cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for prospective ECG-triggering coronary CT angiography in routine practice.

Over the past decade, cardiac multidetector row CT (MDCT) has evolved, and the technology is poised to potentially alter the indications for diagnostic invasive coronary angiography (ICA) [1–10]. However, ionizing radiation concerns as related to increased cancer risks, initially applied to other organ systems [11, 12], have been translated to coronary CT angiography (CTA) and compared to ICA [13–17], while the dose dependent relation between low-radiation-dose exposure from cardiac procedures and subsequent risk of cancer has been reported [18]. Several strategies including ECG-triggered current modulation [19], lower tube voltage settings [13, 17, 20], and prospective ECG-triggering [21, 22] have progressively lowered patient radiation doses. One of the most applied approaches is prospective ECGtriggering [23, 24], where the exposure is confined to a predefined fraction of the time points of the cardiac cycle, rather than over the entire cycle. Depending on the details of the acquisition, the reduction in radiation dose can be as high as 80% [21, 22]. The effective dose of coronary CTA using prospective ECG-triggering (0.9–3.3 mSv) [2, 5] is comparable to, or lower than, diagnostic ICA (typical value of 7 mSv) [25]. However, there are unresolved concerns regarding diagnostic performance related to the limited phases of acquisition, and to date these methods have been most widely applied to patients with little risk of variations in cardiac cycle length and heart rates less than 70 beats per minute during the CT acquisition. In the current issue of the International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging, Sun and Ng [26] performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic value for coronary artery disease (CAD) using CTA with prospective ECG-triggering in comparison to ICA, and the authors also investigated the effective radiation dose. The 19 studies selected on primary selection criteria were reduced to fourteen that underwent the meta-analysis. Seven studies used singlesource 64-slice CT, four studies were performed with dual source 64-slice CT, two studies with 320-slice CT, and one with second generation of dual-source CT (128-slice). In 14 studies included in patient level (n = 910) analysis, pooled sensitivity for detection of significant CAD was 99% (95% CI: 98%, 100%) with specificity of 91% (95% CI: 88%, 94%) and the median negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) across studies were 94% (95% CI: 91%, 96%) and 99% (95% CI: 97%, 100%), respectively. Pooled positive (?LR) and negative (-LR) likelihood ratios were not reported at any of patient, vessel, or segment levels. Because observed heterogeneities were significant between 11 studies included in the vessel level (n = 3,531) and the segments level (n = 12,056) A. Salavati F. J. Rybicki (&) Applied Imaging Science Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, RA024, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA e-mail: frybicki@partners.org
Use of a fixed array appears more effective than gradually introducing distractors when teaching sound–letter correspondence to two children with autism

Abstracted from: Johnston, S. S., Buchanan, S., & Davenport, L. (2009). Comparison of fixed and gradual array when teaching sound–letter correspondence to two children with autism who use AAC. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 25, 136–144. Source of funding and disclosure of interest: No funding sources reported; no conflicts of interest by the authors of the original study reported.
Yolk sac on transvaginal ultrasound as a prognostic indicator in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy with single-dose methotrexate.

Objective To determine whether yolk sac on transvaginal ultrasound was an independent predictor for single-dose methotrexate failure for tubal ectopic pregnancies. Study Design Seven hundred sixty-six consecutive methotrexate-treated ectopic pregnancy patients were reviewed. After excluding 25 oral and 97 multidose methotrexate patients, 18 cornual, 4 cervical pregnancies, and 63 patients with ectopic cardiac activity, 559 study patients remained. Variables studied included age, gravidity, parity, previous ectopic pregnancy, serum human chorionic gonadotropin and progesterone levels, ectopic size, ectopic volume, body surface area, and yolk sac presence. Results Sixteen of 73 (21.9%) patients with yolk sac failed treatment vs 36 of 486 (7.4%) patients without yolk sac ( P = .0003). Other significant variables on single factor analysis were previous ectopic ( P = .0005), human chorionic gonadotropin ( P P = .003). Only previous ectopic and human chorionic gonadotropin remained significant on logistic regression analysis. Conclusion The presence of a yolk sac, although a risk factor for failure of single-dose methotrexate in treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy, is not an independent predictor.
An Essential and Evolutionarily Conserved Role of Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 1 for Adult Intestinal Stem Cells During Postembryonic Development

