cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Review Examination

This exam was taken by a large group of sophomore medical students in 1991 (at the conclusion of a comprehensive review period) approximately two weeks before they took the National Board of Medical Examiners Comp I Test. The class mean on these questions was 69%. The mean score for these same students on the Comp I exam was 194 (at the 48th percentile).
Immune-Mediated Glomerular Injury

Immune-mediated glomerular disease is typified by membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN), lupus nephritis, and postinfectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN). Immune-mediated refers to the presence of immune complexes on a renal biopsy. The mechanisms responsible for formation and deposition of these complexes depend on the specific disease entity. However, once deposited, glomerular injury is mediated by both classical and alternative complement system activation and inflammatory cell recruitment. Animal models and large-scale genetic studies have significantly enhanced our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying immune complex disease susceptibility and disease progression. However, it should be emphasized that animal models of MGN, lupus nephritis, and PIGN have significant flaws. A thorough understanding of the inflammatory mediators and genetic underpinnings of these diseases is critical to development of effective therapeutics and prevention strategies.
Most TV/Newspapers Partners At Cross Promotion Stage

A survey of editors at U.S. daily papers shows that almost 30 percent have partnerships with television stations and those partnerships exist across circulation levels. Yet, few papers are committe...
Correlation of the Primary Gamma-Ray Intensities Following s- And p-Wave Neutron Capture in 58Fe

In the (n,γ) reactions with low-energy neutrons, the partial radiation widths from adjacent resonances are almost always uncorrelated with each other. However, in a recent study of the 35Cl(n,γ)36Cl reaction, Chrien and Kopecký1 found similar γ-ray spectra from neighboring capture states of opposite parity. Expressed as a linear correlation coefficient, these authors found r = +0.84 −0:10 +0.06 for a set of 14 transitions seen in both s-wave thermal capture and in p-wave 398-eV resonance capture in 35Cl.
Naturalizing negativity: how journalism textbooks justify crime, conflict, and “bad” news

This critical analysis of U.S. journalism textbooks from 1894 to 2016 shows how texts across decades have (re)constructed a discourse of damage through news values emphasizing and rationalizing con...
Depressão: um problema por resolver?

Introducao: A depressao, sindrome multifactorial, apresenta prevalencia, morbilidade e custos crescentes. Os estudos epidemiologicos sobre prevalencia de perturbacoes mentais sao escassos, impossibilitando uma avaliacao solida desse problema. Objectivos: Avaliar a incidencia e prevalencia da depressao nos utentes da Unidade de Saude Familiar XXX (USF XXX), a relacao entre depressao e factores demograficos e o seguimento e terapeutica farmacologica. Metodos: Estudo observacional, transversal, retrospectivo. Populacao: utentes com 18 ou mais anos inscritos na USFX. Amostra: utentes com diagnostico de Perturbacao Depressiva na lista de problemas activos do processo clinico. Variaveis: genero, idade, anos de diagnostico, data da ultima consulta, data e local da ultima prescricao, terapeutica farmacologica, grupo terapeutico. Instrumentos de recolha de dados: MIM@UF®, SClinico® e PEM®. Resultados: A amostra foi de 1475 utentes (78% mulheres). A maioria (60%) tinha entre 40 e 69 anos. A incidencia cumulativa, no ano de 2014, foi de 2% e a prevalencia, do total de utentes inscritos na USFX com mais de 18 anos (n=12067), de 12%, superior a do Agrupamento de Centros de Saude XXX, regiao norte e a nivel nacional. A prevalencia ajustada por genero foi de 16,3% nas mulheres e de 6% nos homens e por escaloes etarios de 6,3% entre os 18 e 39 anos e de 15% na faixa superior a 65 anos. A maioria teve consulta no ultimo ano (88%) e encontrava-se medicada com antidepressivos (82%). A ultima prescricao ocorreu ha mais de 6 meses em mais de metade dos casos. Os farmacos mais prescritos foram os inibidores selectivos de recaptacao da serotonina (SSRI) e 77% das prescricoes foram realizadas na USFX. Discussao: A prevalencia de depressao nesta populacao e alta, podendo dever-se a sobrediagnostico. A diferenca entre generos e corroborada por outros estudos. Foi possivel estabelecer populacoes de risco segundo a idade e genero. Verificou-se seguimento desajustado em 12% dos individuos. A maioria das prescricoes correspondeu a SSRI, e foi efectuada nos Cuidados de Saude Primarios.
Self-stabilizing photonic levitation and propulsion of nanostructured macroscopic objects

Light is a powerful tool to manipulate matter, but existing approaches often necessitate focused, high-intensity light that limits the manipulated object’s shape, material and size. Here, we report that self-stabilizing optical manipulation of macroscopic—millimetre-, centimetre- and even metre-scale—objects could be achieved by controlling the anisotropy of light scattering along the object’s surface. In a scalable design that features silicon resonators on silica substrate, we identify nanophotonic structures that can self-stabilize when rotated and/or translated relative to the optical axis. Nanoscale control of scattering across a large area creates restoring behaviour by engineering the scattered phase, without needing to focus incident light or excessively constrain the shape, size or material composition of the object. Our findings may lead to platforms for manipulating macroscopic objects, with applications ranging from contactless wafer-scale fabrication and assembly, to trajectory control for ultra-light spacecraft and even laser-propelled light sails for space exploration.
Potential negative effects of a cashless society: Turning citizens into criminals and other economic dangers

