cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vascular endothelial growth factor promotes atrial arrhythmias by inducing acute intercalated disk remodeling.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and is associated with inflammation. AF patients have elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines known to promote vascular leak, such as vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF). However, the contribution of vascular leak and consequent cardiac edema to the genesis of atrial arrhythmias remains unknown. Previous work suggests that interstitial edema in the heart can acutely promote ventricular arrhythmias by disrupting ventricular myocyte intercalated disk (ID) nanodomains rich in cardiac sodium channels (NaV1.5) and slowing cardiac conduction. Interestingly, similar disruption of ID nanodomains has been identified in atrial samples from AF patients. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that VEGF-induced vascular leak can acutely increase atrial arrhythmia susceptibility by disrupting ID nanodomains and slowing atrial conduction. Treatment of murine hearts with VEGF (30–60 min, at clinically relevant levels) prolonged the electrocardiographic P wave and increased susceptibility to burst pacing-induced atrial arrhythmias. Optical voltage mapping revealed slower atrial conduction following VEGF treatment (10 ± 0.4 cm/s vs. 21 ± 1 cm/s at baseline, p < 0.05). Transmission electron microscopy revealed increased intermembrane spacing at ID sites adjacent to gap junctions (GJs; 64 ± 9 nm versus 17 ± 1 nm in controls, p < 0.05), as well as sites next to mechanical junctions (MJs; 63 ± 4 nm versus 27 ± 2 nm in controls, p < 0.05) in VEGF–treated hearts relative to controls. Importantly, super-resolution microscopy and quantitative image analysis revealed reorganization of NaV1.5 away from dense clusters localized near GJs and MJs to a more diffuse distribution throughout the ID. Taken together, these data suggest that VEGF can acutely predispose otherwise normal hearts to atrial arrhythmias by dynamically disrupting NaV1.5-rich ID nanodomains and slowing atrial conduction. These data highlight inflammation-induced vascular leak as a potential factor in the development and progression of AF.
A recepção internacional da obra de A. J. Greimas: viagens, traduções, transmissões

This case study in the history of language sciences is part of the methodological perspective of intellectual history, in which we analyzed the international impact of A. J. Greimas (1917-1992) and his work, by studying the practices of communication, displacement, and translation. The scientific missions conducted outside France, the number and origin of foreign students enrolled in his seminar in Paris, as well as the chronology and linguistic geography of the translations carried out of his work help to trace, evaluate and explain the dissemination and worldwide development of his ideas. His project inspired distinctive appropriations and sometimes institutional structures in several cultural and linguistic contexts, including Romance, Anglo-American, Germanic, Slavic, Lithuanian, and East Asian contexts. The conclusion of this essay assesses the importance played by personal contact, the socio-historical context, and the sociolinguistic and didactic status of French for the worldwide reception of Greimas. Besides, this work is based on published scientific work, archival documents, interviews, and personal communications with translators and editors, with Greimas and his collaborators, and with specialists from the different cultures studied.
A Normative Approach to Understanding How “Boomerang Kids” Communicatively Negotiate Moving Back Home:

The present study adopts a normative approach to examine the context-specific dilemmas and strategies experienced by individuals returning to their parental home after living independently. Through...
Association between author conflicts of interest and industry-sponsorship with the favorability of outcomes of systematic reviews focusing on treatments of erectile dysfunction.

BACKGROUND Authors' conflicts of interest and industry sponsorship have been shown to influence study outcomes. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine whether author conflicts of interest and industry sponsorship influenced the nature of results and conclusions of systematic reviews focusing on treatment interventions for erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched PubMed and Embase for systematic reviews and meta-analyses focusing on erectile dysfunction treatments published between September 1, 2016, and June 2, 2020. Authors' conflicts of interest were collected from the systematic reviews' disclosure statements. These disclosures were verified using the information provided by the Open Payments, Dollars for Profs, Google Patents, and US Patent and Trademark Office databases and from previously published disclosure statements. RESULTS Our study included 24 systematic reviews authored by 138 authors. Nineteen authors (13.8%) were found to have conflicts of interest (disclosed, undisclosed, or both). No authors completely disclosed all conflicts. Nine reviews (37.5%) contained at least one author with conflicts of interest; of which eight reported narrative results favoring the treatment group, and seven reported conclusions favoring the treatment group. Of the 15 (62.5%) reviews without a conflicted author, 11 reported results favoring the treatment group, and 12 reported conclusions favoring the treatment group. DISCUSSION The results and conclusions of systematic reviews for erectile dysfunction treatments did not appear to be influenced by authors who reported conflicts of interest. However, our search algorithm relied on the US-based Open Payments database and a large percentage of reviews in our study were produced by authors with international affiliations. Our study results underscore the difficulties in conducting such analyses. CONCLUSION Although we found that undisclosed conflicts of interest (COI) were problematic among systematic reviews of erectile dysfunction treatment, only 14% of authors in our sample possessed them and these COI did not appear to influence the favorability of systematic review outcomes.
Twelve-Month Stability of a Brief FFM Measure and Validity of Its Impulsigenic Facets