Organ-specific adult stem cells are critical for the homeostasis of adult organs and organ repair and regeneration. Unfortunately, it has been difficult to investigate the origins of these stem cells and the mechanisms of their development, especially in mammals. Intestinal remodeling during frog metamorphosis offers a unique opportunity for such studies. During the transition from an herbivorous tadpole to a carnivorous frog, the intestine is completely remodeled as the larval epithelial cells undergo apoptotic degeneration and are replaced by adult epithelial cells developed de novo. The entire metamorphic process is under the control of thyroid hormone, making it possible to control the development of the adult intestinal stem cells. Here, we show that the thyroid hormone receptor-coactivator protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) is upregulated in a small number of larval epithelial cells and that these cells dedifferentiate to become the adult stem cells. More importantly, transgenic overexpression of PRMT1 leads to increased adult stem cells in the intestine, and conversely, knocking down the expression of endogenous PRMT1 reduces the adult stem cell population. In addition, PRMT1 expression pattern during zebrafish and mouse development suggests that PRMT1 may play an evolutionally conserved role in the development of adult intestinal stem cells throughout vertebrates. These findings are not only important for the understanding of organ-specific adult stem cell development but also have important implications in regenerative medicine of the digestive tract. STEM CELLS 2010;28:2073–2083
Molecular phylogenetics and mitochondrial genomic evolution in the chamaeleonidae (Reptilia, Squamata).

Abstract A phylogenetic hypothesis for the lizard family Chamaeleonidae is generated from 1503 aligned base positions (883 parsimony-informative) of mitochondrial DNA for specimens representing 59 species (57 ingroup and two outgroup). Sequences are reported for a genomic segment encoding eight transfer RNAs, NADH dehydrogenase component 2 (ND2), and portions of NADH dehydrogenase component 1 (ND1) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI). Newly reported genomic rearrangements and duplications support the hypothesis that mitochondrial gene order and content are destabilized by phylogenetic loss of a functional origin for light-strand replication between the genes encoding tRNAAsn and tRNACys. A novel gene order characterizes all sampled Brookesia except B. nasus. Brookesia nasus, the apparent sister taxon of a clade formed by all other Brookesia, has the ancestral gene order but contains a large tandem duplication. An apparently noncoding 220 base pair insertion between the genes encoding ND2 and tRNATrp is reported for Bradypodion tavetanum. Phylogenetic analysis identifies nine clades whose ancestral lineages diverged early in chamaeleonid evolutionary history: (1) Brookesia (possibly excluding B. nasus), (2) Chamaeleo subgenus Chamaeleo (excluding C. namaquensis), (3) Chamaeleo subgenus Trioceros, (4) viviparous Bradypodion, (5) oviparous Bradypodion, (6) genus Furcifer (except F. balteatus), and ( 7 – 9 ) three distinct clades of Calumma. Chamaeleo namaquensis, Brookesia nasus, Furcifer balteatus, Rhampholeon brevicaudatus, and R. spectrum represent ancient lineages dating to approximately the same time. Multiple independent losses and a possible secondary gain of horns are inferred for Trioceros. Viviparity has at least two separate origins in chameleons, one in Bradypodion and one in Trioceros.
A test for root-clustering transformability

Consider the problem of root clustering: given a square matrix A with spectrum \sigma(A) , for what region S in the complex plane is it possible to state a criterion (necessary and sufficient conditions) so that \sigma(A) \in S ? Recently it has been shown that one subclass Ω of S satisfies a certain transformability condition. In this note we test transformability via polynomial global nonnegativity.
Learning to read gender relations in schooling: implications of personal history and teaching context on identifying disempowerment for girls.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine how one secondary physical education teacher understood gender at her school and how that understanding developed. Theoretical perspectives on feminism and the nature of teachers' knowledge guided the inquiry. Data were collected through 20 teacher observations and 60 interviews over 4 months and analyzed using constant comparison with frequent member checks to facilitate accuracy. Three main findings emerged. First, this teacher identified two aspects of the broader school culture, which she believed sent students, particularly girls, gendered and patriarchal messages of social positions. Second, she described a number of practices in the traditional physical education program, which she believed contributed further to girls' disempowerment. Finally, this teachers' stance in the political structure of the school both constrained and enhanced the development of her understanding of gender. Findings are discussed in relation to feminist theoretical stances ...
DO JUDGES HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO ENFORCE THE LAW?: MORAL RESPONSIBILITY AND JUDICIAL-REASONING

Judicial obligation to enforce the law is typically regarded as both unproblematic and important: unproblematic because there is little reason to doubt that judges have a general, if prima facie, obligation to enforce law, and important because the obligation gives judges significant reason to limit their concern in adjudication to applying the law. I challenge both of these assumptions and argue that norms of political legitimacy, which may be extra-legal, are irretrievably at the basis of responsible judicial reasoning.
Wearable Art through Free-Motion Stitching:

Wearable art forms provide a canvas for the artistic application of materials and thread through free-motion stitching. The aesthetic effects range from a simple meandering line to complex layers o...
Matrix-enhanced secondary ion mass spectrometry (ME SIMS) using room temperature ionic liquid matrices.

