cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tumefactive demyelination: Clinical outcomes, lesion evolution and treatments.

ObjectiveLarge demyelinating lesions with possible mass effect (tumefactive multiple sclerosis or tumefactive demyelination) can be mistaken for tumour-like space-occupying lesions suggesting a mal...
Tethering peptides onto biomimetic and injectable nanofiber microspheres to direct cellular response

Biomimetic and injectable nanofiber microspheres (NMs) could be ideal candidate for minimally invasive tissue repair. Herein, we report a facile approach to fabricate peptide-tethered NMs by combining electrospinning, electrospraying, and surface conjugation techniques. The composition and size of NMs can be tuned by varying the processing parameters during the fabrication. Further, bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mimicking peptides have been successfully tethered onto poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL):gelatin:(gelatin-methacryloyl) (GelMA)(1:0.5:0.5) NMs through photocrosslinking of the methacrylic group in GelMA and octenyl alanine (OCTAL) in the modified peptides. The BMP-2-OCTAL peptide-tethered NMs significantly promote osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs). Moreover, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) seeded on VEGF mimicking peptide QK-OCTAL-tethered NMs significantly up-regulated vascular-specific proteins, leading to microvascularization. The strategy developed in this work holds great potential in developing a biomimetic and injectable carrier to efficiently direct cellular response (Osteogenesis and Angiogenesis) for tissue repair.
DISAGREEMENT, SPECULATION AND MANAGEMENT FORECASTS

Prior research shows that disagreement leads to speculative trading and a speculative premium in stock prices. We examine how managers respond to this speculative premium. Using exogenous variation in speculative trading due to the reconstitution of the Russell 1000/2000 indices, we find that speculative trading reduces the frequency, likelihood, and precision of management forecasts. Consistent with theory, this relationship is significantly stronger when short sale constraints are more binding, and when managers have stronger equity-based incentives. We also find that managers sell equity to benefit from the speculative premium. In summary, our results suggest that managers issue forecasts opportunistically in response to speculative trading: they either keep silent, or issue fewer and more ambiguous forecasts to prolong disagreement among investors and the speculative premium.
Impact of self-management group activities on quality of life and its influencing factors among diabetic patients

Objective To analyze changes in quality of life (QOL) of diabetic patients before and after self-management group activities and potential factors influencing the changes. Methods From April to June 2014, volunteer patients with medical records confirming diagnosis of diabetes were recruited through telephone notification, poster announcements, and letter invitation. At baseline and six months later, interviews were conducted to analyze changes in QOL. A total of 633 participants were recruited who agreed to enter aself-management group. Paired t-tests were used to compare QOL before and after the self-management group activities, andbinary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the potential influencing factors. Results Six hundred and three participants completed the 6-session activities with a response rate of 95.2%. Compared to baseline, the QOL scores in eight domains were all higher after six months. Single factor analysis showed that QOL of those with high income (χ2=6.72, P=0.035), the fruit and vegetable intake improvement group (χ2=5.11, P=0.024), the moderate-intensity physical activity improvement group (χ2=16.29, P=0.000), the eating habits improvement group (χ2=7.34, P=0.007), the self-confidence to manage diabetes improvement group (χ2=20.48, P=0.000), the glycemic control group (χ2=5.10, P=0.024), and the body-mass index improvement group (χ2=4.80, P=0.028) were higher than for other groups. Multi-factor analysis results showed that moderate physical activity improvement (OR=1.711, P=0.020) and self-confidence to manage diabetes improvement (OR=2.935, P=0.000) were factors related to improvement of QOL. Conclusion Self-management group activities were important ways to improve QOL. Key words: Diabetes mellitus; Quality of life; Evaluation studies
What is the role of ascorbic acid in norepinephrine synthesis and orthostatic hypotension

Ascorbic acid (ascorbate) participates in critical steps of the biosynthesis of norepinephrine, including those mediated by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH). For example, DBH is responsible for the conversion of dopamine into norepinephrine in noradrenergic terminals and requires the activity of the ascorbate-coupled cytochrome b561 protein (CYB561). The recent identification of 2 families harboring CYB561 gene mutations manifested with longstanding orthostatic hypotension (OH)1,2 resembling the phenotype of DBH deficiency3,4 emphasizes the important role of ascorbic acid–related processes in sympathetic control of blood pressure.
Use of liquid biopsies in gastrointestinal cancers

The use of liquid biopsies is a relatively new tool in diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal cancers and is actively being investigated. Liquid biopsies have become extremely popular in cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic cancer research. With more prospective trials using this tool for early diagnosis, liquid biopsies may become an important part of cancer management.
Race/ethnicity-associated blood DNA methylation differences between Japanese and European American women: an exploratory study.