Abbreviated measures of personality have the promise of providing concise measurements of the broad domains. Nonetheless, few abbreviated instruments assess the lower-order traits within these models. The Five-Factor Model Rating Form (FFMRF) is one brief instrument that assesses 30 lower-order facets. Given a tradeoff of abbreviated measures is reduced measurement reliability and fidelity, it is important to determine how well the one-item indicators on the FFMRF fare as stand-alone measures. Using a sample of 530 young adults selected for externalizing psychopathology, we investigated the test–retest stability of the FFMRF over a 12-month period, as well as the correspondence between four specific facets of the FFMRF and conceptually linked impulsigenic facets from the UPPS. The FFMRF facets had a median test–retest correlation of 0.47 over 12 months. These values suggest reasonable measurement precision but are approximately 0.10 to 0.20 lower than lengthier measures, quantifying a tradeoff for brief forms. Further, the four FFMRF facets correlated between 0.43 and 0.63 with the relevant UPPS scales and in each case the convergent value was significantly greater than the discriminant ones. The present findings quantify the stability and validity of the FFMRF facet scales, which helps to contextualize the speed/accuracy tradeoffs of brief personality measures.
Impaired glucose regulation, SARS-CoV-2 infections and adverse COVID-19 outcomes.

Impaired glucose regulation (IGR) is common world-wide, and is correlated with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). However, no systematic reviews are available on the topic, and little is known about the strength of the evidence underlying published associations. The current systematic review identified consistent, reproducible associations but several limitations were observed including: (1) a consistent lack of robust confounder adjustment for risk factors collected prior to infection; (2) lack of data on insulin resistance or glycemia measures (A1c or glucose); (3) few studies considering insulin resistance, glucose or A1c values in the clinically normal range as a predictor of SARS-CoV-2 risk; (4) few studies assessed the role of IGR as a risk factor for infection among initially uninfected samples; (5) a paucity of population-based data considering SARS-CoV-2 as a risk factor for the onset of IGR. While diabetes status is a clear predictor of poor prognosis following a SARS-CoV-2 infection, causal conclusions are limited. It is uncertain whether interventions targeting dysglycemia to improve SARS-CoV-2 outcomes have potential to be effective, or if risk assessment should include biomarkers of diabetes risk (ie, insulin and glucose or A1c) among diabetes-free individuals. Future studies with robust risk factor data collection, among population-based samples with pre-pandemic assessments will be important to inform these questions.
The Path to Prosperity in Afghanistan and Central Asia: Obstacles at the Crossroads

Despite America’s lengthy nation-building project in Afghanistan, many Afghans still lack the basic resources and security necessary for a viable nation. Furthermore, the insecurity in Afghanistan is increasingly spilling over into their neighbors, stressing an already fragile region. While we in the West have largely forgotten Afghanistan, its neighbors look on with trepidation as they prepare for potential unrest. With vast amounts of natural resources and increased competition between the Russians and Chinese over the region, Afghanistan and its insecurity could lead to continued Central Asian economic and political stagnation. Despite the dangers in failure, inconsistent action and a destabilizing mission have plagued the U.S. Afghanistan mission for ten years. If the U.S. is going to continue to be involved in state building operations, a holistic plan that integrates cultural, political, military and economic policies must be implemented and dynamically updated to suit the prevailing conditions. While the road to a stable Afghanistan will be difficult, it is possible. Admitting defeat now will only create a more costly and chaotic future for Afghanistan and its neighbors that we may not be able to afford. By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Proverbs 24:3 Afghanistan the Lynchpin The success of an independent Afghanistan will be critical in the social and economic development of Central Asia. The position of Central Asian nations at the crossroads between Asia and Europe lends them an ever-growing importance in the shaping of the new global world. Therefore, as the U.S. experience in Afghanistan continues to demonstrate, it is necessary to understand this region and its inhabitants in order to make appropriate policy decisions. However, the efforts of the U.S. in Afghanistan has thus far been plagued by inconsistent action 1 Lloyd: The Path to Prosperity in Afghanistan and Central Asia: Obstacles Published by Pepperdine Digital Commons, 2011
European constellation development

Previously, we considered the indigenous constellation systems that developed in China, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India. Here, we will trace the development of European constellations, which form the basis of the star maps that will be discussed in subsequent chapters. Like many other things astronomical, we will begin with the ancient Greeks, whose classical 48 constellations greatly influenced star map development and form the core of the system we use today.
Abstract 20557: Therapeutic Hypothermia at 33C is Superior to 35C After Ischemia

