cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The division of attention and the human auditory evoked potential

The sensitivity of the scalp-recorded, auditory evoked potential to selective attention was examined while subjects responded to stimuli presented to one ear (focused attention) and to both ears (divided attention). The amplitude of the N1 component was found to be largest to stimuli in the ear upon which attention was to be focused, smallest to stimuli in the ear to be ignored, and intermediate to stimuli in both ears when attention was divided. The results are interpreted as supporting a capacity model of attention.
Risk refinement, reclassification, and treatment thresholds in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: incremental progress but significant gaps remain.

JAMA Coronary Artery Calcium Score and Risk Classification for Coronary Heart Disease Prediction Tamar S. Polonsky, MD; Robyn L. McClelland, PhD; Neal W. Jorgensen, BS; Diane E. Bild, MD, MPH; Gregory L. Burke, MD, MSc; Alan D. Guerci, MD; Philip Greenland, MD Context: The coronary artery calcium score (CACS) has been shown to predict future coronary heart disease (CHD) events. However, the extent to which adding CACS to traditional CHD risk factors improves classification of risk is unclear. Objective: To determine whether adding CACS to a prediction model based on traditional risk factors improves classification of risk. Design, Setting, and Participants: CACS was measured by computed tomography in 6814 participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), a population-based cohort without known cardiovascular disease. Recruitment spanned July 2000 to September 2002; follow-up extended through May 2008. Participants with diabetes were excluded from the primary analysis. Five-year risk estimates for incident CHD were categorized as 0% to less than 3%, 3% to less than 10%, and 10% or more using Cox proportional hazards models. Model 1 used age, sex, tobacco use, systolic blood pressure, antihypertensive medication use, total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and race/ethnicity. Model 2 used these risk factors plus CACS. We calculated the net reclassification improvement and compared the distribution of risk using model 2 vs model 1. Main Outcome Measures: Incident CHD events. Results: During a median of 5.8 years of follow-up among a final cohort of 5878, 209 CHD events occurred, of which 122 were myocardial infarction, death from CHD, or resuscitated cardiac arrest. Model 2 resulted in significant improvements in risk prediction compared with model 1 (net reclassification improvement = 0.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.34;P Conclusion: In this multi-ethnic cohort, addition of CACS to a prediction model based on traditional risk factors significantly improved the classification of risk and placed more individuals in the most extreme risk categories. JAMA. 2010;303(16):1610-1616..
Cardiac CT and MRI guide surgery in impending left ventricular rupture after acute myocardial infarction

We report the case of a 67 year-old patient who presented with worsening chest pain and shortness of breath, four days post acute myocardial infarction. Contrast enhanced computed tomography of the chest ruled out a pulmonary embolus but revealed an unexpected small subepicardial aneurysm (SEA) in the lateral left ventricular wall which was confirmed on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Intraoperative palpation of the left lateral wall was guided by the cardiac MRI and CT findings and confirmed the presence of focally thinned and weakened myocardium, covered by epicardial fat. An aneurysmorrhaphy was subsequently performed in addition to coronary bypass surgery and a mitral valve repair. The patient was discharged home on post operative day eight in good condition and is feeling well 2 years after surgery.
The limits of fit: Examining the implications of person‐environment congruence within different religious settings

In this study, it was proposed that the implications of individual-systems fit vary across different settings and across indicators of personal functioning internal and external to the setting. These predictions were put to test with 144 members of four churches differing in their perceived openness to different points of view and change. It was assumed that members with greater tolerance for ambiguity fit better within more autonomous open churches (MAOC), while members with less tolerance for ambiguity fit better within less autonomous open churches (LAOC). Modest support was obtained for both predictions. Among the MAOC, greater tolerance for ambiguity related significantly to satisfaction with aspects of the church, more active problem-solving skills, life satisfaction, and higher levels of self-esteem and trust in others. Among the LAOC, less tolerance for ambiguity related significantly to greater satisfaction with several aspects of the church. However, slightly positive rather than negative relationships emerged between tolerance for ambiguity and trust and self-esteem. This study suggests that the efficacy of fit needs to be examined critically across diverse settings through a wide range of indicators of individual functioning.
Fabrication of Lithographically Defined Chemically Patterned Polymer Brushes and Mats

Chemically patterned surfaces comprised of polymer mats and brushes of well-defined chemistry were fabricated at the length scale of 10 nm. A key concept is the integration of new materials, cross-linked polymer mats, with traditional lithographic processing. Resist was patterned on top of cross-linked polystyrene mats. After etching, regions of the remaining mat with dimensions ranging from 10 to 35 nm were separated by interspatial openings to the underlying substrate. End-grafted polymer brushes, in this case hydroxyl-terminated poly(2-vinylpyridine) or polystyrene−poly(methyl methacrylate) random copolymer, were grafted into the exposed, interspatial regions from films spin-coated over the patterned mat. Both block copolymer wetting studies, with polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA), and near-edge X-ray fine structure spectroscopy showed that with sufficient cross-linking the polymer mat chemistry was unaffected by the subsequent grafting of the polymer brush. The precise definition...
Exchange Rates and the Trade Balance: Evidence from Germany

