cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Inhibitory Septum to Lateral Hypothalamus Circuit That Suppresses Feeding.

Feeding behavior is orchestrated by neural circuits primarily residing in the hypothalamus and hindbrain. However, the relative influence of cognitive and emotional brain circuits to the feeding circuitry in the hypothalamus and hindbrain remains unclear. Here, using the cell-type selectivity of genetic methods, circuit mapping, and behavior assays, we sought to decipher neural circuits emanating from the septal nucleus to the lateral hypothalamus (LH) that contribute to neural regulation of food intake in mice. We found that chemogenetic and optogenetic activation of septal vesicular GABA transporter (vGAT)-containing neurons or their projections in the LH reduced food intake in mice. Consistently, chemogenetic inhibition of septal vGAT neurons increased food intake. Furthermore, we investigated a previously unknown neural circuit originating from septal vGAT neurons to a subset of vGAT neurons in the LH, an area involved in homeostatic and hedonic control of energy states. Collectively, our data reveal an inhibitory septohypothalamic feeding circuit that might serve as a therapeutic target for the treatment of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Our results demonstrate that top-down projections from the septum to the hypothalamus control food intake negatively. Given the known role for both of these brain regions in the control of feeding and emotion-related behaviors, these findings reveal previously unknown neural circuitry that is likely implicated in emotional aspects of food intake and provide new insights into the development of therapeutic targets for the treatment of eating disorders.
Trends in Ventriculostomy-associated Infections and Mortality in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

Background Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are susceptible to various medical complications, including ventriculostomy-associated infections (VAIs) in those who undergo external ventricular drain (EVD) placement. Many preventative strategies for VAIs have been used during the last 20 years, but their overall effect is unknown. Using the Nationwide (National) Inpatient Sample, we examined trends in VAI rates and mortality during a recent 12-year period in the aSAH population. Methods In this retrospective analysis, data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample was obtained from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2011, using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. After adjustment for age, sex, race, and subarachnoid severity, annual estimated event rates of VAI, in-hospital mortality, and hospital length of stay were calculated. Changes in these parameters during the study period were analyzed. Results From years 2000 through 2011, there were 116,013 aSAH admissions, with EVD placement in 38,163 (32.9%) cases. In patients who underwent EVD placement, the mean annual rate of VAI was 7.3 per 100 patients, with no change during the 12-year period (absolute risk reduction per year of −0.05%, 95% confidence interval −0.22, 0.13). The mean mortality rate in this population was 19.8 per 100 patients, significantly declining over the study period (absolute risk reduction per year of −0.55%, 95% confidence interval −0.82, −0.29). Conclusions Despite numerous VAI-preventative strategies, the national VAI rate in aSAH patients has not changed; however, a reduction in mortality is suggested. Further studies are needed to determine how best to reduce VAIs, and to identify factors influencing observed trends in VAI and mortality.
At 90 Micrograms Per Kilogram, Recombinant Factor VIIa Partially Corrects Abnormal Hemostatic Function in Blood from Factor IX Deficient Patients.

Abstract Reports of the potential clinical utility of recombinant Factor VIIa (rFVIIa, NovoSeven®, NovoNordisk) in a variety of bleeding disorders have raised the possibility that this agent may have broad spectrum hemostatic properties. We have previously demonstrated that rFVIIa produces dose dependent correction of hemostatic status in patients with Factor VIII deficiency and/or Factor VIII inhibitor. In this study we measured the dose dependent effects of rFVIIa on Platelet Contractile Force (PCF), Clot Elastic Modulus (CEM) and Thrombin Generation Time (TGT) (Hemodyne® Analyzer, Hemodyne, Inc.) in patients with factor IX deficiency. Results were compared to those seen with recombinant factor IX (BeneFIX® [GI, Wyeth]) and factor nine concentrate (Mononine® [Aventis-Behring]). Blood from three patients with factor IX deficiency was collected via aseptic venipuncture into evacuated tubes containing 3.2% sodium citrate. The samples were spiked with increasing amounts of each hemostatic agent so as to yield levels ranging from 25 to 200% of the recommended dose. At baseline, each of the factor IX deficient patients had prolonged TGT, decreased PCF and decreased CEM. Despite the fact that each patient had less than 1% of normal factor IX activity, there was significant variability between the patients in their baseline values. TGT for the three patients varied from 587 to 1200 seconds. Baseline PCF ranged from 0.9 to 1.4 Kdynes, while CEM varied from 1.6 to 5.4 Kdynes/cm2. Normal TGT, PCF and CEM values for asymptomatic controls (mean ± SD, n=25) were 392±100 seconds, 7.8±1.3 Kdynes and 18.8±5.6 Kdynes/cm2 respectively. At the 100% of recommended dose, each of the factor IX agents produced shortening of the TGT, and increases in PCF and CEM. The degree of normalization of these parameters did not appear to depend on the baseline values. The patient with the worst baseline parameters completely normalized his values at 100% doses of BeneFIX® and Mononine®. The patient with the best baseline values also normalized his parameters with BeneFIX® but not with Mononine®. The patient with intermediate baseline abnormalities improved all parameters with both factor IX products but appeared to respond better to BeneFIX® at the 100% dose level. The response to NovoSeven®, at 100% of the dose recommended for treatment of factor VIII inhibitor patients, was detectable but clearly inferior to the response to the factor IX agents. These results indicate significant variability in hemostatic status between factor IX deficient patients both at baseline and in response to factor replacement. While rFVIIa has activity in these patients, the dose previously shown to correct TGT in factor VIII deficient patients may not be appropriate for factor IX deficient patients.
Making Transparency Transparent: The Evolution of Observation in Management Theory