In the past few years, several countries have begun to drastically change their economies to be entirely cash free. The point of this policy change is to hopefully prevent the amount of crime that results from the proliferation of cash. However, there are potential negative consequences to this policy change that receive little to no attention and there are several misconceptions regarding the opportunistic nature and resourcefulness of organized crime. As such, this paper aims to attempt to study these potentially negative consequences to provide some warning to countries adopting a cashless economic policy.,This is a conceptual paper relying upon an understanding of the literature in the fields of sociology, anthropology, psychology and criminology as applied to the topic of money and economic policy.,This paper discusses numerous negative effects to adopting a cashless economic policy, to include the proliferation of underground financing through the hawala system and organized criminal channels, the increased use of Bitcoin, the more difficult task of tracking currency through bank reporting requirements, and the potential effect of increasing other crimes, which are harder to track.,This is an entirely conceptual paper. As such, it is not able to state definitively whether the outcomes discussed will occur or to what extent it may occur.,This paper could help to serve as a warning for governments wishing to adopt a cashless economic policy, and it may encourage those countries to hopefully develop safeguards to prevent some of the potentially negative effects that might result.,This paper expands upon the understanding of money and the various ways that individuals may adapt or react culturally, psychologically or violently to changes in monetary policy or the form of currency itself.,There have been few if any paper discussing the consequences of cashless economic policies and its implications toward organized crime. This paper is unique in both the subject matter being discussed and the conceptual arguments it puts forth.
Post-fire mechanical behavior of ASTM A572 steels subjected to high stress triaxialities

Abstract The goal of this paper is to understand the post-fire mechanical behavior of ASTM A572 Gr. 50 structural steels cooled from high temperatures using both air-cooling (slow cooling rate) and water-cooling (rapid cooling rate) methods under the influence of high stress triaxiality. In this study, various levels of stress triaxialities in uniaxial tension specimens are achieved by introducing notches in the test specimens. The uniaxial notched test specimens are subjected to temperatures ranging between 500 °C and 1000 °C at 100 °C intervals to simulate fire temperatures. The furnace-heated specimens are then either left outside the furnace for air-cooling or quenched in a water bath in the case of water-cooling method. Uniaxial tension tests are performed on both air and water cooled notched specimens to extract the post-fire mechanical properties. Non-linear finite element analyses are performed to obtain the triaxiality profiles along the critical cross sections of notched specimens by employing hardening curves obtained from post-fire uniaxial tension tests. Moreover, microstructures at selected temperatures are obtained to assess the microstructural changes that caused a significant change in post-fire mechanical properties. It is observed that ASTM A572 steels do no exhibit considerable change in mechanical properties when exposed to temperatures up to 600 °C, for both cooling methods. Beyond 600 °C, air-cooling resulted in a reduction in yield strength and ultimate tensile strength and increase in ductility of ASTM A572 steels. Water-cooling from temperatures beyond 600 °C increased the ultimate tensile strength and decreased the ductility of ASTM A572 steels due to the formation of the martensite phase. High stress triaxiality leads to the reduction in ductility and an increase in yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of ASTM A572 steels in both air-cooled and water-cooled conditions. The combined influence of high stress triaxiality and formation of martensite phase resulted in significant increase of up to 158% in yield strength and up to 172% increase in ultimate tensile strength of ASTM A572 steels that are water-cooled after exposure to temperatures beyond 800 °C. On the other hand, the presence of the high stress triaxiality and water-cooling resulted in up to 89% loss of ductility of ASTM A572 steels specimens that are exposed to temperatures beyond 800 °C.
Does a Gradient-Adjusted Cardiac Power Index Improve Prediction of Post-Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Survival Over Cardiac Power Index?

Purpose Cardiac power (CP) index is a product of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and cardiac output (CO). In aortic stenosis, however, MAP is not reflective of true left ventricular (LV) afterload. We evaluated the utility of a gradient-adjusted CP (GCP) index in predicting survival after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), compared to CP alone. Materials and methods We included 975 patients who underwent TAVR with 1 year of follow-up. CP was calculated as (CO×MAP)/[451×body surface area (BSA)] (W/m²). GCP was calculated using augmented MAP by adding aortic valve mean gradient (AVMG) to systolic blood pressure (CP1), adding aortic valve maximal instantaneous gradient to systolic blood pressure (CP2), and adding AVMG to MAP (CP3). A multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed adjusting for baseline covariates. Receiver operator curves (ROC) for CP and GCP were calculated to predict survival after TAVR. Results The mortality rate at 1 year was 16%. The mean age and AVMG of the survivors were 81±9 years and 43±4 mm Hg versus 80±9 years and 42±13 mm Hg in the deceased group. The proportions of female patients were similar in both groups (p=0.7). Both CP and GCP were independently associated with survival at 1 year. The area under ROCs for CP, CP1, CP2, and CP3 were 0.67 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.62-0.72], 0.65 (95% CI, 0.60-0.70), 0.66 (95% CI, 0.61-0.71), and 0.63 (95% CI 0.58-0.68), respectively. Conclusion GCP did not improve the accuracy of predicting survival post TAVR at 1 year, compared to CP alone.
Identification of MECP2 gene mutation in a child with Rett syndrome and its parental origin analysis