Introduction: Therapeutic hypothermia is the most potent neuroprotectant ever studied in animal models of focal or global cerebral ischemia. Although various studies have shown a protective effect of hypothermia between 30°C and 36° C, a strong debate remains regarding the efficacy of hypothermia in stroke or cardiac arrest patients, especially the ideal depth: 33°C or 36°C. Hypothesis: The present study aimed to compare directly 33°C vs. 35°C hypothermia using various durations and treatment delay times. Methods: We studied primary cultured neurons and astrocytes in an oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) model of ischemia and hypoxia. Neurons and astrocytes were cultured from E19 and after 7 days exposed to OGD (neurons: 2h duration, astrocytes: 10h). Then, hypothermia at 33°C or 36°C began 0, 30, 60 or 90min after the OGD and lasted for 2, 4 or 24 hours. After 24h, cell viability was measured using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). Results: Cell viability was significantly...
Growth Options and Dynamic Risk: An Empirical Evaluation

Recent asset pricing research claims that "real options" models generate dynamic risks related to firm investment policy and provide a rational explanation for size and value effects. We examine the empirical success of these dynamic beta models using both simulations and data from U.S. equity markets. Our simulation analysis shows that estimating dynamic betas is challenging even when the true model is known. In actual data we find little evidence that theories of real growth options explain standard pricing anomalies or conditional pricing puzzles such as SEO underperformance. Stock returns do not have the proper conditional covariances with the market portfolio, even though firm characteristics do behave in accordance with the real options models.
The New Generation of Beta-Cells: Replication, Stem Cell Differentiation, and the Role of Small Molecules

Diabetic patients suffer from the loss of insulin-secreting β-cells, or from an improper working β-cell mass. Due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes across the world, there is a compelling need for a renewable source of cells that could replace pancreatic β-cells. In recent years, several promising approaches to the generation of new β-cells have been developed. These include directed differentiation of pluripotent cells such as embryonic stem (ES) cells or induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, or reprogramming of mature tissue cells. High yield methods to differentiate cell populations into β-cells, definitive endoderm, and pancreatic progenitors, have been established using growth factors and small molecules. However, the final step of directed differentiation to generate functional, mature β-cells in sufficient quantities has yet to be achieved in vitro. Beside the needs of transplantation medicine, a renewable source of β-cells would also be important in terms of a platform to study the pathogenesis of diabetes, and to seek alternative treatments. Finally, by generating new β-cells, we could learn more details about pancreatic development and β-cell specification. This review gives an overview of pancreas ontogenesis in the perspective of stem cell differentiation, and highlights the critical aspects of small molecules in the generation of a renewable β-cell source. Also, it discusses longer term challenges and opportunities in moving towards a therapeutic goal for diabetes.
Bone strain magnitude is correlated with bone strain rate in tetrapods: implications for models of mechanotransduction

Hypotheses suggest that structural integrity of vertebrate bones is maintained by controlling bone strain magnitude via adaptive modelling in response to mechanical stimuli. Increased tissue-level strain magnitude and rate have both been identified as potent stimuli leading to increased bone formation. Mechanotransduction models hypothesize that osteocytes sense bone deformation by detecting fluid flow-induced drag in the bone's lacunar–canalicular porosity. This model suggests that the osteocyte's intracellular response depends on fluid-flow rate, a product of bone strain rate and gradient, but does not provide a mechanism for detection of strain magnitude. Such a mechanism is necessary for bone modelling to adapt to loads, because strain magnitude is an important determinant of skeletal fracture. Using strain gauge data from the limb bones of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, we identified strong correlations between strain rate and magnitude across clades employing diverse locomotor styles and degrees of rhythmicity. The breadth of our sample suggests that this pattern is likely to be a common feature of tetrapod bone loading. Moreover, finding that bone strain magnitude is encoded in strain rate at the tissue level is consistent with the hypothesis that it might be encoded in fluid-flow rate at the cellular level, facilitating bone adaptation via mechanotransduction.
Neural network-based modeling and design of on-chip spiral inductors

A neural network approach is presented for the modeling and re-design of high-Q on-chip spiral inductors. The approach involves the creation of neural network models to map 3D multi-level spiral inductor geometric and material characteristics to SPICE equivalent circuit parameters. The neural network replaces computationally expensive FEM-based extraction and field solution. The approach is especially attractive because it is capable of accurately and efficiently predicting important inductor characteristics such as self-inductance, Q-factor, self-resonant frequency and parasitic resistance and capacitance. It also offers substantial computational savings over field solution-evaluation of neural model required on average 2% of the cpu time required for field solution. The neural approach served not only as a basis for fast spiral inductor circuit extraction but also permits fast spiral layout design refinement from post-optimization inductor circuit-level parameters.
Lack of host specificity leads to independent assortment of dipterocarps and ectomycorrhizal fungi across a soil fertility gradient