The textbook J-curve, which describes the trade balance of a nation initially worsening after a real depreciation of the home currency, then getting better, has drawn increased attention in the past decade. The decline in the exchange value of the dollar and the persistence of the American trade deficit during the 1980s prompted economists to re-examine the traditional theory. A number of studies [e.g., Rose and Yellen, JME, 1989] question the empirical validity of the theory for the U.S. A necessary condition for the J-curve to obtain is that a nation's trade balance respond to changes in the real exchange rate. This study tests that hypothesis by examining the causality (in the Granger sense) of the deutsche mark and West Germany's trade balance during the current floating exchange rate regimes. Germany experienced a persistent trade surplus during the 1970s that seemed to react little to the exchange rate, providing a natural experiment. It is well-known that regressing I(1) variables on one another leads to spurious regression problems. Augmented Dickey-Fuller tests reject the null hypothesis of a unit root for the real effective exchange rate but not for the real per capita trade balance. However, economic theory suggests that the real trade balance cannot be unbounded. When tested with linear and quadratic trend terms [suggested in Ouliaris et al., Advances in Econometrics, 1989], the null is not rejected nearly as strongly. It is felt that this non-rejection is due to the small sample size and low power of the tests. The remainder of this paper treats the real per capita trade balance as trend stationary. The Granger-causality regression is then written as follows:
Enteric neuropeptides: Role in neuromuscular activity of the gut

Abstract The topography of peptide-containing neurons of the enteric nervous system is being mapped with increasing precision by immunostaining. This has made it possible to design experiments that define the properties of neuropeptides and the role they play in the regulation of digestive function. From these types of experiments Gabriel Makhlouf covers recent findings on neuromuscular properties of peptides found in the myenteric plexus.
Geophysics at the speed of light: EarthScope and the Plate Boundary Observatory

EarthScope is a proposed new earth science initiative that will dramatically advance our physical understanding of the North American continent by exploring its three-dimensional structure and changes in that structure through time. By integrating scientific information derived from geology, seismology, geodesy, and remote sensing, EarthScope will yield a comprehensive, time-dependent picture of the continent beyond that which any single discipline can achieve. Cutting-edge land- and space-based technologies will, for the first time, resolve earth's structure and measure deformation in real-time at continental scales. These measurements will permit us to relate processes in the earth's interior to their surface expressions, including faults and volcanoes.
Covering Complete Hypergraphs with Cuts of Minimum Total Size

A cut [X, V − X] in a hypergraph with vertex-set V is the set of all edges that meet both X and V − X. Let s r (n) denote the minimum total size of any cover of the edges of the complete r-uniform hypergraph on n vertices $${K_n^r}$$ by cuts. We show that there is a number n r such that for every n > n r , s r (n) is uniquely achieved by a cover with $${\lfloor \frac{n-1}{r-1}\rfloor}$$ cuts [X i , V − X i ] such that the X i are pairwise disjoint sets of size at most r − 1. We show that $${c_1r2^r < n_r < c_2r^52^r}$$ for some positive absolute constants c 1 and c 2. Using known results for s 2(n) we also determine s 3(n) exactly for all n.
The glass transition

Abstract Key advances in the area of the glass transition include various experimental detections of the onset of microscopic inhomogeneity near T g , and the calorimetric characterization of a β-glass transition well below T g . Theoretical advances include development of master equation approaches, alternative formulations of the mode coupling equations, and microheterogeneity-based interpretations of the origin of strong and fragile liquid characteristics.
Neurotransmitter receptors and phosphoinositide turnover.

Neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, hormones and growth-promoting fac­ tors are now known to exhibit their diverse metabolic and physiological responses by interaction with their selective receptors located on the cell surface. These surface receptors transduce and amplify extracellular signals by the generation of so-called second messengers. Among these are inositol phosphates and 1 ,2-diacylglycerol (DG) which are formed by hydrolysis of membrane-bound phosphoinositides in response to receptor stimulation. This dual messenger system has attracted enormous attention in recent years because of its involvement in an array of physiological processes, including neuronal membrane excitability, synaptic transmission, cellular metabolism, muscle contraction, sensory transduction, motility, growth, DNA synthesis, and platelet aggregation. Several recent articles review various aspects of this receptor-signaling system (1-15). This review focuses on recent de­ velopments concerning the metabolism of second messengers , their mode of action, the regulation of neurotransmitter receptor signalling, and the interac­ tion with other receptor-coupled effectors . The explosive growth of the field of phosphoinositide turnover has touched virtually every major biological system, and a detailed review of each system is impractical . I therefore concentrate on a few systems, in particular the eNS and related neural tissues where the metabolism of phosphoinositides is particularly active. Phosphatidylinositol (PI) , phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PIP) and phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate (PIP2) are collectively referred to as
Nanoindentation of Soft Films on Hard Substrates:The Importance of Pile-Up

