cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DIFFERENTIATION OF POTENTIALLY IMMUNOCOMPETENT CELLS IN THE MOUSE.

The administration of antigen to immunologically competent animals initiates a series of complex biochemical and cellular events culminating in the synthesis of several molecular species of specific antibody (1). The lymphoid cells that react with immunogens do not synthesize antibody themselves, but they interact with cells of bone marrow origin so as to induce the latter to generate antibody-forming progeny (2–4). The lymphoid cells reacting with immunogen have been called “antigen sensitive” or “target” cells (5, 6). We prefer to designate the cells involved in these processes, e.g., in reactions with antigen, in specific instruction of marrow or “antibody factory” cells, and in production of immunocytes, as antigen-sensitive units (ASU), because the complementary cell types are integrated in functional units in organs such as spleen, lymph nodes, and peripheral blood.
The paleoecology of early Pleistocene Gigantopithecus blacki inferred from isotopic analyses.

This study presents isotopic analyses of Gigantopithecus blacki and contemporaneous fauna from Early Pleistocene southern China cave localities with a view to reconstructing the paleoecology of this large extinct ape. Carbon and oxygen stable isotope compositions were determined using tooth enamel carbonate of Gigantopithecus and eight other taxa from Longgudong Cave and additional Gigantopithecus specimens from Juyuandong Cave. Carbon isotopic values of Gigantopithecus fauna reflect a densely forested habitat rarely preserved in the fossil record. These values overlap with those of other ape habitats including Miocene Sivapithecus faunas in the Siwaliks of Pakistan and modern chimpanzee faunas at Kibale National Park, Uganda, and the Ituri Forest, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite the overlap, Gigantopithecus fauna carbon values are significantly lower than those of the Siwaliks and Kibale, likely reflecting a more continuous canopy or more humid forest. Carbon isotope values suggest the habitat consisted of vegetation similar to current subtropical monsoon forests of southern China. Ranges of carbon and oxygen isotopic values for Gigantopithecus suggest a broad diet comprising both terrestrial and canopy plants. Am J Phys Anthropol 155:571–578, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clues to maintaining calorie restriction? Psychosocial profiles of successful long-term restrictors ☆

To combat the obesity epidemic, interventions and treatments often recommend low-calorie dieting. Calorie restriction (CR) as a weight intervention, however, is often unsuccessful, as most people cannot sustain the behavior. Yet one small group has maintained extreme CR over years - members of the CR Society and followers of The CR Way. This study examined stable psychosocial characteristics of these individuals to identify traits that may promote success at long-term CR. In 65 participants, we measured diet, eating behaviors, and personality traits comparing calorie restrictors with two age-, gender-, ethnicity-, and education-matched comparison groups (normal weight and overweight/obese). We first tested whether the CR group restricted calories without indications of eating disorder pathology, and second, what crystallized psychosocial characteristics set them apart from their nonrestricting comparisons. Results indicated the CR group averaged 10 years of CR but scored lower than comparison groups on measures of disordered eating (p < .001) and psychopathology (p < .001). Particularly against overweight/obese participants, CR participants scored lower on neuroticism (p < .04) and hostility (p < .01), and were stronger in future time orientation (p < .05). Overall, CR profiles reflected high self-control and well being, except for having few close relationships. This study suggests a potential predisposition for successful long-term CR without disordered eating. Since modifying trait factors may be unrealistic, there may be psychosocial boundaries to the capacity for sustaining CR. Paralleling a movement toward personalized medicine, this study points toward a personalized behavioral medicine model in behavioral nutrition and treatment of overweight/obesity.
Dividend payout ratios as determinants of earnings response coefficients: A test of the free cash flow theory☆

This paper tests Jensen's (1986a) free cash flow theory that managers overinvest retained earnings by undertaking negative-NPV projects. The test is based on the theory's implication that earnings response coefficients depend positively on payout ratios. It is supported by the data for a sample of 112 firms over the 1951–1986 period. Another test finds that the returns on retained earnings are lower than proxies for the market's required rate of return, as implied by the free cash flow theory. However, the sample firms' Jensen alphas are reliably positive, suggesting that caution is warranted in interpreting the results.
Not a Moral Issue: Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty

Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty: Emerging Conflicts is a new book of essays edited by Douglas Laycock, Anthony R. Picarello, Jr., and Robin Fretwell Wilson. In this Book Review, I focus on the book’s intellectual center of gravity, Professor Wilson’s essay, Matters of Conscience: Lessons for Same-Sex Marriage from the Healthcare Context, and Professor Laycock’s Afterword. The authors purport to offer a solution that will give Gays and Lesbians access to the benefits of marriage while also recognizing religious objectors’ rights to oppose Gay marriage. The authors endorse specific statutory exemptions in emerging marriage equality legislation allowing anyone asserting individual moral opposition to Gay and Lesbian couples to opt out of the facilitation of a same-sex marriage. The authors want such explicit exemptions for everyone from state employees to individuals providing services in the general stream of commerce. I argue that Professors Wilson and Laycock’s nearly exclusive focus on individual rights analysis in their approach to the same-sex marriage question fails to consider seriously the group-based equality issues at stake. I argue that, contrary to Professors Wilson and Laycock’s assertions, one cannot easily distinguish between religious objections to interracial marriage, as well as religious justification for other forms of inequality, and religious objections to same-sex marriage. I argue that we must analyze the claims of Gays and Lesbians for civil marriage under a substantive equality paradigm, and that the group-based equality interests of Gays and Lesbians should not be subordinated to the individual desires of religious objectors through resort to the descriptive moral counterbalancing inherent in typical, liberal individual rights analysis.
The Muddle of Anticipation

