cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Interictal HFOs to Improve the Identification of Epileptogenic Zones in Preparation for Epilepsy Surgery

For the more than 15 million patients who have drug-resistant epilepsy, surgical resection of the region where seizure arise is often the only alternative therapy. However, the identification of this epileptogenic zone (EZ) is often imprecise. Generally, insufficient EZ identification and resection may cause seizures to continue and too much resection may lead to unnecessary neurological deficits. In this paper, an automatic high frequency oscillations (HFOs) detection method based on noise-assisted multivariate EMD (NA-MEMD) is proposed to improve the localization of the EZ for epilepsy patients. In this method, different detected HFO types such as fast-ripple (FR), ripple (R), and fast-ripple concurrent with ripple (FRandR) are utilized to investigate their clinical relevance in identifying EZ. The proposed method may significantly improve the precision by which pathological brain tissue can be identified.
Swot Mission Performance and Error Budget

The Surface Water & Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission (swot.jpl.nasa.gov) is a joint NASA/CNES/CSA mission that is currently scheduled for launch in 2021. The SWOT mission is a partnership between two communities, physical oceanography and hydrology, to share high vertical accuracy topography data produced by the payload configuration, whose principal instrument is the Ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIN). It was recommended by the 2007 National Research Council decadal review “Earth Science and Applications from Space: national Imperatives for the Next Decade and Beyond” for implementation by NASA. This paper will review the mission design, mission performance, and error budget.
Spatio-temporal enhancement of Raman-induced frequency shifts in graded-index multimode fibers

We investigate the impact of intrapulse Raman scattering and third-order dispersion on the propagation of a pulsed optical beam inside graded-index (GRIN) fibers by solving an effective nonlinear Schrodinger equation that includes the spatial self-imaging effects through a periodically varying effective mode area. Numerical simulations are used to show that the Raman-induced frequency shift of the shortest fundamental soliton, created after the fission process, is enhanced considerably inside GRIN fibers compared to single-mode fibers for the same value of the soliton order. We also discuss the role of spatial-width contraction during each self-imaging cycle on the Raman-induced frequency shifts.
Pre-Transition Effects Mediate Forces of Assembly between Transmembrane Proteins: The Orderphobic Effect

Author(s): Katira, Shachi; Mandadapu, Kranthi K; Vaikuntanathan, Suriyanarayanan; Smit, Berend; Chandler, David | Abstract: We present a mechanism for a generic and powerful force of assembly and mobility for transmembrane proteins in lipid bilayers. This force is a pre-transition (or pre-melting) effect for the first-order transition between ordered and disordered phases in the host membrane. Using large scale molecular simulation, we show that a protein with hydrophobic thickness equal to that of the disordered phase embedded in an ordered bilayer stabilizes a microscopic order-disorder interface, and the stiffness of that interface is finite. When two such proteins approach each other, they assemble because assembly reduces the net interfacial free energy. In analogy with the hydrophobic effect, we refer to this phenomenon as the "orderphobic effect". The effect is mediated by proximity to the order-disorder phase transition and the size and hydrophobic mismatch of the protein. The strength and range of forces arising from the orderphobic effect are significantly larger than those that could arise from membrane elasticity for the membranes we examine.
Regulation of eIF4E Guides a Unique Translational Program to Steer Erythroid Maturation

Erythropoiesis is an intricately orchestrated process responsible for rapidly responding to an array of signaling cues to direct cell fates. While gene expression during erythropoiesis has mainly been studied at the transcription level, regulation of gene expression at the level of translation is still poorly understood. As translational control is one of the fastest steps to regulate protein abundance in the cell, we hypothesize that this mechanism plays an important role to rapidly control protein levels in response to extracellular cues during erythroid differentiation. However, outstanding questions remain on how translational control regulates specific gene programs in early erythroid states including 1.) how mRNA are selected for translation in normal erythropoiesis and 2.) how components of the translational machinery are regulated by upstream signaling pathways to orchestrate the translational landscape. In addressing these questions, we have nuncovered a dynamic interplay between Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 4E (eIF4E), the major mRNA cap binding protein that controls translation initiation and its repressor protein, 4EBP1 in erythropoiesis. Specifically, using in vivo phospho-flow cytometry analysis of the eIF4E-4EBP1 axis, eIF4E activity is high in early erythroid phases and is repressed by 4EBP1 in order to allow erythroid maturation. Surprisingly, high eIF4E activity in early erythroid precursors occurs without an increase in global protein synthesis. Utilizing a model of CD34+ human cord blood cells (HUDEP-2), we show that constitutive overexpression of eIF4E impaired erythropoietic maturation. To capture the specific proteins potentially regulated by eIF4E activity during erythropoiesis, we performed quantitative TMT mass spectrometry during HUDEP-2 erythroid differentiation. Our results revealed that eIF4E controls a specific key network of genes necessary for maintenance of early erythroid precursors. By analyzing the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) of the eIF4E-dependent mRNA network, we identify a highly conserved, CT-rich motif which is required for these mRNAs to be more efficiently translated with increasing eIF4E levels. These results demonstrate wide-spread translational control of CT-rich mRNAs by eIF4E during early erythropoiesis. We are currently employing DMS-MaPseq to understand whether these motifs are also part of structured RNA elements that confer sensitivity to eIF4E levels. We have further extended these findings to a novel transgenic mouse model we have developed that allows in vivo assessment of increased eIF4E temporally at concise phases of erythroid maturation. Understanding this balance of eIF4E activity provides a novel insight into how of translational control dictates gene expression to determine phases of maturation in a crucial differentiation process. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Impact of Intersession Course Remediation on NAPLEX/PCOA Scores in an Accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy Program

