cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In-Hospital Initiation of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors for Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Abstract Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor therapy is well suited for initiation during the heart failure hospitalization, owing to clinical benefits that accrue rapidly within days to weeks, a strong safety and tolerability profile, minimal to no effects on blood pressure, and no excess risk of adverse kidney events. There is no evidence to suggest that deferring initiation to the outpatient setting accomplishes anything beneficial. Instead, there is compelling evidence that deferring in-hospital initiation exposes patients to excess risk of early postdischarge clinical worsening and death. Lessons from other heart failure with reduced ejection fraction therapies highlight that deferring initiation of guideline-recommended medications to the U.S. outpatient setting carries a >75% chance they will not be initiated within the next year. Recognizing that 1 in 4 patients hospitalized for worsening heart failure die or are readmitted within 30 days, clinicians should embrace the in-hospital period as an optimal time to initiate sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor therapy and treat this population with the urgency it deserves.
The Middle East in the Shadow of Afghanistan and Iraq

On May 5th-6th 2003, RAND and the Geneva Centre for Security Policy held a two-day conference in Geneva that examined the impact of the Iraq war on the security of the Middle East. This document summarizes the main issues and points of discussion at the conference.
Cognitive and behavioral correlates of caudate subregion shape variation in fragile X syndrome

Individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) exhibit frontal lobe-associated cognitive and behavioral deficits, including impaired general cognitive abilities, perseverative behaviors, and social difficulties. Neural signals related to these functions are communicated through frontostriatal circuits, which connect with distinct regions of the caudate nucleus (CN). Enlargement of the CN is the most robust and reproduced neuroanatomical abnormality in FXS, but very little is known on how this affects behavioral/cognitive outcomes in this condition. Here, we investigated topography within focal regions of the CN associated with prefrontal circuitry and its link with aberrant behavior and intellect in FXS. Imaging data were acquired from 48 individuals with FXS, 28 IQ-matched controls without FXS (IQ-CTL), and 36 typically developing controls (TD-CTL). Of the total participant count, cognitive and behavioral assessment data were obtained from 44 individuals with FXS and 27 participants in the IQ-CTL group. CN volume and topography were compared between groups. Correlations were performed between CN topography and cognitive as well as behavioral measures within FXS and IQ-CTL groups. As expected, the FXS group had larger CN compared with both IQ-CTL and TD-CTL groups. Correlations between focal CN topography and frontal lobe-associated cognitive and behavioral deficits in the FXS group supported the hypothesis that CN enlargement is related to abnormal orbitofrontal-caudate and dorsolateral-caudate circuitry in FXS. These findings deepen our understanding of neuroanatomical mechanisms underlying cognitive-behavioral problems in FXS and hold promise for informing future behavioral and psychopharmacological interventions targeting specific neural pathways.
An Auction-Based Market Equilibrium Algorithm for the Separable Gross Substitutability Case

Utility functions satisfying gross substitutability have been studied extensively in the economics literature [1,11,12] and recently, the importance of this property has been recognized in the design of combinatorial polynomial time market equilibrium algorithms [8]. This naturally raises the following question: is it possible to design a combinatorial polynomial time algorithm for this general class of utility functions? We partially answer this question by giving an algorithm for separable, differentiable, concave utility functions satisfying gross substitutes. Our algorithm uses the auction based approach of [10].
Electromagnetic compatibility characterization of a BAe Stirling-cycle cryocooler for space application

The intended use of Stirling-cycle cryocoolers to cool infrared and submilli-meter imaging instruments on 5- to 10-year missions brings with it major challenges to cryocooler development. In particular, the voice-coil driven cryocoolers need to be electromagnetically compatible with the host instrument’s detectors as well as with neighboring instruments; specifically the cryocoolers must not generate levels of interference that degrade performance or cause malfunction of the cooled imaging detectors, payload instruments, or host spacecraft.
Electronic Resources Pricing: A Variety of Models

Building and maintaining library collections is increasingly complex. Determining pricing for physical resources actually housed in the bricks and mortar facility is relatively simple. In contrast, libraries must select electronic resources that range from databases to online journals to e-books, and these information tools are purchased using pricing models that tax every library with their variability. Are we to be charged by use, individual title, or package? Is our institution quoted a charge based upon enrollment as a whole or the number affiliated with the program for a specialized resource? The possibilities seem to be growing as libraries, publishers, subscription vendors, aggregators, and others continue to respond to the changing information resource and access environment.
Null Subject Behavior in the Attrition of Brazilian Portuguese

The syntax of referential null subjects in Brazilian Portuguese (BP) is the topic of much recent work (Kato & Negrao 2000; Ferreira 2000, 2004; Martins & Nunes 2005, 2010; Modesto 2000; Rodrigues 2002, 2004). In light of the Interface Hypothesis (Tsimpli, Sorace 2006), uninterpretable features such as purely syntactical elements should not undergo attrition. This study tests whether this theory is valid in regard to the Null Subject behavior in the production of BP speakers under influence of L2 English. In order to do so, I conducted an experiment with monolingual BP speakers and bilingual (English/BP) speakers to establish a clear-cut comparison. The experiment consisted of an elicited production task and a grammaticality judgment task. The results of the data analysis show that BP speakers under influence of L2 English do seem to indicate attrition, thus encouraging further studies questioning the Interface Hypothesis. This working paper is available in University of Pennsylvania Working Papers in Linguistics: http://repository.upenn.edu/pwpl/ vol18/iss1/5 U. Penn Working Papers in Linguistics, Volume 18.1, 2012 Null Subject Behavior in the Attrition of Brazilian Portuguese
15 Modification of phycobiliproteins at asparagine residues.