Racial/ethnic disparities in health reflect a combination of genetic and environmental causes, and DNA methylation may be an important mediator. We compared in an exploratory manner the blood DNA methylome of Japanese Americans (JPA) versus European Americans (EUA). Genome-wide buffy coat DNA methylation was profiled among healthy Multiethnic Cohort participant women who were Japanese (JPA; n = 30) or European (EUA; n = 28) Americans aged 60–65. Differentially methylated CpGs by race/ethnicity (DM-CpGs) were identified by linear regression (Bonferroni-corrected P < 0.1) and analyzed in relation to corresponding gene expression, a priori selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and blood biomarkers of inflammation and metabolism using Pearson or Spearman correlations (FDR < 0.1). We identified 174 DM-CpGs with the majority of hypermethylated in JPA compared to EUA (n = 133), often in promoter regions (n = 48). Half (51%) of the genes corresponding to the DM-CpGs were involved in liver function and liver disease, and the methylation in nine genes was significantly correlated with gene expression for DM-CpGs. A total of 156 DM-CpGs were associated with rs7489665 (SH2B1). Methylation of DM-CpGs was correlated with blood levels of the cytokine MIP1B (n = 146). We confirmed some of the DM-CpGs in the TCGA adjacent non-tumor liver tissue of Asians versus EUA. We found a number of differentially methylated CpGs in blood DNA between JPA and EUA women with a potential link to liver disease, specific SNPs, and systemic inflammation. These findings may support further research on the role of DNA methylation in mediating some of the higher risk of liver disease among JPA.
Auricular field nerve stimulation using the NSS-2 BRIDGE ® device as an alternative to opioids following kidney donor surgery

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the role that the NSS-2 BRIDGE® device, an auricular field nerve stimulator, may play in reducing opioid requirement and pain in kidney donor surgery. It was not a randomized study. Electrophysiologic studies have demonstrated that the stimulation of the cranial nerves produced by the NSS-2 BRIDGE® device modulates the ascending/descending spinal pain pathways, especially at the level of the limbic system. Methods The design compared the effects of the NSS-2 BRIDGE® device (NSS 2-BRIDGE® device group; n=10) to a control group (n=10). In both groups, the surgery was performed using the same standard enhanced recovery after surgery protocol based on the use of a multimodal analgesic approach. For the active treatment group, the NSS-2 BRIDGE® device was placed in the post anesthesia care unit. The primary endpoint was opioid requirement (oral morphine equivalent, OME in mg) at 24 h post-surgery. Secondary endpoints included pain (0-10), at 24 and 48 h, time to discharge from the recovery room, incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting at 24 h, time to oral intake, time to ambulation, and time to discharge from the hospital. Data was analyzed using unpaired t-test and presented as mean ± standard deviation. Results Compared to control, the use of the NSS-2 BRIDGE® was associated with a 75.4% reduction in OME (33.6 vs. 8.3 mg; p=0.03) and 41.5% reduction in pain (5 vs. 3.28; p=0.06) at 24 h and a 73.3% difference in pain at 48 h (1.6 ± 1.6 vs. 6.0 ± 2.8; p=0.0004). There was no difference in non-opioid analgesics administration between groups. Conclusions The tolerability of NSS-2 BRIDGE® device was reported by most to be excellent. This study suggests that the NSS-2 BRIDGE® device may represent a complementary approach for controlling postoperative opioid consumption and pain in patients undergoing kidney donation.
Monitoring aseismic fault creep using persistent urban geodetic markers generated from mobile laser scanning

Abstract High resolution and high accuracy distributed detection of fault creep deformation remains challenging given limited observations and associated change detection strategies. A mobile laser scanning-based change detection method that is capable of measuring centimeter-level near-field ( 150 m from fault) deformation is described. The methodology leverages the use of man-made features in the built environment as geodetic markers that can be temporally tracked. The proposed framework consists of a RANSAC-based corresponding plane detector and a combined least squares displacement estimator. Using repeat mobile laser scanning data collected in 2015 and 2017 on a 2 km segment of the Hayward fault, near-field fault creep displacement and non-linear creep deformation are estimated. The detection results reveal 2.5 ± 1.5 cm of accumulated fault parallel creep displacement in the far-field. The laser scanning estimates of displacement match collocated alinement array observations at the 4 mm level in the near field. The proposed change detection framework is shown to be accurate and practical for fault creep displacement detection in the near field and the detected non-linear creep displacement patterns will help elucidate the complex physics of surface faulting.
Application of inverse scattering to oil field evaluation problems

The mathematical approach to oil exploration using electrical means is based on the fact that there is a high contrast in electrical conductivity between oil and water. The earth can be viewed as a layered porous medium, hence a layer with pores containing water is a good conductor while a layer with pores containing oil is a poor conductor. Thus by mapping the conductivity of the earth, we gain a useful information of where to produce oil; see [1; Chap. 16].
Minkowski Functionals Study of Random Number Sequences

Random number sequences are used in a wide range of applications such as simulation, sampling, numerical analysis, cryptography, and recreation. The quality of random number sequences is critical to the correctness of these applications. Many statistical tests have been developed to test various characteristics of random number generators such as randomness, independence, uniformity, etc. Most of them are based on testing on a single sequence. When multiple sequences are employed in an application, their potential correlations are also concerned. In this paper, we explore the techniques of using the Minkowski functionals and their extensions, the Minkowski valuations, to study the mathematical morphology of two dimensional binary image generated by pair-wise random number sequences, and apply this method to describe and compare the properties of several well-known pseudo- and quasi-random number generators.
Use of the cryostat in gynecologic surgery.