In J. J. Gibson's classic paper “The Problem of Temporal Order in Stimulation and Perception” (1966a), he referred to the difficulties encountered when attempting a sharp distinction between memory and perception as “the muddle of memory.” Resolution of the muddle by J. J. Gibson proceeded by blurring the distinction itself. We develop the conjugate “muddle of anticipation” similarly by blurring the sharp distinction traditionally drawn between anticipation and perception. The subsequent redefinition of the problem is grounded in strong anticipation equated with anticipating synchronization—that which arises from a system itself via lawful regularities embedded in the system's ordinary mode of function. We identify the fit of strong anticipation's properties to J. J. Gibson's ecological approach and in so doing introduce the possibility of a potentially deep connection between them, namely, that the coordination of perception with surroundings (direct perception) is a special case of strong anticipation.
Practical uses of femtosecond laser micro-materials processing

We describe several approaches to basic femtosecond machining and materials processing that should lead to practical applications. Included are results on high-throughput deep hole drilling in glasses in ambient air, and precision high-speed micron-scale surface modification of composite materials and chalcogenide glasses. Ablation of soda-lime silicate glass and PbO lead-silicate is studied under three different sets of exposure conditions, for which both the wavelength and pulse duration are varied. Ablation rates are measured below and above the air ionization threshold. The differences observed are explained in terms of self-channeling in the ablated hole. Fabrication of practical devices such as waveguides and gratings is demonstrated in chalcogenide glass.
GPU-accelerated micromagnetic simulations using cloud computing

Abstract Highly parallel graphics processing units (GPUs) can improve the speed of micromagnetic simulations significantly as compared to conventional computing using central processing units (CPUs). We present a strategy for performing GPU-accelerated micromagnetic simulations by utilizing cost-effective GPU access offered by cloud computing services with an open-source Python-based program for running the MuMax3 micromagnetics code remotely. We analyze the scaling and cost benefits of using cloud computing for micromagnetics.
Predictors of opioid misuse in patients with chronic pain: a prospective cohort study

Opioid misuse can complicate chronic pain management, and the non-medical use of opioids is a growing public health problem. The incidence and risk factors for opioid misuse in patients with chronic pain, however, have not been well characterized. We conducted a prospective cohort study to determine the one-year incidence and predictors of opioid misuse among patients enrolled in a chronic pain disease management program within an academic internal medicine practice. One-hundred and ninety-six opioid-treated patients with chronic, non-cancer pain of at least three months duration were monitored for opioid misuse at pre-defined intervals. Opioid misuse was defined as: 1. Negative urine toxicological screen (UTS) for prescribed opioids; 2. UTS positive for opioids or controlled substances not prescribed by our practice; 3. Evidence of procurement of opioids from multiple providers; 4. Diversion of opioids; 5. Prescription forgery; or 6. Stimulants (cocaine or amphetamines) on UTS. The mean patient age was 52 years, 55% were male, and 75% were white. Sixty-two of 196 (32%) patients committed opioid misuse. Detection of cocaine or amphetamines on UTS was the most common form of misuse (40.3% of misusers). In bivariate analysis, misusers were more likely than non-misusers to be younger (48 years vs 54 years, p < 0.001), male (59.6% vs. 38%; p = 0.023), have past alcohol abuse (44% vs 23%; p = 0.004), past cocaine abuse (68% vs 21%; p < 0.001), or have a previous drug or DUI conviction (40% vs 11%; p < 0.001%). In multivariate analyses, age, past cocaine abuse (OR, 4.3), drug or DUI conviction (OR, 2.6), and a past alcohol abuse (OR, 2.6) persisted as predictors of misuse. Race, income, education, depression score, disability score, pain score, and literacy were not associated with misuse. No relationship between pain scores and misuse emerged. Opioid misuse occurred frequently in chronic pain patients in a pain management program within an academic primary care practice. Patients with a history of alcohol or cocaine abuse and alcohol or drug related convictions should be carefully evaluated and followed for signs of misuse if opioids are prescribed. Structured monitoring for opioid misuse can potentially ensure the appropriate use of opioids in chronic pain management and mitigate adverse public health effects of diversion.
Imaging human norepinephrine transporter (hNET) expressing reporter cells and tumors with 4-18F-Fluorobenzylguanidine

