cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of aprotinin in LVAD recipients reduces blood loss, blood use, and perioperative mortality.

Aprotinin, a bovine protease inhibitor, has been used extensively in patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures in an effort to minimize blood loss and prevent the complications associated with blood replacement. We sought to evaluate the effect of aprotinin on postoperative blood loss, renal function, and the incidence of right ventricular failure in patients undergoing placement of a TCI Heartmate left ventricular assist device as a bridge to cardiac transplantation. Retrospective data analysis in 142 patients (42 receiving aprotinin and 100 untreated) demonstrated that the use of aprotinin was associated with a significant decrease in postoperative blood loss ( p = 0.019) and in the intraoperative packed red blood cell transfusion ( p = 0.019) and total blood product ( p = 0.016) requirements. A transient, yet significant, increase in the postoperative creatinine level in the aprotinin group ( p = 0.0006), but not in blood urea nitrogen level ( p = 0.22), was noted. Interestingly, we noted an association between blood loss and the subsequent development of right ventricular failure; patients who required a right ventricular assist device bled significantly more than did those who did not suffer right ventricular failure ( p = 0.02). Additionally, aprotinin recipients benefited by a reduction of nearly one half in the incidence of the need for a right ventricular assist device. The incidence of perioperative mortality was reduced in those receiving aprotinin compared with that in untreated and patients, ( p = 0.05). We conclude that aprotinin is safe and effective in decreasing postoperative blood loss and intraoperative blood product requirements, and in reducing perioperative mortality in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device placement as a bridge to cardiac transplantation.
Redo carotid surgery: An analysis of materials and configurations used in carotid reoperations and their influence on perioperative stroke and subsequent recurrent stenosis

Abstract Objective: The ideal method of arterial reconstruction in operations for recurrent carotid disease after prior endarterectomy is unknown. The goal of this study was to review a series of carotid reoperations and to determine whether the surgical technique influenced the rate of perioperative stroke, late stroke, or secondary restenosis. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 82 carotid reoperations performed on 74 patients at our institution. Results: The patient population included 39 men (52.7%) and 35 women (47.3%), with a mean age of 67.5 years. The indications for redo surgery included transient ischemic attack or amaurosis fugax in 35.3% of the patients, stroke in 6.1%, and asymptomatic restenosis (>80%) in 58.5%. Patch angioplasty with or without redo endarterectomy was used in 47 cases (57.3%), with saphenous vein in 26 (31.7%), Dacron in 15 (18.3%), and polytetrafluoroethylene in 6 (7.3%). Interposition grafting was used in 35 cases (42.7%), with saphenous vein in 9 (11.0%), Dacron in 10 (12.2%), and polytetrafluoroethylene in 16 (19.5%). The perioperative complications included three strokes (3.7%). There was a trend toward increased perioperative neurologic complications with interposition grafting when compared with patch angioplasty (8.6% vs 2.1%), although this did not reach statistical significance. Long-term clinical follow-up was obtained in all cases with a mean duration of 35 months, with follow-up duplex scanning performed in 89.2%. The late failures of redo surgery included four significant secondary restenoses and five total occlusions. There was a trend towards improved long-term results with interposition grafting as opposed to patch angioplasty. However, the cases in which reconstruction was performed with a vein had a significantly higher rate of late failures (stroke, secondary recurrent stenosis, or occlusion) than those in which reconstruction was performed with any prosthetic material (26.7% vs 2.3%; P = .002 by Fisher exact test). Conclusion: The use of autologous material for redo carotid surgery in any configuration appears to significantly increase the rate of subsequent recurrent stenosis or total occlusion of the operated artery. The reason for this finding is unclear but may be related to both host and technical factors. Prosthetic material may be more durable in the long-term for redo carotid surgery. Interposition grafting for redo carotid surgery may increase the perioperative neurologic complication rate to some degree; however, this was not statistically significant in this series. Interposition grafting may be a more durable solution in long-term follow-up than redo endarterectomy and patch angioplasty. A longer follow-up period will be needed to confirm this conclusion. (J Vasc Surg 1999;29:72-81.)
Wavelength band switching in multigranular all-optical networks

In this paper, we address the problem of wavelength band switching (WBS) in multi-granular, wavelength division multiplexing optical networks. The purpose of WBS is to reduce the increasing control complexity and port numbers in ordinary optical cross-connects. We classify the WBS problem into eight variations and then focus on one of them, wherein there are a fixed number of wavebands in each fiber, each with a fixed number of wavelengths and in fact, consisting of a fixed set of wavelengths. We develop an integer linear programming (ILP) model, which for a given set of lightpath requests, determines the routes and assigns wavelengths for the lightpaths so as to minimize the number of ports needed. Our model is more generic than existing solutions, as it takes into account the grouping of lightpaths having different sources and destinations and hence maximizes the benefits of WBS. Since the subproblem of minimizing the port count with WBS is NP-complete, we also develop and compare two heuristic algorithms: namely Waveband Oblivious optimal Routing and Wavelength ssignment (or WBO-RWA), and Balanced Path routing with Heavy-Traffic first waveband assignment (or BPHT). For small networks, our results indicate that the performance of the BPHT heuristic is quite close to that achievable using the ILP. For larger networks, the ILP model is no longer feasible, but BPHT can perform onsiderably better than WBO-RWA. Our results also provide valuable insights into the effect of wavelength band granularity on the performance of WBS algorithms, as well as the tradeoffs between the wavelength-hop and the port count.
A Method for Determining the Position, Angle and Other Injection Parameters of a Short Pulsed Beam in the Brookhaven Ags

