cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence-Based Best Practices: Wound Healing Tracking and Assessment

Standard medical practice is known to have a history of varying definition of “standard”. As with any industry with multiple entities, each entity defines their standards and expectations according to what they believe is their customers’ (i.e. patients) needs and preferences. Recently, our research on developing a predictive wound care assessment methodology and system has extended our study into analyzing evidence-based best practices in wound care clinics. Our research on wound healing predictive model systems, revealed key differences in operational practice between the clinics that were visited in different institutional settings. The scope of this study evaluates our observed wound care practice and wound care treatment to determine if there is a common set of effective practice that can be developed to better standardize care. The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the operational practice and procedures at various community and teaching hospitals to determine if there is an ideal combination of tools and standard techniques that would be most beneficial to patient wound care. This paper will focus on methods of patient wound care. We will then present a model of “Evidence-Based Best Practices of Wound Care Assessment” that is based on the observation and interactions with various hospitals.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Inversion and Configuration of Faces.

If the mouth and eyes of a face are inverted, the altered construction appears grotesque when upright, but not when upside-down. Three studies of this "Thatcher illusion" employed faces that were grotesque when upright because: (a) their eyes and mouths had been inverted ("Thatcherized" faces), (b) their eyes and mouths had been moved (spatially distorted faces), or (c) they had grotesque posed expressions. Inversion reduced the apparent grotesqueness of both Thatcherized and spatially distorted faces, but not grotesque-expression faces. Moreover, Thatcherized and distorted faces, although not grotesque-expression faces, were judged as more similar to normal, smiling faces when face-pairs were inverted than when they were upright. Similarity ratings to inverted face-pairs were correlated with latencies of response to these pairs in a task that encouraged attention to components (e.g., mouths, eyes) rather than wholistic properties. Similarity ratings to upright face-pairs showed no such correlation, and this and other findings suggested that although similarity ratings to upright faces are based on wholistic information, similarity ratings to inverted faces are based largely on components. The Thatcher illusion reflects a disruption of encoding of wholistic information when faces are inverted.
Dogmatism among war hawks and peace doves.

The independence of belief system structure and content postulated by Rokeach's Dogmatism theory was tested using attitudes toward the Vietnam War (VW). Contrary to prediction: Dogmatism, as measur...
New difference equation technique for solving nonlinear differential equations

This paper will discuss a new mathematical technique for the solution of nonlinear differential equations. The types of equations and nonlinearities presented are those associated with feedback control systems. Originally developed as a method for simulating control systems, the technique was verified during a recent study of complex aircraft design simulations. It is now being used in a man-in-the-loop Gemini spacecraft simulation.
Substance P and neurokinin A metabolism by cultured human skeletal muscle myocytes and fibroblasts

Abstract A recent study determined that cultured human skeletal muscle adult myoblasts, myotubes, and fibroblasts degraded angiotensins and kinins via neutral endopeptidase-24.11 (NEP-24.11; EC 3.4.24.11) and aminopeptidase N (APN; EC 3.4.11.2). Due to the possible importance of other peptides to skeletal muscle blood flow and function, the present study looked specifically at the metabolism of the neurokinins substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) by skeletal muscle peptidases. The results show that SP is degraded not only by NEP-24.11, but also sequentially by dipeptidyl(amino)peptidase IV (DAP IV; EC 3.4.14.5)/APN. NKA is unaffected by DAP IV but is metabolized by NEP-24.11 and APN. NEP-24.11 was inhibited by phosphoramidon (IC 50 = 80 n M ), thiorphan and ZINCOV, DAP IV by diprotin A (IC 50 = 8 μ M ), and APN by amastatin (IC 50 = 50 n M ) and bestatin (IC 50 = 100 μ M ). Skeletal muscle myocyte and fibroblast metabolism of SP and NKA may regulate local skeletal muscle vascular and extravascular functions including SP- and NKA-mediated nerve-induced vasodilation. Inhibition of both NEP-24.11 and DAP IV/APN may increase skeletal muscle blood flow and decrease peripheral vascular resistance via potentiation of local neurokinin levels.
Coupling graph perturbation theory with scalable parallel algorithms for large-scale enumeration of maximal cliques in biological graphs

Data-driven construction of predictive models for biological systems faces challenges from data intensity, uncertainty, and computational complexity. Data-driven model inference is often considered a combinatorial graph problem where an enumeration of all feasible models is sought. The data-intensive and the NP-hard nature of such problems, however, challenges existing methods to meet the required scale of data size and uncertainty, even on modern supercomputers. Maximal clique enumeration (MCE) in a graph derived from such biological data is often a rate-limiting step in detecting protein complexes in protein interaction data, finding clusters of co-expressed genes in microarray data, or identifying clusters of orthologous genes in protein sequence data. We report two key advances that address this challenge. We designed and implemented the first (to the best of our knowledge) parallel MCE algorithm that scales linearly on thousands of processors running MCE on real-world biological networks with thousands and hundreds of thousands of vertices. In addition, we proposed and developed the Graph Perturbation Theory (GPT) that establishes a foundation for efficiently solving the MCE problem in perturbed graphs, which model the uncertainty in the data. GPT formulates necessary and sufficient conditions for detecting the differences between the sets of maximal cliques in the original and perturbed graphs and reduces the enumeration time by more than 80% compared to complete recomputation.
Differential Expression of Estradiol Receptors Alpha and Beta by Gonadotropes During the Estrous Cycle