Plants interact with a diversity of microorganisms, and there is often concordance in their community structures. Because most community-level studies are observational, it is unclear if such concordance arises because of host specificity, in which microorganisms or plants limit each other's occurrence. Using a reciprocal transplant experiment, we tested the hypothesis that host specificity between trees and ectomycorrhizal fungi determines patterns of tree and fungal soil specialisation. Seedlings of 13 dipterocarp species with contrasting soil specialisations were seeded into plots crossing soil type and canopy openness. Ectomycorrhizal colonists were identified by DNA sequencing. After 2.5 years, we found no evidence of host specificity. Rather, soil environment was the primary determinant of ectomycorrhizal diversity and composition on seedlings. Despite their close symbiosis, our results show that ectomycorrhizal fungi and tree communities in this Bornean rain forest assemble independently of host-specific interactions, raising questions about how mutualism shapes the realised niche.
Indexing inventory snapshots

Summary form only given. Inventory snapshots tell us what was on the shelves of a store at a given moment in time. In this article, an indexing structure that could efficiently capture the inventory at any past time was outlined, the time splitting data structure. It keeps both storage costs and snapshot query costs low.
Sphingosine inhibits phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-, but not serum-induced, activation of Na+/H+ exchange in mammalian cells

Addition of serum to quiescent mammalian cells in culture initiates a series of events which culminates in DNA replication and cell division. One of the earliest events in this sequence of events is activation of Na+/H+ exchange, which can result in an increase in intracellular pH (pHin). The regulation of this change in activity is not known. Since treatment of 3T3 cells with activators of protein kinase C (kinase C) can result in an increased pHin, it has been hypothesized that serum stimulation of kinase C is responsible for activation of Na+/H+ exchange. Recently, sphingolipids have been discovered to inhibit kinase C both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, we undertook the present study to ask whether or not inhibition of kinase C using sphingolipids prevents mitogen-induced alkalinization in 3T3 cells. Our results indicate that activators of kinase C stimulate Na+/H+ exchange in normal human fibroblasts (BoGi), but not in mouse embryo (3T3) cells. Addition of serum to BoGi cells, on top of saturating doses of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), results in a further cytoplasmic alkalinization. Furthermore, sphingosine prevents the PMA-induced increase in pHin in BoGi cells, and phosphorylation of an 80 kDa protein in 3T3 cells, but not the serum-induced alkalinization in either BoGi or 3T3 cells. These data indicate that activation of kinase C does not participate in the physiological activation of Na+/H+ exchange in human fibroblasts or mouse embryo cells by serum.
Extreme-pressure lubricant tests on jojoba and sperm whale oils

Laboratory and simulated in-use lubricant tests were performed on sulfurized jojoba oil and on reference sulfurized sperm whale oil. Data from these comprehensive tests indicated sulfurized jojoba oil prepared from heat-treated filtered oil to be comparable or superior to sulfurized sperm whale oil as an extreme-pressure additive for motor oils, gear lubricants, and automotive transmission fluids.
Anomalous occurrence of the Gondwanan winged seed Fraxinopsis in a new Late Triassic (Norian) flora from west Texas, USA

The small Late Triassic flora described here from a new locality in Palo Duro Canyon, west Texas, USA is noteworthy because it includes specimens of a new species of the Gondwanan winged seed Fraxinopsis, F. patharrisiae sp. nov. This is only the second time that Fraxinopsis has been found in Laurasia and thus adds support to the theory that at least limited floral migrations did take place between Gondwana and Laurasia during the Late Triassic. In addition to Fraxinopsis the locality has yielded a new species of the platyspermic seed Samaropsis, S. texensis sp. nov., the remains of the cycadophyte leaf Zamites powellii, and the leafy shoots and pollen and seed cones of Palodurophyton quanahensis gen. et sp. nov., a conifer of unknown relationships that has cheirolepidian-like epidermal features. This flora occurs in the Tecovas Formation in the lower part of the Dockum Group of Late Triassic (Norian) age. The description of the flora contributes to our understanding of the Dockum flora and its distribution in the American southwest and adds to our knowledge of the Late Triassic flora of western Laurentia as well.
Problem Formulation: Insights from Student Generated Questions

This article describes an exploration of one facet of problem formulation. Prospective elementary and secondary teachers were presented with a mathematical situation consisting of data and conditions, but no questions were presented. They were asked to create questions that could be answered using the given information. In the spirit of exploration, this paper analyzes the student-formulated questions from two perspectives—the nature of the information contained within the questions posed and the responses which those questions elicited. A careful analysis of questions posed by students will enable education professionals to understand and promote better problem posing in mathematics classrooms.
MOLECULAR MOTORS AS NOVEL TARGETS TO BLOCK GLIOMA DISPERSION AND PROLIFERATION.