Observation is key to management scholarship and practice. Yet a holistic view of its role in management has been elusive, in part due to shifting terminology. The current popularity of the term “transparency” provides the occasion for a thorough review, which finds (a) a shift in the object of observation from organizational outcomes to the detailed individual activities within them; (b) a shift from people observing the technology to technology observing people; and (c) a split in the field, with managers viewing observation almost entirely from the observer’s perspective, leaving the perspective of the observed to the realm of scholarly methodology courses and philosophical debates on privacy. I suggest how the literature on transparency and related literatures might be improved with research designed in light of these trends.
African funds for African peace : assessing the African Union's new financing plan

As the African Union (AU) has become a stronger actor in peace operations, coordination with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has risen in importance. Beyond working together on a case-by-case basis, such as the AU-United Nations (UN) hybrid mission in Somalia, the two organisations are seeking a broader and more complementary relationship. In the last year, we have witnessed an increasing convergence, with the development of the AU Common Position on the Peace Operations Review and Joint UN-AU Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security. These were followed by recommendations stressing the importance of partnerships with regional organisations, from the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations and the Secretary-General's response to this seminal report. Yet, the issue of financing African peace operations has been a long-standing contentious issue, leaving the AU in a subordinate position and reliant on external donors to support its operations. This is all about to change, however, with the recent decision taken at the 27th AU Summit to introduce a 0.2% levy on imports, thus moving the two organisations towards a more complementary relationship.
Benefits Achieved for Patients Through Application of Height-Adjustable Examination Tables

Objectives:Ambulatory care is a rapidly growing segment of overall healthcare delivery and populations seen in ambulatory care settings are aging resulting in many patients with mobility limitation...
Electronic clinical quality measure reporting challenges: findings from the Medicare EHR Incentive Program's Controlling High Blood Pressure Measure.

Objective To identify physician and practice characteristics associated with high clinical and technical performance on the electronic clinical quality measure (eCQM) that calculates the proportion of patients with hypertension who have controlled blood pressure. Materials and methods The study included 268 602 physicians participating in the Medicare Electronic Health Record Incentive Program between 2011 and 2014. Independent variables included delivery reform participation and physician, practice level, and area characteristics. Successful technical performance was a reported eCQM with non-zero values in both the numerator and denominator. Successful clinical performance was a reported eCQM value of ≥70% hypertension control. Results Physicians with longer experience using certified health information technology, participants in delivery reform programs, and specialists that traditionally manage hypertension were 5%-15% more likely to achieve 70% control. Physicians in smaller and rural practices and a subset of physicians unlikely to primarily manage hypertension were more likely to submit measures with a zero value in either the numerator or denominator. Discussion More physicians are using eCQMs to track and report their quality improvement efforts. This research presents the first examination of national eCQM data to identify physician and practice-level characteristics associated with performance. Conclusion With careful selection of measures relevant to the clinician's specialty, complete data entry, and support for continuous quality improvement, health care professionals can excel technically and clinically. As care delivery transitions from fee-for-service to quality- and value-based models, high performers may realize financial gains and better patient outcomes. These analyses suggest patterns that may inform steps to improve performance.
Fundamentos de las unidades de cardio-oncología

With the rapidly rising number of patients surviving cancer, often in the setting of new or pre-existing cardiovascular disease and risk factors, a need has arisen for a specialty within the realm of cardiovascular care that can evaluate and manage these patients along with our colleagues in oncology and hematology. By the same token, all health care providers involved in the care of cancer patients with heart disease must be fully aware of the impact of adverse cardiovascular effects on the survival of these patients. Collaboration is required to mitigate the effect of cardiovascular toxicity associated with these necessary life-saving cancer therapies. The cardio-oncologist plays a pivotal role in bridging the 2 specialties, by creating a comprehensive plan to address the comorbidities as well as to provide guidance on the optimal choice of therapy. In this 3-part review, we will outline: a) the significant impact of cancer therapies on the cardiovascular health of patients with cancer and cancer survivors, b) the advantage of a multidisciplinary team in addressing these cardiovascular complications, and c) the delivery of clinical care to patients with cancer and heart disease.
On the Portraits of Catholicos-Patriarchs of Upper Iberia (Eastern Georgia) Anton I and Anton II