SUMMARY This study focused on expression of estradiol receptors (ER) during the estrous cycle. Labeling for ER a or b antigens and luteinizing hormone (LH) or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) b -subunits was done on freshly dispersed pituitary cells. The lowest expression of ER a and b was seen in estrus (23% and 12%, respectively). Expression increased to 42‐54% of pituitary cells by diestrus. In males, cells with ER a or b were 37% or 20% of the population, respectively. ER a or b and gonadotropin antigens were in 6‐9% of pituitary cells from male rats. Early in the cycle (estrus and metestrus), less than 5% of pituitary cells expressed ER a or b with gonadotropins. These values doubled to reach a peak of 10% during proestrus (just before ovulation). These data show that a rise in expression of both ER a and ER b is a part of preovulatory differentiation of pituitary gonadotropes. (J Histochem Cytochem 49:665‐666, 2001)
Effects of infant massage on HIV‐infected mothers and their infants

Abstract Purpose. To determine the feasibility of implementing an infant massageintervention and to evaluate the preliminary effects of infant massage onHIV-infected mothers and their infants. Design and Methods. In this two-group, randomized controlled pilotstudy, intervention group mothers were taught to perform infant massagedaily for 10 weeks. Results. Infant massage training had a positive impact on maternaldepression,parentaldistress,andinfantgrowthalongwithfacilitatingmoreoptimal parent–child interactions. Practice Implications. Infant massage, a quick, easy, and inexpensiveintervention, is feasible in a clinic setting and may beneﬁt human immuno-deﬁciency virus-infected mothers and their infants. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventionreported that the number of people with humanimmunodeﬁciency virus (HIV) infections in theUnited States has remained stable yet unacceptablyhigh over the last few years. The majority (70%)of those living with HIV in the United States in2006 were between 25 and 49 years of age(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,2008). Twenty-eight percent of HIV-infected adultshave children, and HIV-infected mothers are themost common caretakers. Indeed, 76% of HIV-infected mothers live with their children (Schusteret al., 2000).In the United States, the testing of pregnantwomen and the use of antiretroviral drugs such aszidovudine has caused substantial decreases inperinatal mother–infant transmission of HIV. Never-theless, even HIV-exposed infants are at risk fordevelopmental problems (Cooper et al., 2002) dueto factors commonly associated with HIV-infected
Analysis and control of multi-mode Moore-Greitzer compressor models

The paper studies the behavior of multi-mode systems of the Moore-Greitzer model. Its main result is the existence of a nonlinear state feedback controller which stabilizes the system to the right of the peak of the compressor characteristic through a set-point parameter. In this process, a rotating stall envelope surface is discovered, and it is shown that the controller design achieves the tasks of preventing the closed-loop system from entering either rotating stall or surge and enabling the closed-loop pressure rise coefficient to approach its maximum. Numerical simulations of the open-loop and closed-loop models are presented to illustrate the analysis and the results.
C-reactive protein and brain natriuretic peptide as predictors of adverse events after lower extremity endovascular revascularization.

Background High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) have been shown to be independent predictors of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and increased risk of secondary interventions or limb loss in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). To assist clinicians in decision-making about treatment approaches and predicting postprocedure mortality and morbidity, we retrospectively examined patients with preprocedure hsCRP and BNP levels who underwent elective angioplasty or stent placement for lower extremity PAD. Methods The study period was from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2012, and patients were included who had angioplasty or stenting for PAD. Minimal required follow-up for study inclusion was at least one postoperative ankle-brachial index, contrast angiography, or duplex imaging of the treated limb. Events of interest included major adverse limb events (MALE), defined as target vessel revascularization, amputation, or disease progression by 1 year, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; stroke, myocardial infarction, or death) by 2 years. Elevated/abnormal values for our biomarkers of interest were established by the upper limits of our institution's clinical laboratory reference range (hsCRP, >0.80 mg/dL; BNP, >100 pg/mL). Results A total of 159 limbs in 118 patients were included in analysis (42% men; median age [range], 64 [42-87] years). All limbs were symptomatic (Rutherford classification: 1-6). Iliac artery revascularization without other adjunct lower extremity intervention was performed in 60% of the limbs. High hsCRP levels (>0.80 mg/dL) were present in 32 patients (27%) and high BNP values (>100 pg/mL) in 24 patients (20%). Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank comparison demonstrated that elevated hsCRP levels were associated with MALE but only in limbs receiving interventions distal to the iliac arteries ( P = .005). High BNP levels did not affect MALE rates ( P = .821). Conversely, both elevated BNP levels (hazard ratio, 5.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0-5.8; P = .001) and hsCRP levels (hazard ratio, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.1-7.6; P = .034) predicted MACE at 2 years in the presence of confounders in Cox proportional hazards multivariate analysis. Patients with high preintervention values of hsCRP and BNP were 10.6 times (95% CI, 2.6-42.9; P = .001) more likely to experience MACE than were patients with normal hsCRP and BNP values. Conclusions After lower extremity endovascular interventions, elevated preprocedural hsCRP levels are associated with MALE (femoral-popliteal interventions), and elevated levels of hsCRP and BNP are associated with late cardiovascular events.
Defect mapping in full-size multi-crystalline Si wafers