Objective. To compare Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) scaled scores and North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) pass rates in students who completed a two-week intersession remediation or repeated a course with students who did not require any form of didactic remediation or full course repeat. Methods. Data examined for this study included NAPLEX/PCOA scores, NAPLEX pass/fail status, and remediation history. Students from graduating classes of 2016, 2017, and 2018 were organized into four groups: non-remediators, one course remediation and no repeats, >1 course remediation and no repeats, and ≥1 course repeat. Differences were analyzed using linear regression, logistic regression, and Pearson correlations. Results. PCOA scores for all remediation groups were significantly lower when compared with the non-remediators group with a reduction of 37.8 to 50.9 points from the expected non-remediators’ score. NAPLEX scores were not significantly lower for students who remediated one course compared to other groups with an expected reduction of 16 to 20 points. The likelihood of a student failing the NAPLEX was also not significantly lower for students who remediated one course but was significantly lower for other remediation groups. Conclusion. Although single course remediation in this curricular model appears to have minimal impact on NAPLEX outcomes and may be an acceptable intervention for many students, additional support and interventions may be warranted for students who qualify for multiple remediations and/or course repeat.
Wilderness-Based Professional Development for Educators: Exploring Outcomes and Influential Programmatic Elements

The personal and professional outcomes of experiential wilderness-based professional development programs for K-12 educators have not been adequately evaluated. This study used openended survey questions to identify a range of personal (i.e., self-awareness, new perspectives, self-confidence) and professional (i.e., changes in classroom practices, appreciation for educational practices, improved classroom culture) outcomes. Educators also identified the programmatic elements that were most influential to both personal and professional outcomes. Links between specific programming elements and each unique outcome are also discussed. Results from this study may be used to design experiential continuing professional development approaches for educators.Subscribe to JOREL
Innovation, Stock Market Feedback and Good Idiosyncratic Volatility

We theoretically and empirically analyze information generation by stock markets on economic prospects of innovations and the resultant feedback effect on firm-level innovation-related investment (IRI). By modeling the unique aspects of firm-specific and systematic drivers of innovation profits, we derive a positive relation of idiosyncratic volatility of stock returns (IVOL) to the response rate of subsequent IRI generally, and to future stock returns under technological conditions that are more applicable to big innovative firms. Empirically, we find strong and robust support. High IVOL in innovative firms may thus reflect a more intense feedback effect, resulting in increased efficiency of IRI.
Job precarity and economic prospects during the COVID-19 public health crisis

Abstract Objective As labor markets in recent decades have become increasingly volatile and precarious, more workers are susceptible to working conditions threatening their economic security. COVID-19 has further laid bare such economic insecurity from holding a precarious job. We examined the association between precarious employment and the probability of losing income or a job during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A multivariate regression analysis was conducted using a cross-sectional data set collected in May 2020 in the United States. Results Our results confirm a strong positive association between precarious employment and losing work or income. Specifically, holding part-time work in the service sector, and feeling disempowered in the workplace, receiving low material rewards, having few benefits, and experiencing obstacles in exercising rights all significantly doubled the probability of losing income or jobs. Conclusion Our analysis underscores the increasing vulnerability faced by our workforce and how a public health crisis magnifies the dire consequences of a precarious job.
Wrap Contracts: Foundations and Ramifications

Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Why Enforce Contracts? A. Individualistic/Deontic Theories B. Consequentialist Theories C. Dynamic or "Multi-Value" Theories of Contract Law Chapter 3: Contracts and Contract Law in Societal Context A. Contract Law and Evolving Business Needs B. Contracts of Adhesion C. Function, Fluidity and Instructive Contracts Chapter 4: The Rise of 'Wrap Contracts: The Early Cases A. Shrinkwraps B. Clickwraps C. Browsewraps Chapter 5: Contract Terms as Sword, Shield and Crook A. Contract as Shield B. Contract as Sword C. Contract as Crook Chapter 6: Problems of Form A. Is a 'Wrap Contract Just Another Contract of Adhesion? B. Sadistic Contracts Chapter 7: Problems of Substance A. 'Wrap Contracts and Norm Shifting B. Getting Something for Nothing: The Old Bait and Switch C. The Limits of Unconscionability and the Problem of Other Laws Chapter 8: The Sense and Nonsense of 'Wrap Contract Doctrine A. What is Sufficient Notice? B. An Outline of 'Wrap Contract Doctrine C. A New Kind of Judicial Activism Chapter 9: Form, Function, and Notice A. What is a Notice? B. Intent and Consent in Contracts, Torts and Property C. Contract Functionalism Chapter 10: Contracts in Wonderland A. Contract Law and the Right of Publicity. B. 'Wrap Contracts and Federal Laws C. Terms of Disservice Chapter 11: Reshaping 'Wrap Contract Doctrine A. Imposing a Duty to Draft Reasonably B. Tailoring Assent C. Interpretation, Construction and Contract Form and Function D. Environmental Coercion Chapter 12: Conclusion Index
Wavelet packet based optimal subband coder