BACKGROUND: Two of the defining features of glioblastoma are their ability to invade brain and to proliferate. While both processes are stimulated by the multiple signaling cascades that are activated in GBM, the redundancy present in these pathways has limited the clinical efficacy of kinase inhibitors. An alternative would be to directly target the cellular machinery that drives dispersion and proliferation. This machinery includes “molecular motors”—a superfamily of enzymes that generate the forces needed for a wide variety of cellular physiologies. In this study, we have examined two members from this family that can be targeted with clinically available drugs—cytoplasmic myosin II, which drives cellular motility, and Eg5, which drives the separation of the chromosomes during mitosis. METHODS: Rodent proneural glioblastomas were generated by intracranial injection of PDGF-expressing bi-cistronic retroviruses, and tumor cell invasion in vitro and ex vivo was examined as described (Ivkovic et al., Mol. Biol. Cell, 23, 533-42; Isermann et al., Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol., 2012). Patient-derived human glioma stem cells (GSCs) were isolated and maintained as described (Cheng et al., Cell, 153, 139-52). RESULTS: Myosin II: Myosin II isoforms are upregulated in all four subtypes of GBM, and expression correlates inversely with survival. We find that PDGF abolishes the anti-invasive effect of the EGFR inhibitior erlotinib on EGF-stimulated tumor dispersion, and, likewise, EGF abolishes the corresponding effect of the PDGFRα inhibitor imatinib on PDGF-stimulated tumor migration. However, blebbistatin, an allosteric inhibitor of myosin II, effectively blocks glioma dispersion even with simultaneous activation of both pathways. Furthermore, the rho kinase inhibitor fasudil, which inhibits myosin II and is used clinically for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, also blocks PDGF-stimulated tumor invasion. Eg5: We find that Eg5 is consistently overexpressed in GSCs, compared to non-GSCs and that GSCs exhibit a greater sensitivity to ispinesib, a clinically available Eg5 inhibitor, compared to non-GSCs. Eg5 inhibition compromises the tumor initiation capability of GSCs as well as tumor progression in an orthotopic xenograft model. CONCLUSIONS: Prior efforts to block glioma invasion and proliferation have been hampered both by therapy-resistant GSCs and the redundancy present in pro-migratory signaling cascades. Our results indicate that molecular motors represent a set of targets whose inhibition blocks glioma dispersion and proliferation regardless of the activity of upstream growth and dispersion-promoting pathways and they imply that further pre-clinical and clinical development of molecular motor inhibitors in malignant glioma is warranted. SECONDARY CATEGORY: Preclinical Experimental Therapeutics.
Testing of 2.5kW low temperature stirling engine for distributed solar thermal generation

This paper describes initial stage of experimentation on a 2.5 kW Stirling engine designed for distributed solar thermal electric and combined heat applications. Experimentation conducted over this period include testing of the integrated permanent magnet alternator, testing of various losses such as flow friction and running losses, heat exchanger fluid flow characteristics, while driven in reverse as a heat pump. This paper will include a brief description of the intended design and applications, a description of the experiments thus far, and a comparison with prior analysis from the design phase.
Decreased thymus terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase activity following hydrocortisone injection.

Abstract Injection of hydrocortisone causes thymus involution and lowers the level of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase. This low level of activity is not due to the production of an enzyme inhibitor. The response of the transferase to hydrocortisone is like that known for thymidine kinase and unlike that known for eight other enzymes. The transferase is unlikely to be in the corticosteroid-resistant cell population that is responsive to phytohemagglutinin.
Helium Leak Test of a General Purpose Fissile Package (GPFP)

The General Purpose Fissile Package (GPFP) is a new package that is designed to safely ship radioactive contents on public highways. The package consists of a specially designed 35 gallon drum which holds a 6-inch diameter containment vessel, which in turn holds the radioactive material that is being transported. The containment vessel must be helium leak tested at fabrication and once per year to ensure it is “leaktight” per ANSI N14.5. To minimize potential leak points, the containment vessel design does not include a port to add helium during the leak test. SRNL designed a helium charging device that the leak test specialist seals inside the vessel and activates at the appropriate time during the leak test.© 2006 ASME
Thermal spray and weld repair alloys for the repair of cavitation damage in turbines and pumps: A technical note

The cavitation and erosion resistance of 21 thermal spray coatings and four weld repair materials were investigated in the laboratory using cavitation jet and slurry erosion testing. Of the thermal spray coatings, Stellite® 6 deposited by the high velocity oxyfuel (HVOF) process had the lowest cavitation rate (11.7 mg/h). This was higher than the corresponding cavitation rate (3.2 mg/h) of 308 stainless steel weld metal currently used as a reference. In the slurry erosion testing, the volume loss of Stellite® 6 applied by the HVOF process was 5.33 cubic mm/h, much lower than the corresponding loss (11.17 cubic mm/h) in the currently used stainless steel 304 reference. Furthermore, the electrochemical potential difference between the carbon steel and HVOF sprayed Stellite 6 coating was 0.25 volts, half the potential difference between the 304 stainless steel carbon steel substrate, and will result in reduced galvanic corrosion of the substrate near the contact areas. Stellite 6 deposited by the HVOF process was recommended for repair of damage resulting from erosion and subsequent cavitation by caused by surface roughening.
Absolute calibration of microwave attenuation measurement systems