Application of scanning techniques is strongly required for in-line/off-line diagnostics of semiconductors with spatial inhomogeneity of electronic properties due to uneven defect distribution. The defect mapping allows performing an initial screening and follow-up local analyses in large-scale materials and devices for electronic applications. This approach is illustrated on multi-crystalline silicon (mc-Si) wafers for solar cells. Four different mapping techniques were applied concurrently to full-size as-grown and processed mc-Si. They include the mapping of (1) minority carrier lifetime, (2) room-temperature photoluminescence, (3) dislocation density, and (4) temperature dependent EBIC and cathodoluminescence. Analyses revealed a clear correlation between the defect PL band intensity with the maximum at about 0.8 eV and concentration of the dislocations contaminated by impurities and defects. The 0.8 eV band has a distinctive location at wafer areas with reduced minority carrier lifetime, i.e. regions with enhanced recombination activity of defects. It is demonstrated that the concentration of the 0.8 eV defects has analytical relation to the concentration of non-radiative defects in dislocated regions. The model of these defects is discussed.
Depression in childbearing women: when depression complicates pregnancy

Prevalence studies show that one in five women experience an episode of major depressive disorder during their lifetime. It is important for health care providers to be aware of (1) the frequency of depression in this population; (2) signs, symptoms, and appropriate screening methods; and (3) health risks for the mother and growing fetus if depression is undetected or untreated. Because management of depressed pregnant women also includes care of a growing fetus, treatment may be complicated and primary care providers should consider a multidisciplinary approach, including an obstetrician, psychiatrist, and pediatrician, to provide optimal care.
Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers for forward looking intravascular imaging arrays

Capacitive Micromachined Transducers (cMUTs) manufactured on silicon substrates using integrated circuit processing techniques have a great potential for fabrication of forward looking intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging arrays with integrated electronics. To realize this potential for these annular arrays, in which an array element consists of a small number of cMUT membranes, the individual elements have to be modeled in detail and optimized for performance. In this paper, we use finite element analysis (FEA) to calculate the electromechanical coupling coefficient, k/sup 2/, using the fundamental, energy based definition. We then improve the cMUT equivalent circuit model by incorporating the FEA results in the circuit elements. Our results show that existing equivalent circuit models based on radiation impedance of a piston transducer overestimate the bandwidth by more than 40%. We show that the cMUT geometry can be optimized for maximum coupling coefficient, allowing cMUT IVUS array elements to be designed with more than 60 dBN dynamic range with 10MHz bandwidth around 20MHz. We also discuss fabrication of 64 element ring annular cMUT arrays using surface micromachining technology.
Optical properties of human arterial thrombus, vascular grafts, and sutures: implications for selective laser thrombus ablation

To determine the optimal wavelength for laser ablation of arterial and graft thrombus, an integrating sphere was used to obtain optical measurements from different depths of abdominal aortic aneurysm thrombi, vascular grafts, and vascular sutures. Arterial thrombus of all depths maintained the wavelength profile of oxyhemoglobin absorption: the magnitude of the absorption coefficient, however, varied with the thrombus depth or age. White vascular materials demonstrated little variation in spectral absorption coefficients. When dyes were present, the suture's spectral absorption coefficients varied with the dye utilized and the product manufacturer but the nadir of absorption was in the 450-500 nm waveband, consistent with their blue-green color. A simple thermal model was used as an indicator for the radiant exposure (energy/area) that could cause vascular material dehiscence or arterial thrombus ablation. >
Imaging-Based Assessment and Modeling of the Structures of the Myocardium

A precise knowledge of the microstructures of the myocardium such as myocyte organization and myofiber orientation is necessary to better understand material and functional properties of the tissue. By characterizing the diffusion of water exerted by its molecular environment, magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging has emerged as a viable alternative to conventional histology for mapping tissue fibers and offers advantages of being nondestructive, relatively convenient, and inherently 3D. This chapter presents assessments and modeling of myocardial structures via diffusion tensor imaging, including their principles, validation, applications, and potential directions for future development.
Concept Formation by Aphasic Adults using Kendler's Reversal and Nonreversal Paradigm

This study investigates the ability of aphasic and nonlanguage impaired adults to form concepts using the reversal-nonreversal paradigm popularized by Kendler. Results indicate a significant difference between the groups to form and then switch concepts. Aphasic subjects perform similarly to the normal subjects on this task but at a slower rate. Implications for therapy and further research are given.
Automated Constant Cuff-Pressure System to Measure Average Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure in Man

An automated constant cuff-pressure system to remotely determine average human blood pressure levels was developed to overcome problems in measurement caused by natural beat-to-beat fluctuations in arterial pressure.
The role of luminal Ca2+ in the generation of Ca2+ waves in rat ventricular myocytes.