Proposes an algorithm to use in designing a subband coder (SBC) constructed by wavelet packet, to achieve minimum distortion for a given bit budget and implementation complexity. The authors map the QMF tree structures onto a binary tree, then formulate the task as an optimization problem including coding bit and implementation complexity constraints. The problem is dissected into two phases. First, they derive the optimal bit allocation strategy which covers the entire range of bit rate, and second, they search for the optimal subband decomposition by using a fast dynamic program.
A note on the performance of regime switching hedge strategy

We characterize conditions under which the regime switching (RS) hedge strategy will perform better than the ordinary least squares (OLS) hedge strategy. The result can be extended to the case where the GARCH effects prevail. Specifically, these conditions would allow the RS-GARCH hedge strategy to dominate both OLS and GARCH hedge strategies. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark
Medieval Concepts of the Past: Ritual, Memory, Historiography

(2003). Medieval Concepts of the Past: Ritual, Memory, Historiography. History: Reviews of New Books: Vol. 31, No. 3, pp. 122-123.
Immune responses in mice infected with lactic dehydrogenase virus. II. Contact sensitization to DNFB and characterization of lymphoid cells during acute LDV infection.

Abstract The effect of acute infection with lactic dehydrogenase virus (LDV) on the development of contact sensitivity to DNFB was studied in Balb/c mice. LDV infection inhibited contact sensitivity to DNFB. The extent of inhibition observed depended on the timing of LDV infection relative to the first (sensitization) and last (challenge) antigenic stimulation. The possibility that the observed inhibition of contact sensitivity to DNFB could be due to a depletion of the T-dependent areas of lymphoid tissues during acute LDV infection was considered. Lymph nodes, spleen and thymus from normal animals, and from mice infected with LDV 1 or 2 days previously, were examined histologically. Also, the proportion of T cells to Ig positive cells in cell suspensions of these tissues was determined. Results did not suggest a T cell depletion during acute infection with LDV.
Demythologizing Scholarly Publishing

Several myths about scholarly publishing are described and examined in this article, insofar as the absence of relevant data and space permit. Is it a myth or a fact that the university presses own scholarly publishing or are essential for the continued publication of scholarship? Is it a myth or true that scholarly publishing is in trouble— and, if so, what kind of trouble? Does every well-researched and well-written manuscript have, in fact, an equal chance to be considered and published? The roles of the senior scholar broker, the college traveler and the sponsoring editor are briefly sketched, as well as the connections between publishing decisions and tenure. No conclusions are reached, since the data do not permit objective analysis. However, this article argues that a full-fledged sociology of publishing is badly needed and raises the question of whether “society gets the scholarly publications it is willing to pay for,” and what this means.
Ultrafast time and frequency domain vibrational dynamics of the CaF 2 /H 2 O interface

The structure of water at the CaF2/KOH interface was studied by vibrational sum-frequency-generation (SFG) spectroscopy and ultrafast SFG-Free Induction Decay, suggesting the presence of weakly hydrogen bonded OH at high pH.
A cellular automata FPGA architecture that can be trained with neural networks

It is possible to derive a simple FPGA architecture from 1-D cellular automata structures in which a 2-D spatial feedforward network is formed. By permitting each site to take on any possible function in its input space (through LUT substitution) an interesting new Boolean network concept is produced. It can be viewed as an FPGA, and it can be refined in a number of ways to accommodate the addition of configuration circuitry and registration structures. The interesting features of this FPGA include its low descriptive complexity/high regularity, low interconnect demand, interchangeability of logic/routing resources, and defect tolerance. By exploiting a connection between the Vapnik-Chervonenkis dimension of (at least) low-order LUTs and perceptron neural networks, it is relatively straightforward to model these Boolean networks with equivalent artificial neural networks, which can be trained using traditional approaches, such as the backpropagation algorithm. This paper reviews the derivation of this architecture and demonstrates examples of evolved circuit designs.
Parasitic Integration: Win‐Win Agreements Containing Losers

“Parasitic integration” involves agreements that are Pareto-superior for two or more of the negotiating parties, while being inferior for one or more of the remaining negotiating parties. The contrast between parasitic integration and integrative bargaining is highlighted. A taxonomy and examples of parasitic integration are provided, as well as linkages to specific areas in the negotiation literature.
Parametric Representation of the Primary Hurricane Vortex. Part II: A New Family of Sectionally Continuous Profiles