1584 Objectives The human norepinephrine transporter (hNET) is highly expressed in primary neuroblastoma and its metastases; and the hNET gene has been transduced into targeted cells as a reporter gene. However, 124I/123I-labeled MIBG, hNET-recognized substrates, are limited with respect to their capacity for sequential imaging of hNET-expressing tumors or cells. The goal of this research was to assess an 18F- labeled MIBG analog, 18F-PFBG (4-18F-Fluorobenzylguanidine), as a probe to track hNET-expressing neuroblastoma and hNET reporter transduced cells. Methods 18F-PFBG was synthesized by a multiple-step approach, similar to Grag et al. (Nucl Med Bio, 21:97-101, 1994). The affinities of PFBG and MIBG to hNET were determined in hNET-transduced C6 cells. In-vitro uptake of 18F-PFBG was studied in C6-hNET, C6-WT and neuroblastoma cell lines (SK-N-SH, SK-N-BE(1)N, SK-N-BE(2)C and LAN1). In-vivo imaging experiments were performed on nude mice bearing different xenografts (C6-hNET, C6-WT, SK-N-SH and SK-N-BE(2)C). Results The IC50 value of PFBG in the C6-hNET cell line was greater than that of MIBG (9.8±2.5 vs 2.2±0.1 uM, respectively). The accumulation of 18F-PFBG in C6-hNET cells was less (45%) than that of 123I-MIBG, but 38 times higher than that in wild-type cells; in neuroblastoma cell lines, uptake was dependent on the level of hNET expression. Blocking experiments with excess cold MIBG demonstrated high specificity of 18F-PFBG uptake in neuroblastoma and C6-hNET cells. The hNET reporter gene transduced tumors and neuroblastoma xenografts were readily localized with PET, and body clearance of 18F-PFBG was faster than 124I/123I-MIBG in animal models. Conclusions Hydrophilic 18F-PFBG is an effective PET probe for imaging hNET reporter-transduced tumors and neuroblastoma xenografts. 18F-PFBG PET provides a lower radiation exposure (pediatric population) than 123I/124I-MIBG, and allows repetitive reporter imaging at early time point
Characterizing global statistical significance of spatiotemporal hot spots in magnetoencephalography/ electroencephalography source space via excursion algorithms

Identifying brain regions with high differential response under multiple experimental conditions is a fundamental goal of functional imaging. In many studies, regions of interest (ROIs) are not determined a priori but are instead discovered from the data, a process that requires care because of the great potential for false discovery. An additional challenge is that magnetoencephalography/electroencephalography sensor signals are very noisy, and brain source images are usually produced by averaging sensor signals across trials. As a consequence, for a given subject, there is only one source data vector for each condition, making it impossible to apply testing methods such as analysis of variance. We solve these problems in several steps. (1) To obtain within-condition uncertainty, we apply the bootstrap across trials, producing many bootstrap source images. To discover ‘hot spots’ in space and time that could become ROIs, (2) we find source locations where likelihood ratio statistics take unusually large values. We are not interested in isolated brain locations where a test statistic might happen to be large. Instead, (3) we apply a clustering algorithm to identify sources that are contiguous in space and time where the test statistic takes an ‘excursion’ above some threshold. Having identified possible spatiotemporal ROIs, (4) we evaluate global statistical significance of ROIs by using a permutation test. After these steps, we check performance via simulation, and then illustrate their application in a magnetoencephalography study of four-direction center-out wrist movement, showing that this approach identifies statistically significant spatiotemporal ROIs in the motor and visual cortices of individual subjects.
Inhibition of PKC-θ preserves cardiac function and reduces fibrosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Background and Purpose T-cell infiltration, interstitial fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction have been observed in diabetic patients with cardiovascular diseases. PKC-θ is crucial for the activation of mature T-cells. We hypothesized that inhibition of PKC-θ might protect diabetic hearts through inhibition of T-cell stimulation and maintenance of tight junction integrity. Experimental Approach A model of type 1 diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) (50 mg kg–1 for 5 days) in male C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) mice and Rag1 knockout (KO) mice which lack mature lymphocytes. A cell-permeable selective PKC-θ peptide inhibitor (PI) was administered i.p. (0.2 mg kg–1·day–1) for 4 weeks (first phase) and 2 weeks (second phase). At the end of the 11th week, cardiac contractile force was measured in isolated perfused hearts. Cardiac morphology and fibrosis were determined. Phosphorylation of PKC-θ at Tyr358, infiltrated T-cells and tight junction protein ZO-1 within the hearts were detected, using immunohistochemcial techniques. Key Results PI did not affect high blood glucose level in both WT and Rag1 KO diabetic mice. Diabetes induced cardiac fibrosis in WT mice but not in Rag1 KO mice. PI attenuated cardiac fibrosis and improved cardiac contractility of WT diabetic hearts. PI decreased expression of phosphorylated PKC-θ, reduced the infiltration of T-cells and increased ZO-1 expression within WT diabetic hearts. Conclusion and Implications Inhibition of PKC-θ improves cardiac function and reduces cardiac fibrosis in WT mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Mature T-cells play a key role in pathophysiology of diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Childhood Socialization Differences in African and Nonafrican Societies.