Catholicos-Patriarchs of All Eastern Georgia Anton I (Bagrationi) (1720-1788) and St Anton II (c. 1764-1827) were important personas in the 18th century Georgian Orthodox Church. Their thirteen portraits, painted at different times, have been preserved to date – four of Anton I and 9 of Anton II. In fact, their portraits can be claimed to be the first original and natural images of the Georgian Orthodox clergymen, with but a few earlier exceptions. Unfortunately, because they were namesakes both as laymen and as clerics, and succeeded each other as the Patriarchs of Mtskheta, their portraits were mixed already in the 19th century and appeared mistakenly in the 19th and 20th century publications. This article attempts to distinguish their portraits from each other as well as from the portraits of other clerics (e.g. of St Tikhon of Zadonsk). The paper presents the entire corpus of both Patriarchs’ portraits (13 in all), the earliest dating back to the end of the 18th century (78 R) and the latest to the end of the 20th century (Ghia Bughadze). Most of them are preserved in the Georgian National Museum and in Russian museums.
Two-Level Hierarchical Programming Problem

In this paper we present an algorithm to solve a two-level hierarchical resource control problem with linear constraints and objective functions and one decision maker at each level. The algorithm explicitly takes into consideration the hierarchical structure of the problem and the sequential nature of the decision making process. An illustrative example is also included.
Influence of Xenorhabdus (Gamma-Proteobacteria: Enterobacteriaceae) symbionts on gonad postembryonic development in Steinernema (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) nematodes.

Abstract Steinernema nematodes and their Xenorhabdus partners form an obligate mutualistic association. This partnership is insecticidal to a wide range of insects. Steinernema rely on their Xenorhabdus partner to produce toxins inside the insect cadaver to liberate nutrients from the insect, as well as antimicrobials to sterilize the cadaver, thus creating a suitable environment for reproduction. In return, Steinernema vector their Xenorhabdus between insect hosts. Disruption of this partnership may affect the success of both partners. For instance, when Steinernema associates with non-cognate symbionts, their virulence and reproductive fitness are affected. In this study, we examined the effect of symbiotic (cognate and non-cognate) and non-symbiotic bacteria on maturation time, gonad postembryonic development, and sex ratio of first-generation Steinernema adults. Two Steinernema spp. were considered: S. feltiae SN and S. carpocapsae All. In vitro assays were carried out by pairing each nematode sp. with symbiotic (cognate and non-cognate) Xenorhabdus, and with non-symbiotic bacteria (Serratia proteamaculans). Additionally, for comparative purposes, we also considered adult nematodes reared in vivo in Galleria mellonella larvae to assess nematode development under natural conditions. Results from this study showed non-symbiotic Serratia proteamaculans did not support adult development of S. feltiae but it allowed development of S. carpocapsae adults. Sex ratio decreased from 2:1 to 1:1 (female: male) when S. carpocapsae adults were reared with the non-symbiotic S. proteamaculans. Cognate or non-cognate Xenorhabdus spp. and/or strains did not change the sex ratio of any of either Steinernema spp. tested. Morphometric analysis also revealed that bacterial conditions influenced adult size and gonad postembryonic development in both Steinernema species. Body size (length and width), and gonad length in both S. feltiae males and females, were significantly reduced when reared with a non-cognate Xenorhabdus species. In S. carpocapsae, males exhibited an enhanced body size (length and width) and gonad length when reared with a non-cognate X. nematophila strain. S. carpocapsae females also exhibited an enhanced gonad length when reared with a non-cognate X. nematophila strain. S. carpocapsae males and females were underdeveloped when reared with the non-symbiotic S. proteamaculans, and exhibited reduced body sizes and gonad lengths. We conclude that development of first-generation adults of both Steinernema spp. tested, in particular time to adult maturation as well as body and gonad size were directly influenced by the bacterial symbionts they were cultured with. However, response to the culture conditions was species specific.
All-Weather Tropospheric 3-D Wind From Microwave Sounders

In this paper, we describe a new approach to measure tropospheric wind vectors from space that has significant advantages over current methods and borders on a breakthrough capability. We report on the results of simulations of observations from a geostationary microwave sounder and, briefly, from a small cluster of low-earth-orbiting CubeSats. The geostationary simulations show a precision of better than 2 m/s for wind speed and 15° for direction. Wind speed bias is about –1 m/s. The transfer function is largely linear. Our studies show that this methodology will meet wind measurement requirements specified by the World Meteorological Organization.
A Review of “Library of Walls: The Library of Congress and the Contradictions of Information Society”

Author Posting. (c) June L. DeWeese, 2010. This is the author's version of the work. It is posted here by permission of 'Copyright Holder' for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Journal of Access Services, Volume 7 Issue 2, April 2010. doi:10.1080/15367961003626981 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15367961003626981)
A Validation of the Student Risk Screening Scale for Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors: Patterns in Rural and Urban Elementary Schools:

ABSTRACT: We report findings of two studies, one conducted in a rural school district (N = 982) and a second conducted in an urban district (N = 1,079), offering additional evidence of the reliabil...
"Yachts and Guns and Bears – oh my!": The Ministry of Truth… errrrr, Department of Education in Trump’s America

Over the summer, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos could not seem to stay out of the limelight. In July, someone quietly untied the Secretary’s $40 million yacht during the night as it docked in Huron, Ohio and the crew aboard slept, causing five to ten thousand dollars of damage when the vessel drifted into the dock. As comedian Stephen Colbert reassured his late-night audience, however, no one needed to fear for the Secretary’s weekend lake plans since this was one of ten opulent yachts owned by her family. In August, she again made a splash when the New York Times reported her plans to evaluate whether individual states can allow local schools to use federal funds to purchase firearms for “safety.” A loophole in the 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act potentially left open the possibility of utilizing a portion of the Act’s one billion dollar Student Support and Academic Enrichment grants to this end. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Education (DoEd) claimed this issue is “getting blown way out of proportion,” but one could easily disagree. The Secretary heads the Federal School Safety Commission, supports the President’s proposal to eliminate gun-free zones on school grounds (because, she argued, grizzly bears “might” endanger children), and belongs to a family whose politics and fortune intersect with right-wing radicalism, Christian fanaticism, and mercenarism. Login for full text: [Word] [PDF] [TXT] “Yachts and Guns and Bears – oh my!”: The Ministry of Truth… errrrr, Department of Education in the United States by Jenifer L. Barclay is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Based on a work at http://rdsjournal.org/index.php/journal/article/view/897. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at https://www.rds.hawaii.edu.
Therapeutic targets for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare and aggressive soft-tissue sarcomas with dismal prognosis. Complete resection, which is the only known definitive therapy, is not feasible...
Cultivating sacred spaces: a racial affinity group approach to support critical educators of color

Despite repeated pleas for diversifying the U.S. teacher force, teachers of color who are committed to social justice are often unsupported and even pushed out via structural, interpersonal, and pe...
Parallelizing shamir's secret sharing algorithm

This paper describes how Shamir's secret sharing algorithm can be parallelized, decreasing the time required to generate key shares for secrets shared among a large group of participants. Using an open-source C implementation of Shamir's algorithm and the OpenMP multiprocessing programming interface, we parallelized regions of the algorithm and reduced execution time significantly. We were able to see near-linear speedup in both the key share generation phase and the re-combining phase. We also observed weak scaling when generating the key shares. Our work enables more efficient secret sharing using Shamir's algorithm.
Music recognition without identification and its relation to déjà entendu: A study using “Piano Puzzlers”

Abstract The feeling of familiarity--the sensation of recognizing a situation without identifying any relevant prior experience—is one of the many ways in which people can experience a sensation of memory during retrieval failure. The present study is concerned with the experience of familiarity with music, and with using music as a means of investigating the auditory version of deja vu known as deja entendu. Previous laboratory research on the sensation of familiarity with music used the recognition without identification paradigm; familiarity was induced during retrieval failure through the systematic isolation of experimentally familiarized musical features (e.g., rhythm and pitch). While strong in experimental control, this method may have created an artificial laboratory situation unlike the experience of familiarity with music in real-life. The present study applied the recognition without identification paradigm to a more ecologically valid familiarity experience with music: that induced by Piano Puzzlers. On the weekly radio program Piano Puzzlers, people call in to the show and attempt to identify the song and the style from which musical composer Bruce Adolphe created that week's Piano Puzzler. The present study demonstrates that the recognition without identification effect shown with Piano Puzzlers is dependent on reports of deja entendu.
Development and validation of a graphic 2D investigator's global assessment instrument for grading the overall severity of atopic dermatitis in dogs.

BACKGROUND Clinical trials enrolling dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD) use validated instruments that aggregate the extent and severity of selected skin lesions; none of these provides a global assessment of the severity of all lesions. OBJECTIVES To validate an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) instrument to globally evaluate the severity of skin lesions in dogs with AD. ANIMALS Forty dogs with AD. METHODS AND MATERIALS A 2D graphic IGA (2D-IGA) instrument was created to subjectively score, with a single dot, the overall extent and severity of all canine AD lesions. This tool was tested for its validity (content, construct and criterion), reliability (inter- and intraobserver) and sensitivity to change. RESULTS The content of the 2D-IGA was first validated by a supportive vote by the International Committee of Allergic Diseases of Animals (ICADA) membership. Its construct was verified by positive correlations between the 2D-IGA scores and those of the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04) and the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index (CADLI) (Spearman's rank-order correlation, P < 0.0001). The positive correlation (P < 0.0001) between an Owner Global Assessment of Disease Severity (OGADS) and the 2D-IGA indirectly satisfied its criterion. Scores graded by the same investigator hours apart and those between investigators were positively correlated (P < 0.0001), thereby validating this scale's intra- and interobserver reliabilities. Finally, the changes in 2D-IGA values during treatment were correlated positively with scores of an Owner Global Assessment of Treatment Efficacy (OGATE; P < 0.0001), thus showing its sensitivity to change. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE This novel 2D-IGA is a simple static graphic instrument that could be useful for clinical trials testing the efficacy of interventions for canine AD.
In vitro antivirulence activity of baicalin against Clostridioides difficile.