The application of the Laverick 2:1 voltage step to the absolute calibration of microwave attenuation measurement systems is described. A practical example of a 10 GHz 6.0206-dB switched attenuator illustrates the contention that a very good attenuation measurement system can be checked within its own laboratory to an accuracy one or two orders of magnitude better than is usually possible in an intercomparison between laboratories.
Transcatheter closure versus medical therapy of patent foramen ovale and presumed paradoxical thromboemboli: a systematic review.

Background The optimal strategy to prevent recurrent presumed paradoxical emboli in patients with patent foramen ovale is unknown. Purpose To synthesize the current knowledge about and qualitatively assess the relative benefits of transcatheter closure versus medical therapy for patent foramen ovale. Data sources English-language and foreign-language journals listed in the MEDLINE database from January 1985 to July 2003 were systematically searched. Secondary sources were also used. Study selection Secondary prevention studies of transcatheter closure or medical therapy for patent foramen ovale were required to include at least 10 patients followed for more than 1 year and to report recurrent neurologic events. Data extraction Data from published studies were manually extracted and summarized. Data synthesis Ten studies of transcatheter closure (1355 patients) and 6 studies of medical therapy (895 patients) for patent foramen ovale were included. Overall, the 1-year rate of recurrent neurologic thromboembolism with transcatheter intervention was 0% to 4.9%, and the incidence of major and minor complications was 1.5% and 7.9%, respectively. Medical management was associated with a 1-year recurrence rate of 3.8% to 12.0%. However, limitations resulting from uncontrolled data, nonstandardized definitions, vigilance of follow-up, and baseline imbalances preclude definitive conclusions about the superiority of a particular approach. General differences in study samples included older age, greater proportion of men, and higher prevalence of diabetes and smoking among medically treated patients. Patients undergoing treatment with a transcatheter device were more likely to have had multiple thromboembolic events at baseline. Conclusion Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale may prevent a substantial proportion of cryptogenic strokes. Randomized clinical trials are needed.
Collisional Quenching and Vibrational Energy Transfer in the A2Σ+ Electronic State of the CF Radical

Electronic quenching of the v‘ = 0 and 1 vibrational levels and v‘ = 1 → v‘ = 0 vibrational energy transfer has been studied at room temperature for the A2Σ+ electronic state of the CF radical. The colliders investigated were He, Ar, H2, N2, CH4, O2, CO, C3H8, and CF4. Room-temperature thermal rate constants were determined. With the exception of CF4, the quenching rate constants were significant for all molecular colliders. Vibrational energy transfer within the A2Σ+ state was observed only for the CH4 collision partner.
Age-related differences in NFκB translocation and Bcl-2/Bax ratio caused by TNFα and Abeta42 promote survival in middle-age neurons and death in old neurons

Abstract Alzheimer's disease is associated with an age-related accumulation of Abeta and inflammation. The inflammatory mediator, TNFα activates a signaling cascade involving NFκB translocation to the nucleus and a beneficial or detrimental transcriptional response, depending on the age of the neurons and the type of stress applied. Relative to treatment with Abeta42 alone, previously we found that TNFα plus Abeta42, applied to old rat neurons (24 month) is toxic, while the same treatment of middle-age neurons (10 month) is protective. In contrast to improved survival of middle-age rat cortical neurons, neurons from old rats are killed by TNFα plus Abeta42 despite greater p50 nuclear translocation. In middle-age neurons, blocking TNFR1 does not affect NFκB translocation, whereas blocking TNFR2 results in an increase in NFκB translocation. For old neurons, blocking either receptor, does not change NFκB translocation, but improves cell survival. To account for these effects on cell viability in response to TNF + Abeta, measures of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio positively correlate with survival. In the setting of old neurons, these results suggest that overactivated nuclear translocation of NFκB and lower Bcl-2 levels promote death that is reduced by inhibition of either TNFR1 or R2.
Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer in Solution, Proteins, and Electrochemistry

Recent advances in the theoretical treatment of proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions are reviewed. These reactions play an important role in a wide range of biological processes, as well as in fuel cells, solar cells, chemical sensors, and electrochemical devices. A unified theoretical framework has been developed to describe both sequential and concerted PCET, as well as hydrogen atom transfer (HAT). A quantitative diagnostic has been proposed to differentiate between HAT and PCET in terms of the degree of electronic nonadiabaticity, where HAT corresponds to electronically adiabatic proton transfer and PCET corresponds to electronically nonadiabatic proton transfer. In both cases, the overall reaction is typically vibronically nonadiabatic. A series of rate constant expressions have been derived in various limits by describing the PCET reactions in terms of nonadiabatic transitions between electron-proton vibronic states. These expressions account for the solvent response to both electron and proton transfer and the effects of the proton donor-acceptor vibrational motion. The solvent and protein environment can be represented by a dielectric continuum or described with explicit molecular dynamics. These theoretical treatments have been applied to numerous PCET reactions in solution and proteins. Expressions for heterogeneous rate constants and current densities for electrochemical PCET have also been derived and applied to model systems.
Angiocardiographic Observations of Intracardiac Flow in the Normal and in Mitral Stenosis