injection parameters, a -2.4~~ pulse of H- is injected into the AGS and the resulting bunch of protons is observed with a PUE for approximately 40 turns around the machine. A schematic diagram of the PUE and associated electronics is shown in Fig. 1. The PUE consists of four plates and is located approximately one superperiod downstream of the injection region. As the proton bunch circles around the machine it produces in each plate a train of some 40 pulses, each pulse corresponding to the passage of the bunch through the PUE on a given turn. The signals from the upper and lower plates yield the vertical displacement of the bunch with respect to the beam pipe center, while the signals from the inner and outer plates yield the horizontal (radial) displacement. Since the period of revolution for a proton in the AGS is -4.8 ps at injection (200 MeV), a 2.4 us wide bunch of protons will produce in each plate pulses which are -2.4 ps wide and are separated from each other by -2.4 us. The pulse trains from the four plates are amplified (unity voltage gain) in the AGS ring, transmitted 1700 feet on coaxial cables, voltage amplified x10 and then digitized using LeCroy (liTR8837F) digitizers which sample the signals every 250 ns. The digitized data are analyzed with appropriate software to determine the amplitude of each pulse. If we let Anand B respectively be the amplitudes of the pulses from ;he upper and lower plates or from the outer and inner plates of the PUE on the nth
Episodic Bursting Activity and Response to Excitatory Amino Acids in Acutely Dissociated Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons Genetically Targeted with Green Fluorescent Protein

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) system, considered to be the final common pathway for the control of reproduction, has been difficult to study because of a lack of distinguishing characteristics and the scattered distribution of neurons. The development of a transgenic mouse in which the GnRH promoter drives expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) has provided the opportunity to perform electrophysiological studies of GnRH neurons. In this study, neurons were dissociated from brain slices prepared from prepubertal female GnRH-EGFP mice. Both current- and voltage-clamp recordings were obtained from acutely dissociated GnRH neurons identified on the basis of EGFP expression. Most isolated GnRH-EGFP neurons fired spontaneous action potentials (recorded in cell-attached or whole-cell mode) that typically consisted of brief bursts (2-20 Hz) separated by 1-10 sec. At more negative resting potentials, GnRH-EGFP neurons exhibited oscillations in membrane potential, which could lead to bursting episodes lasting from seconds to minutes. These bursting episodes were often separated by minutes of inactivity. Rapid application of glutamate or NMDA increased firing activity in all neurons and usually generated small inward currents (<15 pA), although larger currents were evoked in the remaining neurons. Both AMPA and NMDA receptors mediated the glutamate-evoked inward currents. These results suggest that isolated GnRH-EGFP neurons from juvenile mice can generate episodes of repetitive burst discharges that may underlie the pulsatile secretion of GnRH, and glutamatergic inputs may contribute to the activation of endogenous bursts.
Endoscopic management of stomal stenosis after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Background: In the United States, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has evolved into the procedure of choice for clinically severe obesity. Stomal stenosis resulting in gastric outlet obstruction is a recognized complication. Endoscopic balloon dilation is often used to treat this condition. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic management of stomal stenosis we evaluated our treatment methods and outcomes. Methods: The records of all patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass from 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2002 were studied. Stenosis was defined as signs and symptoms of obstruction with inability to cannulate the gastrojejunostomy using an 8.5-mm diagnostic endoscope. Charts were reviewed and demographic data, operative course, symptoms, and outcomes were recorded. Results: A total of 562 patients underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for obesity during the study period. Of these, 38 patients underwent endoscopic balloon dilation for stomal stenosis, for a stenosis rate of 6.8%. The average time from surgery to initial dilation was 7.7 weeks (range 3 to 24). The average number of dilations required was 2.1 (range one to six). The mean initial balloon size was 13 mm and the mean final balloon size was 16 mm. Two patients failed endoscopic dilation and proceeded to surgery, including one patient who developed pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax after dilation. All patients were relieved of their gastric outlet obstruction. The success rate for endoscopic balloon dilation was 95% with a 3% complication rate. Conclusions: In our experience, the rate of gastrojejunostomy stenosis following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is 6.8%. Endoscopic balloon dilation is a safe and effective therapy for stomal stenosis with a high success rate. It should be considered an appropriate intervention with a low risk for reoperation.
Retinitis Pigmentosa GTPase Regulator (RPGR)-interacting Protein Is Stably Associated with the Photoreceptor Ciliary Axoneme and Anchors RPGR to the Connecting Cilium*