Introduction. Clostridioides difficile is an enteric pathogen that causes a serious toxin-mediated colitis in humans. Bacterial exotoxins and sporulation are critical virulence components that contribute to pathogenesis, and disease transmission and relapse, respectively. Therefore, reducing toxin production and sporulation could significantly minimize C. difficile pathogenicity and disease outcome in affected individuals. Aim. This study investigated the efficacy of a natural flavone glycoside, baicalin, in reducing toxin synthesis, sporulation and spore germination in C. difficile in vitro. Methodology. Hypervirulent C. difficile isolates BAA 1870 or 1803 were cultured in brain heart infusion broth with or without the subinhibitory concentration (SIC) of baicalin, and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h under strictly anaerobic conditions. The supernatant was harvested after 24 h for determining C. difficile toxin production by ELISA. In addition, a similar experiment was performed wherein samples were harvested for assessing total viable counts, and heat-resistant spore counts at 72 h of incubation. Furthermore, C. difficile spore germination and spore outgrowth kinetics, with or without baicalin treatment, was measured in a plate reader by recording optical density at 600 nm. Finally, the effect of baicalin on C. difficile toxin, sporulation and virulence-associated genes was investigated using real-time quantitative PCR. Results. The SIC of baicalin significantly reduced toxin synthesis, sporulation and spore outgrowth when compared to control. In addition, C. difficile genes critical for pathogenesis were significantly down-regulated in the presence of baicalin. Conclusion. Our results suggest that baicalin could potentially be used to control C. difficile , and warrant future studies in vivo.
Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes: Placement of Wearable Passive Samplers Alters Exposure Profiles Observed

Chemical exposures are a major risk factor for many diseases. Comprehensive characterization of personal exposures is necessary to highlight chemicals of concern and factors that influence these chemical exposure dynamics. For this purpose, wearable passive samplers can be applied to assess longitudinal personal exposures to airborne contaminants. Questions remain regarding the impact of sampler placement at different locations of the body on the exposure profiles observed and how these placements affect the monitoring of seasonal dynamics in exposures. This study assessed personal air contaminant exposure using passive samplers worn in parallel across 32 participant's wrists, chest, and shoes over 24 h. Samplers were analyzed by thermal desorption gas chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry. Personal exposure profiles were similar for about one-third of the 275 identified chemicals, irrespective of sampler placement. Signals of certain semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) were enhanced in shoes and, to a lesser extent, wrist samplers, as compared to those in chest samplers. Signals of volatile organic compounds were less impacted by sampler placement. Results showed that chest samplers predominantly captured more volatile exposures, as compared to those of particle-bound exposures, which may indicate predominant monitoring of chemicals via the inhalation route of exposure for chest samplers. In contrast, shoe samplers were more sensitive to particle-bound SVOCs. Seventy-one chemicals changed across participants between winter and summer in the same manner for two or more different sampler placements on the body, whereas 122 chemicals were observed to have seasonal differences in only one placement. Hence, the placement in certain cases significantly impacts exposure dynamics observed. This work shows that it is essential in epidemiological studies undertaking exposure assessment to consider the consequence of the placement of exposure monitors.
IJFE editor’s note 32(1)

The International Journal of Forest Engineering encourages submission of review articles that provide a broad perspective on topics of current interest to the forest engineering community. The inte...
The effect of age on the pressure pain threshold of asymptomatic ankles and knees in young individuals with haemophilia

INTRODUCTION Despite adequate medical treatment, many young adults with haemophilia develop joint alterations-especially in ankles and knees. Undetected over years, subtle structural changes cause subclinical symptoms, before problems become obvious. To objectify these silent pressure pains, the pressure pain threshold (PPT) can be measured by algometry. AIM The aim was to investigate and compare the effect of age on PPTs in asymptomatic ankles and knees between boys and young adults with haemophilia and age-matched controls, in order to gain better knowledge about the alteration of the periarticular structures with increasing age. MATERIAL AND METHODS Nineteen persons with haemophilia (PwH; severe or moderate; 8-30 years) and 19 age-matched controls with 'healthy' ankles and knees were recruited. Asymptomatic joints with a Haemophilia Joint Health Score = 0 were included. The PPT was measured on four periarticular points per joint, and the data were analysed with a linear mixed model. RESULTS The PPT of the control group increased with age, whereas the PPT of the PwH decreased. The difference in age effect per year in kPa between PwH and controls was as follows: β [95%-CI]: -15.41 [-31.63; 0.79]. Although the result was not statistically significant (p = .08), a clear tendency was shown. CONCLUSION The results suggest that subclinical alterations in the periarticular structures of these joints may evolve unnoticed over time. However, further research is warranted to determine whether this observed trend is confirmed in a larger sample and at what age the PPT begins to decrease in PwH compared to controls.
Maximum likelihood estimation of odds ratios in misclassified binary data with a validation substudy