WI T H the development of the cryostat, the frozen section technique has been refined for successful application in rapid, operating room diagnosisl-5 Formerly, this technique was unsatisfactory in gynecologic surgery, because ( 1) the multiple, small tissue fragments (e.g., endometrial curettings) taken for pathologic examination could not be held together during section, (2) the thickness of the sections provided poor microscopic detail, and (3) only small tissue sections, inadequately representative of the total specimen, could be cut with the old apparatus. Our experience indicates that the cryostat now produces slides equal in quality (staining properties, thinness of sections, and cellular detail) to those prepared by the slower paraffin block method. Thus, this improved technique combines the time advantage of the older frozen section method with the technical excellence of slides produced by the paraffin block method. The cryostat, which makes possible immediate pathologic examination and diagnosis of surgical specimens, has multiple applications in gynecologic surgery. This paper concerns its use in the preparation and evaluation of cone specimens removed from the cervix during surgery. The whole procedure is rapid and definitive. After the surgeon performs a cold knife
Dapoxetine and the treatment of premature ejaculation

Introduction: Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common male sexual complaint. Off-label oral selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for the treatment of PE. Dapoxetine is a short-acting SSRI specifically designed for on-demand use. The objective of this communication is to summarize the clinical and physiological evidence regarding the role of the serotonergic pathway and specifically dapoxetine in the treatment of PE. Methods: A PubMed search was conducted on articles reporting data on dapoxetine for the treatment of PE. Articles describing the pathophysiology and treatment options for PE were additionally included for review. Results: The etiology of PE is multi-factorial in nature. There are many treatment options for PE such as psychological/behavioral therapy, topical anesthetic agents, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, and tramadol hydrochloride. SSRIs play a major role in PE treatment. Animal and clinical studies in addition to its pharmacokinetic document dapoxetine’s clinical efficacy and safety for on-demand treatment of PE. Conclusions: Dapoxetine demonstrates clinical efficacy and a favorable side effect profile. Dapoxetine is currently the oral drug of choice for on-demand treatment of PE.
Development of a Generic Risk Matrix to Manage Project Risks

A generic risk matrix is presented for use identifying and assessing project risks quickly and cost effectively. It assists project managers with few resources to perform project risk analysis. The generic risk matrix (GRM) contains a broad set of risks that are categorized and ranked according to their potential impact and probability of occurrence. The matrix assists PMs in quickly identifying risks and can serve as a basis for contingency planning to minimize cost and schedule overruns. It is suitable for a wide variety of projects and can be modified for specific types of projects using historical data or expert opinion. An R&D project case study is included to demonstrate how the GRM is applied for a specific project.
Perceiving three-dimensional objects during egomotion

Classes of powerful stimuli that reliably elicit wrong depth percepts are examined. The depth percepts in turn cause the stimuli to appear to move vividly as observers move in front of them. These illusory percepts highlight the issue of how we obtain a stable percept of the environment as we move about, despite considerable changes in the retinal images. Experimental results on the role of pictorial cues, and possible explanations for the illusory motion are presented. The interaction of data-driven mechanisms and schema-driven cognitive processes is examined.
Visualization of generalized multiple molecular surfaces

In order to visually assist researchers in designing new drugs and materials by computer, this paper extends the concept of molecular surfaces from the view of quantum chemistry, and present a practical method of rapidly generating semi-transparent multiple surfaces and visualizing surface inclusion relation. The proposed method is a hybrid method of the depth-buffer and list-sorting methods. The surface inclusion is detected by the order of oriented surfaces.
Instructional Settings in Science for Students with Disabilities: Implications for Teacher Education

Finding appropriate instructional settings in science for students with disabilities is challenging, and the range of services or placements used is currently unknown. This study identifies administrative structures, instructional settings, and special/general education teacher roles in teaching science to students with disabilities. A phone survey was conducted with special education coordinators of fifth graders in 137 districts in Texas. Survey data indicated that while nearly all districts reported special education settings for the instruction of science for students with disabilities, some districts provided only general education settings. Theoretical and practical implications for teacher preparation are discussed.
Arterial wave propagation phenomena, ventricular work, and power dissipation