Objective To identify the pathogenic mutation in a girl with Rett syndrome (RTT) , and to perform a parental origin analysis of the mutation. Methods The clinical data of a Chinese girl with typical RTT from the Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University were collected and analyzed comprehensively. The DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of the child and her parents. All 4 exons and the intron-exon splice sites of MECP2 gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) , and the PCR products were directly sequenced. Using the SNP loci near MECP2 gene mutation, allele-specific PCR amplification and sequencing was completed and thereby the parental origin analysis was performed. Results The child carried a heterozygous mutation c.502C>T (p. R168X) in MECP2 gene. Both her parents showed normal C nucleotide at the same site. There was one SNP c.378-74C>T (ie rs2071569) in the third intron of the MECP2 gene in the child, and the c.502C>T mutation in the child was passed on from her father’s X chromosome. Conclusion The heterozygous mutation of c. 502C>T (p. R168X) in MECP2 gene is a pathogenic mutation in this child, which was passed on from her father. This study provides an important evidence for genotype-phenotype research and genetic counseling. Key words: Rett syndrome; Methyl CpG binding proteion 2; MECP2; Gene mutation
A long-term dataset on wild bee abundance in Mid-Atlantic United States

With documented global declines in insects, including wild bees, there has been increasing interest in developing and expanding insect monitoring programs. Our objective here was to organize, validate, and share an analysis-ready version of one of the few existing long-term monitoring datasets for wild bees in the United States. Since 1999, the Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab (BIML) of the United States Geological Survey has sampled wild-bee communities in the Mid-Atlantic U.S., but samples were collected in multiple studies and the datasets are not fully integrated. Furthermore, critical information about sampling methodology was often lacking, though these factors can significantly influence collection outcomes and must be considered in analyses. We cleaned and verified BIML data from Maryland, Delaware, and Washington DC, USA, and generated sampling methodology for over 84% of the 99,053 pan-trapped occurrences in this region. We enthusiastically invite creative analyses of this rich dataset to advance understanding of the biology and ecology of wild bees, inform conservation efforts, and perhaps help design a nationwide bee monitoring program.
The Multiple Faces of Knowing: The Hierarchies of Epistemic Species

Claims, and attributions, of knowledge or justified belief are made against varying backgrounds of assumptions or takings for granted, which are not themselves known or justifiedly believed. Offering an account of the constitution of epistemic backgrounds and an elucidation of their roles are the main parts of a Theory of Epistemic Coherence. This study belongs to the foundations of such a theory. We examine some data and discuss certain theoretical alternatives.
Fast and accurate incremental feedback for students’ software tests using selective mutation analysis

Abstract As incorporating software testing into programming assignments becomes routine, educators have begun to assess not only the correctness of students’ software, but also the adequacy of their tests. In practice, educators rely on code coverage measures, though its shortcomings are widely known. Mutation analysis is a stronger measure of test adequacy, but it is too costly to be applied beyond the small programs developed in introductory programming courses. We demonstrate how to adapt mutation analysis to provide rapid automated feedback on software tests for complex projects in large programming courses. We study a dataset of 1389 student software projects ranging from trivial to complex. We begin by showing that although the state-of-the-art in mutation analysis is practical for providing rapid feedback on projects in introductory courses, it is prohibitively expensive for the more complex projects in subsequent courses. To reduce this cost, we use a statistical procedure to select a subset of mutation operators that maintains accuracy while minimizing cost. We show that with only 2 operators, costs can be reduced by a factor of 2–3 with negligible loss in accuracy. Finally, we evaluate our approach on open-source software and report that our findings may generalize beyond our educational context.
Go if you know: Preschool children’s movements reflect their metacognitive monitoring

Abstract We assessed metacognitive monitoring in 3- to 5-year-old preschool children using a non-verbal behavioral paradigm of confidence. Children responded to a variety of computerized tasks, during which rewards could be collected after each trial at a location spatially distant from the computer. Critically, auditory cues indicating performance were delayed by five seconds after each trial. A metacognitive response indicating confidence in their performance would lead children to move towards the reward location before receiving trial feedback. Results indicated that early movements reflected confidence and non-movements reflected uncertainty. Movements differed as a function of task performance (correct vs. incorrect responding) and objective trial difficulty (easier vs. harder trials) across most cognitive tasks. For some tasks, performance and metacognitive movements also varied as a function of age. These data, from a non-verbal measure of confidence, match other reports of emerging metacognition in children in this age range.
Real-world data on overall survival associated with biweekly versus weekly cetuximab among metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients in the United States.