We consider misclassified binary data with a validation substudy. For such data various methods have been developed for estimating the odds ratio. It is well-known that the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) of the odds ratio is efficient but requires iterative algorithms to compute. In this article, we derive a closed-form formula for the MLE and its asymptotic standard error. We compute the closed-form MLE on a data set that has been analyzed by other methods, and the results are compared.
Patti Smith Kicks In the Walls of Memoir: Relational Lives and “the Right Voice” in Just Kids

In Just Kids, Patti Smith's relational narration “kicks in the wall” separating autobiography from biography. It alternately takes up the voices of a tender fairy tale of two young artists' quest f...
Hypertensive mechanisms and converting enzyme inhibitors

The introduction of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors marks a new era in the understanding and treatment of high blood pressure. Although the benefits of therapy with ACE inhibitors are documented, it is more difficult to isolate the principal mechanisms that account for their effective actions in the treatment of hypertension. Recent data suggest that these agents affect both the pressor and depressor mechanisms that regulate vascular tone and cardiac function. For example, ACE inhibitors decrease angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction, reduce adrenal medullary catecholamine release, restore baroreceptor activity, and normalize vasomotor sympathetic activity. Experimental work indicates that ACE inhibitors also act on hypertensive mechanisms via actions on the central nervous system. Cardiovascular centers in the brain have receptor sites for angiotensin II and contain the proteins required for local synthesis of angiotensins. Vasomotor neurons possess such receptors and exhibit ACE activity. In addition, angiotensin II receptors involved in the regulation of baroreceptor activity are present in neuronal elements of the baroreflex arc. It is suggested that ACE inhibitors reach the brain via circumventricular organs to reduce sympathetic activity and enhance baroreceptor sensitivity. New studies suggest that depressor actions of ACE inhibitors include enhanced biosynthesis of vasodilator prostaglandins. From animal experiments it is deduced that enhanced production of angiotensin-(1-7) after inhibition of ACE stimulates release of vasodilator prostaglandins. These investigations clarify the function of tissue renin-angiotensin systems in the control of blood pressure in both normal and hypertensive states.
Solar-stellar astrophysics

Nonthermal physical processes in the solar atmosphere are discussed. The solar atmospheric regions are defined, and solar convection and its phenomena are explained. The relationship of the solar dynamo, magnetic field, and flares is explored. The solar atmospheric velocity fields are discussed, and the unresolved problem of the nature of atmospheric heating is detailed. The solar wind heating and acceleration are discussed and the need for global solar atmospheric models is emphasized. The application of these solar nonthermal processes to the stars in general is then taken up, employing the same categories as were applied to the solar atmosphere.
Molecular Organization and Electrical Properties of Mixed Langmuir-Blodgett Multilayer Thin Films of Polypyrrole

The molecular organization of Langmuir-Blodgett multilayer thin films containing electrically conductive polypyrrole chains dispersed throughout insulating domains of surface active pyrrole molecules was examined by several thin film spectroscopic techniques. Reflection-absorption FTIR and NEXAFS spectroscopy have revealed that the 3-ODOP (3-octadecanoyl pyrrole) surface active pyrrole molecules are highly oriented within the film with their fully extended hydrocarbon chains tilted away from the surface normal with an unusually large tilt angle of about 55°. Evidence for preferred orientation of the polypyrrole chains was also found. The multilayer films were found to exhibit very large dielectric constants (>100) at low frequencies and enormous conductivity anisotropics. These unusual electrical properties can be directly attributed to the molecular organization of the film which consists of polypyrrole chains sandwiched between well ordered layers of 3-ODOP molecules.
Emerging technologies and large scale facilities in HPC

Recently developments in microprocessor technology, high performance interconnection, storage subsystem, and grid infrastructure, address pflops and pbytes capabilities for large scale architectures which will categorize large HPC facilities in the near future.
Resistance oscillations induced by the Hall field in tilted magnetic fields

We have studied the effect of an in-plane magnetic field on Hall field-induced resistance oscillations in high-mobility two-dimensional electron systems. We have found that the oscillation frequency depends only on the perpendicular component of the magnetic field, but the oscillation amplitude decays exponentially with an in-plane component. While these findings cannot be accounted for by existing theories of nonlinear transport, our analysis suggests that the decay can be explained by an in-plane magnetic-field-induced modification of the quantum scattering rate.
Obesity, A Disorder Of Nutrient Partitioning: The MONA LISA Hypothesis