The effects of wave propagation phenomena, namely global reflection coefficient (ΓG[ω]) and pulse wave velocity (c ph), are studied in a model of the coupled left ventricle/arterial system. The left ventricle consists of a time-varying elastance, while the arterial system is modeled as a single, uniform, elastic tube terminating in a complex load. Manipulation of model parameters allowed for the precise control of (ΓG[ω]) andc phindependent of each other, peripheral resistance, and characteristic impedance. Reduction of ΓG(ω) andc ph were achieved through increases in load compliance and tube compliance, respectively. The equations describing the system were solved for left ventricular and aortic pressures and aortic flow. From these, stroke volume (SV), left ventricular stroke work (SW), and steady $$(\dot W_s )$$ , oscillatory $$(\dot W_o )$$ , and total power dissipation $$(\dot W_t )$$ in the arterial system were calculated. An index of arterial system efficiency was the ratio $$\dot W_o /\dot W_t (\% \dot W_o )$$ , with lower values indicating higher efficiency. Reduction of ΓG(ω) yielded initial increases in $$\dot W_s $$ , while $$\dot W_o $$ increased for the entire range of ΓG(ω), resulting in increased $$\% \dot W_o $$ . This reduced efficiency is imposed on the ventricle, resulting in increasedSW without increasedSV. On the other hand, decreasedc ph yielded in a steady increase in $$\dot W_s $$ and a biphasic response in $$\dot W_o $$ , resulting in reduced $$\% \dot W_o $$ for most of the range of reducedc ph. These results suggest that differential effects on arterial system efficiency can result from reductions of ΓG(ω) andc ph. In terms of compliance, changes in arterial compliance can have different effects on efficiency, depending on where the compliance change takes place. Reasons for these results are suggested, and the role of distributed compliances is raised as a new problem.
The Effects of Radiation and Dose-Fractionation on Cancer and Non-Tumor Disease Development

The Janus series of radiation experiments, conducted from 1970 to 1992, explored the effects of gamma and neutron radiation on animal lifespan and disease development. Data from these experiments presents an opportunity to conduct a large scale analysis of both tumor and non-tumor disease development. This work was focused on a subset of animals from the Janus series of experiments, comparing acute or fractionated exposures of gamma or neutron radiation on the hazards associated with the development of tumor and non-tumor diseases of the liver, lung, kidney or vascular system. This study also examines how the co-occurrence of non-tumor diseases may affect tumor-associated hazards. While exposure to radiation increases the hazard of dying with tumor and non-tumor diseases, dose fractionation modulates these hazards, which varies across different organ systems. Finally, the effect that concurrent non-cancer diseases have on the hazard of dying with a tumor also differs by organ system. These results highlight the complexity in the effects of radiation on the liver, lung, kidney and vascular system.
Disciplining trade finance: the OECD Export Credit Arrangement

The salience of tariffs, quotas, and other import restrictions in current discussions of trade policy obscures what may well become a more significant form of government intervention: subsidized export promotion. Over the past two decades, subsidized trade finance has been one of the most widely used instruments of export promotion. This article offers an historical description and a theoretical explanation for the success of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Export Credit Arrangement, an international regime restricting the provision of subsidized trade finance. The explanation emphasizes three factors: the structure of government institutions, the relative power of states, and the functional value of information. More generally, the analysis demonstrates the inherent weaknesses of monocausal explanations of international cooperation and the advantages of explanations based on a conception of international cooperation as a multistage, process, each stage of which may be explained by a separate theory.
Quantitative genetic variation in the hematopoietic stem cell and progenitor cell compartment and in lifespan are closely linked at multiple loci in BXD recombinant inbred mice

The number of bone marrow hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells as defined by the lineage(-), Sca1(++), c-kit(+) (LSK) phenotype and their proliferative capacity in vitro are subject to quantitative genetic variation, and several quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been identified in young mice. Because some traits affecting hematopoiesis also change with age in a mouse strain-dependent fashion, we performed quantitative trait analysis in aged BXD recombinant inbred (RI) mice for the number and frequency of LSK cells, and for their proliferative capacity in vitro. Several novel QTL were identified. The number and frequency of LSK cells in old mice correlated inversely with lifespan. Furthermore, 4 of 7 lifespan QTL overlap with QTL contributing to the number, frequency, or proliferative capacity of LSK cells in young or old mice. Taken together, these data establish a close genetic, and perhaps functional, link between genetic variation in lifespan and characteristics of stem and progenitor cells.
On the Bulk Compression Characteristics of Wool Fibers

A method has been found to prepare bulk samples of wool fibers in such a way that reproducible compression tests may be performed upon them. An evaluation of the bulk compression characteristics of...
Multiple Personalities in the Ventral Tegmental Area

A small number of ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons engage in numerous and apparently contradictory functions—how can this be? A clue is provided by Lammel and colleagues in this issue of Neuron: some VTA dopamine neurons display synaptic plasticity in response to cocaine, and others in response to pain, and these populations are distinguished by their axonal projections and Ih.
A single mutation in arrestin-2 prevents ERK1/2 activation by reducing c-Raf1 binding

