2 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg, the median CD34+ cells/kg collected in each apheresis session, and the rates of reported adverse events that occurred in the standard administration time group compared with the early administration time group. Of the 197 patients included, 114 patients received plerixafor 11 ± 2 hours before apheresis and 83 patients received plerixafor 16 hours ± 2 hours before apheresis. Ninety-four percent of patients in the early administration group achieved successful stem cell mobilization compared with 81.6% in the standard administration group (P = .0111). The median number of plerixafor days to reach the collection goal of ≥2 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg was 1 day for each group (P = .323), and the median number of apheresis days to reach the collection goal was 2 days for the standard administration group compared with 1 day for the early administration group (P = .0156). Most adverse events were similar between the 2 groups except for fever, which occurred in 4.8% of the patients in the early administration group and none of the patients in the standard administration group. This study demonstrates plerixafor effectively mobilizes peripheral blood stem cells when given at an early administration time of 16 hours before apheresis compared with standard administration of 11 hours before apheresis. However, further prospective studies could strengthen these results.
Risk Factors and Practical Considerations During ACL Reconstruction

Several risk factors for ACL tear have been identified, more commonly in females. Knowledge about these risk factors would help in identifying atrisk patients, or counseling patients about ACL graft re-rupture or contralateral ACL tear. Some modifiable risk factors could be addressed to prevent future ACL injuries and this is an evolving field. When ACL reconstruction is planned in a skeletally immature patient, the assessment of remaining growth becomes critical, as physeal injury could lead to growth disturbances and deformity. Some practical tips to help with quick evaluation of patient’s remaining growth would be discussed. There are various surgical techniques and several variables that have to be considered during surgery in this age group. The choice of ACL graft, the decision to drill or avoid drilling in the epiphysis, the preferred tunnel diameter and modalities of fixation are all controversial topics which would be discussed in this chapter to help with decision-making process. Finally, cases of ACL reconstruction in special circumstances, like osteogenesis imperfecta and skeletal dysplasia, would be reviewed.
Pazopanib radio-sensitization of human sarcoma tumors

Recent data in our laboratory indicate that engagement of host-derived microenvironmental elements impact tumor response to single high dose radiation therapy (SDRT). In these studies we showed that microvascular endothelial damage plays a critical role in tumor response as regulator of direct lethal damage of SDRT. Using a genetic model of Acid Sphingomyelinase (ASMase)-deficient mice we showed that activation of this enzyme by SDRT-induced damage in the endothelium is mandatory for tumor cure. ASMase activation triggers ceramide-mediated apoptosis, and therein microvascular dysfunction, which increased the vulnerability of tumor cells to lethal damage by radiation. Angiogenic factors repressed this activity while a monoclonal antibody targeting VEGF, de-repressed ASMase activity and radiosensitized tumor endothelium when delivered immediately prior to SDRT. In this study, we tested the effect of SDRT in combination with the short-acting anti-angiogenic agent, Pazopanib (anti-VEGFR-1/2/3, PDGF-α/β and c-kit), in two xenograft models of human sarcoma. Pre-treatment with a single dose of Pazopanib increased SDRT-induced ASMase activity and endothelial dysfunction in vitro and in vivo, enhancing SDRT tumor cure, and exhibiting critical dependence on timing relative to SDRT exposure, suggesting a mechanism of action identical to that demonstrated for anti-VEGF/VEGFR2 antibodies. These results demonstrate the ability of Pazopanib to shift the response towards tumor cure and could therefore have a significant impact on clinical trial development in combination with SDRT for sarcoma cancer patients.
Characteristics and Diagnosis of Convergence Insufficiency

Convergence Insufficiency is defined as the inability to obtain and/or maintain adequate binocular convergence without undue effort. It is one of the most common causes of ocular discomfort, the mo...
Taking Stock of the Absorptive Capacity Construct and its Dimensions in the Context of Technological Innovation: A Meta-Analytic Approach