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a blinding retinal disease in which the photoreceptor cells degenerate. Mutations in the gene for retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) are a frequent cause of RP. The function of RPGR is not well understood, but it is thought to be a putative guanine nucleotide exchange factor for an unknown G protein. Ablation of the RPGR gene in mice suggested a role in maintaining the polarized distribution of opsin across the cilia. To investigate its function, we used a protein interaction screen to identify candidate proteins that may interact physiologically with RPGR. One such protein, designated RPGR-interacting protein (RPGRIP), is expressed specifically in rod and cone photoreceptors. It consists of an N-terminal region predicted to form coiled coil structures linked to a C-terminal tail that binds RPGR. In vivo, both proteins co-localize in the photoreceptor connecting cilia. RPGRIP is stably associated with the ciliary axoneme independent of RPGR and is resistant to extraction under conditions that partially solubilized other cytoskeletal components. When over-expressed in heterologous cell lines, RPGRIP appears in insoluble punctate and filamentous structures. These data suggest that RPGRIP is a structural component of the ciliary axoneme, and one of its functions is to anchor RPGR within the cilium. RPGRIP is the only protein known to localize specifically in the photoreceptor connecting cilium. As such, it is a candidate gene for human photoreceptor disease. The tissue-specific expression of RPGRIP explains why mutations in the ubiquitously expressed RPGR confer a photoreceptor-specific phenotype.
Capturing the Correlations of Fixed-income Instruments

This paper develops a framework for managing portfolios of fixed income instruments based on traditional principles from the equities market, i.e., based on diversification. It shows, through an analysis of the high-yield bond market over the period 1987 to 1991, that fixed-income prices could be highly correlated. These correlations can be quantified and integrated, in a systematic way, in an asset/liability management framework. For vanishing fixed income securities, however, we cannot resort to statistical analysis of historical data in order to quantify correlations. The paper develops a forward-looking simulation procedure for capturing correlations. Applications are illustrated for examples from high-yield bonds and mortgage-backed securities. The superiority of the proposed approach over the traditional portfolio immunization techniques is demonstrated in the context of funding an insurance liability stream with mortgage instruments.
Fate of Listeria monocytogenes and Aeromonas hydrophila on catfish fillets cooked in a microwave oven.

Channel catfish fillets were inoculated with ≃10 6 cell/cm 2 each ofListeria monocytogenes and Aeromonas hydrophila and cooked in a microwave oven to internal temperatures of 55, 60, and 70 o C. The fillets were either left uncovered or covered with polyvinylidene chloride films during cooking. A. hydrophila populations were reduced to nondetectable levels on covered fillets cooked to 70 o C. At 60 o C, L. monocytogenes populatoins were reduced by ≃4 logs for covered and by 2 logs for uncovered fillets. Covering fillets increased lethality at each temperature; however, some pathogens could survive at <60 o C
Expression and estrogen regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene and protein in the forebrain of female prairie voles.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been linked to the development, differentiation, and plasticity of the central nervous system. In the present study, we first used a highly specific affinity-purified antibody and a cRNA probe to generate a detailed mapping of BDNF immunoreactive (BDNF-ir) staining and mRNA labeling throughout the forebrain of female prairie voles. Our data revealed that (1) BDNF-ir cells were present essentially in the brain regions in which BDNF mRNA-labeled cells were found; (2) BDNF-ir fibers were distributed extensively throughout many forebrain regions; and (3) BDNF mRNA was also detected in some thalamic regions in which BDNF-ir fibers, but not immunostained cells, were present. With few exceptions, the distribution pattern of BDNF in the vole brain generally resembled the pattern found in rats. In a second experiment, we examined the effects of estrogen on BDNF expression. Ovariectomized prairie voles that were treated with estradiol benzoate had a higher level of BDNF mRNA labeling in the dentate gyrus and CA3 region of the hippocampus, as well as in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala, than did ovariectomized voles that were treated with vehicle. In addition, estrogen treatment increased the density of BDNF-ir fibers in the lateral septum, dorsolateral area of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and lateral habenular nucleus. These data suggest that estrogen may regulate BDNF at the level of gene and protein expression, and thus, BDNF may be in a position to mediate the effects of estrogen on the brain of the prairie vole.
Passive Swing Assistive Exoskeletons for Motor-Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Patients

In this paper, we present a passive device for swing assistance of motor-incomplete spinal cord injury patients. This device is aimed at reducing the physical demands on the therapists during treadmill training. We model the human leg as two links and a point foot mass, with a moving trunk. We employ passive elements in the design which get charged by the treadmill. Using the system dynamics, we optimize the design parameters to obtain a feasible swing motion of the leg. An exoskeleton was constructed based on these design parameters and tests were performed on a healthy subject at different treadmill speeds.
Motivated Reasoning, Group Identification, and Representative Democracy