Intracardiac flow of intravenously injected radiopaque material was studied by means of rapid simultaneous biplane stereoscopic angiocardiography. Intracardiac circulation times thus determined may be found useful in recognizing structural abnormality and in detecting changes in cardiac function. In mitral stenosis, a distinctive, but not specific, pattern was recognized whether or not mitral valvotomy had been performed. No relationship was found between left atrial size and left atrial circulation time or between the degree of opacification of the left atrium and that of the left ventricle to differentiate "pure" mitral stenosis from mitral stenosis with regurgitation as diagnosed at the time of surgery or to predict the degree of mitral stenosis reported by the surgeon.
What Patients and Their Relatives Think About Testing for BMPR2

Clinical genetic testing is available for mutations in BMPR2 associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The aim of this study is to assess attitudes of individuals affected by or at risk for PAH regarding genetic testing. Structured telephone interviews were conducted with 119 individuals affected by or at risk for PAH recruited from pulmonary hypertension clinic at Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt familial PAH registry, attendees at 2006 PHA meeting, and a local PAH support group. Sixty-four percent reported knowing little or nothing about BMPR2 testing. Predictors of greater self-assessed knowledge included having an affected family member and learning about BMPR2 testing through the internet. Most respondents reported that while they spent some time thinking about being tested for BMPR2, they had little trouble deciding. The most frequently cited reason for testing was to provide information for their children. About 20% said they had been tested, even though <5% have actually received clinical testing. Although patients with PAH and their at-risk relatives typically feel relatively uninformed about testing for mutations in BMPR2 and at times are confused about their testing status, they nonetheless report that it is easy to decide about testing.
Notes on linear factor polynomial deflation in polynomial bases

Scalar polynomials as approximations to more general scalar functions lead to the study of scalar polynomials represented in a variety of classical systems of polynomials, including orthogonal systems and Lagrange polynomials, for example. This article, motivated in part by analogy with the existing methods for linear factor polynomial deflation in the monomial basis, finds forward and backward deflation formulae for several such representations. It also finds the sensitivity factor of the deflation process for each representation.
ALA Midwinter: a first‐timer's viewpoint

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a flavour of the content of the American Library Association Midwinter Conference held in Boston in January 2010.Design/methodology/approach – This is a first time conference attendee's description of the issues, content, networking, speakers and participants of this conference. The future and purpose of libraries are discussed.Findings – This major conference covered many topical issues and themes that are applicable to librarians and information professionals both in the USA and internationally. It facilitated many valuable networking opportunities.Originality/value – The paper is a conference report of value to librarians and information professionals, as the different themes apply to the various aspects of the library and information professions and networking.
Factors influencing migratory decisions made by songbirds on spring stopover

Behavioral decisions made by migrating songbirds may depend on a variety of biotic and abiotic factors. To investigate which factors most influence songbird behavior on stopover, we related departure and directional decisions of captive birds released at the capture site to a variety of factors including, weather, date, energetic condition, age, sex, and species. We captured spring migrants during the day, released them after sunset, and visually assessed whether they departed the study site and if so, in which direction. Departure was strongly influenced by wind direction and energetic condition, especially fat stores. The proportion of birds departing increased as the season progressed. Directional decisions were also strongly influenced by energetic condition, particularly fat stores and plasma triglyceride levels. Wind direction also influenced the direction in which birds made migratory flights. While energetic condition, stage of migration, and weather seem to be important proximate determinants in departure and directional decisions, habitat availability and other factors may also need to be considered.
THE SWINE LUNGWORM AS A RESERVOIR AND INTERMEDIATE HOST FOR SWINE INFLUENZA VIRUS V. PROVOCATION OF SWINE INFLUENZA BY EXPOSURE OF PREPARED SWINE TO ADVERSE WEATHER

Twenty-five swine, infested with lungworms infected with masked swine influenza virus, were exposed to adverse weather conditions on one or more occasions. Of these, 4 came down with apparent swine influenza, while 6 others developed serological evidence of infection with swine influenza virus. The remaining 15 prepared swine, as well as 8 lungworm-free control swine, failed to show evidence of swine influenza virus infection, despite repeated exposures to adverse weather. The data presented indicate that, in the 10 swine in which swine influenza virus infections were elicited, some feature of the weather to which the animals were exposed was responsible for provoking masked influenza virus to infectivity. The exact constituent of the meteorological complex comprising "weather", responsible for the provocation, cannot be determined from the data obtained.
Chronic infection leading to failure of a composite femoral stem: a report of two cases.