33Background: Cetuximab 250mg/m2 weekly (Q1W) after an initial dose of 400mg/m2 is approved for treatment of K-Ras wild-type mCRC. In real world 29% of patients received cetuximab 500mg/m2 biweekly...
Demonstration of Dose-Dependent Global and Regional Cocaine-Induced Reductions in Brain Blood Flow Using a Novel Approach to Quantitative Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography

Abstract Ischemic stroke is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in cocaine addicts. Because the previous semiquantitative single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) method for measuring brain blood flow does not quantify blood flow, the magnitude and specificity of cocaine’s effects during drug taking has not been well established. Here, using a novel quantitative approach to SPECT, we established that intravenous cocaine administration to nine recently abstinent cocaine-dependent subjects was associated with significant decreases in global and regional brain blood flow to dopamine-rich areas such as the prefrontal, frontal, temporal, and subcortical gray matter. Establishing the utility of this relatively new quantitative SPECT technique provides an important tool for the management of vascular disorders of the brain. Additionally, identifying the site-specific effects of cocaine provides targets for the development of putative therapeutic medications to attenuate or minimize ischemic stroke in cocaine addicts.
Molecular characterization of flgM, a gene encoding a negative regulator of flagellin synthesis in Salmonella typhimurium

Abstract The expression of flagellin in Salmonella typhimurium is coupled to the assembly of complete flagella. Mutations which disrupt this coupling define a gene, flgM, which represses the expression of the flagellin genes in strains with mutations in the basal body, switch, or hook flagellar gene (K. L. Gillen and K. T. Hughes, J. Bacteriol. 173:2301-2310, 1991). Complementation studies demonstrated that the flgM gene is contained within a 600-bp cloned DNA fragment. Sequence analysis revealed that this fragment carries a small open reading frame corresponding to a 97-amino-acid protein. The FlgM protein observed in a T7-mediated expression system showed an apparent molecular mass of 9.5 kDa, similar to the predicted size of 10.6 kDa. Upstream of the flgM coding region is a putative promoter sequence which shows strong homology to that thought to be recognized by the flagellin-specific sigma factor (FliA). Consistent with the use of this promoter in vivo, promoter mapping by primer extension demonstrated a transcriptional start site 11 bases downstream from the center of the putative -10 promoter element, which was dependent on functional FliA for full expression.
Numerical Solution of the Unsteady Navier-Stokes Equations for the Oscillatory Flow Over a Concave Body.

An interesting oscillatory flow field over a concave shape, which has not been observed experimentally, has been calculated by numerically solving the unsteady Navier-Stokes equations.The unique characteristic of this flow is that it is not separated and yet is oscillatory in nature.All previously observed oscillatory flow fields contain separated regions. The general characteristics of the flow pattern have been described, together with the hypothesized flow mechanism which produces the oscillation. The flow field appears to be hydrodynamically unstable which results in an oscillatory variation of the flow field downstream of the forebody pressure minimum. Various changes in the afterbody shape do not alter the period of the oscillation and results in minor changes in the magnitude of the pressure oscillation. A number of numerical experiments have been performed and described, the results of which indicate that the oscillation is of physical origin. Further work is continuing to understand these flow fields and the underlying governing flow mechanisms. Experimental verification of this flow phenomenon is presently being pursued by Holden [1974] and a more detailed description of the flow will be forthcoming pending the results of this experimental study.
The cycle problem: an intriguing periodicity to the zeros of the Riemann zeta function

Summing the values of the real portion of the logarithmic integral of n^rho, where rho is one of a consecutive series of zeros of the Riemann zeta function, reveals an unexpected periodicity to the sum. This is the cycle problem.
MEI4, a yeast gene required for meiotic recombination.

Mutants at the MEI4 locus were detected in a search for mutants defective in meiotic gene conversion. mei4 mutants exhibit decreased sporulation and produce inviable spores. The spore inviability phenotype is rescued by a spo13 mutation, which causes cells to bypass the meiosis I division. The MEI4 gene has been cloned from a yeast genomic library by complementation of the recombination defect and has been mapped to chromosome V near gln3. Strains carrying a deletion/insertion mutation of the MEI4 gene display no meiotically induced gene conversion but normal mitotic conversion frequencies. Both meiotic interchromosomal and intrachromosomal crossing over are completely abolished in mei4 strains. The mei4 mutation is able to rescue the spore-inviability phenotype of spo13 and 52 strains (i.e., mei4 spo13 rad52 mutants produce viable spores), indicating that MEI4 acts before RAD52 in the meiotic recombination pathway.
A CMOS active-pixel image sharpness sensor

The technique of maximizing image sharpness is a powerful means of adaptively correcting phase aberrations in wavefronts. Crucial to this correction is a sensor that provides an accurate real-time estimate of image sharpness. In this paper, we introduce a novel image sharpness sensor using CMOS active pixel technology that computes image sharpness at a sample rate of 7.8 kHz. The sharpness sensor contains a 40x40 pixel array and is fabricated in a 0.5-μm CMOS process through MOSIS. Power consumption is 12 mW. Each pixel is 24.5 x 24.5 μm with a fill factor of 20%. Experimental results obtained under openloop static conditions show that the output value changes by 87.5% when the sensor is moved 1 cm away from the 50-cm focal point. This sensor finds potential applications in closed-loop adaptive optics systems. Keywords—Image sharpness; CMOS image sensor; activepixel; adaptive optics; wavefront sensor; image quality metric.
Can evidence-based medicine change toilet-training practice?