Research in moral, social and cognitive psychology undermines confidence in reasoning in representative democracies. Research seems to show that reasoning, especially in the political sphere, is not exploratory, but rather confirmatory, and that group identification bolsters such motivated reasoning. I argue that there are resources available in representative democracy that can be used to diminish the tendency to engage in confirmatory reasoning and group motivated thought, and so open a limited sphere where a significant degree of exploratory reasoning can occur.
Glutathione peroxidase 4 protects cortical neurons from oxidative injury and amyloid toxicity

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in membrane lipids are prone to attack by reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the resulting lipid peroxidation can cause injury and death of cells. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) is an antioxidant defense enzyme that can directly detoxify lipid hydroperoxides generated by ROS. Overexpression of Gpx4 has been shown to be protective against oxidative damage in several cell lines. We examined in this study the stress response of neurons with increased expression of Gpx4, because neurons are especially vulnerable to oxidative injury as a result of their high content of PUFA. Our results show that primary culture cortical neurons derived from Gpx4 transgenic mice, which had increased expression of Gpx4, had increased cell survival and reduced level of apoptosis after exposure to t-butyl hydroperoxide and hydrogen peroxide. We also studied the protective role of Gpx4 against beta-amyloid toxicity, because beta-amyloid-induced neural toxicity is believed to be mediated through lipid peroxidation. Primary culture cortical neurons from Gpx4 transgenic mice had significantly less cell toxicity than their wild-type counterparts after exposure to Abeta25-35 and Abeta1-40 peptides, and apoptosis induced by Abeta25-35 was attenuated in neurons from Gpx4 transgenic mice. Our data demonstrate that overexpression of Gpx4 protects neurons against oxidative injury and beta-amyloid-induced cytotoxicity.
On the Sender Cover Traffic Countermeasure against an Improved Statistical Disclosure Attack

The Statistical Disclosure Attack against a particular user of an anonymity system is known to be very effective in determining, after long-term observation of the system, the set of receivers that user sends messages to. This paper first presents an improvement over this attack that, by employing a weighted mean of the observed relative receiver popularity, is more accurate than the original one based upon arithmetic mean. Second, a mathematical analysis is presented of this attack on a model, in which senders blend dummy messages with real ones. It is shown that despite such sender-generated dummy cover traffic, the attack can proceed almost unhindered. The analysis substantiates earlier empirical indications of the ineffectiveness of this countermeasure.
Automated Teaching File and Slide Database for Digital Images

OBJECTIVE. We developed an easy-to-use method for creating a searchable digital teaching file of CT and MR images.CONCLUSION. We describe a method of creating a digital archive of interesting cases that is easy to implement and works on a commercially available workstation. A remote daemon polls for images transferred to the product film tool. It creates a tagged image file format (TIFF) digital archive of these images on any platform supporting file transfer protocol (FTP), operates in the background, and automatically generates a searchable index of case information in the database.
Scavenger receptor class B type I-mediated protection against atherosclerosis in LDL receptor-negative mice involves its expression in bone marrow-derived cells

Objective— Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) is a cell-surface HDL receptor that is implicated in reverse cholesterol transport and protection against atherosclerosis. We have previously de...
Equations governing convection in earth's core and the geodynamo

Abstract Convection in Earth's fluid core is regarded as a small deviation from a well-mixed adiabatic state of uniform chemical composition. The core is modeled as a binary alloy of iron and some lighter constituent, whose precise chemical composition is unknown but which is here assumed to be FeAd, where Ad = Si, O or S. The turbulent transport of heat and light constituent is considered, and a simple ansatz is proposed in which this is modeled by anisotropic diffusion. On this basis, a closed system of equations and boundary conditions is derived that governs core convection and the geodynamo. The dual (thermal + compositional) nature of core convection is reconsidered. It is concluded that compositional convection may not dominate thermal convection, as had previously been argued by Braginsky (Soviet Phys. Dokl., v. 149, p. 8, 1963; Geomag, and Aeron., v. 4, p. 698, 1964), but that the two mechanisms are most probably comparable in importance. The key parameters leading to this conclusion are isolated...
Imaging Insights on the Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of Osteoarthritis

This article highlights recent studies, particularly those with an emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging, that are providing unique insights into the relation between structures identified on imaging and the symptoms and genesis of osteoarthritis. These insights are changing the way disease prevalence is viewed and providing new insights into disease genesis. Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the subchondral bone, periosteum, periarticular ligaments, periarticular muscle spasm, synovium, and joint capsule are all richly innervated and are the likely source of nociception in osteoarthritis. In addition, it is apparent that local tissue alterations in the bone and meniscus and alignment of the lower extremity are important in terms of disease genesis. The article is consistent with the literature in that much of the focus and understanding is knee-centric with less focus on the hip and hand.
Real-time stereo-based head detection using size, shape and disparity constraints