1 We used confocal Ca2+ imaging and fluo-3 to investigate the transition of localized Ca2+ releases induced by focal caffeine stimulation into propagating Ca2+ waves in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. 2 Self-sustaining Ca2+ waves could be initiated when the cellular Ca2+ load was increased by elevating the extracellular [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]o) and they could also be initiated at normal Ca2+ loads when the sensitivity of the release sites to cytosolic Ca2+ was enhanced by low doses of caffeine. When we prevented the accumulation of extra Ca2+ in the luminal compartment of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) with thapsigargin, focal caffeine pulses failed to trigger self-sustaining Ca2+ waves on elevation of [Ca2+]o. Inhibition of SR Ca2+ uptake by thapsigargin in cells already preloaded with Ca2+ above normal levels did not prevent local Ca2+ elevations from triggering propagating waves. Moreover, wave velocity increased by 20 %. Tetracaine (0·75 mM) caused transient complete inhibition of both local and propagating Ca2+ signals, followed by full recovery of the responses due to increased SR Ca2+ accumulation. 3 Computer simulations using a numerical model with spatially distinct Ca2+ release sites suggested that increased amounts of releasable Ca2+ might not be sufficient to generate self-sustaining Ca2+ waves under conditions of Ca2+ overload unless the threshold of release site Ca2+ activation was set at relatively low levels (< 1·5 μM). 4 We conclude that the potentiation of SR Ca2+ release channels by luminal Ca2+ is an important factor in Ca2+ wave generation. Wave propagation does not require the translocation of Ca2+ from the spreading wave front into the SR. Instead, it relies on luminal Ca2+ sensitizing Ca2+ release channels to cytosolic Ca2+.
Evaluation of a compression intraosseous fixation device in mandibular fractures

Abstract Bilateral fractures were produced in edentulous mandibular bodies of ten adult male rhesus monkeys. A third fracture was produced in the symphyseal region. On one side of the mandible the fracture was reduced by means of a compression-fixation-clamp device. On the contralateral side, the fracture was reduced by means of a metal implant mesh fixed to the fracture fragments by means of intraosseous screws. The symphyseal fracture was not reduced so that the fracture fragment on one side would not effect the degree of mobility of the contralateral fracture. The compression device was found to provide firm clinical immobilization. Callus formation and the degree of osseous union initially were more pronounced at the 4-week level under the clamp than with the implant mesh. However, at 7 and 8 weeks postoperatively the degrees of osseous union were essentially the same under both the compression clamp and the implant mesh device. It would appear from this study that, compared to the intraosseous metal mesh fixation device, the compression clamp offers an environment through which a more rapid initial osseous union may be effected.
Social and individual behavior of female spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus) paired with sexually experienced and inexperienced males

Seven sexually inexperienced adult female spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus) were observed during heterosexual pairings with either sexually inexperienced or experienced male companions. The behaviors recorded included self-grooming, companion-body grooming, companion-anogenital contact, locomotion, immobility, and pursuit of the male. Each observation session lasted 15 min and was separated into three 5-min periods for analysis. The type of companion, sexually inexperienced or experienced, and the session number (Day 1, Day 2) were additional within-subjects variables. Results indicated that individual behavior (locomotion and self-grooming) was inhibited by the presence of the inexperienced male companion. Social behavior (anogenital contact, pursuit) was facilitated by the presence of the inexperienced male companion, but only for the first 5-min period of exposure per session. These findings were discussed as evidence that female spiny mice discriminate the behavior of male companions and may regard inexperienced males more as intruders than they regard sexually experienced males.
Drive-Mode Control for Vibrational MEMS Gyroscopes

This paper presents a novel design methodology and hardware implementation for the drive-mode control of vibrational micro-electro-mechanical systems gyroscopes. Assuming that the sense mode (axis) of the gyroscope is operating under open loop, the drive-mode controller compensates an undesirable mechanical spring-coupling term between the two vibrating modes, attenuates the effect of mechanical-thermal noise, and most importantly, forces the output of the drive mode to oscillate along a desired trajectory. The stability and robustness of the control system are successfully justified through frequency-domain analysis. The tracking error between the real output and the reference signal for the drive mode is proved to be converging with the increase of the bandwidth of the controller. The controller is first simulated and then implemented using field-programmable analog array circuits on a vibrational piezoelectric beam gyroscope. The simulation and experimental results verified the effectiveness of the controller.
POSITRON ABUNDANCE IN GALACTIC COSMIC RAYS