Summary Cross-cultural ratings of childhood socialization processes in 104 societies are used to test the hypothesis that African societies place greater emphasis on the inculcation of independence, self-reliance, and nurturance than do non-African societies. Comparison of mean differences on measures of socialization pressure and observed aggregate behavior of children provide little support for the hypothesis, suggesting that child training emphases in African and non-African societies diverge much less than had been believed.
HEIFTS phase II: laboratory and advanced simulation results

At the Denver meeting in 1996 and at San Diego in 1997, we first presented the theory and later a demonstration of the operating Phase I HEIFTS, (High ?tendue Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer), laboratory device. The HEIFTS device forms the autocorrelation record image cube, (or ribbon), of a pushbroomed two dimensional image with no internal moving parts. This three dimensional autocorrelation record cube or ribbon can then be Fourier Transformed to obtain a ‘wavenumber’ hyperspectral data cube or ribbon. The Phase II device has been demonstrated in the laboratory and results will be presented. Several areas, such as fringe visibility, spatial sampling rate and noise have been modeled, and the results of this modeling and the predicted effect on system performance will be discussed. We will also describe a compact IR HEIFTS system in current design, and modeled system performance will be discussed.
Concurrent administration of coenzyme Q10 and α-tocopherol improves learning in aged mice☆

The main purpose of this study was to determine whether supplemental intake of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) (ubiquinone-10) or alpha-tocopherol, either alone or together, could improve brain function of aged mice, as reflected in their cognitive or psychomotor performance. Separate groups of aged mice (24 months) were administered either CoQ (123 mg/kg/day), or alpha-tocopherol acetate (200 mg/kg/day), or both, or the vehicle (soybean oil) via gavage for a period of 14 weeks. Three weeks following the initiation of these treatments, mice were given a battery of age-sensitive behavioral tests for the assessment of learning, recent memory, and psychomotor function. In a test that required the mice to rapidly identify and remember the correct arm of a T-maze, and to respond preemptively in order to avoid an electric shock, the intake of alpha-tocopherol plus CoQ resulted in more rapid learning compared to the control group. Learning was not significantly improved in the mice receiving CoQ or alpha-tocopherol alone. None of the treatments resulted in a significant improvement of psychomotor performance in the old mice. In a separate study, treatment with higher doses of CoQ alone (250 or 500 mg/kg/day) for 14 weeks failed to produce effects comparable to those of the combination of alpha-tocopherol and CoQ. The apparent interaction of CoQ and alpha-tocopherol treatments is consistent with the previous suggestion, based on biochemical studies, that coenzyme Q and alpha-tocopherol act in concert. Overall, the findings suggest that concurrent supplementation of alpha-tocopherol with CoQ is more likely to be effective as a potential treatment for age-related learning deficits than supplementation with CoQ or alpha-tocopherol alone.
The importance of MUC1 and cyclin B1 antibodies in nipple aspiration fluid (NAF): preliminary results

MUC1 glycoprotein is produced by normal breast epithelial cells and cyclin B1 is involved in the transition from G2-to-M phase of the normal cell cycle. In cancer cells, including breast cancer, MUC1 and cyclin B1 are overexpressed and aberrantly expressed leading to their recognition by the immune system and production of specific antibodies detected in the serum of cancer patients. Because MUC1 and cyclin B1 are expected to be deregulated early in disease, we hypothesized that monitoring these antibody responses may be of diagnostic or prognostic value in breast cancer (BC). Furthermore, we wanted to test if NAF can be an alternative source of these antibodies.
A study of selected catecholamine metabolizing enzymes: a comparison of depressive suicides and alcoholic suicides with controls.

—The regional distributions of monamine oxidase (MAO) (EC 1.4.3.4), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) (EC 2.1.1.6), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) (EC 1.14.3.2), and dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) (EC 1.14.2.1) have been examined in human brains obtained at autopsy from persons who died of natural causes (controls), and from persons who committed suicide and were further categorized as suffering from affective disorder (depression) or from alcoholism. Post mortem animal studies showed no changes in MAO or COMT activities in rabbit brain or in DBH activity in rat brain when the intact bodies were left at room temperature up to 24 h. TH activity in rabbit brains, however, began to decline immediately after death and after 24 h at room temperature it was approximately 48 per cent of the fresh brain level. There was no significant variation in activity of COMT, TH and DBH in human brain attributable to age or sex. MAO activities in the 60–70 yr decade were 34 per cent higher than in the 30–40 yr decade. MAO activities were highest in the hypothalamus and substantia nigra, TH activities were highest in substantia nigra, putamen and head of caudate, and DBH activities were greatest in tegmentum of pons and hypothalamus. Only minimal regional differences in COMT activities were observed. No significant differences were found between enzyme activities in brain areas of controls and suicides with the possible exception of TH in the substantia nigra, where the depressive suicides (but not the alcoholics) showed greater activity (P < 0·02). These findings appear not to support the catecholamine hypothesis of affective disorder.
Comparison of Measured Transient Ceiling Jet Temperature and Velocity Profiles in the Presence of an Upper Layer With Predictions by LAVENT Computer Fire Model