Arrestins regulate the signaling and trafficking of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCR complexes with both nonvisual arrestins channel signaling to G protein-independent pathways, one of which is the activation of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Here we used alanine-scanning mutagenesis of residues on the nonreceptor-binding surface conserved between arrestin-2 and arrestin-3. We show that an Arg307Ala mutation significantly reduced arrestin-2 binding to c-Raf1, whereas the binding of the mutant to active phosphorylated receptor and downstream kinases MEK1 and ERK2 was not affected. In contrast to wild-type arrestin-2, the Arg307Ala mutant failed to rescue arrestin-dependent ERK1/2 activation via β2-adrenergic receptor in arrestin-2/3 double knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Thus, Arg307 plays a specific role in arrestin-2 binding to c-Raf1 and is indispensable in the productive scaffolding of c-Raf1-MEK1-ERK1/2 signaling cascade. Arg307Ala mutation specifically eliminates arrestin-2 signaling through ERK, which makes arrestin-2-Arg307Ala the first signaling-biased arrestin mutant constructed. In the crystal structure the side chain of homologous arrestin-3 residue Lys308 points in a different direction. Alanine substitution of Lys308 does not significantly affect c-Raf1 binding to arrestin-3 and its ability to promote ERK1/2 activation, suggesting that the two nonvisual arrestins perform the same function via distinct molecular mechanisms.
Volterra convolution equations: solution–kernel connection

The author's weighted inequality for two functions is used to estimate a natural connection between solutions and kernels of the first-kind convolution Volterra equations and related convolution integral equations. The solution–kernel estimates and some functionally parameterized solutions lead to various integro-differential, hypergeometric, convolution, exponential, and other inequalities. Also, the obtained estimates allow us to establish certain non-trivial properties of the unknown and complicated solutions. Several examples and applications are discussed.
How I do it: laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair.

Introduction Paraesophageal hernias are usually complex anatomic abnormalities of the upper gastrointestinal tract capable of causing symptoms and complications including death. Furthermore, they affect patients who are usually older and have other comorbidities. Preferred treatment approach has evolved over time, with laparoscopic repair being the current preferred technique as it causes less hemodynamic changes and is better tolerated than open repairs.
Humoral alloimmunity in transplantation: relevance of HLA epitope antigenicity and immunogenicity.

HLA mismatching is an important risk factor for antibody-mediated rejection and transplant failure. With the realization HLA antibodies recognize epitopes rather than antigens, it has become apparent that donor-recipient compatibility should be assessed at the epitope level. Recent developments have increased our understanding of the structural basis of HLA antigenicity, i.e. the reactivity with specific antibody and, immunogenicity, i.e. the ability to induce an antibody response. HLAMatchmaker is a computer algorithm that considers each HLA antigen as a series of small configurations of polymorphic residues referred to as eplets as essential components of HLA epitopes. This article addresses the relevance of determining epitope-specificities of HLA antibodies in the identification of acceptable mismatches for sensitized patients considered for transplantation. Permissible mismatching for non-sensitized patients aimed to prevent or reduce HLA antibody responses could consider epitope loads of mismatched antigens and the recently developed nonself-self paradigm of epitope immunogenicity.
Monolithic programmable RF filter

A voltage programmable monolithic continuous-time bandpass filter that employs transconductance amplifier based fully differential integrators is introduced. Experimental results of a circuit fabricated in a 3 mu m CMOS process that is programmable over the range from 2 to 16 MHz are presented.
Quantitative modeling of in situ x-ray reflectivity during organic molecule thin film growth

Synchrotron-based x-ray reflectivity is increasingly employed as an \textit{in situ} probe of surface morphology during thin film growth, but complete interpretation of the results requires modeling the growth process. Many models have been developed and employed for this purpose, yet no detailed, comparative studies of their scope and accuracy exists in the literature. Using experimental data obtained from hyperthermal deposition of pentane and diindenoperylene (DIP) on SiO$_2$, we compare and contrast three such models, both with each other and with detailed characterization of the surface morphology using ex-situ atomic force microscopy (AFM). These two systems each exhibit particular phenomena of broader interest: pentacene/SiO$_2$ exhibits a rapid transition from rough to smooth growth. DIP/SiO$_2$, under the conditions employed here, exhibits growth rate acceleration due to a different sticking probability between the substrate and film. In general, \textit{independent of which model is used}, we find good agreement between the surface morphology obtained from fits to the \insitu x-ray data with the actual morphology at early times. This agreement deteriorates at later time, once the root-mean squared (rms) film roughness exceeds about 1 ML. A second observation is that, because layer coverages are under-determined by the evolution of a single point on the reflectivity curve, we find that the best fits to reflectivity data --- corresponding to the lowest values of $\chi_\nu^2$ --- do not necessarily yield the best agreement between simulated and measured surface morphologies. Instead, it appears critical that the model reproduce all local extrema in the data. In addition to showing that layer morphologies can be extracted from a minimal set of data, the methodology established here provides a basis for improving models of multilayer growth by comparison to real systems.
Understanding Nutrient Cycling and Sediment Sources in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin

Human activity has increased the amount of nitrogen flowing into surface waters and estuaries in the northeastern U.S by 10fold or more (Howarth et al. 2005). In estuaries such as the Chesapeake Bay, such large increases in nitrogen are severely damaging populations of aquatic plants and animals and also increasing harmful and toxic algal blooms. At global and national scales, agriculture is the major source of nitrogen pollution. However, atmospheric deposition is also a major source in many regions, and it contributes 25 to 50 percent of the nitrogen inputs to the Chesapeake Bay. The Susquehanna is the largest U.S. river draining to the Atlantic, the largest tributary of Chesapeake Bay, and the single largest source of nutrients to the main stem of the Bay. Therefore, better understanding of the sources and sinks of nutrients and sediment in the Susquehanna River watershed will support better management of nutrients and water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. The Agricultural Ecosystems Program is a multidisciplinary program of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University designed to increase our knowledge of the sources and sinks of nutrients and sediments in the New York portion of the Susquehanna watershed. Such knowledge will benefit not only the Susquehanna River watershed and the Chesapeake Bay, but will be valuable for improving understanding and management of nutrients in many other portions of the U.S. The program is truly multi-disciplinary, with forty participants from seven academic departments of Cornell University as well as Cornell University’s Mann Library, and representatives of six other academic or governmental organizations, including the Upper Susquehanna Coalition, a multi-agency group focused on improving water quality in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin.
Three textbooks for introductory classes in planetary sciences

Today, teaching an introductory course in planetary sciences, geosciences, or astronomy is challenging. Instructors must ask themselves who is taking the class, non-science or science majors? Are future majors in planetary sciences, etc. taking the class? What is the background of these students? Have they all had pre-calculus or do they drop out of the class in droves as soon as scientific notation is used in class or in a homework assignment? If they are non-science majors (or even future scientists) is it assumed that they know what causes the phases of the Moon or the seasons? These are all important questions to consider before choosing a textbook. Finally, if the class is purely a class on the Solar System, are the students required or assumed to have had an introductory astronomy class? Add individual teaching styles and preferences to the equation and choosing a textbook can be difficult at best.
Paper-Based Integrated Diagnostic Device for Nucleic Acid Detection of HIV from Blood

Paper materials with good biocompatibility, porous structures, hydrophilic property, capillary effect, low non-specific binding, and multi-modification have been widely applied in diagnostic devices for environmental monitoring, food safety, and healthcare. However, utilizing these properties on one paper chip for quantitative measurement of nucleic acid amplification from blood is a big challenge for point-of-care (POC) device. Here we report an integrative paper-based molecular diagnostic device (IPMD) with the capability of fast plasma separation and sensitive nucleic acid (NA) detection of HIV from blood. The IPMD is composed of a highly efficient plasma generation membrane over a rapid flow nitrocellulose layer for plasma separation, HIV NA collection, amplification, and fluorescence read-out. 100 μL of whole blood sample is separated on-chip within 5 min. The hydrophilic, porous, capillary properties of nitrocellulose are beneficial to pre-store all the chemical components of nucleic acid amplification by a lyophilization process. HIV NA with a limit-of-detection of 10 copies is achieved by analyzing the fluorescence intensity of the nitrocellulose layer after NA amplification for 20 min. These results suggest that our IMPD platform can promote the development of POC devices for global healthcare and personalized medicine.
Myopotential Inhibition of Unipolar AV Sequential (DVI) Pacemaker

Whereas myopotential inhibition of QRS-inhibited (VVI) pacemakers is well known, its occurrence in patients with AV sequential (DVI) pacemakers has not been reported. The present communication deals with spontaneous and induced myopotential inhibition of a multiprogrammable Intermedics unipolar AV sequential (DVI) pacemaker. The bedside maneuvers that were performed in the patient exposed the problem, therefore serving to establish the diagnosis. Although external adjustment of the sensitivity was the simple, non-invasive solution in this case, more studies are required to determine the success rate of this approach as well as the incidence and clinical significance of myopotential inhibition of unipolar DVI pacemakers.
Quantitative assessment of the atherosclerotic burden of the aorta by combined FDG-PET and CT image analysis: a new concept.