On 2000 August 25 from Lynn Lake, Manitoba, we conducted a balloon flight of the LEE/AESOP (Low Energy Electrons/Anti-Electron Sub Orbital Payload) payload to measure the spectrum of cosmic-ray electrons (resolved into negatrons and positrons) from 500 MeV to 3 GeV. Analysis of the data from that flight reveals a significant decrease in the cosmic-ray positron abundance from a level that remained relatively stable throughout the decade of the 1990s. Errors on the new determination are comparatively large due to the low particle fluxes at solar maximum. Nevertheless, the magnitude of the effect is consistent with predictions based on the assumption that cosmic-ray modulation effects with 22 yr periodicity are related simply and directly to charge sign and large-scale structure of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind.
Cks1 is required for G(1) cyclin-cyclin-dependent kinase activity in budding yeast.

p13suc1 (Cks) proteins have been implicated in the regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) activity. However, the mechanism by which Cks influences the function of cyclin-CDK complexes has remained elusive. We show here that Cks1 is required for the protein kinase activity of budding yeast G1 cyclin-CDK complexes. Cln2 and Cdc28 subunits coexpressed in baculovirus-infected insect cells fail to exhibit protein kinase activity towards multiple substrates in the absence of Cks1. Cks1 can both stabilize Cln2-Cdc28 complexes and activate intact complexes in vitro, suggesting that it plays multiple roles in the biogenesis of active G1 cyclin-CDK complexes. In contrast, Cdc28 forms stable, active complexes with the B-type cyclins Clb4 and Clb5 regardless of whether Cks1 is present. The levels of Cln2-Cdc28 and Cln3-Cdc28 protein kinase activity are severely reduced in cks1-38 cell extracts. Moreover, phosphorylation of G1 cyclins, which depends on Cdc28 activity, is reduced in cks1-38 cells. The role of Cks1 in promoting G1 cyclin-CDK protein kinase activity both in vitro and in vivo provides a simple molecular rationale for the essential role of CKS1 in progression through G1 phase in budding yeast.
Outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke from proximal intracranial vessel occlusion and NIHSS score below 8

Objective Acute ischemic stroke due to proximal intracranial vessel occlusion is associated with poor prognosis and neurologic outcomes. Outcomes specifically in patients with stroke due to these occlusions and lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores (0–7 range) have not been described previously. Methods We retrospectively reviewed discharge outcomes (reported in our ‘Get With the Guidelines-Stroke’ database) in patients with an admission NIHSS score of 0–7 due to proximal intracranial large vessel occlusion (based on CT angiography results) who were excluded from receiving intravenous (IV) thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and endovascular intra-arterial (IA) stroke interventions. Results Among the 204 patients included in our analysis, younger age and lower admission NIHSS score (0–4 range) were strong predictors of good outcome (defined as ability to ambulate independently) at discharge whereas female sex was a predictor of poor outcome. There was no significant difference between cerebrovascular risk factors, specific sites of occlusion, or presenting symptoms and outcomes at discharge. There was great variability in functional outcomes at discharge and discharge disposition (home versus acute or subacute facility or nursing home versus death/hospice) with a trend toward worse outcomes in patients with higher (5–7 range) NIHSS scores on admission. Conclusions Patients with acute stroke due to large vessel occlusion and low admission NIHSS scores (0–7 range) may have poor functional outcomes at discharge. These patients, if not eligible for IV thrombolysis, might benefit from IA revascularization therapies.
Dopaminergic Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

In this manuscript we report that human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) differentiated into dopaminergic neurons when cocultured with PA6 cells. After 3 weeks of differentiation, approximately 87% of hES colonies contained tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)–positive cells, and a high percentage of the cells in most of the colonies expressed TH. Differentiation was inhibited by exposure to BMP4 or serum. TH-positive cells derived from hESCs were postmitotic, as determined by bromodeoxyurindine colabeling. Differentiated cells expressed other markers of dopaminergic neurons, including the dopamine transporter, aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, and the transcription factors associated with neuronal and dopaminergic differentiation, Sox1, Nurr1, Ptx3, and Lmx1b. Neurons that had been differentiated on PA6 cells were negative for dopamine-β-hydroxylase, a marker of noradrenergic neurons. PA6-induced neurons were able to release dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxphe-hylacetic acid (DOPAC) but not noradrenalin when depolarized by high K+. When transplanted into 6-hydroxydopamine–treated animals, hES-derived dopaminergic cells integrated into the rat striatum. Five weeks after transplantation, surviving TH-positive cells were present but in very small numbers compared with the high frequency of TH-positive cells seen in PA6 coculture. Larger numbers of cells positive for smooth muscle actin, but no undifferentiated ES cells, were present after transplantation. Therefore, hESCs can be used to generate human dopaminergic cells that exhibit biochemical and functional properties consistent with the expected properties of mature dopaminergic neurons.
Who Lobbies Whom? Special Interest Politics under Alternative Electoral Systems