Abstract For applications such as windstorm underwriting or storm-surge forecasting, hurricane wind profiles are often approximated by continuous functions that are zero at the vortex center, increase to a maximum in the eyewall, and then decrease asymptotically to zero far from the center. Comparisons between the most commonly used functions and aircraft observations reveal systematic errors. Although winds near the peak are too strong, they decrease too rapidly with distance away from the peak. Pressure–wind relations for these profiles typically overestimate maximum winds. A promising alternative is a family of sectionally continuous profiles in which the wind increases as a power of radius inside the eye and decays exponentially outside the eye after a smooth polynomial transition across the eyewall. Based upon a sample of 493 observed profiles, the mean exponent for the power law is 0.79 and the mean decay length is 243 km. The database actually contains 606 aircraft sorties, but 113 of these failed ...
Ziconotide: an update and review.

Background: Ziconotide is the only N-type calcium channel blocker approved by the US FDA for the treatment of chronic pain. The approved indication is for the management of severe chronic pain in patients for whom intrathecal therapy is warranted and who are intolerant of or refractory to other treatments such as systemic analgesics, adjunctive therapies or intrathecal morphine. Objective: The purpose of this article was to review the available safety, efficacy and dosing information for ziconotide. Methods: The sources searched for literature from 1980 to January 2008 included Pub Med, MEDLINE and PREMEDLINE using the words ziconotide, conotoxins and pain. Results/conclusion: Ziconotide is administered intrathecally by infusion pump to block nociceptive signal transmission in the spinal cord. It is a synthetic neuroactive peptide equivalent to the omega conotoxin MVIIA, a constituent of the venom of the fish-hunting marine snail Conus magus. It is highly potent, has a steep dose–response curve, a slow on...
Ethical behavior among marketing researchers: An assessment of selected demographic characteristics

This study considers the relationship between perceptions of ethical behavior and the demographic characteristics of sex, age, education level, job title, and job tenure among a sample of marketing researchers. The findings of this study indicate that female marketing researchers, older marketing researchers, and marketing researchers holding their present job for ten years or more generally rate their behavior as more ethical.
Modular invariance and the spectrum of two dimensional conformal field theories

Abstract Modular invariance has recently emerged as a powerful tool in conformal field theory. In conjunction with the representation theory of infinite dimensional Lie algebras, the study of modular invariance gave the spectrum of several families of theories. These include the minimal conformal models (Cardy and others), WZW theories which describe string propagation on group manifolds (Gepner and Witten) and parafermionic field theories (Gepner and Qiu). The minimal conformal models models were shown to be a product of two SU (2) WZW theories (Gepner). These results represent a step towards a complete classification of conformal field theories, an important goal both for the study of critical phenomena and string theory.
A multispectrum analysis of the ν1 band of H12C14N: Part II. Air- and N2-broadening, shifts and their temperature dependences

Abstract Air- and N2-broadening, air- and N2-pressure-induced shift coefficients and the temperature dependence exponent of the broadening coefficients and the temperature dependent coefficient of pressure-induced shifts have been determined for transitions of the ν1 band of H12C14N from 39 laboratory absorption spectra recorded at 0.005 and 0.008 cm −1 resolutions with two different Fourier transform spectrometers. The parameters were retrieved from the multispectrum nonlinear least-squares fits to the 3200– 3400 cm −1 region of spectra recorded at temperatures between +26°C and −60°C. Pure samples of HCN in a 19.95 cell and a 0.958 cm cell at room temperature as well as lean mixtures of HCN in N2 or dry air in a coolable cell with a 50 cm absorption path were used in the experiments. Line parameters for N2 broadening were determined by fitting 27 spectra simultaneously while air-broadening parameters were quantified from simultaneous fits to 22 spectra. The average ratio and the standard deviation of the room-temperature air- to N2-broadening coefficient of lines with assignments between P(29) and R(28) are 0.904±0.001. Pressure-induced shift coefficients at 296 K are all negative with values between 0 and ∼−0.006 cm −1 atm −1 and different rotational dependences in the P- and R-branches. Differences between our results, previous measurements and the parameters that are reported in the 2000 edition of HITRAN (HIgh-resolution TRANsmission) database are quantified and discussed.
AN OVERVIEW OF INTERFACE CRACKS