Development of an upper layer in enclosure fires has a significant effect on the characteristics of the ceiling jet and a direct influence on the placement and performance of fire detection/suppression devices. Detailed transient measurement of ceiling jet velocity and temperature profiles within an upper layer for small-scale fires (2.0 kW and ceiling height of 1 m) are used to analyze the predictions produced by the LAVENT computer fire model. While the model predictions have been compared with large-scale experimental results with fires as large as 33 MW and ceiling height of up to 22m, the large-scale measurements do not have high special resolution and the present work offers a more thorough analysis of the model prediction. Various radiative losses (10–25%) were used to produce predictions that matched the experimental data. Comparison of the small-scale experimental data with the predictions from LAVENT shows that the model, which uses unconfined ceiling jet correlations, does not capture the ceiling jet profile well and over predicts the upper layer temperature during the development of the layer. The peak temperature prediction requires a different radiative loss factor than that which matches the upper layer temperature. In general, the peak temperature measurements are within 10% of the measured value. The velocity is generally over predicted since the retardation of the jet momentum by the upper layer does not seem to be modeled accurately.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Imidazolyl benzimidazoles and imidazo[4,5- b ]pyridines as potent p38α MAP kinase inhibitors with excellent in vivo antiinflammatory properties

Herein we report investigations into the p38α MAP kinase activity of trisubstituted imidazoles that led to the identification of compounds possessing highly potent in vivo activity. The SAR of a novel series of imidazopyridines is demonstrated as well, resulting in compounds possessing cellular potency and enhanced in vivo activity in the rat collagen-induced arthritis model of chronic inflammation.
Comparative pharmacological and biochemical studies between butorphanol and morphine

A number of in vivo and in vitro studies were undertaken to compare the pharmacological and biochemical effects of the partial agonist, butorphanol, with that of morphine. Both compounds were equipotent antinociceptive agents in the rat tail withdrawal test. In the acetic acid writhing test butorphanol had approximately 3.5 times the antiwrithing activity on a molar basis than morphine. In a study of the effects of these compounds on body temperature, butorphanol as well as morphine produced hyperthermia after acute dosing. Additionally, butorphanol produced a profound diuresis and decrease in urine osmolality after acute administration. In contrast, morphine produced an antidiuresis throughout most of the study period with no significant changes in urine osmolality from control. Butorphanol administration had no effect on respiratory rate, while morphine markedly decreased respiratory rate. In in vitro radioligand displacement studies, butorphanol was a potent competitor against 3H-DAGO, 3H-DPDPE, and 3H(-)-EKC binding, exhibiting 3, 10, and 30 times more activity, respectively, than morphine. Both compounds were weak inhibitors of 3H-(+)-SKF 10047 binding, yielding IC50 values of in excess of 1 microM. The results indicate that butorphanol has multiple actions on the opioid receptor system, and shares similarities as well as differences in its mechanism(s) of actions with morphine.
Thione Reductions for Preparation of Five-Membered Heterocycles

Abstract Facile reductions with tri-n-butyltin hydride convert a variety of five-membered 1,3-disubstituted heterocyclic thiones to the corresponding saturated derivatives.
Importance of amino acid uptake and decarboxylation in gastrin release from isolated G cells

Studies of various species have demonstrated that the postprandial rise in serum gastrin levels is primarily attributable to the proteinaceous substances ingested1–5. Although it is generally assumed that dietary amino acids are the primary stimulants of gastrin release, evidence supporting this notion based on experiments in vivo has been conflicting and unconvincing6–10. We have investigated the role of amino acids as stimulants of gastrin release using a preparation of isolated rodent gastrin-containing G cells11,12. We report here that the ability of an amino acid to stimulate gastrin release in vitro is directly correlated with its lipid solubility, the aromatic and long chain aliphatic amino acids being the most potent. In addition, we provide evidence that amino acid decarboxylation may be a necessary step in gastrin release as inhibitors of decarboxylase activity abolished amino acid-induced gastrin release, and amines, the decarboxylated derivatives of amino acids, were potent stimulants of hormone secretion in vitro. Thus, the uptake and decarboxylation of amine precursors may be a functionally important property of cells belonging to the APUD (amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation) class of endocrine cells.
Cloning and sequencing of the sspF (originally 0.3 kb) genes from Bacillus cereus and Bacillus megaterium.

Abstract The sspF gene (originally 0.3 kb) of Bacillus cereus and B. megaterium has been cloned and sequenced, and the predicted amino acid sequences of the gene products (SspF) compared to that of B. subtilis SspF. These proteins exhibit an average of 74% sequence identity across species, suggest ing they may play some important role in either sporulation or the dormant spore.
P-wave characteristics on routine preoperative electrocardiogram improve prediction of new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery.