Why do some interest groups lobby politicians and others lobby bureaucrats? We theorize lobbying venue choices and intensityasafunctionofcontractenforceabilitywithpolicymakers,politicians,orbureaucrats.Wearguethatorganizational structures of interest groups, in particular, whether they are centralized or decentralized, substantially affect their lobbying strategies because they are associated with different ability to monitor and enforce contracts with policy makers and punish them when they fail. We further demonstrate that the effect of centralized versus decentralized structure on venue choices is conditional on the types of electoral system: majoritarian, semiproportional (single, nontransferable vote: SNTV), or proportional representation systems. We test this argument using longitudinal survey data on lobbying which span two decades and cover around 250 interest groups in various sectors and issue areas in Japan. The results lend strong support to our argument about contract enforceability under alternative electoral systems.
Public Health Information Delivery in the Emergency Department: Analysis of a Kiosk-Based Program

Abstract Background Because more than one-third of the U.S. population visits an emergency department (ED) any given year, public health interventions in the ED can have major population-level impacts. Objectives We determined ED patients' interest in receiving information via kiosk on common, chronic conditions for which education and preventive screening could offer public health benefit and to assess what topical information patients are interested in receiving. Methods This is a secondary analysis of survey data from an ED pilot program December 2011 to April 2012. Main outcome measures were patients' interests in receiving information on health topics via kiosk module. Results More than half of the 4351 patients indicated interest in receiving information on at least one health topic, including high blood pressure (30%), depression (21%), diabetes (18%), sexually transmitted diseases (11%), drug abuse (6%), and physical abuse (3%). African-American patients were more likely to be interested in receiving information on high blood pressure (odds ratio [OR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.2−3.2]), depression (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1−1.6), diabetes/sugar (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.8−2.8), drug abuse (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0−1.9), and sexually transmitted diseases (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.9−3.7). Participants >55 years of age were more likely to desire information on high blood pressure and diabetes (age 55−64 years: OR 4.0, 95% CI 3.1−5.1; age >64 years: OR 4.4, 95% CI 3.2−6.2). Patients who were interested in receiving public health information were more likely to be older, African American, and male ( p Conclusions Interest in obtaining kiosk-delivered education on hypertension predominated. Kiosks are versatile tools that could be used in ED settings to provide health education services.
Effects of the Indonesian Throughflow on the Pacific and Indian Oceans

Abstract Effects of the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) on the circulation and thermal structure of the Pacific and Indian Oceans are studied by comparing solutions of a near-global ocean general circulation model with open and closed Indonesian passages from 1981 to 1997. The ITF contributes to the maintenance of the model circulation system around eastern Australia and the southern Indian Ocean. Blockage of the ITF weakens the Indian Ocean South Equatorial Current and Agulhas Current and strengthens the East Australian Current. The ITF does not affect the Mindanao Current, but drains waters carried by this current into the Indian Ocean and thus reduces tropical–subtropical exchange in the North Pacific. Meanwhile, it helps maintain a stronger New Guinea Coastal Undercurrent and thus enhances tropical–subtropical exchange in the south. Water parcels traveling along the western boundary of the South Pacific cross the equator in the presence of the ITF but are confined to the Southern Hemisphere without the I...
Existing Demand Versus Nonexisting Demand

Our analysis thus far has focused on radical innovation. However, there are already thousands of products in the marketplace that may be improved, may be discontinued, or may be replaced with a radical innovation. If the market conditions were to become adverse, some companies’ products or services may become obsolete and may no longer generate consumer value. On the other hand, some companies’ products or services are well placed in the market and may continue to thrive. Thus, there are ­situations that may call for continuation of the status quo.
Structural revelations of the human proton channel.

The voltage-gated proton channel, HV1, is notoriously unique among ion channels (1), and plays key roles in the health and disease of diverse tissues and species (2). Li et al. (3) combine biochemical, computational, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic approaches to shed light on structural aspects of the human proton channel, hHV1. Their results advance the field in several key areas, culminating in a bold new model for gating.
First Order Linear State Models

In this chapter physical systems which require only one state variable are examined; it is further assumed that the state equations are linear so that Laplace transforms, as discussed in Appendix B, can be used with benefit. A brief discussion of some basic systems notions for such state models is first given. Then these systems concepts are used to develop and analyze state models for several particular physical processes.
Building trust for the safety of the patient: from internship to fellowship.