In many cases cracks leading to fracture occur at interfaces between two different constituents, e.g. a fiber and the matrix in a composite. The early solutions of such problems in the context of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) revealed the presence of an unsatisfactory behavior: rapid oscillations in the stress and displacement fields, implying the physically impossible phenomenon of interpenetration. In the late seventies two major modifications were proposed: one by Atkinson and the other by Comninou. The Atkinson modification recognizes that the interface between two different materials is almost never sharp, and provides a gradual transition which avoids the oscillatory behavior. The Comninou approach simply resolves the interface crack problem by accepting its inherently unilateral nature (presence of inequalities) and allowing for partial closure at the tips. Both solutions have received high praise and severe criticism, especially since the oscillatory behavior is absent in some, at least, classes of nonlinear materials (Knowles and Sternberg). Current emphasis is placed on numerical models of the elastoplastic behavior of interface cracks. An additional complication is the apparent presence of mixed mode crack tip fields regardless of the type of the applied loading. Valuable as these theoretical efforts may be, it is becoming increasingly imperative to perform experiments to determine the mode of propagation and critical parameters governing interface fracture. Even then, the results must be viewed with caution, because the quantities of interest can only be determined indirectly. The present paper presents an overview of the interface crack problem and describes some preliminary experimental results in the fatigue and fracture of interface cracks.
Comparison of blood volatile organic compound levels in residents of Calcasieu and Lafayette Parishes, LA, with US reference ranges

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry conducted a study to evaluate body burden levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) among residents of highly industrialized Calcasieu Parish, LA, USA, in 2002. Blood VOC levels in a representative sample of participants in Calcasieu Parish were compared with a similar group of participants in the less-industrialized Lafayette Parish. Participants' ages ranged from 15 to 91 years, 46% were men, and 89% were Caucasian. VOC levels in these two populations were also compared at the national levels. Solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry was used to measure levels of 30 VOCs in blood samples collected from 283 self-described non-smoking study participants. Of the 30 VOCs, 6 had quantifiable levels in at least 25% of the blood samples analyzed. The frequency of detection was >95% for benzene and m-/p-xylene, >60% for 1,4-dichlorbenzene and toluene, 27% for ethylbenzene, and 39% for styrene. Calcasieu and Lafayette Parish participants had similar distributions for six VOCs in key percentiles and geometric means. When compared with a representative sampling of the 1999-2000 US general population, no significant differences were found between the parish data and the US general population.
iPSC-derived fibroblasts demonstrate augmented production and assembly of extracellular matrix proteins

Reprogramming of somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) provides an important cell source to derive patient-specific cells for potential therapeutic applications. However, it is not yet clear whether reprogramming through pluripotency allows the production of differentiated cells with improved functional properties that may be beneficial in regenerative therapies. To address this, we compared the production and assembly of extracellular matrix (ECM) by iPSC-derived fibroblasts to that of the parental, dermal fibroblasts (BJ), from which these iPSC were initially reprogrammed, and to fibroblasts differentiated from human embryonic stem cells (hESC). iPSC- and hESC-derived fibroblasts demonstrated stable expression of surface markers characteristic of stromal fibroblasts during prolonged culture and showed an elevated growth potential when compared to the parental BJ fibroblasts. We found that in the presence of l-ascorbic acid-2-phosphate, iPSC- and hESC-derived fibroblasts increased their expression of collagen genes, secretion of soluble collagen, and extracellular deposition of type I collagen to a significantly greater degree than that seen in the parental BJ fibroblasts. Under culture conditions that enabled the self-assembly of a 3D stromal tissue, iPSC- and hESC-derived fibroblasts generated a well organized, ECM that was enriched in type III collagen. By characterizing the functional properties of iPSC-derived fibroblasts compared to their parental fibroblasts, we demonstrate that these cells represent a promising, alternative source of fibroblasts to advance future regenerative therapies.
A network parallel genetic algorithm for the one machine sequencing problem

Abstract This paper presents a network parallel genetic algorithm for the one machine sequencing problem. It examines a parallel genetic algorithm in which processors exchange their best solution found at periodic intervals and the case when no exchange is performed. The network parallel genetic algorithm is executed on a cluster of IBM RS/6000 workstations using a master-slave approach. Performance to a serial genetic algorithm is reported.
A hybrid AI/OR decision support tool for backbone communications network design

Abstract Much of existing DSS literature views the role of human expertise as primarily that of selecting appropriate formal models for solving a problem or synthesizing sequences thereof. Once a model (or model sequence) is determined, values of decision variables are determined by the model(s) alone. Hence, automated methods for facilitating model selection and synthesis have received considerable attention. However, a single model is often not an accurate abstraction of reality. Also, results from multiple formal models often have to be combined heuristically to obtain practical solutions. Thus, in this paper we explore the premise that human expertise needs to interact with formal models during the process of searching for solution values. Specifically, we describe a hybrid decision support tool for the design of backbone communication networks, a problem recognized as being of considerable complexity. An internal representation of the design process that employs a blackboard, a truth maintainence system and dependency directed backtracking, allows human expertise and formal models to jointly determine decision variable values in a uniform manner. The design tool has been implemented using a combination of Lisp and Fortran. Computational experiments indicate that incorporating human expertise during the search process results in superior complete solutions and added flexibility in satisfying ad hoc requirements. We conjecture that this hybrid search approach is not limited to the telecommunication network design problem and can be extended to other applications.
The biophysical basis of hypofiltration in nephrotic humans with membranous nephropathy