The mechanisms underlying different types of obesity have been gradually clarified. Animal models with hypothalamic, genetic or dietary obesity have been examined with a feedback model. Four common final pathways are involved in this model. One of these final common pathways is the sympathetic nervous system. Most Obesities kNown Are Low In Sympathetic Activity states the MONA LISA Hypothesis. A second common pathway is the endocrine system involving adrenal glucocorticosteroids. The third common pathway is hyperphagia. Although not essential for most obesities, hyperphagia may be essential in animals with injury to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. The final pathway is reduced physical activity. The tonic activity of these systems and their response to changes in the diet affect nutrient partitioning between fat and protein. This framework has been used to review genetic obesity, hypothalamic obesity and dietary obesity.
Object-oriented distributed component software development based on CORBA

Component-based software development would allow application software to be largely constructed from existing software components. However, it faces many barriers in component integration, including programming languages, operating systems, communication mechanism, interface, etc. In this paper, an approach to cross-platform and cross-language object-oriented distributed software development through distributed component integration based on CORBA is presented. A distributed component model is developed to facilitate easy information retrieval at integration time. By dynamically generating adapters for distributed components using an integration tool, the component connecting process can be transparent to both component developers and software developers for integration. Group adapters are also developed for replicated component groups to automatically maintain state consistency and active group membership and provide fault-tolerance features in the resulting application software.
Evidence that membrane stress contributes more than lipid peroxidation to sublethal cryodamage in cryopreserved human sperm: glycerol and other polyols as sole cryoprotectant.

One effect of cryopreservation on human sperm is sublethal cryodamage, in which cell viability post-thaw is lost more rapidly at later times than in fresh cells. We hypothesized two modes of sublethal cryodamage: one is peroxidation-related involving plas- ma membrane damage due to lipid peroxidation; the other is mem- brane stress-related involving membrane embrittlement dunng phase transitions occurring during freeze-thaw. If the peroxidation-related mode contributed substantially to sublethal cryodamage, the hy- pothesis predicts that lipid peroxidation inhibitors should reduce this damage. To test this prediction, we examined the effect of the lipid peroxidation inhibitors, hypotaurine, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and a-tocopherol (Vit. E) on the time to loss of motility (TLM), taken as a measure of cell viability over time, for sperm samples cryopre- served in glycerol plus egg yolk medium. These agents had no effect on TLM of these samples, indicating that this mode contributes little to sublethal cryodamage. If the membrane stress-related mode con- tnbuted, the hypothesis predicts rapid recovery of motility in the presence of egg yolk plus glycerol, but slow recovery in the presence of glycerol alone. It also predicts that an appropriate polyol may be both necessary and sufficient for cryopreservation. In the presence of egg yolk plus glycerol, motility recovery was complete within 5 minutes, but the percent motile cells then decreased linearly with time. With glycerol alone in the range 3-12%, at 5 minutes post- thaw the percent motile cells was 5-1 0%, but by 40 minutes post- thaw had risen to 60-80%, approaching that in the fresh sample, and was maintained up to 4 hours. In the absence of glycerol, the percentage of motile cells post-thaw was nil and remained nil up to 4 hours. The polyols, erythntol, ribitol, and sorbitol had similar effects to that of glycerol, but the recovery of motility was not as complete. These results indicate that the membrane stress-related mode con- tributes substantially to sublethal cryodamage. They also indicate that glycerol and other polyols can function alone as cryoprotectants, but that recovery of motility is slow in these systems.
Ligand Requirements of the Human Corticotropin- Releasing Factor-Binding Protein*

CRF-binding protein (CRF-BP), identified as a 37-kilodalton human serum protein, binds human (h) CRF (Kd = 0.17 +/- 0.01 nM) and blocks hCRF's ability to stimulate ACTH release by pituitary cells in vitro. The present study examines ligand requirements of CRF-BP by testing the affinity of recombinant CRF-BP for synthetic analogs of CRF and peptides in the CRF family. The relative affinities of various fragments of hCRF or related peptides for CRF-BP indicate that residues 9-28 are crucial for ligand binding. CRF-BP binds human/rat CRF and urotensin-I with high affinity, sauvagine with moderate affinity, and ovine (o) CRF with low affinity. The marked difference in the affinity of CRF-BP for oCRF (Ki = 1100 +/- 97 nM) compared to hCRF (Ki = 0.17 +/- 0.01 nM), when considered with the importance of the central domain, suggests that amino acids 22, 23, and/or 25 are critical for binding. Altering oCRF residues 22, 23, or 25 individually or collectively to match those of hCRF increases the affinity of CRF-BP ...
Radio Frequency Drying of Latex Adhesive on Carpet

We studied the feasibility of using a radio frequency (RF) oven to dry and cure latex adhesive backing on tufted nylon carpet. The drying and curing step in the backcoating operation often limits production speed. Numerous backcoating machines are running at relatively low speeds (in the neighborhood of 15 mpm), which cannot be increased by adding to the oven length because floor space is limited. Since RF ovens generally require much less floor space than convection ovens, we investigated increasing production speeds of dryer-limited backcoaters by retrofitting with RF ovens. Installing an RF oven along with a conventional convection oven, especially as a preheater, offers significant advantages in this regard.
A Prospective Study of Frailty in Nephrology-Referred Patients With CKD