Nanoindentation is used for measuring mechanical properties of thin films. This paper addresses potential measurement errors caused by pile-up when soft films deposited on hard substrates are tested this way. Pile-up is exacerbated in soft film/hard substrate systems because of the constraint the substrate exerts on plastic deformation of the film. To examine pile-up effects, Al films 240 and 1700 nm thick were deposited on hard glass and tested by standard nanoindentation. In Al/glass, the film and substrate have similar elastic moduli; thus, any unusual behavior in nanoindentation results may be attributed to differences in plastic flow alone. SEM examination of nanoindentation hardness impressions in the film revealed that common methods for analyzing nanoindentation data underestimate the true contact areas by as much as 80%, which results in overestimations of the hardness and modulus by as much as 80 and 35%, respectively. Sources of these errors and their effect on measurement of hardness and elastic modulus are discussed, and a simple model for the composite hardness of the film/substrate system is developed. This model could prove useful when it is not possible to make indentations shallow enough to avoid substrate effects.
The quantitative law of effect is a robust emergent property of an evolutionary algorithm for reinforcement learning

An evolutionary reinforcement-learning algorithm, the operation of which was not associated with an optimality condition, was instantiated in an artificial organism. The algorithm caused the organism’s behavior to evolve in response to selection pressure applied by reinforcement from the environment. The resulting behavior was consistent with the well-established quantitative law of effect, which asserts that the time rate of a behavior is a hyperbolic function of the time rate of reinforcement obtained for the behavior. The high-order, steady-state, hyperbolic relationship between behavior and reinforcement exhibited by the artificial organism did not depend on specific qualitative or quantitative features of the evolutionary algorithm, and it described the organism’s behavior significantly better than other, similar, function forms. This evolutionary algorithm is a good candidate for a dynamics of live behavior, and it might be a useful building block for more complex artificial organisms.
Parsimonious modeling and forecasting of corporate yield curve

This paper investigates the sensitivity of out-of-sample forecasting performance over a span of different parameters of l in the dynamic Nelson–Siegel three-factor AR(1) model. First, we find that the ad hoc selection of l is not optimal. Second, we find a substantial difference in factor dynamics between investment-grade and speculative-grade corporate bonds from 1994:12 to 2006: 4. Third, we suggest that the three-factor model is sufficient to explain the main variations of corporate yield changes. Finally, the parsimonious Nelson–Siegel three-factor AR(1) model remains competitive in the out-of-sample forecasting of corporate yields. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
12 ps GaAs double heterostructure step recovery diode

A P/sup +/-i-N/sup +/ double heterostructure step recovery diode (DHSRD) is fabricated on Al/sub 0.3/Ga/sub 0.7/As/Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As/Al/sub 0.3/Ga/sub 0.7/As with >14 V amplitude and a (10-90%) transition time of <or=12 ps at a forward bias of 40 mA. This is the fastest transition time reported for step recovery diode. The fast transition is due to the linearly graded bandgap Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As undoped charge storage layer with grading from x=0-0.15. The linear grading provides an electric field which confines the injected holes closed to the P/sup +/ exit region and also provides a drift field to accelerate hole removal during the reverse recovery process.
Mining periodic patterns in manufacturing test data

Mining of periodic patterns in time series databases is an important data mining problem with many applications. Previous articles have considered the mining of periodic patterns in datasets that range from standard market basket datasets to datasets containing information about the movement activities of cellular phone users. Each of these studies offer solutions to the given domain but lack the ability to address the domain of manufacturing test data. This paper proposes a general model for discovery of periodic patterns within datasets related to the manufacturing of electronic goods. Three general phases are considered. The discretization of the original dataset is first to be discussed, followed by the clustering of the dataset into state related clusters and finally the discovery of periodic patterns in the state transitions of the tests.
INTERORGANIZATIONAL CLIMATE WITHIN MARKETING CHANNELS: ANALYSIS OF A MEASURE

The psychometric properties of the 1987 Anderson, Lodish, and Weitz Interorganizational Climate Scale were examined by applying the scale in a different setting. The construct was studied within the context of the relationships between manufacturers and distributors as perceived by the manufacturers. The scale which was described as unidimensional in the original study in presenting relationships of manufacturer and sales agent was observed through application of factor analysis to be multidimensional in this study. Suggestions for research were provided.
Compact conical antennas for wide-band coverage

A broadband antenna with a vertically polarized, omnidirectional electric field is studied. The design of the antenna and its feeding system in the wide frequency range from 20 to 1000 MHz is described and the driving-point impedance determined. Also calculated are the voltage standing-wave ratio (VSWR) and the input impedance of a transmission line connected to the antenna. More efficient operation at low frequencies is obtained by adding a length of transmission line to form a resonant section with the antenna. The effect of the different properties of the earth's surface on the field pattern is treated in a companion paper. >
Communicating quality of service requirements to an object-based storage device