This meta-analysis serves to integrate evidence about the outcomes of absorbtive capacity (ACAP) resulting from different conceptualizations of its dimensionality. At the conceptual level, we examine three conceptualizations of ACAP—unidimensional, bidimensional, and multidimensional ACAP—and discuss their links to technological innovation and financial performance outcomes. At the empirical level, we examine effect sizes resulting from unidimensional, bidimensional, and multidimensional views of ACAP, and assess the impact of several methodological moderators on the links between ACAP and its outcomes. A total of 330 correlations from 96 studies show that ACAP is positively associated with organizational technological innovation and firm financial performance, and that these relationships are moderated by dimensionality, proxy choice, use of survey versus archival data, and cultural and industry context of the study. Recommendations for future theoretical and empirical studies of ACAP are included.
Alcohol and bilateral evoked brain potentials.

Man is cerebrally unique in that he is the only primate with marked functional asymmetry, where the two halves of the brain are specialized to serve separate functions. In most individuals (95%), the left hemisphere plays a dominant role in all language function — speech, verbal perception and thinking, while the right hemisphere dominates non-verbal contents, e.g., form perception and feelings.
Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents

This article first reviews the history of diagnosing bipolar disorder in children. Next, phenomenology, comorbidity, premorbid functioning, and course of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents are reviewed. Relevant adult studies are summarized as well. Treatment of bipolar disorder in children is reviewed, and, finally, factors associated with bipolar disorder are delineated.
A Better Kind of Hatchet: Law, Trade, and Diplomacy in the Cherokee Nation during the Early Years of European Contact

John Phillip Reid's latest book, A Better Kind of Hatchet: Law, Trade, and Diplomacy in the Cherokee Nation during the Early Years of European Contact, 1 is ostensibly a study of trade relations between South Carolina and the Cherokee Indians during the first third of the eighteenth century. But taken in conjunction with his earlier book, A Law of Blood. The Primitive Law of the Cherokee Nation, 2 the new book is, in truth, much more. At the deepest level, Reid's achievement in the two books is to suggest to white Americans, first, some ways in which our understanding of other more "primitive" peoples with whom we have come into contact has been limited; second, the wounds sustained by those other peoples as a result; and third, how the limitations upon our understanding of other cultures are simultaneously limitations upon our understanding of our own. In some respects, Reid's first book, A Law of Blood, resembles many earlier studies of American Indian legal systems, notably the classic study by Karl N. Llewellyn and E. Adamson Hoebel, The Cheyenne Way: Conflict and Case Law in Primitive Jurisprudence.' In his effort to understand the law of the Cherokee, Reid begins A Law of Blood in much the same way that Llewellyn and Hoebel began The Cheyenne Way-by describing the social and political context in which Cherokee law grew. Reid then proceeds, as did Llewellyn and Hoebel, to discuss various fields of substantive law, such as the law of homicide, the law of marriage, property law, the law of inheritance and status, international law, and the law of capture and adoption.
Highway Grade Crossings

Collisions between highway vehicles and trains are very costly. Calculations later in the chapter will suggest that a typical grade-crossing collision causes $450,000 of harm. The physics of a heavy railroad locomotive versus an automobile means that highway users suffer more than ninety-five percent of the harm. The probability of a collision can be affected by the actions taken by both the highway user and the “railroad.” The highway user affects the probability by their conduct in checking whether a train is approaching before using a crossing. The “railroad” affects the probability by deciding on the type of warning signs and devices that are installed at individual crossings.
Hodgkin's disease: biology, treatment, prognosis.

This lecture presents a review of recent advances in Hodgkin’s disease. with particular reference to the identity and origin of its neoplastic cell population, their mode of spread in the body, the mechanisms underlying the selecH ODGKIN’S DISEASE has long defied classification because it presents, in varying degree, a curious amalgam of the features of a malignant lymphoid neoplasm, a chronic granulomatous infection, and an immunologic disorder. Debate has centered not only on the fundamental nature of the disease but on the identity of its putative tumor cell population and its pattern ofspread within the body. It is only in the last two decades that defInitive evidence of the malignant neoplastic nature of Hodgkin’s disease has finally emerged from cytogenetic and cell culture studies demonstrating that the giant cells of Hodgkin’s disease satisfy two of the most fundamental attributes of neoplasia: aneuploidy and clonal derivation. During the same 2 decades, impressive progress has also been made in charting the patterns of dissemination of the disease, in defining staging classifications and procedures, and in developing improved radiother
Physiological Responses of Escherichia coli to Far-Ultraviolet Radiation