Objective To test the hypothesis that including preoperative electrocardiogram (ECG) characteristics with clinical variables significantly improves the new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation prediction model. Design Retrospective analysis. Setting Single-center university hospital. Participants Five hundred twenty-six patients,≥18 years of age, who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic valve replacement, mitral valve replacement/repair, or a combination of valve surgery and coronary artery bypass grafting requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. Interventions Retrospective review of medical records. Measurements and Main Results Baseline characteristics and cardiopulmonary bypass times were collected. Digitally-measured timing and voltages from preoperative electrocardiograms were extracted. Postoperative atrial fibrillation was defined as atrial fibrillation requiring therapeutic intervention. Two hundred eight (39.5%) patients developed postoperative atrial fibrillation. Clinical predictors were age, ejection fraction Conclusion Several p-wave characteristics are independently associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation. Addition of these parameters improves the postoperative atrial fibrillation prediction model.
Tests of the CMB temperature-redshift relation, CMB spectral distortions and why adiabatic photon production is hard

In the expanding Universe, the average temperature of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) is expected to depend like TCMB ∝ (1 + z) on redshift z. Adiabatic photon production (or destruction) or deviations from isotropy and homogeneity could modify this scaling and several observational tests have been carried out in response. Here, we explain why ‘adiabatic’ conditions are extremely di ffi cult to establish in the redshift range targeted by these tests. Thus, instead of leading to a simple rescaling of the C MB temperature, a spectral distortion should be produced, which can be constrained using COBE/FIRAS. For scenarios with late photon production, tests of the temperature-redshift relation (TRR) should therefore be reinterpreted as weak spectral distortion limits, directl y probing the energy dependence of the photon production process. For inhomogeneous cosmologies, a y-type distortion is produced, but this type of distortion can be created in several ways. Here, we briefly discuss possible effects that may help disentangling different contributions to the distortion signal, finding this to be very challenging. We furthermore argue that tests of the TRR using the SZ effect have limited applicability and that for non-gravitational chan ges to the TRR the CMB anisotropy spectrum should exhibit an additional y-type dependence.
Syrian hamster embryo clonal cell transformation assay

Procedures for the preparation of cryopreserved Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cell pools and for the performance of the SHE clonal transformation assay are described. Attention to experimental details and the screening of cell pools and serum lots are important factors in obtaining consistent results with this clonal assay.
Media and Professional Interest in Homelessness over 30 Years (1974–2003)

Media and professional interest in homelessness represent important sources of data that may be useful in understanding broader societal factors influencing this pressing social issue. The present study examined the volume and content of coverage of homelessness in four major newspapers and the professional literature indexed in PsycINFO over the past 30 years. Media coverage showed a steep increase during the mid-1980s, a steady decline throughout the late 1980s and into the 1990s, and a plateau since the mid-1990s. Professional coverage demonstrated a less pronounced and delayed pattern of growth, with no sign of decline during the past decade. Content analysis of 574 newspaper articles revealed a sympathetic focus on deinstitutionalization and other structural causes of homelessness during the period of increasing coverage in the mid-1980s, as well as positive media coverage in terms of an emphasis on critical programs and services during more recent years. Content analysis of 324 professional journal articles showed that deficits and deviant characteristics of homeless people were discussed to a significantly greater extent than the structural causes of homelessness over the entire 30-year time period. Possible interactions among media coverage, professional interest, public opinion, the prevalence of homelessness, and policy initiatives are discussed.
Full-genome analysis of resistance gene homologues in rice

The availability of the rice genome sequence enabled the global characterization of nucleotide-binding site (NBS)-leucine-rich repeat (LRR) genes, the largest class of plant disease resistance genes. The rice genome carries approximately 500 NBS-LRR genes that are very similar to the non-Toll/interleukin-1 receptor homology region (TIR) class (class 2) genes of Arabidopsis but none that are homologous to the TIR class genes. Over 100 of these genes were predicted to be pseudogenes in the rice cultivar Nipponbare, but some of these are functional in other rice lines. Over 80 other NBS-encoding genes were identified that belonged to four different classes, only two of which are present in dicotyledonous plant sequences present in databases. Map positions of the identified genes show that these genes occur in clusters, many of which included members from distantly related groups. Members of phylogenetic subgroups of the class 2 NBS-LRR genes mapped to as many as ten different chromosomes. The patterns of duplication of the NBS-LRR genes indicate that they were duplicated by many independent genetic events that have occurred continuously through the expansion of the NBS-LRR superfamily and the evolution of the modern rice genome. Genetic events, such as inversions, that inhibit the ability of recently duplicated genes to recombine promote the divergence of their sequences by inhibiting concerted evolution.
Travel health knowledge, attitudes and practices among United States travelers.