The use of the Epoch (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) composite femoral stem for total hip arthroplasty (THA) has gained considerable popularity in recent years since being redesigned in the image of the Versys (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) fully coated stem system. Proposed advantages of this composite stem include an extensive area of titanium fiber metal coating for porous ingrowth, multiple neck and metaphyseal options, gradated lengths based on component diameter, and its low modulus of elasticity. The material components include a solid cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy core and a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer matrix—which are designed to closely match the stiffness of a normal femur to potentially reduce femoral stress shielding. The device has performed well in clinical trials at short- and long-term follow-ups, demonstrating excellent implant stability, histologic osseous ingrowth, and good proximal bone density preservation [1, 4, 6, 13]. A prospective study on 31 cases demonstrated no stem component revision at 10.1 years mean follow-up, but acetabular component revision in 8 cases (3 for liner dissociation, 5 for polyethylene wear) [13]. Complications with this stem have been minimal, and the perceived benefits are attractive [4, 6, 10]; consequently, the Epoch composite femoral stem is being used with increased frequency. We describe two cases of a previously unreported mechanism of failure for the Epoch composite femoral stem. In both cases, the patients developed late, chronic prosthetic infections with subsequent loosening of the femoral component and delamination of the PEEK from the cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy core. The fiber metal coating remained well-fixed to the host bone and the PEEK composite, yet was dissociated from the central core. Both patients required two-stage exchange procedures to eradicate the infection and manage the septically loose components.
Sodium-dependent amino acid transport is preserved in lyophilized reconstituted apical membranes from intestinal epithelium.

We demonstrate for the first time that functional electrogenic Na+-dependent amino acid transport is preserved for extended periods when purified brush border membranes prepared in hypotonic media are lyophilized and then rehydrated in buffer containing mannitol, NaSCN, and/or KSCN/valinomycin. Reconstituted lyophilized apical membranes from small intestine formed morphologically, physiologically, and thermodynamically normal vesicles which transportedl-alanine via system B into an osmotically active space energized by secondary active transport, as measured under equilibrium and nonequilibrium conditions. The lyophilized membranes are readily prepared and stored, thereby providing a means to pool large quantities of formed vesicles that are useful in examining cloned and reconstituted native amino acid transporter polypeptides.
Combining Instantaneous Temperature Measurements and CFD for Analysis of Fuel Impingement on the DISI Engine Piston Top

A two-pronged experimental and computational study was conducted to explore the formation, transport, and vaporization of a wall film located at the piston surface within a four-valve, pent-roof, direct-injection spark-ignition engine, with the fuel injector located between the two intake valves. Negative temperature swings were observed at three piston locations during early injection, thus confirming the ability of fast-response thermocouples to capture the effects of impingement and heat loss associated with fuel film evaporation. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation results indicated that the fuel film evaporation process is extremely fast under conditions present during intake. Hence, the heat loss measured on the surface can be directly tied to the heating of the fuel film and its complete evaporation, with the wetted area estimated based on CFD predictions. This finding is critical for estimating the local fuel film thickness from measured heat loss. The simulated fuel film thickness and transport corroborated well temporally and spatially with measurements at thermocouple locations directly in the path of the spray, thus validating the spray and impingement models. Under the strategies tested, up to 23% of fuel injected impinges upon the piston and creates a fuel film with thickness of up to 1.2 μm. In summary, the study demonstrates the usefulness of heat flux measurements to quantitatively characterize the fuel film on the piston top and allows for validation of the CFD code.
New directions in the treatment of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.

Abstract Objective: This article reviews options in the treatment of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction (SD). Background: With adoption of structured interviews concerning sexual function, researchers have become increasingly aware that a substantial proportion of patients experience untoward sexual side effects from their antidepressants. As many as half of patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors report delayed orgasm (ejaculation), and virtually all patients treated with clomipramine experience anorgasmia. Treatments proven to be effective include yohimbine, sildenafil citrate, buspirone, or other adjuncts, or a temporary drug holiday. SD is most effectively diagnosed and treated in the setting of an empathic physician-patient relationship, which includes frank discussions about sexuality. Conclusions: Although depressed patients do care about their sexual function, they may be reluctant, for fear of embarassment, to report SD spontaneously to their physicians. SD is probably underreported and may result in covert noncompliance and attendant relapse into depression. Physicians thus need to assess sexual function during initial evaluation and throughout treatment. The importance of sexual function to sexually active patients with major depression should be weighted carefully when planning antidepressant therapy. A number of viable options exist to prevent or treat SD, including use of relatively new or novel antidepressants and appropriate adjunctive regimens.