Room temperature ionic liquids (ILs) have many applications including as matrices in MALDI. We wished to investigate the efficacy of ILs as matrices in time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and in mass spectrometric imaging (MS imaging). Two ILs derived from α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) were synthesized and tested using phospholipids, cholesterol, and peptides. The molecular ion intensities of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DPPE), cholesterol, and bradykinin were greatly increased using IL matrices. Further, detection limits were also improved: for DPPC and DPPE detection, limits were at least 2 orders of magnitude better using IL matrices. However, these IL matrices were not effective for the enhancement of angiotensin I ions. The data also indicate that IL matrices are suitable for imaging MS. The IL matrices did not cause changes to the sample surface via matrix crystallization or other processes; no “hot spots” we...
Flux-difference split parabolized Navier-Stokes algorithm for non-equilibrium chemically reacting flows

A flux-difference split explicit finite-difference algorithm is presented for solving the parabolized form of the equations governing three-dimensional nonequilibrium chemically reacting flows. The algorithm is based on an explicit noniterative, upwind space-marching scheme developed by Korte, but differs in that the unsteady Riemann problem, rather than the steady Riemann problem, is solved. The algorithm allows either a second or an approximately third-order accurate upwind treatment of the convection terms by employing the unsteady approximate Riemann solver of Roe. The source terms of the species transport equations are treated in either an explicit or implicit manner, and the species diffusion terms are modeled with either a Fickian or a multicomponent model. A validation of the algorithm is performed by comparing computational results with the 2-D Mach 14, 15 degree compression-corner data of Holden. The three-dimensional capability of the algorithm is demonstrated by computing Mach 2.7 flow over a swept wedge scramjet fuel injector, and three-dimensional reacting flow capability is demonstrated by a computing a shock-jet interaction concept for mixing and combustion enhancement.
Tissue-Specific Expression of Glutathione Transferase Isozymes in Fall Armyworm Larvae

Abstract Glutathione transferase (GST) isozymes were purified and isolated from larval midguts and fat bodies of the fall armyworm ( Spodopera frugiperda ) using a three-step procedure involving ammonium sulfate fractionation, followed by affinity chromatography on a glutathione-agarose column and nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The midgut possessed five isozymes, namely, MG GST-1, MG GST-2, MG GST-3, MG GST-4, and MG GST-5, all of which were heterodimers with subunit molecular weights of 26,700 to 30,000. The p I values ranged from 4.6 to 6.0 among these isozymes. No qualitative difference in isozyme composition was observed during larval development. The fat body contained three isozymes, namely, FB GST-1, FB GST-2, and FB GST-3, all of which were believed to be homodimers with subunit molecular weights of 20,100 to 29,000. The p I values ranged from 4.4 to 6.5 among these isozymes. Using isozyme-specific antisera as probes, MG GST-2, MG GST-3, FB GST-2, and FB GST-3 were found to be immunologically related, possibly due to their sharing of some common subunits. MG GST-2 and MG GST-3 were also immunologically related to the GST from larval Malpighian tubules of fall armyworm. Among the corn earworm, tobacco budworm, beer armyworm, and cabbage looper, MG GST-3 (subunit) was immunologically related to GSTs from all of these species except the cabbage looper, whereas MG GST-2 (subunit) was immunologically related only to the GST from the beet armyworm.
Consideration of measurement error when using commercial indoor radon determinations for selecting radon action levels

An examination of year-long, in-home radon measurement in Colorado from commercial companies applying typical methods indicates that considerable variation in precision exsts. This variation can have a substantial impact on any mitigation decisions, either voluntary or mandated by law, especially regarding property sale or exchange. Both long-term exposure (nuclear track greater than 90 days), and short-term (charcoal adsorption 4–7 days) exposure methods were used. In addition, periods of continuous monitoring with a highly calibrated alpha-scintillometer took place for accuracy calibration. The results of duplicate commercial analysis show that typical results are no better than ±25 percent with occasional outliers (up to 5 percent of all analyses) well beyond that limit. Differential seasonal measurements (winter/summer) by short-term methods provide equivalent information to single long-term measurements. Action levels in the U.S. for possible mitigation decisions should be selected so that they consider the measurement variability; specifically, they should reflect a concentration range similar to that adopted by the European Community.
Combined use of direct renin inhibitor and carvedilol in heart failure with preserved systolic function

Abstract Hypotheses Heart failure with preserved systolic function (HFPSF) has attained epidemic proportions; however evidence-based therapeutic interventions have not advanced despite continued research over the past three decades. We propose the combined use of direct renin inhibitor and carvedilol for this condition. Rationale The Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS) plays a central role in myocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis and ventricular remodeling which is responsible for the diastolic dysfunction in HFPSF. Rising serum aldosterone levels with age have been implicated as a cause of myocardial fibrosis in the elderly. The sole use of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers is associated with angiotensin-II and aldosterone escape and increased plasma renin activity. Carvedilol is a novel third generation non-selective β-blocker. The use of combination therapy will facilitate in better blood pressure control, reduce afterload, improve ventricular relaxation, cause regression of ventricular remodeling/fibrosis, maintain atrioventricular synchrony and enhance cardio-metabolic profile. The individual benefits of direct renin inhibitor and carvedilol could plausibly have a supra-additive effect when used in combination. Besides this, carvedilol can further reduce generation of free radicals, decrease LDL oxidation, improve Doppler echo diastolic parameters and decrease cardiac norepinephrine and density of cardiac β-receptors. Conclusion Evidence suggests that patients with HFPSF are treated less aggressively as compared to patients with heart failure with systolic dysfunction. Aggressive therapy with concurrent use of direct renin inhibitor and carvedilol will help in improving outcomes in this vulnerable patient sub-population. No prior trial has evaluated the combined use of these drugs for the treatment of HFPSF.
Ca2+-pumping impairment during repetitive fatiguing contractions in single myofibers: role of cross-bridge cycling