Obtaining consistent bandwidth with predictable latency from disk-based storage systems has proven difficult due to the storage system's inability to understand quality of service (QoS) requirements. In this paper, we present a feasibility study of QoS with the object-based storage device (OSD) specification. We look at OSD's ability to provide QoS guarantees for consistent bandwidth with predictable latency. Included in this paper is a description of QoS requirements of a sample application and how these requirements are translated into parameters that are then communicated to, and interpreted by, the OSD. Implementation problems lead to the failure of a hard real-time QoS model, but this failure is not due to the OSD protocol. The paper concludes with a description of how well the revision 9 OSD standard (OSDR9) is able to accommodate QoS. We provide suggestions for improving the OSD specification and its ability to communicate QoS requirements.
Existence of bistability and correlation with arrhythmogenesis in paced sheep atria.

Bistability and Arrhythmogenesis in Paced Sheep Atria. Introduction: Studies of the electrical dynamics of cardiac tissue are important for understanding the mechanisms of arrhythmias. This study uses high-frequency pacing to investigate the dynamics of sheep atria. Methods and Results: A 504-electrode mapping plaque was affixed to the right atrium in six sheep. Cathodal pacing stimuli were delivered to the center of the plaque. Pacing period (Tp) was decreased from 275 ± 25 msec to 75 ± 25 msec and then increased to 230 ± 70 msec in steps of either 5 or 10 msec. In all 21 trials in six sheep, the atrium responded 1:1 at longer Tps and 2:1 at shorter Tps. As Tp was decreased, the response switched to 2:1 at a particular Tp. Conversely, as Tp was increased, the response switched back to 1:1 at a particular Tp. Over 21 trials, the l:1-to-2:l and 2:l-to-l:l transitions occurred at 119.5 ± 18.8 msec and 130.0 ± 19.1 m.sec, respectively. This hysteretic behavior yielded bistability windows. 10.5 ± 7.2 msec wide, wherein 1:1 and 2:1 responses existed at the same Tp. In 15 trials and in all animals, idiopathic wavefronts emanating from outside the mapped region passed through the mapped region. In 13 of those trials, the idiopathic wavefronts occurred at Tps within the bistability window or within 35 msec of its upper or lower limit. Conclusion: Bistability windows and idiopathic wavefronts were observed and found to be correlated with each other, suggesting a connection between bistability and arrhythmogenesis.
Targeting RNA for degradation with a (2',5')-oligoadenylate antisense chimera

Abstract A novel method is described to selectively cleave RNA by harnessing the 2-5A-dependent ribonuclease.
X-ray Lithography Techniques, LIGA-Based Microsystem Manufacturing: The Electrochemistry of Through-Mold Deposition and Material Properties

Certain microsystem fabrication techniques are critically dependent on the electrochemistry of metal deposition into lithographically defined features that are developed in insulating molding materials. One such technique, developed originally at the Forschungzentrum Karlsruhe, Germany, is known as LIGA, the German acronym for lithography, electroplating, and replication (Lithographie, Galvanoformung, and Abformung) [1–3]. An example of typical miniature structures formed by plating through thick photoresist (the insulating molding materials) is shown in Fig. 1. Since its inception in Germany in the 1980s, LIGA research activities have expanded throughout Europe, as well as in Asia and North America.
Optical Coherence Tomography in X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy

Abstract Background X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is a metabolic disease caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene, which codes for a peroxisomal membrane protein, leading to the accumulation of very long-chain fatty acids. Thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer and macula has been described in adult-onset adrenomyeloneuropathy; however, assessment of these structures in the presymptomatic stage remains largely unexplored. Optical coherence tomography is a high-resolution medical imaging technology that has been widely used to assess ophthalmological diseases and more recently in neurological disease states to quantify the axonal and neuronal injury in the retina that results from demyelination of the optic nerve. Methods Fourteen boys with presymptomatic X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy and 14 age-matched healthy controls underwent retinal imaging with optical coherence tomography. Results Optical coherence tomography–derived retinal thickness measures did not differ between adrenoleukodystrophy subjects and healthy controls. Conclusions Our results suggest that structural retinal abnormalities are not detectable before the development of neurological manifestations in adrenoleukodystrophy. Further investigation of the utility of optical coherence tomography scanning in individuals with symptomatic disease should be considered to determine if its measures could be used as a biomarker of disease progression.
Modeling Quality in Bulk Peanut Curing