A real-time stereo-based head detection algorithm is presented and evaluated as an occupant posture analysis system for "smart" airbag deployment. The algorithm uses several constraints to limit the number of head ellipse "candidates" found in the image. These constraints are based on shape, size and depth of the occupant's head. Results of ground truth experiments show that the head detection can accurately estimate the three-dimensional location of the occupant head. Extended experiments illustrate the robustness of the algorithm to poor lighting conditions, to occlusion, and to the presence of other competing head-like objects in the scene.
Immunological Approaches to Biomass Characterization and Utilization

Plant biomass is the major renewable feedstock resource for sustainable generation of alternative transportation fuels to replace fossil carbon-derived fuels. Lignocellulosic cell walls are the principal component of plant biomass. Hence, a detailed understanding of plant cell wall structure and biosynthesis is an important aspect of bioenergy research. Cell walls are dynamic in their composition and structure, varying considerably among different organs, cells, and developmental stages of plants. Hence, tools are needed that are highly efficient and broadly applicable at various levels of plant biomass-based bioenergy research. The use of plant cell wall glycan-directed probes has seen increasing use over the past decade as an excellent approach for the detailed characterization of cell walls. Large collections of such probes directed against most major cell wall glycans are currently available worldwide. The largest and most diverse set of such probes consists of cell wall glycan-directed monoclonal antibodies (McAbs). These McAbs can be used as immunological probes to comprehensively monitor the overall presence, extractability, and distribution patterns among cell types of most major cell wall glycan epitopes using two mutually complementary immunological approaches, glycome profiling (an in vitro platform) and immunolocalization (an in situ platform). Significant progress has been made recently in the overall understanding of plant biomass structure, composition, and modifications with the application of these immunological approaches. This review focuses on such advances made in plant biomass analyses across diverse areas of bioenergy research.
Multi-component body composition models: recent advances and future directions.

Objective: This overview examines concepts related to a category of body composition methods generally referred to as multi-component models, that is, those models that include three or more components. We summarize the rationale for, applications, and types of multi-component models along with sources of error. Our review presents the strengths and limitations of available models and identifies important future research directions. Sponsorship: National Institutes of Health Grant R01-N1DDK 42618. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2001) 55, 69–75
Electron Spin Resonance in n-Type InSb

Experimental data on the $g$ value of conduction electrons in InSb are presented for concentrations over the range 3.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{13}$/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ to 1.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{16}$/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ at 9 and 35 Gc/sec. Agreement with existing theory is fairly good. The experimental effective mass for the electrons at $k=0$ is $0.0136{m}_{0}$. Linewidth-versus-concentration data are included, the narrowest lines (0.3G) occurring at about 5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{14}$/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$. Also included are estimates placing an upper limit of 5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}7}$ sec on the electron spin-lattice relaxation time ${T}_{1e}$.
Fifteen Years of the Russell 2000 Buy-Write

Using data from January 18, 1996 to March 31, 2011, we construct and evaluate returns on a buy-write strategy on the Russell 2000 index. The results demonstrate that the strategy has consistently outperformed the Russell 2000 index on a risk-adjusted basis, when implemented with one month to expiration calls and when performance is evaluated using standard performance measures. Over the 182-month period of analysis, the RUT buy-write strategy using 2% out-of-themoney, one-month calls generated higher returns than the underlying index (8.87% versus 8.11%) at about three-quarters of the standard deviation (16.57% versus 21.06%). The outperformance is robust to measures which specifically consider the non-normal distribution of the strategy’s returns. However, the consistent performance advantage does not remain if we utilize two-month to expiration calls. To evaluate the performance in varying market conditions, we break our sample into sub-periods. Specifically, one of the worst market conditions for the buy-write strategy is March 2003 to October 2007, when the Russell 2000 experiences a high sustained growth at a relatively low volatility. Even in this market environment, we find that the 2% out-of-the-money one-month buy-write strategy outperforms the Russell 2000 on a risk-adjusted basis, returning almost the same returns as the index return at three-quarters its volatility. We provide insight into the sources of the performance. On average, the expiration value of written calls exceeds the premium collected and the transaction costs of writing the call at the bid further increases the losses. However, the buy-write strategy benefits by writing calls at an implied volatility that is generally higher than the realized volatility. In fact, we find that the contribution of the volatility risk premium—the difference between implied and realized volatility—is typically larger than the net losses incurred by the call position or the transaction costs. It appears that the existence of the risk premium is critical to the performance of the strategy. In fact, the (Leland’s) alpha of the strategy is typically significantly smaller than the risk premium implying that the buy-write strategy would not provide excess returns in the absence of the risk premium.
Creating Professional Brand,Strengthening Practice Teaching Construction and Comprehensively Improving Teaching Quality