Abstract Introduction Our objective was to develop a technique for quantifying the extent of atherosclerosis in the aorta by combining standard uptake values (SUVs) in the aortic wall with volumetric data provided by computed tomography (CT). Methods Eighteen patients who had both 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)–positron emission tomography (PET) and contrast-enhanced CT of the chest and abdomen were selected. All had homogeneous diffuse FDG wall uptake in four segments of the aorta. We divided the patients into three groups according to their age and measured FDG uptake in all four segments of the aorta by calculating the mean SUV for each segment. On each axial CT image, region-of-interest tracings along the inner and outer wall contours of the aorta were generated. The inner surface area was subtracted from the outer surface area. The net area values for each segment were subsequently multiplied by slice thickness to calculate arterial wall volume. By multiplying SUV with wall volume, we were able to calculate the atherosclerotic burden (AB) for each segment of the aorta. We compared the aortic wall volumes, SUVs and AB values in each arterial segment for each age group. Results In each aortic wall segment, AB values, SUVs and wall volumes increased with age ( P Conclusion AB can be used as an indicator of the extent of the atherosclerotic process in the aorta through the use of both metabolic and morphologic data provided by FDG-PET and CT, respectively. This may allow for the optimal screening, diagnosis and management of patients with this common and potentially lethal disorder.
Present and future hotel website marketing activities: change propensity analysis.

Abstract The objective of this study is to examine and predict website marketing activities of US hotels. An online survey is conducted to collect data from members of three major hotel associations located in the US. Change propensity analysis is utilized to evaluate future trends of website marketing activities. The results demonstrate that current website exploitation by the US hotels is relatively limited, with a focus on information dissemination. It is suggested that a number of transaction and relation-building activities will emerge in the near future. Implications based on the results are discussed.
In Search of Underlying Dimensions: The Use (and Abuse) of Factor Analysis in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

An examination of the use of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis by researchers publishing in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin over the previous 5 years is presented, along with a review of recommended methods based on the recent statistical literature. In the case of exploratory factor analysis, an examination and recommendations concerning factor extraction procedures, sample size, number of measured variables, determining the number of factors to extract, factor rotation, and the creation of factor scores are presented. These issues are illustrated via an exploratory factor analysis of data from the University of California, Los Angeles, Loneliness Scale. In the case of confirmatory factor analysis, an examination and recommendations concerning model estimation, evaluating model fit, sample size, the effects of non-normality of the data, and missing data are presented. These issues are illustrated via a confirmatory factor analysis of data from the Revised Causal Dimension Scale.
Ionic permeability of the inhibitory postsynaptic membrane of lobster muscle fibers.

Reversal potentials (EIPSP) of the inhibitory postsynaptic potential and the membrane resting potentials (EM) of lobster muscle fibers were determined with intracellular recording under a variety of ionic conditions. EIPSP is solely dependent on the electromotive force of anionic batteries; i.e., on the electrochemical gradient for a "mobile" fraction of intracellular Cl (Cli) which is considerably smaller than the total intracellular Cl. The active inhibitory membrane is more permeable to certain "foreign" anions in the order NO3 > SCN > Br > Cl. The membrane is impermeable to BrOs, isethionate, and methylsulfate, but is slightly permeable to acetate and propionate. The level of Cli appears to be determined in part by some active (pump?) process and most of the anions studied appear to interfere with the steady-state level of Cli.
Influenza Virus Infection of Mice Induces Anorexia: Comparison with Endotoxin and Interleukin-1 and the Effects of Indomethacin

The effects of infection of mice with influenza virus on ingestive behavior were assessed by both 22-h intake of food pellets, and intake of sweetened milk in a 30-minute access period. Infection with a lethal dose of virus resulted in losses in body weight as well as a reduction in food pellet intake. By contrast, infection with a sublethal dose of virus decreased body weight and food pellet intake to a lesser extent, but did not alter milk intake. Acute intraperitoneal injection of endotoxin (LPS, 0.3-5 micrograms), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha, 50-100 ng) or IL-1 beta (100 ng) reduced milk intake, suggesting that the reduction of ingestive behavior may be associated with immune activation in general, and IL-1 in particular Pretreatment of the mice with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (10 mg/kg SC) substantially attenuated, but did not completely reverse, the reduction in milk intake by LPS and IL-1. However, chronic treatment with indomethacin failed to alter the body weight or the intake of sweetened milk in influenza-infected mice, although there was some attenuation of the reduction in food intake. These results suggest that although IL-1 may play a role in the anorexia caused by influenza virus infection, it is not the only factor involved.
Atheroprotective effects of methotrexate on reverse cholesterol transport proteins and foam cell transformation in human THP‐1 monocyte/macrophages