The primary target for far-ultraviolet (UV) radiation* on cells has repeatedly been shown to be DNA, and the relationship between DNA damage and lethal and mutagenic effects has been intensively studied and reviewed. This chapter surveys the ways in which the lethal and other responses of Escherichia coli to UV irradiation can be modified by pre- and postirradiation conditions. The principal emphasis will be on papers that have appeared since the review of the subject by Rupert and Harm (1966).
The Effect of a Global Surgery Resident Rotation on Physician Practices Following Residency: The Mount Sinai Experience.

Objective The goal of the study was to evaluate the impact of Mount Sinai's international rotation on physician practices and attitudes following residency. Design An anonymous, retrospective study was conducted using an email survey. The initial survey was sent out in July 2015 with a second opportunity in September 2015. Setting Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City. Participants All 62 graduates of the Mount Sinai General and Plastic Surgery residencies who participated in the international rotation over the last 10 years. Results The primary outcome was level of involvement in service medicine with a secondary outcome examining participants views on the value of international rotations during residency. The response rate for the survey was 71% (44/62). Since leaving residency, 53% have been involved in one or more types of service medicine, 59% have been involved in at least one experience practicing medicine in an underserved area and 45% state that their current practice incorporates global surgery or service. 61% report that the rotation encouraged an interest in practicing in an underserved area and 44% (8/18) of those with no prior interest in global health reported that the rotation encouraged an interest. Respondents generally believe global health work could be rewarding (89%), provide opportunity for professional development (77%), and that residency should include global health electives (93%). Conclusions Our results suggest that a mandatory global health rotation may encourage an interest in service medicine. Thus, program directors should continue to provide and encourage participation in international rotations during surgical residency.
CMV Primes Functional Alternative Signaling in Adaptive Δg NK Cells but Is Subverted by Lentivirus Infection in Rhesus Macaques

Despite burgeoning evidence demonstrating the adaptive properties of natural killer (NK) cells, mechanistic data explaining these phenomena are lacking. Following antibody sensitization, NK cells lacking the Fc receptor (FcR) signaling chain (Δg) acquire adaptive features, including robust proliferation, multifunctionality, rapid killing, and mobilization to sites of virus exposure. Using the rhesus macaque model, we demonstrate the systemic distribution of Δg NK cells expressing memory features, including downregulated Helios and Eomes. Furthermore, we find that Δg NK cells abandon typical γ-chain/Syk in lieu of CD3ζ-Zap70 signaling. FCγRIIIa (CD16) density, mucosal homing, and function are all coupled to this alternate signaling, which in itself requires priming by rhesus cytomegalovirus (rhCMV). Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infections further expand gut-homing adaptive NK cells but result in pathogenic suppression of CD3ζ-Zap70 signaling and function. Herein, we provide a mechanism of virus-dependent alternative signaling that may explain the acquisition of adaptive features by primate NK cells and could be targeted for future vaccine or curative therapies.
3D Printing of Micro-Optic Spiral Phase Plates for the Generation of Optical Vortex Beams

Optical vortex is a type of structured beam with helical phase wavefronts that carry orbital-angular momentum (OAM) with different topological charge numbers. Optical vortex beams are of use in a wide range of areas ranging from communications to biomedical applications. In this letter, we demonstrate that microscale polymer spiral phase plates (SPPs) with different topological charges can be fabricated through two-photon polymerization by femtosecond 3D direct laser writing. These micro-optical SPPs can modify input light beams carrying no OAM into optical vortex beams carrying an OAM of $\text{l}\boldsymbol \hbar $ per photon. Intensity patterns and interferograms of the vortex beams are experimentally obtained, showing good agreement with numerical simulations. The two-photon direct laser writing technique with a high resolution of 100 nm enables easy fabrication of micro-optic devices such as SPPs with broad applications in mesoscale photonic devices.