Major construction is the key contents of basic teaching construction in university and it is crucial to improve teaching quality and school-running benefit. Around major construction, resource exploration engineering made construction and reformation in teachers' contingent, talent training plan, course and textbooks, experimental conditions and practice base, etc, to improve teaching quality comprehensively.
Epidemiology of Hand-foot-and-mouth Disease in Hongze County

Objective To master the characteristics of hand-foot-and-mouth disease(HFMD) in Hongze county,and to explore the scientific strategies and measures for the prevention and control of HFMD.Methods Descriptive epidemiology methods were applied to analyze the data of HFMD in Hongze county during 2009 to 2011.Results Totally 1057 HFMDs were reported in Hongze county through 2009 to 2011 with an average annual incidence of 95.54 /105.Cases of HFMD mostly affected infants and children within 4 years old,accounting 93.19% of the total cases.Male cases were more than female and cases of scattered children were more than cases of kindergarten children.The incidence peak showed in 4th-7th month of the year.The main HFMD pathogen was CoxA16 in 2009 and EV71 in 2010-2011.Conclusion The HFMD incidence in male was higher than in female,and cases distributed mainly in the young children.
Selecting Multiple Order Statistics with a Graphics Processing Unit

Extracting a set of multiple order statistics from a huge data set provides important information about the distribution of the values in the full set of data. This article introduces an algorithm, bucketMultiSelect, for simultaneously selecting multiple order statistics with a graphics processing unit (GPU). Typically, when a large set of order statistics is desired, the vector is sorted. When the sorted version of the vector is not needed, bucketMultiSelect significantly reduces computation time by eliminating a large portion of the unnecessary operations involved in sorting. For large vectors, bucketMultiSelect returns thousands of order statistics in less time than sorting the vector while typically using less memory. For vectors containing 228 values of type double, bucketMultiSelect selects the 101 percentile order statistics in less than 95ms and is more than 8× faster than sorting the vector with a GPU optimized merge sort.
Power Coupling Efficiency of Diode Laser

The coupling efficiency at the receiving point was inversely proportional to the square of the divergence of the beam in the long-distance optical communication.The relationship between the collimation system and the power coupling efficiency should be learned to obtain smaller angle and higher coupling efficiency.Based on the far-field distribution of a laser diode,the power coupling efficiency of diode laser passing through a collimation system is analyzed by rays tracing formulas.The coupling efficiency of the diode laser through cylindrical lens is offered and the computer analog is given.
Acquired heart disease in infants and children.

Discussed in this article are the presentations, treatments, and nursing implications for Kawasaki disease, cardiomyopathy, and acute myocarditis. The focus is on the symptoms and courses of therapies for these acquired heart diseases in children and on the critical care nurse’s role in their care.
Human chorionic gonadotropin α-subunit in pregnancy

We have validated a direct radioimmunoassay (RIA) which measures the alpha-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in pregnancy sera in the presence of large amounts of hCG. The levels of alpha-subunit in 124 sera from normal pregnancy women were measured and compared to the levels of hCG measured by a radioreceptor assay (RRA) which utilizes a rat testicular membrane preparation. Unlike hCG, which peaks at the end of the first trimester, the alpha-subunit continues to rise until 36 weeks of pregnancy. During the first half of pregnancy the levels of alpha-subunit remain less than 100 ng/ml whereas in the second half the levels remain less than 200 ng/ml. Three pathologic pregnancies were also studied; on the basis of the hCG determinations, they could not be differentiated from normal pregnancy. In contrast, all determinations of alpha-subunit were abnormally elevated. The concept that placental dysfunctions would cause an early and abnormally high level of alpha-subunit secretion deserves further investigation.
Etiology and Treatment of Pedal Wounds in the Diabetic Patient.

In the United States, approximately 50% of all nontraumatic lower extremity amputations occur in patients with diabetes mellitus. Limb amputation is not an inevitable fact of diabetes with a controlled, organized approach to wound care. Long-term glycemic control is the goal. Identifying the etiology of the wound and then intervening with techniques to allow for an optimal wound climate for healing must be instituted. This includes optimizing arterial perfusion to the wound site. Removal of unhealthy tissue, thereby reducing bacterial bioburden, via debridement is important for wound bed preparation. Depending upon the depth of the wound, other deeper structures such as tendon, muscle, and bone (in osteomyelitis), may require excisional debridement. In addition, evaluation for a neuropathic component or structural deformity of the foot ie hallux valgus, hammertoes, or pes planus is also necessary to properly remove pressure or offload the wound to optimize healing potential. In cer tain instances, wounds cannot heal due to structural deformity of the foot and surgical correction of the underlying deformity is required. 2
Common Law Is Not an Option