The energy cost of contractions in skeletal muscle involves activation of both actomyosin and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-pump (SERCA) ATPases, which together determine the overall ATP demand....
Update in General Internal Medicine

This Update incorporates a diverse range of topics, including hormone replacement therapy, statins, exercise, hypertension, prostate cancer, diabetes care, and antioxidant vitamins.
Model validation of SIM external metrology at the sub-nanometer level

In order to achieve micro-arcsecond astrometry, SIM must make measurements of various optical pathlengths at the picometer level. In this regime of precision, nearly every simplifying assumption in optics must be reexamined as a potential source of systematic error. SIM makes extensive use of physics-based models to predict the form and level of systematic errors affecting instrument performance. Since many of the modeling areas represent new frontiers in optical modeling, the validation of these physical models is a significant challenge that SIM must meet. In the case of the external metrology truss, the model must account for the imperfections in the corner cubes as well as the distance measuring interferometers ("beam launchers"). This model is being validated using the Kite testbed, a 2-D metrology truss with picometer-level accuracy in displacement measurements. We present the model, and the results of the model validation tests on the Kite testbed.
Nonlinear feedback solution to a bounded Brachistochrone problem in a reduced state space

The optimal nonlinear feedback law for both an unbounded and bounded Brachistochrone problem is given. These control laws describe the Brachistochrone problem in a very simple manner. These laws are derived by using a dimensionless set of state variables which spans a lower dimensional space than the original state space. Also using this reduced state space a two-dimensional instead of three-dimensional field of extremals is constructed for a space bounded Brachistochrone problem. This illustrates that the state space may be reduced so that the storage of a field of extremal trajectories will not exceed the storage capacity of a practical on-board computer. In this way, optimal feedback control may become a practical technique for a larger class of nonlinear systems.
Synthesis and activity of the archazolid western hemisphere

A convergent and scalable synthesis of the archazolid western hemisphere has been completed. The V-ATPase inhibitory activity of this compound along with a previously prepared eastern domain was then tested using a convenient Arabidopsis-based V-ATPase assay.
Distributed self-tuning consensus and synchronization

Abstract The problem of self-tuning of coupling parameters in multi-agent systems is considered. Agent dynamics are described by a discrete-time double integrator with unknown input gain. Each agent locally tunes the strength of interaction with neighboring agents by using a normalized gradient algorithm (NGA). The tuning algorithm minimizes the square of the error between an individual agent’s state (velocity) and the one step delayed average of its own state and the states of its neighbors. Assuming that the network graph is strongly connected, it is proved that the sequence of coupling parameters is convergent and all velocities converge toward the same constant value.
Killing A Cog: The Death And Reincarnation of the Baltimore Regional CounciI of Governments

: On June 30, 1992, the Baltimore Regional Council of Governments (BRCOG) was abolished. This paper endeavors to explain why it was killed. There are at least four reasons why a regional organization may cease to exist: the impact of national political decisions, the effects of the autonomy of local governments in metropolitan areas, the failure of regional organizations to adapt to changing times, and as a consequence of unique local political circumstances. The author found that BRCOG died because of local politics. He explores the factors that impede the development of strong regional governance structures in the United States.
Clinically distinct form of acquired dermal melanocytosis with review of published work

Dermal melanocytosis is most commonly found in the skin of Asians and other darkly pigmented people. It is histologically characterized by the presence of dermal melanocytes, with or without presence of dermal melanophages. Mongolian spot, nevus of Ito, nevus of Ota, nevus of Hori, and blue nevus are most common and represent distinct types of dermal melanocytosis. Other clinical patterns of acquired dermal melanocytosis have also been described. Herein, we report a unique case of acquired dermal melanocytosis diffusely affecting the entire back of a 50-year old African-American male and also review and discuss various patterns of unusual acquired dermal melanocytosis.
ACCOUNTING FIRMS, THE ACCOUNTING INDUSTRY, AND ACCOUNTING RESEARCH

Abstract Changes in the nature and structure of accounting firms and the accounting industry have created new regulatory efforts. Some of these changes are examined, and the role of research in influencing the regulation of auditor independence is discussed.
Matrix Gla protein limits pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in ALK1 deficiency

Increased MGP limits pulmonary AVMs in ALK1 deficiency and may be modulated for the purpose of treating AVMs http://ow.ly/FadMt
Evidence for vertical circulation cells in the well-mixed area of Georges Bank and their biological implications