Objectives To assess the evidence showing that a specific method of toilet training (TT) is more effective than others, as any method of TT recommended by a physician faces obstacles because parents rarely request advice on TT from physicians, and TT practices vary tremendously across cultures and socioeconomic levels.
Partitioning, tearing and modification of sparse linear systems

Abstract The computational complexity of partitioning sparse matrices is developed graph-theoretically. The results are used to study tearing and modification, and to show that single-element tearing of symmetric systems is rarely advantageous when the torn system is solved by elimination.
CT-Electromagnetic Three-Dimensional Tracking for Renal Endovascular Sympathetic Ablation Catheter Positioning in an Animal Model.

Abstract Purpose To examine the feasibility of a computed tomography (CT)–guided renal endoarterial ablation procedure. Materials and Methods Five large (40–60 kg) pigs were studied. Abdominal CT images that were obtained preoperatively were registered to the operative field, and subsequent virtual navigation of a multielectrode ablation catheter within the CT environment was performed. The ablation electrodes were visualized using an impedance technique. Ablation lesions were applied within each artery. Histologic analysis was performed to judge accuracy of the catheter location as portrayed in the virtual image. Results The error between virtual and actual lesion locations along the longitudinal plane of the artery was 3.0 mm ± 2.5 (range, 0–6 mm) in the left renal artery and 3.4 mm ± 2.7 (range, 0–7 mm; P = .7) in the right renal artery. The accuracy of circumferential localization of the electrode was 92% in the right artery and 88% in the left artery. Conclusions These data demonstrate that a CT-guided renal artery ablation procedure is feasible.
Transgenic Increase in N-3/N-6 Fatty Acid Ratio Reduces Maternal Obesity-Associated Inflammation and Limits Adverse Developmental Programming in Mice

Maternal and pediatric obesity has risen dramatically over recent years, and is a known predictor of adverse long-term metabolic outcomes in offspring. However, which particular aspects of obese pregnancy promote such outcomes is less clear. While maternal obesity increases both maternal and placental inflammation, it is still unknown whether this is a dominant mechanism in fetal metabolic programming. In this study, we utilized the Fat-1 transgenic mouse to test whether increasing the maternal n-3/n-6 tissue fatty acid ratio could reduce the consequences of maternal obesity-associated inflammation and thereby mitigate downstream developmental programming. Eight-week-old WT or hemizygous Fat-1 C57BL/6J female mice were placed on a high-fat diet (HFD) or control diet (CD) for 8 weeks prior to mating with WT chow-fed males. Only WT offspring from Fat-1 mothers were analyzed. WT-HFD mothers demonstrated increased markers of infiltrating adipose tissue macrophages (P<0.02), and a striking increase in 12 serum pro-inflammatory cytokines (P<0.05), while Fat1-HFD mothers remained similar to WT-CD mothers, despite equal weight gain. E18.5 Fetuses from WT-HFD mothers had larger placentas (P<0.02), as well as increased placenta and fetal liver TG deposition (P<0.01 and P<0.02, respectively) and increased placental LPL TG-hydrolase activity (P<0.02), which correlated with degree of maternal insulin resistance (r = 0.59, P<0.02). The placentas and fetal livers from Fat1-HFD mothers were protected from this excess placental growth and fetal-placental lipid deposition. Importantly, maternal protection from excess inflammation corresponded with improved metabolic outcomes in adult WT offspring. While the offspring from WT-HFD mothers weaned onto CD demonstrated increased weight gain (P<0.05), body and liver fat (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively), and whole body insulin resistance (P<0.05), these were prevented in WT offspring from Fat1-HFD mothers. Our results suggest that reducing excess maternal inflammation may be a promising target for preventing adverse fetal metabolic outcomes in pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity.
954-7 Cardioversion of Atrial Flutter: Atrial Appendage Stunning and Thromboembolic Potential. A Transesophageal Echocardiographic Study