This is a prepublication print of Chapter 2 of the book Failures of American Lawmaking in Historical and Comparative Perspectives to be published in fall 2017 by Cambridge University Press. That book argues: (1) America through the first century of the republic sought a government of laws and not of precedents; and (2) that a government of laws requires that America develop modern methods of dealing with statutes such as are used in Germany.Chapter 2 argues that allowing common law methods to dominate lawmaking is not a viable alternative to modern statutory methods. It contends that: (1) common law precedents cannot make a government of laws; (2) America’s common law is unknowable; and, (3) common law rules fail as rules of law.Chapter 2 challenges common law myths that allow American legal professionals to think that common law methods are a viable alternative to statutory methods: (1) the myth that the United States is a country of common law; (2) the myth that common law is superior to statutory law in individualizing justice; (3) the myth that common law is superior to statutory law in adjusting law in time; (4) the myth that America’s judges have always freely made law; and, (5) the myth of English common law tutelage of American law.
Once daily high dose tigecycline - pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic based dosing for optimal clinical effectiveness: dosing matters, revisited

Introduction: Tigecycline has emerged as first line therapy for serious systemic infections due to important pathogens (except P. aeruginosa and Proteus sp.), including multi-drug resistant (MDR) a...
Enhanced neuroinvasion by smaller, soluble prions

Infectious prion aggregates can propagate from extraneural sites into the brain with remarkable efficiency, likely transported via peripheral nerves. Yet not all prions spread into the brain, and the physical properties of a prion that is capable of transit within neurons remain unclear. We hypothesized that small, diffusible aggregates spread into the CNS via peripheral nerves. Here we used a structurally diverse panel of prion strains to analyze how the prion conformation impacts transit into the brain. Two prion strains form fibrils visible ultrastructurally in the brain in situ, whereas three strains form diffuse, subfibrillar prion deposits and no visible fibrils. The subfibrillar strains had significantly higher levels of soluble prion aggregates than the fibrillar strains. Primary neurons internalized both the subfibrillar and fibril-forming prion strains by macropinocytosis, and both strain types were transported from the axon terminal to the cell body in vitro. However in mice, only the predominantly soluble, subfibrillar prions, and not the fibrillar prions, were efficiently transported from the tongue to the brain. Sonicating a fibrillar prion strain increased the solubility and enabled prions to spread into the brain in mice, as evident by a 40% increase in the attack rate, indicating that an increase in smaller particles enhances prion neuroinvasion. Our data suggest that the small, highly soluble prion particles have a higher capacity for transport via nerves. These findings help explain how prions that predominantly assemble into subfibrillar states can more effectively traverse into and out of the CNS, and suggest that promoting fibril assembly may slow the neuron-to-neuron spread of protein aggregates.
Behavior Modification Programs Used in Corrections

Behavior modification programs have been used in corrections as a management tool as well as a treatment modality. Although there are many variations, the basic principle is grounded in costs and rewards. Regardless of the situation, behavior that is considered good is rewarded, and behavior that is considered bad is punished in some way. Children who do well in school are rewarded by being listed on the honor roll and receiving praise and perhaps some material reward from parents. The positive experience serves as a reinforcement to continue the behavior that led to the good grades. In corrections, offenders placed on community supervision who conform to the rules of probation are rewarded by being released from probation at the time scheduled. If they do not conform to the rules, they might be punished by having their probation revoked and being sent to prison. In the community residential and institutional settings, residents placed in a behavior modification program are rewarded for good behavior by receiving more privileges, by being released at an earlier time than scheduled, and by knowing they have accomplished something personal such as achieving an improved self-image or having developed work skills.
Practical Ontologies for Information Professionals: by David Stuart. London: Facet Publishing, 2016. vii, 224 p. ill. ISBN 978-1-78330-062-4. £59.95.

In Practical Ontologies for Information Professionals, David Stuart provides an introductory yet detailed text on the definition, creation, and use of ontologies in the online environment. He begin...
The role of coping in the emotions and how coping changes over the life course.

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with the coping process, its importance in emotional lives, and the misunderstandings that have plagued the theory and measurement of coping. It also focuses on adult development and aging. There are three common misunderstandings about the coping process—the tendency to treat the functions of coping as if they were distinctive types of action, the tendency in measurement to divorce the coping process from the person who is doing the coping, and the tendency to separate coping from the emotion process. The chapter emphasizes that the main research task is to identify the various forms of coping necessitated by changes in the conditions of life. One should get over the bad habit of promoting small differences into simplifying generalizations about people in general, the old, the young, or about men and women, or whomever. Finally, the chapter states that people age at different rates and have different physical and mental problems. Once they accept the reality of their situations, they deal with them as best they can, often in constructive and distinctive ways.
Potent Pyrimidine and Pyrrolopyrimidine Inhibitors of Testis-Specific Serine/Threonine Kinase 2 (TSSK2).