The biophysical basis of hypofiltration in nephrotic humans with membranous nephropathy. Physiologic and morphologic techniques were used to elucidate the determinants of the glomerular filtration rate in 62 nephrotic patients with membranous nephropathy and 104 healthy controls. Renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate, afferent oncotic pressure and dextran sieving coefficients were determined. Mathematical models of glomerular filtration were then used to compute likely upper bounds for the ultrafiltration coefficient and pore area/length ratio (a measure of pore density). These upper bounds for each measure of intrinsic ultrafiltration capacity were both depressed by 75% in membranous nephropathy. A corresponding excess of ultrafiltration pressure (versus control), attributable solely to reduced intracapillary oncotic pressure was by 12mm Hg. Glomerular morphometry revealed peripheral capillary filtration surface area to be enhanced in membranous nephropathy (3.27 × 10 5 vs. 2.03 × 10 5 µm 2 ). However, there was a massive reduction in filtration slit frequency due to epithelial podocyte broadening (336 vs. 1204 slits/mm capillary length) as well as marked thickening of the glomerular basement membrane (1130 vs. 388 nm). We conclude that the latter two findings lower the ultrafiltration coefficient in membranous nephropathy by depressing the hydraulic permeability of the glomerular capillary wall. We propose that this abnormality is solely responsible for the hypofiltration observed in a majority of patients with this disease.
Synthesis, Characterization and Fluorescent Property of Two Mixed Ligand Coordination Polymers Constructed from 4-Cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylate and Nitrogen-Containing Ligands

Two new coordination polymers [Cd(1,2′-cy)(btx)0.5H2O]n 1 and {[Ni(1,2-cy)(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)2]·3H2O}n 2 (1,2′-cy=4-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylate, btx=1,4-bis(triazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, 2,2′-bipy=2,2′-bipyridine) had been synthesized. Their structures were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG and X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. Crystal data for complex 1: Triclinic, space group P-1, a = 6.4303(13) A, b = 10.399(2) A, c = 11.713(2), α = 83.04(3)°, β = 81.87(3)°, γ = 83.84(3)°, and Z = 2. For complex 2: Orthorhombic, space group Pbcn, a = 15.613(3) A, b = 13.970(3) A, c = 21.290(4) A, and Z = 4. Complex 1 exhibits an interesting two-dimensional wavelike covalent layer structure. When Ni salt was replaced by Cd salt, and reacts with 1,2′-cy and 2,2′-bipy, one-dimensional chain-like complex 2 was obtained. Furthermore, the fluorescent property of complex 1 was reported. Two new coordination polymers [Cd(1,2′-cy)(btx)0.5H2O]n 1 and {[Ni(1,2-cy)(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)2]·3H2O}n 2 (1,2′-cy=4-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylate, btx=1,4-bis(triazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, 2,2′-bipy=2,2′-bipyridine) had been synthesized. Their structures were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG and X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. Crystal data for complex 1: Triclinic, space group P-1, a = 6.4303(13) A, b = 10.399(2) A, c = 11.713(2), α = 83.04(3)°, β = 81.87(3)°, γ = 83.84(3)°, and Z = 2. For complex 2: Orthorhombic, space group Pbcn, a = 15.613(3) A, b = 13.970(3) A, c = 21.290(4) A, and Z = 4. Complex 1 exhibits an interesting two-dimensional wavelike covalent layer structure. When Ni salt was replaced by Cd salt, and reacts with 1,2′-cy and 2,2′-bipy, one-dimensional chain-like complex 2 was obtained. Furthermore, the fluorescent property of complex 1 was reported.
The Hill-Sachs Lesion: Volumetric modeling using Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Reconstructions

Objectives:The purposes of our study were to identify the volume and relative location of Hill-Sachs lesions, measure the amount of glenoid bone loss in patients who have existing Hill-Sachs lesions, and finally draw any correlations that exist between increased glenoid bone loss and increased Hill-Sachs volume.Methods:A total of 217 consecutive three-dimensional (3D) Computed Tomography (CT) scans were reviewed for the presence and measurement of Hill-Sachs volume and location. Hill-Sachs volume was measured by measuring the size of the Hill-Sachs defect in sequential CT images and a 3D model was created to measure the volume of the defect using Osirix (Osirix Imaging Software, Osirix-viewer.com). The Hill-Sachs lesion was then quantified in terms of both location and size. Further, older classification systems were applied to the data to draw comparison. Location of the lesion was measured by utilizing anterior and posterior margins of the lesion in relation to the biceps groove to give a clock face loc...
Infectious bursal disease virus type 1‐induced suppression of chicken lymphocyte response to mitogen

Summary Infectious bursal disease type 1 (IBDV‐1) caused severe suppression of the proliferative response of normal chicken peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) to concanavalin A (Con A). The factors capable of such suppression were not associated with virus particles and were stable at 56°C for 1 h. Their molecular weight ranged from under 100 kDa to over 300 kDa. They were not prostaglandin‐like material, and their suppression of PBL was not due to interference with the Con A action.
Surgery 2001. Twilight of the gods.