Abstract A bulk peanut curing model was modified to indicate conditions which affect peanut quality. The model simulates changes in moisture content as affected by the temperature and humidity of the drying air. Equations were developed for simulating hourly changes in the ambient temperature. Conditions promoting mold growth and mycotoxin production were indicated when relative humidities in the dryer exceeded an upper limit. Poor milling quality was indicated by relative humidities below a lower limit based on extension recommendations. Cumulative time for each of these conditions was determined with various levels of ambient temperature, initial moisture and dryer control settings. A control scheme is given for setting the plenum thermostat. The results show that better control of the dryer operating conditions will maintain the quality factors at a satisfactory level.
RAP80 and RNF8, key players in the recruitment of repair proteins to DNA damage sites

Chromosomal double-strand breaks (DSBs) in eukaryotes provoke a rapid, extensive modification in chromatin flanking the breaks. The DNA damage response (DDR) coordinates activation of cell cycle checkpoints, apoptosis, and DNA repair networks, to ensure accurate repair and genomic integrity. The checkpoint kinase ATM plays a critical role in the initiation of DDR in response to DSBs. The early ATM-mediated phosphorylation of the histone variant H2AX proteins near DSBs leads to the subsequent binding of MDC1, which functions as a scaffold for the recruitment and assembly of many DDR mediators and effectors, including BRCA1. Recent studies have provided new insights into the mechanism by which BRCA1 and associated proteins are recruited to DNA damage foci and revealed key roles for the receptor-associated protein 80 (RAP80) and the E3 ligase RNF8 in this process. RAP80 is an ubiquitin-interaction motif (UIM) containing protein that is associated with a BRCA1/BARD1 complex through its interaction with CCDC98 (Abraxas). The UIMs of RAP80 are critical for targeting this protein complex to DSB sites. Additional studies revealed that after binding γ-H2AX, ATM-phosphorylated MDC1 is recognized by the FHA domain of RNF8, which subsequently binds the E2 conjugating enzyme UBC13. This complex catalyzes K63-linked polyubiquitination of histones H2A and γ-H2AX, which are then recognized by the UIMs of RAP80, thereby facilitating the recruitment of the BRCA1/BARD1/CCDC98/RAP80 protein complex to DSB sites. Depletion of RAP80 or RNF8 impairs the translocation of BRCA1 to DNA damage sites and results in defective cell cycle checkpoint control and DSB repair. In this review, we discuss this cascade of protein phosphorylation and ubiquitination and the role it plays in the control of cellular responses to genotoxic stress by regulating the interactions, localization, and function of DDR proteins.
Determination of bifenthrin in pumpkins by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry

The pyrethroid insecticide bifenthrin was used for control of the squash bug Anasa tristis Deg. on pumpkins. An analytical method has been developed for analysis of bifenthrin residues in pumpkins. The maximum bifenthrin residue found was 0·007 mg kg−1. The bifenthrin residue was also examined by combined gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in the electron impact mode with selected ion-monitoring for detection.
Creativity from Constraint? How the Political Correctness Norm Influences Creativity in Mixed-sex Work Groups:

As work organizations become increasingly gender diverse, existing theoretical models have failed to explain why such diversity can have a negative impact on idea generation. Using evidence from two group experiments, this paper tests theory on the effects of imposing a political correctness (PC) norm, one that sets clear expectations for how men and women should interact, on reducing interaction uncertainty and boosting creativity in mixed-sex groups. Our research shows that men and women both experience uncertainty when asked to generate ideas as members of a mixed-sex work group: men because they may fear offending the women in the group and women because they may fear having their ideas devalued or rejected. Most group creativity research begins with the assumption that creativity is unleashed by removing normative constraints, but our results show that the PC norm promotes rather than suppresses the free expression of ideas by reducing the uncertainty experienced by both sexes in mixed-sex work groups and signaling that the group is predictable enough to risk sharing more—and more-novel—ideas. Our results demonstrate that the PC norm, which is often maligned as a threat to free speech, may play an important role in promoting gender parity at work by allowing demographically heterogeneous work groups to more freely exchange creative ideas.
Autonomy, necessity, and the small state: ruling Kuwait in the twentieth century

To reduce its strategic vulnerability, a small state may enter into a cliency relationship with a more powerful state. Among the consequences of cliency for the small state are the acquisition of resources, which can be used against threatening neighbors as well as against domestic populations, and the reduction of autonomy. In 1899, Mubarak, Kuwait's ruler, entered a cliency relationship with Britain. As a result, Kuwait was able to avoid incorporation into the Ottoman Empire. Although Mubarak and subsequent Kuwaiti rulers lost their foreign policy autonomy, they acquired resources enabling them to enhance their domestic autonomy by suppressing elite groups that were formerly integral participants in governing Kuwait. In 1961, oil revenues enabled Kuwait's rulers to end the cliency relationship and to provide their own resources for repressing or pacifying domestic groups. But the fact that oil revenues proved less effective than cliency in maintaining Kuwait's strategic security illustrates the fundamental security dilemma faced by all small states, even rich ones.
Circumstances, Resources, and Weight Status Outcomes Among Middle School Students:

Obesity continues to plague U.S. school-age populations. A number of individual/structural circumstances have been identified as increasing the risk of poor health among children. The article’s aim...
Cracks in Rubber under Tension Exceed the Shear Wave Speed

The shear wave speed is an upper limit for the speed of cracks loaded in tension in linear elastic solids. We have discovered that in a non-linear material, cracks in tension (Mode I) exceed this sound speed, and travel in an intersonic range between shear and longitudinal wave speeds. The experiments are conducted in highly stretched sheets of rubber; intersonic cracks can be produced simply by popping a balloon.
Evaluating aztreonam and ceftazidime pharmacodynamics with Escherichia coli in combination with daptomycin, linezolid or vancomycin in an in vitro pharmacodynamic model

In an in vitro pharmacodynamic model, linezolid attenuated the activity of aztreonam and ceftazidime against Escherichia coli. Conversely, synergy was detected at 24 and 48 h when daptomycin or vancomycin was added to aztreonam and ceftazidime. We conclude that significant yet underappreciated interactions may occur between gram-positive-spectrum and gram-negative-spectrum antibacterials.
Mesenchymal stem cell-mediated reversal of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and associated pulmonary hypertension

AbstractClinical trials have failed to demonstrate an effective preventative or therapeutic strategy for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a multifactorial chronic lung disease in preterm infants frequently complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PH). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their secreted components have been shown to prevent BPD and pulmonary fibrosis in rodent models. We hypothesized that treatment with conditioned media (CM) from cultured mouse bone marrow-derived MSCs could reverse hyperoxia-induced BPD and PH. Newborn mice were exposed to hyperoxia (FiO2=0.75) for two weeks, were then treated with one intravenous dose of CM from either MSCs or primary mouse lung fibroblasts (MLFs), and placed in room air for two to four weeks. Histological analysis of lungs harvested at four weeks of age was performed to determine the degree of alveolar injury, blood vessel number, and vascular remodeling. At age six weeks, pulmonary artery pressure (PA acceleration time) and right ventricular hypertrophy (...
Anatomy of the finger flexor tendon sheath and pulley system

Additions and changes in the description of the anatomy of the finger flexor sheath and pulleys that I published in 1974 and 1975 have prompted me to restudy this system. Sixty-one fresh human cadaver fingers were dissected using the operating room microscope. This study demonstrated a flexor synovial sheath composed of visceral and parietal elements from the neck of the metacarpal to the distal interphalangeal joint, which was overlaid with a series of retinacular structures (pulleys). The pulleys identified were the palmar aponeurosis pulley, five annular pulleys, and three cruciform pulleys. Although significant variations were noted in the morphology of the first annular and the cruciform pulleys sufficient similarity exists between my first description and the present study to support the use of the original descriptive terminology. A significant addition to the pulley system is the palmar aponeurosis pulley described by Manske and Lesker.
Effects of diet cycling on weight loss, fat loss and resting energy expenditure in women

Background The Curves fitness program involves a 30-minute circuit training program. Women interested in losing weight can also follow a weight management program. The most recent version of the weight management program involves cycling between periods of moderate calorie restriction (1,200 – 1,500 kcals/d) followed by periods of higher caloric intake (2,200 kcals/d) in an attempt to prevent long term reductions in resting energy expenditure (REE). The purpose of this preliminary study was to examine the efficacy of this exercise and diet cycling program approach on weight loss, fat loss, and REE.
Pedicure-Associated Rapidly Growing Mycobacterial Infection: An Endemic Disease

Background Pedicure-associated nontuberculous mycobacterial furunculosis has been reported in the setting of either outbreaks or sporadic case reports. The epidemiology of these infections is not well understood. Methods Systematic surveillance for pedicure-associated nontuberculous mycobacterial furunculosis was conducted in 2 North Carolina counties from 1 January 2005 through 31 December 2008. A subset of implicated nail salons and control salons was inspected and sampled for nontuberculous mycobacteria. Results Forty cases of suspected or confirmed pedicure-associated nontuberculous mycobacterial furunculosis were reported during the 4-year study period. Furunculosis incidence in the surveillance region was 1.00, 0.96, 0.83, and 0.89 cases per 100,000 population in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008, respectively. The responsible organisms primarily belonged to the Mycobacterium chelonae/abscessus group (30 [91%] of 33 isolates). Thirteen implicated salons and 11 control salons were visited and environmentally sampled. An assortment of nontuberculous mycobacteria was cultured from footbaths, but there was no association between the species distribution of the environmental isolates and implication of the salon in human infection. Evidence of suboptimal cleaning (visible debris or surface biofilms) was observed in at least 1 footbath for 11 of 13 implicated salons and 4 of 11 control salons (P = .032). Conclusions Pedicure-associated mycobacterial furunculosis was endemic in these 2 North Carolina counties during 2005-2008. Suboptimal footbath cleaning may have contributed to these infections, which suggests straightforward means of potential prevention. The relative rarity of this type of infection in the setting of nearly ubiquitous exposure to these pathogens suggests that as yet undefined host-specific or procedure-related factors may be involved in susceptibility to these infections.
CELLULAR AND SECRETORY PROTEINS OF THE SALIVARY GLANDS OF SCIARA COPROPHILA DURING THE LARVAL-PUPAL TRANSFORMATION