Two surveys were conducted in the well-mixed region of Georges Bank to look for secondary vertical circulation cells, the first in 1996 and the second in 1997. Each survey collected high-frequency acoustic, temperature, and fluorescence data along a 1-n.mile square grid. Concurrent ADCP measurements also were made in the second year. MOCNESS and pump samples from both years caught large amounts of sand and organisms typical of this regions such as copepods and hydroids. However, forward problem calculations suggest that the acoustic scattering was dominated by post-larval bivalves. Sand and copepods also accounted for significant amounts of the estimated backscatter. The acoustic data from both surveys contained near-surface vertical bands of high-volume backscatter. The frequency and intensity of these bands was strongly correlated with the magnitude of the current velocity. Significant upwelling and downwelling were observed in the ADCP records, and the acoustic bands often co-occurred in the downwelling zones. Simulations of particle distributions within idealized circulation cells, consistent with the acoustic and ADCP data, suggest that the acoustic bands are caused by aggregations of positively buoyant or upward-swimming scatterers. The circulation cells proposed could have an important effect on the ecology of the well-mixed region by aggregating upward-swimming fish and zooplankton in near-surface patches.
Effects of pulses of elevated carbon dioxide concentration on stomatal conductance and photosynthesis in wheat and rice

Systems for exposing plants to elevated concentrations of CO2 may expose plants to pulses of CO2 concentrations considerably above the control set point. The importance of such pulses to plant function is unknown. Single leaves of wheat (Triticum aestivum cv Choptank) and rice (Oryza sativa cv Akitakomachi) were exposed for 30 minutes to pulses of elevated CO2 similar to the frequency, duration and magnitude of pulses observed in free-air CO2 enrichment systems. Stomatal conductance decreased within a few minutes of exposure to once per minute pulses of high CO2 of all the durations tested, in both species. Both species had 20–35% lower stomatal conductance for at least 30 min after the termination of the pulses. After the pulses had stopped, in all cases photosynthesis was below the values expected for the observed substomatal CO2 concentration, which suggests that either patchy stomatal closure occurred or that photosynthesis was directly inhibited. It was also found that a single, 2 s pulse of elevated CO2 concentration reaching a maximum of 1000 μmol mol −1 decreased stomatal conductance in both species. On the basis of these results, it is probable that plants in many CO2 enrichment systems have lower photosynthesis and stomatal conductance than would plants exposed to the same mean CO2 concentration but without pulses of higher concentration.
The use of aesthetics in HCI systems

As computing expands its domain from workplace to pervasive and domestic environments, interest in aesthetics for designing is increasing in HCI. HCI literatures in aesthetics provide wide variety of theoretical foundations for how aesthetics might be interpreted and potentially used for design. However, aesthetics in designing HCI systems have been mainly studied as a source for decoration or visualizing information. In this paper, we present our initial investigation on a qualitative study with an awareness information system prototype to explore what decorative artallcan bring to HCI systems beyond decoration and/or effective communication.
Kinetic resolution of constitutional isomers controlled by selective protection inside a supramolecular nanocapsule

The concept of self-assembling container molecules as yocto-litre reaction flasks is gaining prominence. However, the idea of using such containers as a means of protection is not well developed. Here, we illustrate this idea in the context of kinetic resolutions. Specifically, we report on the use of a water-soluble, deep-cavity cavitand to bring about kinetic resolutions within pairs of esters that otherwise cannot be resolved because they react at very similar rates. Resolution occurs because the presence of the cavitand leads to a competitive binding equilibrium in which the stronger binder primarily resides inside the host and the weaker binding ester primarily resides in the bulk hydrolytic medium. For the two families of ester examined, the observed kinetic resolutions were highest within the optimally fitting smaller esters.
SIMULATING BUS OPERATIONS WITH ENHANCED CORRIDOR SIMULATOR: CASE STUDY OF NEW JERSEY TRANSIT BUS ROUTE 39

The corridor simulator (CORSIM)-based microscopic program, which can simulate realistic bus operations, has been enhanced with some newly developed features; these are validated. Transit operations-related data for New Jersey Transit Bus Route 39 were collected to assess the reliability of the enhanced CORSIM program. On the basis of the mean average percentage error and the root mean square error, this study demonstrated that simulation output can represent realistic bus operations, such as the disruptions of transit headways caused by ridership fluctuations at bus stops and delays at intersections. The proposed program provides a potential basis for evaluating advanced transit management and control strategies and real-time transit traveler information systems in the advent of advanced public transportation systems.
Effects of Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition on Cerebral Blood Flow following Bilateral Carotid Artery Occlusion and Recirculation in the Rat