Background Frailty is a construct developed to characterize a state of reduced functional capacity in older adults. However, there are limited data describing the prevalence or consequences of frailty in middle-aged patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Study Design Observational study. Setting & Participants 336 non–dialysis-dependent patients with stages 1-4 CKD with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 2 (by the CKD-EPI [CKD Epidemiology Collaboration] serum creatinine–based equation) or evidence of microalbuminuria enrolled in the Seattle Kidney Study, a clinic-based cohort study. Findings were compared with community-dwelling older adults in the Cardiovascular Health Study. Outcome Prevalence and determinants of frailty in addition to its association with the combined outcome of all-cause mortality or renal replacement therapy. Measurements We defined frailty according to established criteria as 3 or more of the following characteristics: slow gait, weakness, unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, and low physical activity. We estimated kidney function using serum cystatin C concentrations (eGFR cys ) to minimize confounding due to relationships of serum creatinine levels with muscle mass and frailty. Results The mean age of the study population was 59 years and mean eGFR cys was 51 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . The prevalence of frailty (14.0%) was twice that of the much older non-CKD reference population ( P cys categories of 2 were associated with a 2.8- (95% CI, 1.3-6.3) and 2.1 (95% CI, 1.0-4.7)-fold greater prevalence of frailty compared with GFR cys ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . There were 63 events during a median 987 days of follow-up. After adjustment, the frailty phenotype was associated with an estimated 2.5 (95% CI, 1.4-4.4)-fold greater risk of death or dialysis therapy. Limitations Cross-sectional study design obscures inference regarding temporal relationships between CKD and frailty. Conclusions Frailty is relatively common in middle-aged patients with CKD and is associated with lower eGFR cys and increased risk of death or dialysis therapy.
Spatial distribution of juvenile and adult female Tanner crabs (Chionoecetes bairdi) in a glacial fjord ecosystem: implications for recruitment processes

Nielsen, J. K., Taggart, S. J., Shirley, T. C., and Mondragon, J. 2007. Spatial distribution of juvenile and adult female Tanner crabs (Chionoecetes bairdi) in a glacial fjord ecosystem: implications for recruitment processes. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 1772-1784.A systematic pot survey in Glacier Bay, Alaska, was conducted to characterize the spatial distribution of juvenile and adult female Tanner crabs, and their association with depth and temperature. The information was used to infer important recruitment processes for Tanner crabs in glaciated ecosystems. High-catch areas for juvenile and adult female Tanner crabs were identified using local autocorrelation statistics. Spatial segregation by size class corresponded to features in the glacial landscape: high-catch areas for juveniles were located at the distal ends of two narrow glacial fjords, and high-catch areas for adults were located in the open waters of the central Bay. Juvenile female Tanner crabs were found at nearly all sampled depths (15-439 m) and temperatures (4-8°C), but the biggest catches were at depths <150 m where adults were scarce. Because adults may prey on or compete with juveniles, the distribution of juveniles could be influenced by the distribution of adults. Areas where adults or predators are scarce, such as glacially influenced fjords, could serve as refuges for juvenile Tanner crabs.
Production mechanisms for a new neutral particle below 2 MeV.

Recently observed ${e}^{+}$ kinetic-energy peaks at 336\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}40 keV in several heavy-ion systems have suggested the existence of a particle \ensuremath{\varphi} decaying to ${e}^{+}$${e}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$. We construct a simple model of \ensuremath{\varphi} production by the electromagnetic field of the ions. It is not possible to produce \ensuremath{\varphi} at rest as the data require. If ${m}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}$ is just above 2${m}_{e}$, then a sharp peak in the ${e}^{+}$ kinetic energy can be obtained if the \ensuremath{\varphi} velocity is sharply peaked and nonzero. Our model suggests a mechanism for this via the formation of a resonance in the ionic system for which there is independent evidence.
Numerical analysis of blood flow in the clearance regions of a continuous flow artificial heart pump.

The CFVAD3 is the third prototype of a continuous flow ventricular assist device being developed for implantation in humans. The pump consists of a fully shrouded 4-blade impeller supported by magnetic bearings. On either side of this suspended rotating impeller is a small clearance region through which the blood flows. The spacing and geometry of these clearance regions are very important to the successful operation of this blood pump. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solutions for this flow were obtained using TascFlow, a software package available from AEA Technology, U.K. Flow in these clearance regions was studied parametrically by varying the size of the clearance, the blood flow rate into the pump, and the rotational speed of the pump. The numerical solutions yield the direction and magnitude of the flow and the dynamic pressure. Experimentally measured pump flow rates are compared to the numerical study. The results of the study provide guidance for improving pump efficiency. It is determined that current clearances can be significantly reduced to improve pump efficiency without negative impacts.