The cellular and secretory proteins of the salivary gland of Sciara coprophila during the stages of the larval-pupal transformation were examined by electrophoresis in 0.6 mm sheets of polyacrylamide gel with both SDS-continuous and discontinuous buffer systems. After SDS-electrophoresis, all electrophoretograms of both reduced and nonreduced proteins from single glands stained with Coomassie brilliant blue revealed a pattern containing the same 25 bands during the stages of the larval-pupal transformation. With the staining procedures used in this study, qualitative increases and decreases were detected in existing proteins and enzymes. There was no evidence, however, for the appearance of new protein species that could be correlated with the onset of either pupation or gland histolysis. Electrophoretograms of reduced samples of anterior versus posterior gland parts indicated that no protein in the basic pattern of 25 bands was unique to either the anterior or posterior gland part. Electrophoretograms of reduced samples of secretion collected from either actively feeding or "cocoon"-building animals showed an electrophoretic pattern containing up to six of the 25 protein fractions detected in salivary gland samples, with varied amounts of these same six proteins in electrophoretograms of secretion samples from a given stage. Zymograms of non-specific esterases in salivary gland samples revealed a progressive increase in the amount of esterase reaction produce in one major band and some decrease in the second major band during later stages of the larval-pupal transformation.
Discussion of "Analysis of a Large Database of GCL Internal Shear Strength Results" by Jorge G. Zornberg, John S. McCartney, and Robert H. Swan, Jr.

The discusser notes that the authors' work does not link the relationship of peak internal geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) strength with tension peel strength, despite their citing Richardson (1997). The discusser explains that Richardson's work shows very strong response of increasing shear strength with increasing internal strength, occurring at both low and high normal stresses. Moreover, Richardson's conclusion -- that the peel strength must exceed a specific minimum value -- gives further credibility to the significance of the finding.
Serum intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM‐1), a marker of renal scarring in infants with vesico‐ureteric reflux

Objective To determine if serum intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) levels correlate with renal scarring in children with vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR). Patients and methods Serum ICAM-1 levels were measured in 81 children (29 boys and 52 girls, age range 2 months-13 years) with VUR using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared with levels in a control group of 24 children (16 boys and eight girls, age range 2 days-13 years) with no urological abnormalities. Results The mean serum ICAM-1 level in the control group was 202±79 ng/mL (mean±l SD) compared with 347±96 ng/mL in children with VUR (P 0.01). In contrast, there was no difference in serum ICAM-1 levels in patients > 2 years of age with or with no renal scarring (353 + 87 and 325 + 91 ng/mL, respectively). Conclusion Serum ICAM-1 levels are significantly higher in children with VUR and may represent a valuable marker of tubular damage in younger children with VUR.
Scanometric DNA Array Detection with Nanoparticle Probes

A method for analyzing combinatorial DNA arrays using oligonucleotide-modified gold nanoparticle probes and a conventional flatbed scanner is described here. Labeling oligonucleotide targets with nanoparticle rather than fluorophore probes substantially alters the melting profiles of the targets from an array substrate. This difference permits the discrimination of an oligonucleotide sequence from targets with single nucleotide mismatches with a selectivity that is over three times that observed for fluorophore-labeled targets. In addition, when coupled with a signal amplification method based on nanoparticle-promoted reduction of silver(I), the sensitivity of this scanometric array detection system exceeds that of the analogous fluorophore system by two orders of magnitude.
Why do bilingual boys get better grades in English-only America? The impacts of gender, language and family interaction on academic achievement of Latino/a children of immigrants

In the United States, children of immigrants face strong pressures to shift to English. We examine how the retention of Spanish-language skills affects the academic achievement of English-proficient Latino/a children of immigrants and how this varies by gender. Further, we examine the role that family interaction may play in mediating the impact of gender and language on achievement. We find that biliterate boys significantly outperform boys who have little Spanish proficiency. However, for girls there is no significant advantage or disadvantage to biliteracy in terms of GPA (grade point average). Our results suggest that, for Latino boys, the academic advantage of biliteracy is explained by strong family social cohesion. Our results also suggest that, while within-family social capital provides a scholastic benefit from family social cohesion in the case of biliterate boys, strong family ties can also have academic disadvantages.
Associations Between Maternal Support and Physical Activity Among 5th Grade Students