The effects of bilateral carotid artery occlusion/recirculation on cortical CBF (cCBF) were studied in rats following the intravenous administration of either the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME; 30 mg/kg) or an equivalent volume of saline (500 microliters). Induction of bilateral carotid occlusion (BCO) in L-NAME-treated animals resulted in a reduction of cCBF to 30% of baseline. During recirculation subsequent to 20 min of BCO, cCBF in L-NAME-infused animals remained at 30% of baseline. In contrast, cCBF in saline-treated control animals returned to the original baseline level following a similar reduction to 30-40% of baseline during BCO. These results indicate that inhibition of nitric oxide generation limits normalization of regional cortical perfusion following occlusion of proximal large cerebral vessels.
Effect of Tris (Hydroxymethyl) Aminomethane Salt of Prostaglandin F2α on Post-Thaw Motility of Bovine Spermatozoa

Abstract The effect of the tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane salt of prostaglandin F 2α on the post-thaw motility of bovine spermatozoa was evaluated for two ejaculates from each of five bulls. This salt of prostaglandin F 2α was added to the glycerol fraction of the extender to provide 37.5, 112.5, or 337.5 μ g of active prostaglandin F 2α per .5-ml straw. Post-thaw progressive motility was depressed by the addition of the salt of prostaglandin F 2α . Motilities averaged over both 0 and 2h of post-thaw incubation were 19.3, 17.8, 13.6, and 5.8% for 0, 37.5, 112.5, and 337.5 μ g.
Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation Titration and Treatment Initiation for Chronic Hypoventilation Syndromes

Noninvasive positive airway pressure (NPPV) via mask during sleep is increasingly used to treat adults and children with chronic diurnal alveolar hypoventilation (CAH) syndromes. In addition, patients who have significant hypoventilation only during sleep may also benefit from nocturnal NPPV. The benefits of NPPV include improved sleep quality, improved diurnal and nocturnal arterial PCO2 and PO2, reduced nocturnal dyspnea, and improved quality of life. NPPV treatment has been used in CAH syndromes (Box 1) secondary to restrictive thoracic cage disorders (RTCD), neuromuscular diseases (NMD), central respiratory control disturbances (CRCD), and the obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). NPPV during sleep has also been used with mixed success in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to manage patients with acute respiratory failure. The
Mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) populations may sometimes be best managed locally

Mangrove crabs (Scylla serrata) were trapped in summer and fall 2004 at four sites, each in a separate municipality on the Pacific island of Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia. Carapace width (CW) of the 219 crabs averaged 15.1±0.13 cm (SE), slightly larger than the mean size of 221 crabs trapped from the same sites 4 y earlier. Mean CW of the 56 crabs in the upper quartile was 17.5±0.17 cm (SE). In the current study, both sizes of crabs as well as degree and direction of change in size from summer to winter varied among the municipalities. The average CW of crabs from one municipality was significantly larger than from any of the other municipalities. Average CWof crabs from another municipality decreased from summer to fall. These results suggest that although the island-wide crab population appears to be stable, some municipalities may wish to enact site-specific management policies to obtain a harvest regimen that will meet local needs. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Market Freedom as Antipower

Historically, republicans were of different minds about markets: some, such as Rousseau, reviled them, while others, like Adam Smith, praised them. The recent republican resurgence has revived this issue. Classical liberals such as Gerald Gaus contend that neorepublicanism is inherently hostile to markets, while neorepublicans like Richard Dagger and Philip Pettit reject this characterization—though with less enthusiasm than one might expect. I argue here that the right republican attitude toward competitive markets is celebratory rather than acquiescent and that republicanism demands such markets for the same reason it requires the rule of law: because both are essential institutions for protecting individuals from arbitrary interference. I reveal how competition restrains—and in the limit, even eradicates—market power and thereby helps us realize “market freedom,” i.e., freedom as nondomination in the context of economic exchange. Finally, I show that such freedom necessitates “Anglo-Nordic” economic policies.
Hindsight helps: deterministic task scheduling with backtracking

This paper considers the problem of scheduling a set of precedence-related tasks on a nonpreemptive homogeneous message-passing multiprocessors system in order to minimize the makespan, that is, the completion time of the last task relative to start time of the first task. We propose family of scheduling algorithms, called IPR for immediate predecessor rescheduling, which utilize one level of backtracking. We also develop a unifying framework to facilitate the comparison between our results and the various models and algorithms that have been previously studied. We show, both theoretically and experimentally, that the IPR algorithms out-perform previous algorithms in terms of both time complexity and the makespans of the resulting schedules. Moreover our simulation results indicate that the relative advantage of the IPR algorithms increases as the communication constraint is relaxed.
Use-based selection for preservation microfilming

The national brittle books program and, by extension, the development of a nationally preserved collection have followed a very narrow selection approach that excludes those portions of the nation's research libraries that are used. Sole reliance on the collection-based, or subject-based, approach to preserving brittle books has dominated microfilming activities in the nation's research libraries. Even though use has served historically to trigger other preservation treatments, such as repair, it has become practically extinct as a method of identifying brittle books for preservation microfilming and, thus, contributing to a nationally preserved collection of scholarship. The author questions the sole reliance on the collection-based approach to preserve brittle books and, at the same time, argues for the development of a more coherent strategy for the long-term preservation of brittle, circulating materials.
Quality of life assessment as a predictor of survival in non-small cell lung cancer