I recently accepted a new role to serve as a quality officer at my institution. In this role, I have been charged with a range of responsibilities, from oversight of our performance on quality indicators, such as medication errors, to patient satisfaction. I have been struggling to understand why we
Multiple depot ring star problem: a polyhedral study and an exact algorithm

The multiple depot ring-star problem (MDRSP) is an important combinatorial optimization problem that arises in optical fiber network design and in applications that collect data using stationary sensing devices and autonomous vehicles. Given the locations of a set of customers and a set of depots, the goal is to (i) find a set of simple cycles such that each cycle (ring) passes through a subset of customers and exactly one depot, (ii) assign each non-visited customer to a visited customer or a depot, and (iii) minimize the sum of the routing costs, i.e., the cost of the cycles and the assignment costs. We present a mixed integer linear programming formulation for the MDRSP and propose valid inequalities to strengthen the linear programming relaxation. Furthermore, we present a polyhedral analysis and derive facet-inducing results for the MDRSP. All these results are then used to develop a branch-and-cut algorithm to obtain optimal solutions to the MDRSP. The performance of the branch-and-cut algorithm is evaluated through extensive computational experiments on several classes of test instances.
Hawks and Doves: An Analysis of a Catholic Attitude toward Nuclear War

This article compares two groups of Catholic males: (1) Hawks--those favoring the use of nuclear weapons, and (2) Doves--those finding use of such weapons morally unjustifiable.Employing factor analysis and related techniques, the groups were compared on a battery of 42 variables. An eight-factor profile was developed for each group. The goal was to focus maximum attention on the differences between Hawks and Doves.It is suggested that three of the dimensions were of primary importance in determining selection of the Dove position: (1) satisfaction with reality; (2) strong parental religious influence--especially maternal; and (3) a positive and active religious commitment and identification. On the other hand, becoming a Hawk was attributed to: (1) sociocultural dissatisfaction; (2) socioreligious rejection; and (3) adherence to an ideological substitute for religion--political conservatism.
MR imaging of the brain in five members of a family with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease.

MR imaging was performed in five members of a family afflicted with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease. The individuals imaged included a male proband, his mother, and three maternal uncles. Clinically affected members showed generalized white matter signal aberration consistent with dys- and demyelination, basal ganglia, and thalamic signal aberration suggestive of pathologic iron storage and diffuse brain atrophy. These findings are similar to those seen in other leukodystrophies. The proband9s mother was normal by neurologic examination but showed a suspicious but not definitely abnormal similar pattern of basal ganglionic and white matter signal aberration. In our limited patient sample, MR appears to be able to: (1) demonstrate a pattern of imaging abnormalities characteristic of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (we do not know if this pattern is specific); (2) potentially detect the obligate carrier state; and (3) detect the facultative carrier state.
The Taming of a Colombian Caudillo: Juan Nepomuceno Moreno of Casanare

No statue of Juan Nepomuceno Moreno stands today in Bogota. Most Colombians have never heard of him, and probably only a few scholars could identify him as a Llanero patriot who fought in the battles of Boyaca and Carabobo. Yet it is not too much to say that in May 1831, the action of this obscure caudillo from Casanare might have changed the course of Colombian history. Already in Venezuela and Argentina, Jose Antonio Paez and Juan Manuel de Rosas had used the plains as a springboard to unseat the urban elite and take command of their nations. Now Moreno, fresh from a stunning defeat of the forces of Rafael Urdaneta at Cerinza and poised in Zipaquira with an army of fierce Llaneros, threatened to invade Bogota, overthrow Bolivar's successor, and impose his own dictatorship. While historians agree that the events of 1831 mark a turning point in the evolution of Colombian politics, they have yet to analyze the role played by Moreno. An examination of his career suggests that his failure to seize control stemmed not only from his own personal limitations as a leader, but was also conditioned by two important trends of nineteenth century Colombian history—the subordination of the Llanos frontier to the highlands, and the emergence of a political system dominated by civilian caudillos.
Meandering Down the Energy Landscape of Protein Folding: Are We There Yet?

As judged by a single publication metric, the activity in the protein folding field has been declining over the past 5 years, after enjoying a decade-long growth. Does this development indicate that the field is sunsetting or is this decline only temporary? Upon surveying a small territory of its landscape, we find that the protein folding field is still quite active and many important findings have emerged from recent experimental studies. However, it is also clear that only continued development of new techniques and methods, especially those enabling dissection of the fine details and features of the protein folding energy landscape, will fuel this old field to move forward.
Thermal Conductivity in the Radial Direction of Deformed Polymer Fibers

Thermal conductivity of polymer fibers in the axial direction has been extensively studied while thermal conductivity in the radial direction Λ remains unknown. In this work, polymer fibers with different molecular arrangements (crystalline, liquid crystalline, and amorphous) were plastically deformed. Λ was measured at engineering strains e = 0.2–2.3 using time-domain thermoreflectance. Λ decreases with increasing strains for polyethylene (PE) and poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers and is independent of strain for poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) fibers. The extrapolated thermal conductivity at zero strain is Λ0 ≈ 0.27 Wm–1 K–1 for crystalline PE, Λ0 ≈ 0.29 Wm–1 K–1 for liquid crystalline PBO, and Λ0 ≈ 0.18 Wm–1 K–1 for amorphous PMMA. Λ of PE drops to Λ ≈ 0.14 Wm–1 K–1 at e = 1.9; Λ of PBO drops to Λ ≈ 0.12 Wm–1 K–1 at e = 2.1. We attribute the decrease of Λ with e in crystalline and liquid crystalline fibers to structural disorder induced by plastic deformation. The combination of struc...
BUSINESS OWNERS, FINANCIAL RISK, AND WEALTH