Cardioversion (CV) of atrial arrhythmias is commonly performed. Pericardioversion anticoagulation is not recommended in patients with atrial flutter (AFL) as it is assumed that the thromboembolic potential of atrial flutter is extremely low. To determine the thromboembolic potential of patients with atrial flutter undergoing cardioversion, we performed transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in 26 consecutive patients (25 electrical and 1 pacing) immediately prior to and immediately after cardioversion. 2 patients experienced cerebrovascular events within 24 hours of cardioversion despite the absence of thrombi on the precardioversion TEE. Peak left atrial appendage outflow (LAA+) and inflow velocities (LAA-, cm/sec) prior to (PRE) and after (POST) cardioversion were documented (mean ± SD): LAA+ LAA- PRE CV 53 ± 19.6 53.2 ± 20.6 POST CV 30 ± 16.1 38.7 ± 18.1 p l 0.0001 0.0001 92% of patients demonstrated a reduction in LAA+; 58% of patients had a greater than 50% decrease in LAA+. 50% of patients developed new or increased spontaneous echo contrast after cardioversion. Both patients with new cerebrovascular accidents demonstrated marked reductions in LAA+ and increased spontaneous echo contrast. Conclusion Patients undergoing CV of AFL have evidence of significant left atrial appendage stunning. Stunning after CV as evidenced by decreased left atrial appendage velocities and increased spontaneous echo contrast is common and associated with thromboembolism. Anticoagulation should be considered in patients undergoing CV of atrial flutter with high risk TEE indices.
Recombination in Low-Bandgap InGaAs

We review our investigation of recombination in InxGa1-xAs with indium concentrations ranging between x = 0.53 (i.e., lattice-matched to InP) and x = 0.78. External radiative efficiency measurements were used to study how defect-related and Auger mechanisms compete with radiative recombination. The results indicated that deep mid-gap levels facilitate defect-related recombination in lattice-matched InGaAs while shallower levels play a more important role in the indium-rich alloys. Subsequent sub-bandgap photoluminescence measurements confirmed the presence of deep levels in the lattice-matched InGaAs. The superlinear excitation dependence of the sub-gap emission led to a defect-related deep-donor/shallow-acceptor pair model. Recent cathodoluminescence measurements of the subgap transitions show no spatial contrast, supporting the assignment of this mechanism to evenly distributed point defects. We hypothesize that the deep states observed in lattice-matched InGaAs are related to imperfections in the incorporation of indium or gallium, which become less likely as the indium concentration is increased.
Addressing Relapse in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Panic Disorder: Methods for Optimizing Long-Term Treatment Outcomes.

Abstract In this paper, we present a client with panic disorder and agoraphobia who relapses following a full course of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). To frame the client's treatment, the major components of CBT for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (PD/A) are reviewed. Likely reasons for the treatment's failure and strategies for improving treatment are explored from the perspective of basic research on learning and memory. Treatment recommendations primarily focus on enhancing the exposure component of PD/A treatment but include suggestions for enhancing other CBT components as well.
Reasons and Outcomes of Reoperative Bariatric Surgery for Failed and Complicated Procedures (Excluding Adjustable Gastric Banding)

The rise of bariatric surgery has lead to an increasing number of reoperations for failed bariatric procedures. The reasons and types of these operations are varied in nature and remain to be defined. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was conducted to identify patients who underwent laparoscopic revisional surgery for non-gastric banding-related bariatric procedures between 2001 and 2008. Of 384 secondary bariatric operations, 151 reoperative procedures were performed. Twenty-six vertical banded gastroplasties (17.2%), 2 mini-gastric bypasses (1.3%), 2 non-divided bypasses (1.3%), 1 distal Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP; 0.7%), and 2 sleeve gastrectomies (1.3%) were converted to RYGBP. Three RYGBP (2%) and four jejunoileal bypass procedures (2.6%) were reversed secondary to malnutrition. One jejunoileal bypass (0.7%) and one biliopancreatic diversion (0.7%) underwent sleeve gastrectomies. Three pre-anastomotic rings were removed due to erosion (2%). Eleven pouch trimmings (7.3%), 16 redo gastrojejunostomies (10.6%), 5 redo jejunojejunostomies (3.3%), 36 remnant gastrectomies (23.8%), and 2 gastrogastric fistula takedowns (1.3%) were performed for pouch enlargements, strictures, and gastrogastric fistulas. Thirty-six patients (23.8%) underwent a combination of these procedures. The major morbidity (13.2%) was related to leaks. Other complications included wound infection, intra-abdominal abscess formation, and trocar site hernias. The mortality rate was 2%. Reoperative bariatric surgery is a complex and growing field in bariatric surgery. The indications for surgical reoperation can vary depending on the procedure and reason for intervention. Laparoscopy appears to be a feasible approach. Though safe, morbidity and mortality are significantly higher than in primary bariatric procedures.
Acceleration of stretch activation in murine myocardium due to phosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chain.