Background A large body of research has established an association between parental support for children’s physical activity (PA) and children’s PA. However, there has been little attention to the relative influences of parent and child perceptions of that parental support. Purpose To examine agreement among parent and child perceptions of parent support for PA and whether these perceptions are associated with objectively-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among those children. Methods Cross-sectional associations between PA of children measured via accelerometers and child-reported and mother-reported perceptions of parental support for children’s PA were assessed via mixed-model regression analyses in a cohort of 693 5th graders. Results Children’s perceptions of parental support for PA were consistent with those of their mothers. Nonetheless, in models that included both children’s and mothers’ perceptions of parental support for PA, mothers’ perceptions, but not children’s perceptions, were significantly associated with children’s PA. Associations were consistent for Total MVPA, After School MVPA, and Evening MVPA, with stronger associations among males than among females. Conclusion Maternal support may influence children’s PA. Studies which consider only children’s accounts of parental support may overlook important mechanisms.
Affective differences in Iowa Gambling Task performance associated with sexual risk taking and substance use among HIV-positive and HIV-negative men who have sex with men

We investigated the relationship between emotional distress and decision making in sexual risk and substance use behavior among 174 (ages 25 to 50 years, 53% black) men who have sex with men (MSM), a population at increased risk for HIV. The sample was stratified by HIV status. Measures of affective decision making, depression, anxiety, sex acts, and substance use during the past 60 days were collected at our research center. Negative binomial regression models were used to examine the relationship between age, HIV status, anxiety, depression, and IGT performance in the prediction of number of risky sex acts and substance use days. Among those without anxiety or depression, both number of risky sex acts and drug use days decreased with better performance during risky trials (i.e., last two blocks) of the IGT. For those with higher rates of anxiety, but not depression, IGT risk trial performance and risky sex acts increased concomitantly. Anxiety also interacted with IGT performance across all trials to predict substance use, such that anxiety was associated with greater substance use among those with better IGT performance. The opposite was true for those with depression, but only during risk trials. HIV-positive participants reported fewer substance use days than HIV-negative participants, but there was no difference in association between behavior and IGT performance by HIV status. Our findings suggest that anxiety may exacerbate risk-taking behavior when affective decision-making ability is intact. The relationship between affective decision making and risk taking may be sensitive to different profiles of emotional distress, as well as behavioral context. Investigations of affective decision making in sexual risk taking and substance use should examine different distress profiles separately, with implications for HIV prevention efforts.
What Good Is a College Degree? Education and Leader Quality Reconsidered

Do people with more formal education make better political leaders? In this article we analyze cross-national data on random leadership transitions, data on close elections in the US Congress, and data on randomly audited municipalities in Brazil. Across a wide range of outcomes, we consistently find that college-educated leaders perform about the same as or worse than leaders with less formal education. Politicians with college degrees do not tend to govern over more prosperous nations, do not pass more bills, do not tend to do better at the polls, and are no less likely to be corrupt. These findings have important implications for how citizens evaluate candidates, how scholars measure leader quality, and how we think about the role of education in policy making.
Improving the Safety of Oral Chemotherapy at an Academic Medical Center

Purpose:Over the last decade, the use of oral chemotherapy (OC) for the treatment of cancer has dramatically increased. Despite their route of administration, OCs pose many of the same risks as intravenous agents. In this quality improvement project, we sought to examine our current process for the prescription of OC at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania and to improve on its safety.Methods:A multidisciplinary team that included oncologists, advanced-practice providers, and pharmacists was formed to analyze the current state of our OC practice. Using Lean Six Sigma quality improvement tools, we identified a lack of pharmacist review of the OC prescription as an area for improvement. To address these deficiencies, we used our electronic medical system to route OC orders placed by treating providers to an oncology-specific outpatient pharmacist at the Abramson Cancer Center for review.Results:Over 7 months, 63 orders for OC were placed for 45 individual patients. Of the 63 orders, ...
An Individual-Based Simulation Approach to the Evolution of Locomotor Performance

Synopsis Maximal whole-organism performance traits measured in the laboratory and the levels of performance expressed in the field often exhibit a mismatch, complicating our understanding of the selection pressures influencing the evolution of performance traits. To better understand the evolution of locomotor performance, we built an individualbased simulation to test hypotheses about selection on locomotor performance. Starting with a population of individuals with two correlated but variable performance traits, we simulated these individuals surviving and reproducing in a complex environment, presenting each individual with successive ecological challenges requiring specific performance capabilities over their lifespan. While most challenges require sub-maximal speeds, intermittent bouts requiring increased performance, such as escape from predators, introduce strong, but infrequent, selection for maximal performance. By comparing the results of simulations run with individuals that only perform at their maximum levels versus those that adjust this effort, we show that intra-individual variation in speed confers a selective advantage, regardless of the extent of that variation. We also show that the direction and strength of the correlation between the two performance traits affects the evolutionary trajectory of phenotypic change. Ultimately, this model allows us to simulate the evolution of movement speeds over a range of selective contexts, offering insight into the factors affecting the evolutionary relationship between optimal and maximal performance.