There are conflicting and inconsistent results in the literature on the prognostic role of quality of life (QoL) in cancer. We investigated whether QoL at admission could predict survival in lung cancer patients. The study population consisted of 1194 non-small cell lung cancer patients treated at our institution between Jan 2001 and Dec 2008. QoL was evaluated using EORTC-QLQ-C30 prior to initiation of treatment. Patient survival was defined as the time interval between the date of first patient visit and the date of death from any cause/date of last contact. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression evaluated the prognostic significance of QoL. Mean age at presentation was 58.3 years. There were 605 newly diagnosed and 589 previously treated patients; 601 males and 593 females. Stage of disease at diagnosis was I, 100; II, 63; III, 348; IV, 656; and 27 indeterminate. Upon multivariate analyses, global QoL as well as physical function predicted patient survival in the entire study population. Every 10-point increase in physical function was associated with a 10% increase in survival (95% CI = 6% to 14%, p < 0.001). Similarly, every 10-point increase in global QoL was associated with a 9% increase in survival (95% CI = 6% to 11%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, physical function, nausea/vomiting, insomnia, and diarrhea (p < 0.05 for all) in newly diagnosed patients, but only physical function (p < 0.001) in previously treated patients were predictive of survival. Baseline global QoL and physical function provide useful prognostic information in non-small cell lung cancer patients.
Nicotine enhances alerting, but not executive, attention in smokers and nonsmokers.

Introduction: Diffi culty concentrating is a symptom of nicotine withdrawal that can contribute to relapse in individuals trying to quit smoking. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of nicotine on executive and alerting attention in smokers and nonsmokers. Methods: Thirty daily smokers who were not tobacco deprived and 30 nonsmokers participated in the study. Participants received a single dose of intranasal nicotine (0, 0.5, or 1.5 mg) at each of 3 experimental sessions on separate days. Participants completed subjective ratings and 3 attention tasks before and after nicotine administration. Results: Nicotine had no effect on executive attention as assessed by a Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) task or the Attention Network Test in smokers and nonsmokers. In contrast, nicotine enhanced alerting attention by decreasing errors on a Continuous Performance Test (CPT) in nonsmokers and improving the correct identifi cation of target words on the RSVP task in smokers. Nonsmokers were more sensitive than smokers to the subjective, but not the cardiovascular, effects of nicotine. Conclusions: The acute administration of intranasal nicotine improved alerting attention in nonsmokers as measured by the CPT, and in smokers as measured by the RSVP. Understanding the elements of attention enhanced by nicotine might guide the development of novel medications for tobacco dependence.
Premature beats of sinus origin

Abstract An elderly man with cancer of the esophagus presented coupled rhythm apparently continuously during twelve days of observation, and electrocardiographic study employing auricular amplification techniques led to the diagnosis of regularly recurring premature beats of sinus origin. To our knowledge, this is the first convincing demonstration of sinus premature beats occurring clinically. The cause for the arrhythmia was not apparent.
Vulva and Vagina

Many infectious diseases, benign or malignant epithelial and mesenchymal tumors, involve both the vulva and vagina. Premalignant lesions are common and many are related to infection by high-risk human papillomavirus. It has been established that there are two distinct types of precursor lesions in vulva (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion): HPV-related usual-type vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia and non-HPV-related, sometimes lichen sclerosis-associated, differentiated-type vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. They have a different pathogenesis, molecular events, clinicopathologic features, and risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma. Other important malignant lesions and benign site-specific mesenchymal tumors are discussed.
Skills of divided attention

Abstract Two subjects read short stories while writing lists of words at dictation. After some weeks of practice, they were able to write words, discover relations among dictated words, and categorize words for meaning, while reading for comprehension at normal speed. The performance of these subjects is not consistent with the notion that there are fixed limits to attentional capacity.
Direct observation of solute segregation to voids in a fast-neutron irradiated Mo/1.0 at% Ti Alloy

The atom-probe field-ion microscope was used to study segregation effects to voids in a Mo--Ti alloy which had been irradiated with fast neutrons. The Ti does not segregate significantly to voids, concentration of Ti in solid solution and the spacial distribution of Ti was not affected by irradiation, carbon was not detected, resolution of TiC or MoC precipitates did not occur. (FS)
Aging, health care, and elder care: perpetuation of gender inequalities in China.