Background Large numbers of United States residents travel each year to countries where malaria, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and other vaccine-preventable diseases are prevalent. However, relatively little is known about how United States travelers perceive risks associated with travel or how they prepare for their international voyages. This airport survey was therefore performed to determine the travel health knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of United States travelers. Methods Questionnaires were administered to international travelers, aged 18 years or more, departing from the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York who were going to destinations that were high risk for malaria or hepatitis A. Results Overall, 404 questionnaires were completed, including 203 focused on malaria and 201 on vaccine-preventable diseases. Latin America and Asia were the most common destinations. Only 36% of travelers sought travel health advice, despite the fact that more than half prepared their trip at least a month in advance. Only 17% of travelers considered themselves at high risk for hepatitis A. Although the majority of travelers (73%) to a high-risk malaria-endemic region perceived malaria as a high health risk, only 46% of them were carrying antimalarial medications. Additionally, although the majority of travelers believed that vaccines were effective for prevention, few were vaccinated for their journey: 11% for tetanus, 14% for hepatitis A, 13% for hepatitis B, and 5% for yellow fever. Discussion This airport survey demonstrated important shortcomings in the travel health KAP of international travelers. A substantial proportion of the travelers were not adequately protected against malaria, hepatitis A or hepatitis B. Future efforts need to focus on improving the level of awareness of travelers regarding their risk of disease acquisition overseas and the importance of pretravel education, immunizations, and malaria chemoprophylaxis.
Four-probe Magnetoresistance of Current-perpendicular-to-plane Structures

The resistance and magnetoresistance (MR) of three-dimensional current-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) structures have been calculated via numerical finite element solutions of the Laplace equation. This model accounts for the non-uniform current paths in a four-probe geometry that can yield MR that differs from the intrinsic MR of the isolated CPP pillar with spatially uniform current flow. We calculated the four-probe MR for various geometries and resistivities of both the normal metal leads and the magnetoresistive pillar. From a single, unified approach, we are able to consistently account for the disparate behavior that has been previously published. In particular, we identify conditions that produce four-probe MR that differs from the intrinsic MR of the CPP pillar and highlight those situations where the four-probe resistance is negative. Finally, we present a simple analytical formula for the MR ratio that is applicable to narrow CPP pillars with wide, thin leads.
A New Brittleness Criterion for Low Density Polyethylene Films

Abstract Since the existing methods of establishing brittleness criteria for low density polyethylene films were found to be unsatisfactory, the present study was undertaken to investigate the brittle-ductile transition and the factors that may influence it. By defining a brittle failure under uniaxial constant strain rate test conditions, a transition temperature from ductile to brittle failure was established at each strain rate. It was found that at low strain rates the transition temperature is almost independent of the strain rate. This temperature is suggested as the cold brittleness temperature. This cold brittleness temperature is related to the energy dissipation ability of the material as found from dynamic mechanical tests. The correlation between the uniaxial constant strain rate test and the dynamic mechanical data was checked mathematically by using a viscoelastic model.
Core cracking and hydrothermal circulation can profoundly affect Ceres' geophysical evolution

Observations and models of Ceres suggest that its evolution was shaped by interactions between liquid water and silicate rock. Hydrothermal processes in a heated core require both fractured rock and liquid. Using a new core cracking model coupled to a thermal evolution code, we find volumes of fractured rock always large enough for significant interaction to occur. Therefore, liquid persistence is key. It is favored by antifreezes such as ammonia, by silicate dehydration which releases liquid, and by hydrothermal circulation itself, which enhances heat transport into the hydrosphere. The effect of heating from silicate hydration seems minor. Hydrothermal circulation can profoundly affect Ceres' evolution: it prevents core dehydration via “temperature resets,” core cooling events lasting ∼50 Myr during which Ceres' interior temperature profile becomes very shallow and its hydrosphere is largely liquid. Whether Ceres has experienced such extensive hydrothermalism may be determined through examination of its present-day structure. A large, fully hydrated core (radius 420 km) would suggest that extensive hydrothermal circulation prevented core dehydration. A small, dry core (radius 350 km) suggests early dehydration from short-lived radionuclides, with shallow hydrothermalism at best. Intermediate structures with a partially dehydrated core seem ambiguous, compatible both with late partial dehydration without hydrothermal circulation, and with early dehydration with extensive hydrothermal circulation. Thus, gravity measurements by the Dawn orbiter, whose arrival at Ceres is imminent, could help discriminate between scenarios for Ceres' evolution.
Effect of Propranolol on the Peripheral Vascular Bed

A NEWLY synthesized compound, propranolol, was found to be a very potent, β-receptor adrenergic blocking agent1. Since the drug blocks the vasodilator (β-receptor stimulating) effects of catecholamines without affecting the vasoconstrictor (α-receptor stimulating) property, propranolol should be expected to cause the vasocon-striction of the peripheral vessels. However, Prichard and Gillam2 recently found that propranolol lowered arterial blood pressure significantly in hypertensive patients. The present investigation was undertaken to examine the effect of propranolol on the peripheral vascular bed.
Evaluation Research and Social Gerontology