Statistics documenting the relentless rise of women in American medicine, primary care specialties, and surgery are presented. Representation of women in many surgical societies, on journal editorial boards, and in surgical texts does not appear to have kept pace. The participation of women surgeons in each of these activities ranges from 0.8% to 1.7%, equivalent to the percentage of women in general surgery before 1975. Comparison is made with women surgeons in an open national society (8.2%), an open regional society (6.9%), an open editorial board (7.5%), and a recently published textbook of surgery (8.2%). These proportions parallel the current 6.3% of women in general surgery and support the premise that women are at least as likely as their male colleagues to participate in the professional activities of the surgical establishment. During the waning years of the 20th century, ever-increasing numbers of qualified women will come forward to join the hierarchy of American surgery. (Arch Surg. 1993;128:658-662)
Input-output analysis of virtual water transfers: Case study of California and Illinois

Abstract Increasing pressures on water resources in the two economically important states of California (CA) and Illinois (IL) have created a need for critical information related to sustainable water use and management. This paper applies input–output (IO) analysis to evaluate water use and quantify virtual water transfers involving the two states. Results show that aquaculture requires the largest input of direct water per unit of economic output, followed by crops, power generation, livestock, mining, services, domestic, and industry. Low water use intensity industry and services sectors contributed the largest proportions of value added and employee compensation. In 2008, the two states were net virtual exporters, with CA exporting 1.3 times the net export volume of IL. More than 72% of virtual water exports for each state originated from the high total water use intensity but low value added crops sector, with irrigation and rainfall contributing 99% and 97% of the crop-related exports for CA and IL, respectively. Virtual water export volumes were 59% for CA and 71% for IL when compared to actual water use. These results highlight the need to consider water use efficiency and opportunity cost when managing water under scarcity conditions.
Ventilatory responses to hypercapnia and hypoxia at normothermia and moderate hypothermia during constant-depth halothane anesthesia.

Ventilatory responses of dogs to hypercapnia and hypoxia were studied at 37° C., 32° C., and 28° C. during constant-depth halothane anesthesia. Minute ventilation fell from 4.9 liters/minute at 37° C., to 2.5 liters/minute at 28° C., and returned to 3.7 liters/minute at 37° C. Resting PaCO2 decreased from 47 mm. of mercury to 39 mm. of mercury and return to 49 mm. of mercury. At 37° C., minute ventilation increased by 380 ml. per mm. of mercury increase in PaCO2. At 32° C. this decreased to 160 ml. per mm. of mercury, and at 28° C. to 100 ml. per mm. of mercury. Ventilatory responses returned to 269 ml. per mm. of mercury at 32° C., and 380 ml. per mm. of mercury at 37° C. At 37° C., ventilation increased from approximately 4 liters/minute at a PaO2 of 400 mm. of mercury to 15 liters/minute at 30–40 mm. of mercury. At 28° C., ventilation increased by only 1–2 liters/minute for a similar change in PaO2. These data suggest that the anesthesiologist maintain even greater vigilance over his patient during hypothermia since the usual clinical clues are obscured should hypercapnia or hypoxia develop.
Spreading of liquid AuSi on vapor-liquid-solid-grown Si nanowires.

Vapor−liquid−solid growth of high-quality Si nanowires relies on the stability of the liquid metal seed. In situ transmission electron microscopy shows that liquid AuSi seed spreads along the sidewalls of Si nanowires for some growth conditions. This liquid thin film phase separates to form solid Au clusters as the nanowire is quenched below the solidus temperature. The length that the liquid film spreads from the seed and its thickness can be explained by considering the spreading thermodynamics of droplets on cylinders.
A 4-megacycle 24-bit checked binary adder

Recently developed large computers use multiple memory units and buffering between memory and processing to achieve a computation rate higher than the memory rate. In such cases computer speed is limited by the basic adders employed. Because these adders represent a small fraction of the total machine cost, it is economical to use the fastest parallel design available. Checking, if provided, should be accomplished in such a way that the add-cycle time is not increased. This implies parallel rather than serial operation of adder and checking logic. In this paper, the logical design of a 24-bit binary adder developed for the IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) Stretch computer project is described. Direct-coupled type logic is used and high performance is achieved by means of a parallel design employing fast switching devices. Checking employs a combination of parity and duplicate-carry logic for single-error detection.
“Late” proarrhythmia due to quinidine

Abstract Late proarrhythmia due to quinidine is obviously not forewarned by the occurrence of early torsades de pointes, and initial in-hospital use and monitoring may not necessarily ensure or predict long-term safety. It is possible that late torsades de pointes, as profiled in this report, explains the increased mortality in patients receiving chronic quinidine therapy observed in previous investigations.
Competition between Tax Havens: Does Proximity Matter?