This article examines gender inequalities in the fields of health and familial elder care in China. Based on interviews conducted from 1997 to 1999 with 110 familial caregivers who were taking care of their physically dependent parents, this study explores various aspects of gender differences in both generations of care recipients and caregivers. The variables studied include health status, health care benefits, and income disparities among care recipients as well as caregiving task performance, employment status, and income levels among caregivers. Findings suggest that elderly female care recipients were more likely to receive no pension and medical benefits than their male counterparts; and female caregivers were more likely to earn less income when employed. Meanwhile, female caregivers were performing more hours of care tasks per week and were more involved in personal care and house chores even though they perceived their health as being poorer compared with their male counterparts. Male caregivers...
Protective Signaling Pathways of Activated Protein C in Endothelial Cells

Activated protein C (APC) has been reported to improve survival in patients with severe sepsis.1 Protein C (PC) is physiologically activated on the endothelial cell surface by the key procoagulant enzyme thrombin, and APC downregulates thrombin formation in a negative feedback loop.2 This anticoagulant effect of APC is unlikely to explain its benefit in systemic inflammation because other anticoagulants did not improve survival in septic patients. How the protective effects of APC in systemic inflammation are mediated has thus received a considerable amount of attention in recent years. See ATVB 2007;2634–2641. In vitro studies have shown that incubation of cultured endothelial cells with APC leads to a number of potentially antiinflammatory cellular changes. These include downregulation of the expression of adhesion molecules, enhanced barrier function in cell monolayers, and effects on gene expression that result in decreased susceptibility to apoptosis. Most of these cellular responses have been shown to require the binding of APC to endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) and cleavage-mediated activation of protease activated receptor-1 (PAR1).3–6 EPCR may not only enhance activation of PAR1 by APC but also modify downstream responses through other mechanisms.7–9 EPCR is a transmembrane receptor with a very short cytoplasmic domain and an extracellular domain that binds both PC and APC. EPCR recruits and positions PC/APC on the cell surface, and EPCR binding enhances activation of PC. PAR1 is the prototypical thrombin receptor and belongs to a family of 7-transmembrane G protein–coupled receptors. Enzymatic cleavage of PAR1 exposes a new extracellular N terminus that acts as a tethered activation ligand. Importantly, in mouse models of stroke and endotoxemia EPCR-dependent PAR1 signaling is required for protective effects of APC.5,10 However, it is unknown which cellular effects of APC lead to protection in vivo, and it remains possible that mechanisms …
Methemoglobinemia After Infusion of Ifosfamide Chemotherapy: First Report of a Potentially Serious Adverse Reaction Related to Ifosfamide

Acute formation of methemoglobin is a life-threatening condition caused by multiple medications. In this article we report the first case of methemoglobinemia in a patient with metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma, after infusion of ifosfamide chemotherapy. The patient recovered after prompt diagnosis and treatment of the condition. A mechanism for the formation of methemoglobin as a result of the ifosfamide infusion is offered.
Medial Basal Hypothalamic Disconnection and the Onset of Puberty in the Female Rhesus Monkey

Complete medial basal hypothalamic (MBH) disconnection was performed in four immature female rhesus monkeys to determine its effects on the maturation of the mechanisms that regulate gonadotropin secretion. The sexual development of these animals, as well as that of nine control monkeys of similar bone ages, was assessed by monitoring the stimulatory feedback actions of exogenous and endogenous estrogens on LH and FSH secretion. All neuronal inputs to the hypothalamus were transsected with a Halasz-type knife resulting in “islands” of MBH tissue comprising portions of the arcuate, ventromedial, suprachiasmatic, dorsomedial, paraventricular, and anterior and posterior hypothalamic nuclei. The disconnections produced deficits in neurohypophysial, adrenal, and thyroid secretory function, necessitating replacement with antidiuretic hormone, thyroxine, and cortisone. The postoperative administration of estradiol benzoate (42 μg/kg sc in oil) initially suppressed serum LH and FSH levels. During the 6th–8th post...
Use of Vitamin E and Glutamine in the Successful Treatment of Severe Veno-Occlusive Disease Following Bone Marrow Transplantation

Veno-occlusive disease of the liver is a common complication following the administration of conditioning regimens to patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation. Free-radical damage to the liver is believed to be the cause of the hepatic outflow occlusion, and maintenance of adequate antioxidant stores of glutathione and vitamin E may be a means of counteracting the hepatotoxicity. We report the case of a 44-year-old woman who developed severe veno-occlusive disease after bone marrow transplantation and was treated with vitamin E, the major antioxidant of the cell membrane, and glutamine, a precursor of glutathione. The administration of this therapy was associated with reversal of the clinical and biochemical signs of severe hepatic dysfunction.
Antiretroviral therapy in primary HIV infection

Evaluation of: SPARTAC Trial Investigators, Fidler S, Porter K et al. Short-course antiretroviral therapy in primary HIV infection. N. Engl. J. Med. 368, 207-217 (2013). The timing of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in patients who present with primary HIV infection is uncertain. This paper compared three strategies: ART for 48 weeks; ART for 12 weeks; or no therapy in 366 patients with primary HIV infection. They showed that 48 weeks of ART significantly reduced the risk of needing definitive therapy (after a median follow-up of 4.2 years). However, the median delay in needing to start definitive therapy (61 weeks) is not significantly greater than the amount of treatment given (48 weeks) to achieve this result, suggesting that the clinical benefit of immediate ART in primary HIV infection is not yet clear.