Testis-specific serine/threonine kinase 2 (TSSK2) is an important target for reversible male contraception. A high-throughput screen of ≈17 000 compounds using a mobility shift assay identified two potent series of inhibitors having a pyrrolopyrimidine or pyrimidine core. The pyrrolopyrimidine 10 (IC50 22 nm; GSK2163632A) and the pyrimidine 17 (IC50 31 nm; ALK inhibitor 1) are the most potent TSSK2 inhibitors in these series, which contain the first sub-100 nanomolar inhibitors of any TSSK isoform reported, except for the broad kinase inhibitor staurosporine. The novel, potent pyrimidine TSSK2 inhibitor compound 19 (IC50 66 nm; 2-[[5-chloro-2-[2-methoxy-4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)anilino]pyrimidin-4-yl]amino]-N-methylbenzenesulfonamide) lacks the potential for metabolic activation. Compound 19 had a potency rank order of TSSK1>TSSK2>TSSK3>TSSK6, indicating that potent dual inhibitors of TSSK1/2 can be identified, which may be required for a complete contraceptive effect. The future availability of a TSSK2 crystal structure will facilitate structure-based discovery of selective TSSK inhibitors from these pyrrolopyrimidine and pyrimidine scaffolds.
Features, labels, space, and time: factors supporting taxonomic relationships in the anterior temporal lobe and thematic relationships in the angular gyrus

ABSTRACTHaving the concept coffee involves knowing not only how coffee looks, smells, and tastes, but also how it relates to other things. We consider two types of conceptual relationships: (1) tax...
A test of functional convergence in carbon fluxes from coupled C and N cycles in Arctic tundra

Abstract Arctic ecosystems exhibit functional convergence in Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE’s) of CO2 response to light, air temperature, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and Leaf Area Index (LAI), potentially simplifying predictions of climate change impacts on the arctic C cycle over space and time. This convergence is hypothesized to be induced by tightly coupled carbon and nitrogen cycles, but has never been explicitly tested. We used model-data fusion on a mass balance model (i.e. the Coupled Carbon and Nitrogen; CCaN) to determine whether functional convergence in NEE results from tightly coupled carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles. CCaN captured a majority, but not all, of NEE and NDVI observations across eight growing seasons, and MODIS NDVI observations across a tundra latitudinal gradient in Alaska. The hypothesis of temporal functional convergence was challenged by model-data disagreements for NEE during shoulder seasons and low light. The hypothesis of spatial functional convergence was challenged by the underestimation of NDVI in warm tundra. CCaN structure and parameter uncertainty analyses revealed that factors controlling leaf litter rate, the proportion of N in leaves, and net N mineralization rate are critical knowledge gaps in predicting pan-arctic NEE and NDVI in a future warmer climate.
Instructor Social Presence Effects on Learner Social Presence, Achievement, and Satisfaction

Instructor social presence involves instructors establishing their presence as “being there” in terms of frequency of communication and interaction with students as well as supporting students throughout the learning process (Lowenthal 2015). Instructor social presence can be constructed and maintained through the design and facilitation of online courses. Studies have indicated that instructor social presence can be correlated with increased learning satisfaction, engagement and achievement as well as learners perceptions of the instructor. This sequential explanatory mixed method study investigated the effects of instructor social presence on achievement, satisfaction and learner social presence and further sought to identify effective instructor social presence techniques in asynchronous online courses. The results of this study showed that the degree of instructor social presence significantly influenced instructor perceptions of student achievement. Findings also suggest that a well-designed collaborative learning activity can be an effective strategy for building instructor social presence.
Effects of hyperammonemia on neuronal function: NH4+, IPSP and Cl(-)-extrusion.

Hyperammonemia has two effects on the function of neurons: inactivation of Cl-extrusion and depolarization of the resting membrane potential. The consequences of these two effects of hyperammonemia on the function of neurons in mammalians in vivo have been reviewed previously (64,65). In brief, the inactivation of Cl-extrusion shifts the equilibrium potential of the inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP, EIPSP) to the level of the resting membrane potential. Under a certain condition, postsynaptic inhibition occurring at resting membrane potential, i.e., “gate-inhibition”, postsynaptic inhibition cannot suppress neuronal excitation. However, when postsynaptic inhibition occurs while the neuron is temporarily depolarized, i.e., “break-inhibition”, the efficacy of postsynaptic inhibition shows no significant impairment. The inactivation of Cl-extrusion from neurons occurs without signs of changes in the effects of synaptically released GABA or glycine on neurons, and without changes in excitatory synaptic transmission. The inactivation of Cl-extrusion and resulting dysfunction of gate-inhibition is sufficient to produce in experimental animals changes of the EEG. The brain tissue levels of NH4 + necessary to inactivate Cl-extrusion and to produce encephalopathy in experimental animals are both in the same range, i.e., 0.7–1.3 mM. Therefore, it was suggested that the encephalopathy due to hyperammonemia is caused, or at least significantly contributed to, by the inactivation of Cl-extrusion from neurons.