The development of the sociology of aging and, more particularly, social gerontology has been strongly influenced by the demographic imperative of a growing older population, which, in turn, has le...
Tadalafil: the evidence for its clinical potential in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

INTRODUCTION Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), characterized by increased pulmonary artery pressures in the absence of elevated pulmonary venous pressures, is a progressive disease associated with reduced exercise capacity and increased mortality risk. Current treatments for PAH include nonspecific vasodilators, prostacyclin and related analogs, and endothelin receptor antagonists. Since phosphodiesterase type 5 is highly expressed in pulmonary vascular tissues, agents that selectively inhibit phosphodiesterase type 5 activity induce pulmonary arterial vasodilatation, and are being developed for the treatment of PAH. AIMS The purpose of this review is to evaluate the existing evidence for the use of tadalafil, a selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, in PAH. EVIDENCE REVIEW Data from erectile dysfunction populations indicate that tadalafil is well tolerated with an elimination half-life of 17.5 hours. Small pilot studies in patients with PAH of mixed etiology demonstrate that tadalafil reduces pulmonary vascular resistance and is associated with improved clinical status. A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients with PAH is currently recruiting patients. CLINICAL POTENTIAL Based on existing studies of sildenafil, a related selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor in PAH, and the findings of initial pilot studies, tadalafil appears to have excellent potential to provide therapeutic benefit in patients with pulmonary hypertension. The long elimination half-life of tadalafil makes it suitable for once-daily dosing.
Raman amplification of 40 Gb/s data in low-loss silicon waveguides

We demonstrate on-chip Raman amplification of an optical data signal at 40 Gb/s in a silicon-on-insulator p-i-n rib waveguide. Using 230 mW of coupled pump power, on/off gain of up to 2.3 dB is observed, while signal integrity is maintained. In addition, the gain is measured as a function of signal wavelength detuning from the Stokes wavelength. The Lorentzian linewidth of the Raman gain profile is determined to be approximately 80 GHz. This provides applicability for the selective amplification of individual DWDM optical channels.
11.2.3 Security for the 22nd Century

Asymmetric threats are the new face of security in the 21st century, where a new breed of adversary threatens long established, essentially monolithic institutions at the core of western civilization. The direction of technology development has the potential to further exacerbate the unbalanced standoff between the new threat and established institutions, whether government, commercial, industrial or cultural, particularly when the adversary is a determined and ideologically driven foe that is willing to bide their time and develop their resources over extended periods that may stretch into decades. Systems Engineering has the potential of offering security solutions that look beyond the traditional approach of adding layers of security to functional systems. Security that is inherent to the product or process may be more adept at addressing the dynamic threat environments of today. The restructuring of organizational and product architectures may “rebalance” the threat/risk equation and reduce potentially catastrophic asymmetric threats to a tolerable symmetric “standoff.” Such restructuring does not come about easily or quickly, however, and fundamental shifts in infrastructure and culture can require generations to fully implement, so research into new security concepts today may not be completely realized until the 22nd century.
Global flows: Terror, oil & strategic philanthropy

US involvement in Africa is growing following threats of terrorism and interruptions in oil production and because of desires by foreign corporations to expand their activities on the continent. The response of American policymakers has been to establish a stronger military presence that will engage in counterterrorism initiatives and police oil installations. The goals and extent of this buildup, and the ideology legitimating it, are new. They are departures from Cold War policies. Similarly, the response of American business leaders to weaknesses in the infrastructure and political order of African states leads them to establish their own forms of community development, known as strategic philanthropy, in order to protect and expand local markets. Despite these major developments, the media are not informing the public. This article examines the implications of these military and business initiatives for African nations and the reasons for lack of information about them. Editor's Note: This article was ...
Liquid Attachment and Momentum Transfer by Collisions Between Free-Fall Solids and Liquid Spray Droplets

Understanding the solids wetting by collisions between flowing solids and spray droplets is essential to optimizing the design and operation of related industrial processes. This paper presents an innovative experimental method to identify the statistical distributions of liquid attachment and collision probability of the impingement of a liquid spray onto free-fall particles. To separate the liquid attachment from other contributions to the mass measurements of particles and liquids, individual impingement experiment with hydrophobic or hydrophilic particles of the same otherwise properties is respectively performed under the same conditions. In addition, a series of collection bins are distributed along the spray path to determine the statistical probability of collision properties including coating thickness. Based on these measurements, the collision-induced momentum transfer and velocity redistribution of solids and droplets can be estimated with the aid of a Lagrangian trajectory model. Consequently a general two-parameter of collision probability density function is proposed.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Extinction of fires by halogenated compounds — A suggested mechanism

The author suggests the halogenated compounds extinguish diffusion flames by promoting recombination of reactive oxygen atoms to form less reactive molecular oxygen; and he discusses data that tend to support his suggestion.