The regulatory light chains (RLCs) of vertebrate muscle myosins bind to the neck region of the heavy chain domain and are thought to play important structural roles in force transmission between the cross-bridge head and thick filament backbone. In vertebrate striated muscles, the RLCs are reversibly phosphorylated by a specific myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), and while phosphorylation has been shown to accelerate the kinetics of force development in skeletal muscle, the effects of RLC phosphorylation in cardiac muscle are not well understood. Here, we assessed the effects of RLC phosphorylation on force, and the kinetics of force development in myocardium was isolated in the presence of 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) to dephosphorylate RLC, subsequently skinned, and then treated with MLCK to phosphorylate RLC. Since RLC phosphorylation may be an important determinant of stretch activation in myocardium, we recorded the force responses of skinned myocardium to sudden stretches of 1% of muscle length both before and after treatment with MLCK. MLCK increased RLC phosphorylation, increased the Ca2+ sensitivity of isometric force, reduced the steepness of the force–pCa relationship, and increased both Ca2+-activated and Ca2+-independent force. Sudden stretch of myocardium during an otherwise isometric contraction resulted in a concomitant increase in force that quickly decayed to a minimum and was followed by a delayed redevelopment of force, i.e., stretch activation, to levels greater than pre-stretch force. MLCK had profound effects on the stretch activation responses during maximal and submaximal activations: the amplitude and rate of force decay after stretch were significantly reduced, and the rate of delayed force recovery was accelerated and its amplitude reduced. These data show that RLC phosphorylation increases force and the rate of cross-bridge recruitment in murine myocardium, which would increase power generation in vivo and thereby enhance systolic function.
Evaluation of Respirable Crystalline Silica in High School Ceramics Classrooms

Air concentrations of respirable crystalline silica were measured in eleven (11) high school ceramics classrooms located in Salt Lake County, UT, USA. Respirable dust was collected on PVC filters using precision flow pumps and cyclone samplers (n = 44). Filters were subsequently analyzed for respirable dust and percent crystalline silica content. The geometric mean of the silica concentrations was 0.009 mg/m3 near the teacher’s work station and 0.008 mg/m3 near the kilns. The number of students in the classroom was correlated to the silica concentration in the ceramics classroom, but no correlation was found between the silica concentrations and either the size of the classroom or the age of the building. Results from this study indicate that ceramics teachers may be at an increased risk of exposure to crystalline silica based on the ACGIH TLV of 0.025 mg/m3, with an exceedance of 21%.
Evaluating the information content of near-infrared iris imagery

The human iris exhibits random and unique textural patterns that allow for identification with high accuracy. These patterns are evident in near-infrared (NIR) imagery, even for very dark irises. The authors investigate the information content of the iris contained in these patterns, and how it affects recognition performance. In this paper, iris templates are created from NIR iris imagery with the Ridge Energy Direction (RED) recognition algorithm, and using common biometric performance metrics we determine which portions of the iris contain the most distinctive information for recognition.
Life events in bipolar disorder: towards more specific models.

Abstract This article reviews the evidence concerning life events as a predictor of symptoms within bipolar disorder. First, key methodological issues in this area are described, and criteria used for including studies in this review are defined. Then findings that negative life events predict worse outcomes within bipolar disorder are reviewed. Beyond general studies on relapse, it is important to differentiate predictors of depression from predictors of mania. When severe negative life events occur, they appear to trigger increases in bipolar depression. Nonetheless, many depressions are unrelated to negative life events and appear to be triggered by other variables. The strongest evidence suggests that negative life events do not trigger mania, except perhaps in certain contexts. Retrospective findings for schedule-disrupting life events as a trigger for manic symptoms await further assessment within a longitudinal study. Life events involving goal attainment do appear to trigger manic symptoms. Overall, it is time to differentiate among specific types of life events, as these different forms of events point towards mechanisms linking stressors with symptom expression. These mechanisms provide clues into ways to integrate the social environment with biological vulnerability (see Harris, 1991 , Monroe & Johnson, 1990 ).
Effect of forbidden light on subsurface IC imaging

Forbidden light, the cone of high-angle light formed above critical angle, plays a critical role in near-interface high numerical aperture imaging. We investigate its effect in subsurface imaging in aplanatic solid immersion microscopy on ICs.
Simulation of supercritical fuel injection with condensation

Abstract Supercritical injection and the accompanying potential condensation processes were numerically investigated with a consistent treatment for both the fluid dynamics and thermodynamics with a realistic equation of state model. Qualitative and quantitative improvement was seen on the predicted injectant density with real gas simulations when compared to available experimental data, emphasizing the importance of thermodynamic property non-ideality at supercritical conditions. Recently developed phase stability and equilibrium solvers utilizing fundamental thermodynamics principles were also applied to capture phase transitions. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive simulation against experimental data of supercritical injection with phase separation. Furthermore, the simulation results were found to agree with the experimental results in three aspects related to the phase change. The first observation is that condensation is predicted to occur if and only if the temperature difference between the injectant and ambient is large enough to promote strong heat transfer interactions. The simulations also show that condensation becomes intensified when the chamber temperature is further reduced. Second, such condensation is only possible for supercritical-to-subcritical but not for supercritical-to-supercritical injections. Third, a condensed liquid phase is found to form at the jet boundary where the energy and mixing interactions between the “hot” injectant and the “cold” surrounding gas are strong. The intensive local heat exchange finally sends the mixture into the two-phase region by crossing the dew point line with condensation.
A seemingly unrelated regressions approach to analyzing and forecasting financial ratios