Objective To determine whether methotrexate (MTX) can overcome the atherogenic effects of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors and interferon-γ (IFNγ), both of which suppress cholesterol efflux protein and promote foam cell transformation in human THP-1 monocyte/macrophages. Methods Message and protein levels of the reverse cholesterol transport proteins cholesterol 27-hydroxylase and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) in THP-1 cells were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot, respectively. Expression was evaluated in cells incubated in the presence or absence of the COX-2 inhibitor NS398 or IFNγ, with and without MTX. Foam cell transformation of lipid-laden THP-1 macrophages was detected with oil red O staining and light microscopy. Results MTX increased 27-hydroxylase message and completely blocked NS398-induced down-regulation of 27-hydroxylase (mean ± SEM 112.8 ± 13.1% for NS398 plus MTX versus 71.1 ± 4.3% for NS398 alone; P < 0.01). MTX also negated COX-2 inhibitor–mediated down-regulation of ABCA1. The ability of MTX to reverse inhibitory effects on 27-hydroxylase and ABCA1 was blocked by the adenosine A2A receptor–specific antagonist ZM241385. MTX also prevented NS398 and IFNγ from increasing transformation of lipid-laden THP-1 macrophages into foam cells. Conclusion This study provides evidence supporting the notion of an atheroprotective effect of MTX. Through adenosine A2A receptor activation, MTX promotes reverse cholesterol transport and limits foam cell formation in THP-1 macrophages. This is the first reported evidence that any commonly used medication can increase expression of antiatherogenic reverse cholesterol transport proteins and can counteract the effects of COX-2 inhibition. Our results suggest that one mechanism by which MTX protects against cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients is through facilitation of cholesterol outflow from cells of the artery wall.
The effect of therapist support and encounter on the percentage of client‐client interactions in group therapy

This study demonstrates that when therapists increase their percentage of negative statements made to clients in group therapy sessions the percentage of client-client interactions compared with therapist-client interactions increases. When the therapists increase their percentage of negative client feedback by delivering more lower intensity negative messages, the clients are as satisfied with the group experience and trust significantly more fellow group members than when the therapists give primarily positive feedback. However, when the therapists increase their percentage of negative client feedback by using higher intensity negative messages, while the clients still interact with one another more frequently, they are less satisfied with the group experience and trust fewer fellow clients.
An algorithm to identify the development of lymphedema after breast cancer treatment.

Purpose Large, population-based studies are needed to better understand lymphedema, a major source of morbidity among breast cancer survivors. One challenge is identifying lymphedema in a consistent fashion. We sought to develop and validate an algorithm using Medicare claims to identify lymphedema after breast cancer surgery.
NECROTIZING ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE ADRENAL AS A CAUSE OF PROLONGED PYREXIA: CASE REPORT

: This unusual case of prolonged fever (peaks of 102°-105° F daily followed by drenching sweats) was caused by a necrotizing carcinoma of the adrenal. The patient was a 47-year-old man. Intensive investigation did not demonstrate anything that would account for the prolonged fever. Finally an exploratory laparotomy revealed a primary carcinoma of the adrenal cortex. Within seventy-two hours after removal of the tumor, the fever disappeared. The patient was afebrile at the time of discharge from the hospital and has remained so despite declining strength.
Non-invasive cardiac evaluation in heart failure patients using magnetic resonance imaging: a feasibility study.

Background: To assess the feasibility of a fast, flow-insensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol in heart failure patients for the evaluation of cardiac function, cardiovascular anatomy, and myocardial viability.
Symmetry adapted functions belonging to the dirac groups

An earlier analysis of the canonical form of a pair of invertible operators obeying the exchange rule is extended to cover a set of operators, between each pair of which a relation of this type exists; and for which a power of each operator is the unit matrix. Such relations define a system which may be regarded as a generalization of the Dirac matrices of relativistic quantum mechanics. We concentrate upon the group theoretic aspects of such a system and its matrix representations. Applications arise from the fact that all projective representations of finite abelian groups take the form of a Dirac Group. In particular, the representations of the magnetic space groups, which are projective representations of the lattice groups, arise in this manner.
Data and sensor fusion for bistatic applications

Detection and tracking of sophisticated targets involving increased resolution and the utility of synthetic aperture transmitter windows require new and innovative approaches to active sensor technologies. The bistatic technique to target tracking is extended to form a multistatic radar system using multiple and separate transmitters and receivers that are designated sparsely located in a region. The fusion of the received data through the utility of a non-linear Kalman filter technique is discussed to predict track through observations from the multistatic system. Target positions and velocities are estimated and the error is shown to converge to zero. The Munkre algorithm is utilized for data and track association to improve error minimization.
Borrelia miyamotoi: A Lesson in Disease Discovery

In this issue, Chowdri and colleagues' case reports provide further evidence of human Borrelia miyamotoi infection in the northeastern United States. The editorialists discuss the case reports and ...
Reading strategies and student comprehension in an Internet ethics course

Our students' reading comprehension skills underpin their ability to learn the concepts and competencies in computer science. However, there has been little attention given to evaluating how well our students comprehend what they read and the effectiveness of strategies to improve their reading comprehension. In this paper we focus on the case of a non-major course on internet ethics and the reading of the original writings of key figures in ethical theory. Due to the observed weakness of the reading comprehension skills of the students, we have been teaching our students strategies to improve their skills in reading comprehension and meta-comprehension within the framework of an in-class group reading. The reading strategies we have been using are described, evaluated, and placed in the context of the reading comprehension literature. Increased awareness of the limitations of the reading comprehension skills of our students and of ways to teach the students strategies to improve those skills should prove useful in helping instructors ensure that our students have the foundation they need to be successful in their computer science studies.