We study whether proximity to the nearest tax haven affects FDI and the number of American affiliates in a tax haven. Our results show that distance to the nearest tax haven is positively related to FDI inflows and the number of American affiliates in tax havens. These findings suggest that there is harmful competition between tax havens. We also find evidence of positive spillovers: the number of American affiliates in a tax haven is positively related to the number of affiliates in its closest neighboring tax haven. This suggests the presence of agglomeration benefits given there is an affiliate in a nearby tax haven.
Tapering or Discontinuing Cyclosporine for Financial Reasons—A Single-Center Experience

In patients with primary cadaveric renal transplants and stable allograft function, we assessed the impact of tapering or discontinuing cyclosporine A (CsA) for financial reasons. Forty-two patients whose CsA was discontinued ("nodose") and 29 patients whose CsA was tapered to 100 to 150 mg/d ("low-dose"; mean, 1.7 mg/kg/d) were examined. Results were compared with 70 age- and race-matched control patients maintained on at least 200 mg/d of CsA (mean, 3.9 mg/kg/d). Follow-up time for all patients averaged 55 ± 18 months. Late acute rejection episodes occurred more frequently in no-dose than in low-dose ( P = 0.017) or control ( P = 0.001) patients. In the no-dose group, blacks experienced a greater number of late acute rejections than whites. These late acute rejections often coincided with the discontinuation of CsA and contributed to an increased rate of allograft loss in blacks in the no-dose group compared with black and white controls ( P = 0.011). In contrast, no increase in late acute rejection episodes occurred in blacks tapered to low doses of CsA. Black patients who remained on low doses of CsA also exhibited a trend toward allograft survival that was intermediate between that of control and no-dose patients. In those patients who retained functional allografts, mean serum creatinine concentration did not differ between the study groups at the beginning and end of the follow-up period. These findings support continuance of CsA in black primary cadaveric renal transplant patients, even if dosages must be reduced to 100 to 150 mg/d. The fact that blacks were less likely to tolerate reductions in CsA indirectly supports the hypothesis that blacks may be more immunologically reactive than whites.
Low Voltage and Low Vacuum-When worlds Collide

Reference EPFL-ARTICLE-218171 URL: http://journals.cambridge.org/abstract_S1431927606069698 Record created on 2016-04-22, modified on 2016-08-09
Pleiotropy revisited: molecular explanations of a classic concept

As commonly used, pleiotropy refers to multiple effects on phenotype of a single mutant gene. The importance of this concept to medical genetics has waxed and waned since its formulation soon after the rediscovery of Mendel's laws. Initially, the view that all aspects of a phenotype, and hence all manifestations of a mendelian syndrome, derive from a single function (or dysfunction) of a mutant allele gained ascendancy. Support for the importance of pleiotropy gradually diminished, and reached a low point in the 1940s with the one gene-one enzyme hypothesis. Studies of mammals and humans with heritable disorders of connective tissue sustained the notion that "genuine" pleiotropy probably did not exist. However, the demise of the relevance of pleiotropy was premature. Detailed understanding of gene organization, expression, and mutation indicates several mechanisms, such as multifunctional proteins, alternative splicing of messenger RNA, and overlapping coding sequences, through which genuine pleiotropy likely occurs in normal development and function, in mendelian syndromes, and in conditions due to somatic mutation. Furthermore, a broad definition of pleiotropy is warranted to subsume syndromes caused by abnormal function of contiguous genes, such as through large deletions, mutation of regulatory elements that coordinate expression, or less clearly understood "position effects." Thus, the use of pleiotropy in the context of aneuploidy syndromes is not inappropriate.
A Critical Role of the Nuclear Receptor HR3 in Regulation of Gonadotrophic Cycles of the Mosquito Aedes aegypti

The orphan nuclear receptor HR3 is essential for developmental switches during insect development and metamorphosis regulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Reproduction of female mosquitoes of the major vector of Dengue fever, Aedes aegypti, is cyclic because of its dependence on blood feeding. 20E is an important hormone regulating vitellogenic events in this mosquito; however, any role for HR3 in 20E-driven reproductive events has not been known. Using RNA interference (RNAi) approach, we demonstrated that Aedes HR3 plays a critical role in a timely termination of expression of the vitellogenin (Vg) gene encoding the major yolk protein precursor. It is also important for downregulation of the Target-of-Rapamycin pathway and activation of programmed autophagy in the Aedes fat body at the end of vitellogenesis. HR3 is critical in activating betaFTZ-F1, EcRB and USPA, the expressions of which are highly elevated at the end of vitellogenesis. RNAi depletion of HR3 (iHR3) prior to the first gonadotrophic cycle affects a normal progression of the second gonadotrophic cycle. Most of ovaries 24 h post second blood meal from iHR3 females in the second cycle were small with follicles that were only slightly different in length from of those of resting stage. In addition, these iHR3 females laid a significantly reduced number of eggs per mosquito as compared to those of iMal and the wild type. Our results indicate an important role of HR3 in regulation of 20E-regulated developmental switches during reproductive cycles of A. aegypti females.