Using 1989 to 2007 Survey of Consumer Finances data, this paper addresses three questions: 1) Are business owners generally more or less financially conservative than their non-business-owning counterparts?; 2) Do business owners accumulate more wealth?; and, 3) Do business owners hold a smaller share of their financial assets in risky stock holdings? Results indicate that business owners are financially conservative based on borrowing and savings questions but are more likely to be willing to assume above-average risk for financial gain. Consistent with earlier evidence that entrepreneurs save more, business owners accumulate more wealth over time. Business owners and non-business owners invest similar shares of their financial portfolios in safe assets. Taken together, the results suggest that policies aimed at increasing business ownership should focus on helping households identify high-value business opportunities through transparent tax, legal, and regulatory systems. Efforts to reduce risk should focus on the business venture, such as full loss offsets, rather than focusing on reductions in other financial risks.
Incorporating Social Justice and Advocacy in Counseling and Psychotherapy

Social justice variables of privilege, oppression, internalized oppression, hierarchical social systems, and power are explored. The effect of these variables on therapists and clients are delineated. It is recommended that therapists and clients must assess their place in the system, to understand opportunities and challenges that may exist for each individual, and its impact on the counseling process. Implications for counseling, specifically focusing on empowering clients, by teaching them skills to overcome the challenges, and learning to advocate themselves, and when they cannot how mental health professionals can advocate for their clients.
TRAFFIC CONGESTION, POLYCENTRICITY, AND INTRAURBAN FIRM LOCATION CHOICES: A NESTED LOGIT MODEL FOR THE LOS ANGELES METROPOLITAN AREA

This study empirically investigates traffic congestion effects on agglomeration through the lens of firm location decisions. A discrete choice model is applied to examine new establishments’ location choices within the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Employment centers are defined as the choice set to explore the nature and role of intraurban agglomerations. The results show that metro-wide congestion negatively affects the location choices of firms in the high-order office-related activities, while local congestion have positive impacts on those firms’ location decisions. In contrast, firms in production-related activities are positively influenced by regional congestion but are negatively affected by local congestion levels.
Molecular Approaches for Studying Astrocytes

In the year 2007, literally hundreds of research papers were published that utilize molecular approaches to study the role of astrocytes in neurophysiology and neuro-logical disorders. This is striking given that the molecular tools for selectively perturbing gene expression in astrocytes were developed just over a decade ago. Two investigators stand out as pioneers in this area, Drs. Michael Brenner and Albee Messing. While at National Institutes of Health, Mike Brenner carried out studies mapping the transcriptional regulatory elements of the promoter for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) (Masood et al., 1993) , an intermediate filament protein expressed exclusively by mature astrocytes in the CNS. This information was absolutely essential in order to develop a regulatory unit (promoter) small enough to be handled by the molecular techniques available in the early 1990s and yet sufficient to target expression constructs to astrocytes
Retinoic Acid Regulates Calcium Signaling to Promote Mouse Ovarian Granulosa Cell Proliferation

Normal development of ovarian follicles is critical for female reproduction and endocrine function. We have identified retinoic acid (RA) and the RA-degrading enzyme CYP26B1 as regulators of ovarian follicle development and showed that RA and a CYP26 inhibitor stimulated ovarian granulosa cell proliferation. The mechanism underpinning RA-dependent proliferation, however, is not known. The current study was designed to examine the role of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) signaling in mediating the effects of RA on primary mouse granulosa cell proliferation. In single-cell Ca2+ imaging experiments, treatment of cultured granulosa cells with RA increased the steady-state Ca2+ content of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stores. This correlated with increased store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and enhanced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R)-dependent Ca2+ release. In proliferation assays, RA treatment or Cyp26b1 knockdown stimulated proliferation, whereas Cyp26b1 overexpression inhibited proliferation. When RA was given together with 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborane (2-APB), a blocker of IP3R-dependent ER Ca2+ release and SOCE, with xestospongin C, a selective IP3R- receptor antagonist, or with 3,5-bis (trifluoromethyl)pyrazole (BTP-2), a specific SOCE blocker, the stimulatory effect of RA on cell proliferation was abolished. Further investigation showed that treatment with 2-APB or BTP-2 inhibited RA induction of RA response element (RARE) activation in granulosa cells, confirming an important role for Ca2+ signaling in mediating RA actions. Overall, these data support a model in which RA regulates ovarian follicle development by stimulating granulosa cell proliferation and that this stimulatory effect is at least in part driven by the modulation of Ca2+ signaling.