Abstract In this study, the joint movement of important financial ratios of firms is analyzed and determined by correlation analyses. These simultaneous relationship are used as the theoretical basis to develope a Seemingly Unrelated Regressions (SUR) partial adjustment model for financial ratio determination purposes. The SUR approach is then used to analyze and forecast financial ratios. It is found that the SUR model generally performs better than the OLS model in terms of parameter estimation and financial ratio forecasting for firms in the food and kindred products industry.
The friendship theorem

Abstract The “Friendship Theorem” states that, in a party of n persons, if every pair of persons has exactly one common friend, then there is someone in the party who is everyone else's friend. (It is assumed that “friendship” is a symmetric, irreflexive relation). This theorem has been proved by Erdos, Renyi and Sos; by G. Higman , and by Wilf . Each of these proofs has relied, at some point, on sophisticated mathematics, and Wilf has stated that no wholly elementary proof is known. The purpose of this note is to give an elementary graph theoretic proof in which the key step is a simple counting argument due to Ball . The Friendship Theorem is then applied to obtain a recent result of Ryser on intersections of finite sets.
Growth of mouse plasmacytoma cells in serum-free, hormone-supplemented medium: procedure for the determination of hormone and growth factor requirements for cell growth.

Abstract The procedure of analyzing hormone and growth factor requirements for the growth of MPC-11 cells and of developing a serum-free medium for this cell line has been described. In this medium, MPC-11 cells grow as fast as in serum-supplemented medium, up to 50 generation. MPC-11 cells grown in serum-supplemented medium secrete IgG2b and K light chain into the medium as they do in serum-containing medium.
The patient with latex allergy.

T P LATEX SENSITIVITY is a silent threat that has grown in importance throughout the past two decades. It affects individuals throughout the general population regardless of race and ethnicity, sex, or geographic location. In addition to the risks of personal exposure and illness, healthcare workers must also manage the effects of latex allergy for the patients under our care. The following case study details a fictitious patient with a latex sensitivity and her perioperative experience.
An analytical two-dimensional model for silicon MESFETs

A model that predicts small-geometry effects in Si MESFETs has been developed. It is based on a two-dimensional (2-D) analytical solution of Poisson's equation in the subthreshold regime that applies to the junction-isolated structure typical of silicon devices. The model is in excellent agreement with numerical simulations from the PISCES 2-D device analysis program. The analytical model provides the physical basis for a subthreshold current model for small-geometry MESFETs. A scaling scheme for MESFETs, derived from the analytical model, that predicts a minimum-acceptable gate length of 0.15 mu m for these devices is proposed. >
THE HYPOPHYSEAL SUBSTANCE GIVING INCREASED GONADOTROPIC EFFECTS WHEN COMBINED WITH PROLAN

The increased gonadotropic effect obtained by combining prolan with hypophyseal extracts can be secured equally well by the use of preparations which contain high amounts of the growth or of the gonad-stimulating hormone. In hypophyseal extracts containing the growth hormone, the synergistic effects do not parallel the content of growth-promoting substance. Similarly, in hypophyseal extracts containing the gonad-stimulating hormone, the synergistic effects do not parallel the content in the gonadotropic factor. The hypophyseal substance involved has been prepared sufficiently free of the growth and gonad-stimulating hormones to make it inadmissible to consider either of these substances as responsible for the reaction.
Psychosocial factors and shoulder symptom development among workers.

Background Shoulder injuries are a common cause of pain and discomfort. Many work-related factors have been associated with the onset of shoulder symptoms. The psychosocial concepts in the demand–control model have been studied in association with musculoskeletal symptoms but with heterogeneous findings. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the psychosocial concepts of the demand–control model and the incidence of shoulder symptoms in a working population. Methods After following 424 subjects for approximately 1 year, 85 incident cases were identified from self-reported data. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to assess the associations between shoulder symptoms and demand–control model quadrants. Results Cases were more likely to be female and report other upper extremity symptoms at baseline (P < 0.05). From the hazard models, being in either a passive or high strain job quadrant was associated with the incidence of shoulder symptoms. Hazard ratios were 2.17, 95% CI 1.02–4.66 and 2.19, 95% CI 1.08–4.42, respectively. Conclusions Using self-reporting to determine demand–control quadrants was successful in identifying subjects at risk of developing work-related shoulder symptoms. Research is needed to determine if this relationship holds with clinically diagnosed shoulder and other upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. This may be part of a simple tool for assessing risk of developing these UEMSDs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:57–68, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Capsule endoscopy in clinical practice

Capsule endoscopy is a new technology that is changing the diagnostic endoluminal approach to a variety of disorders and conditions. Initially introduced for the evaluation of the small bowel, endoscopic imaging now can visualize the esophagus and the colon. Any assessment of a new technology should focus on its feasibility, patient tolerance and acceptance, safety, and value in terms of diagnostic or therapeutic use. Since the introduction of capsule endoscopy in 2000, considerable data have become available regarding these issues. This article will review the clinical applications and issues concerning capsule endoscopy utilization.