I. Abstract Side-chain amide methylation of asparagine was described in a special complement of photosynthesis accessory pigment-protein complexes called phycobiliproteins nearly 20 years ago. Since that report, several investigations have assigned this posttranslational modification a functional role in tuning the spectroscopic properties of the phycobiliprotein chromophores. Asparagine methylation has not been reported in other systems and is restricted to the broader phycobiliprotein family. The methyltransferase responsible for this modification has been partially characterized but the structural gene has not been identified.
Evidence for weak s-p hybridization in chalcogens

Abstract Recent arguments supporting strong s-p hybridization in crystalline S and Se based on ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy and molecular orbital models are inconsistent with the results of X-ray spectroscopy. However, all this data can be explained by weak s-p hybridization and the inclusion of a small admixture of d states.
Simple bridge method for the measurement of thermal conductivity of gases and gas mixtures

Abstract A simple bridge method for the measurement of thermal conductivity of gases or gaseous mixtures is discussed and its design developed. A rigorous mathematical theory is applied to calculate the various corrections and to obtain the value of the thermal conductivity in terms of the conveniently measured quantities.
Diabatic Heating in the UCLA General Circulation Model

Abstract Diabatic heating rates calculated in the UCLA general circulation model are analyzed. The heating rates are for the December–January–February season for the mean of four climatological runs and the mean of four runs with observed 1982/83 sea surface temperatures as boundary conditions. Vertically integrated total diabatic heating for the climatological calculations agrees well with observations. Unfortunately, the available observations of zonally averaged vertical structure differ from each other so substantially that comparisons with the model are inconclusive. Nevertheless, the vertical structure of the model seems quite realistic and in general agreement with analyses of tropical cloud clusters or middle latitude cyclones. The model diabatic heating is stratified in a number of ways. Zonal average height-latitude cross sections of the heating due to cumulus and large-scale precipitation and radiation show complex profiles for the rates associated with precipitation and much less structure wit...
Discrete signal processing on graphs: Graph fourier transform

We propose a novel discrete signal processing framework for the representation and analysis of datasets with complex structure. Such datasets arise in many social, economic, biological, and physical networks. Our framework extends traditional discrete signal processing theory to structured datasets by viewing them as signals represented by graphs, so that signal coefficients are indexed by graph nodes and relations between them are represented by weighted graph edges. We discuss the notions of signals and filters on graphs, and define the concepts of the spectrum and Fourier transform for graph signals. We demonstrate their relation to the generalized eigenvector basis of the graph adjacency matrix and study their properties. As a potential application of the graph Fourier transform, we consider the efficient representation of structured data that utilizes the sparseness of graph signals in the frequency domain.
Objective assessment of image quality: Effects of quantum noise and object variability

A number of task-specific approaches to the assessment of image quality are treated. Both estimation and classification tasks are considered, but only linear estimators or classifiers are permitted. Performance on these tasks is limited by both quantum noise and object variability, and the effects of postprocessing or image-reconstruction algorithms are explicitly included. The results are expressed as signal-to-noise ratios (SNR's). The interrelationships among these SNR's are considered, and an SNR for a classification task is expressed as the SNR for a related estimation task times four factors. These factors show the effects of signal size and contrast, conspicuity of the signal, bias in the estimation task, and noise correlation. Ways of choosing and calculating appropriate SNR's for system evaluation and optimization are also discussed.
Uncertainties in risk analysis: Six levels of treatment

This paper examines different levels of analytical sophistication in the treatment of uncertainties in risk analysis, and the possibility of transfer of experience across fields of application. First, this paper describes deterministic and probabilistic methods of treatment of risk and uncertainties, and the different viewpoints that shape these analyses. Second, six different levels of treatment of uncertainty are presented and discussed in the light of the evolution of the risk management philosophy in the US. Because an in-depth treatment of uncertainties can be complex and costly, this paper then discusses when and why a full (two-tier) uncertainty analysis is justified. In the treatment of epistemic uncertainty, an unavoidable and difficult problem is the encoding of probability distributions based on scientific evidence and expert judgments. The last sections include a description of different approaches to the aggregation of expert opinions and their use in risk analysis, and a recent example of methodology and application (in seismic hazard analysis) that can be transferred to other domains.
When should radiotherapy for low-grade glioma be given—immediately after surgery or at the time of progression?

When should radiotherapy for low-grade glioma be given—immediately after surgery or at the time of progression?
Cloning of the gene encoding the mouse homologue of the human calcium signal-modulating ligand*

A cDNA clone, representing the mouse homologue of the recently described gene encoding the human calcium signal-modulating ligand, was isolated from a mouse thymus library. This clone exhibits extensive conservation of the primary nucleotide and deduced amino-acid sequences that, when considered with a similar secondary protein structure, transcript size and distribution of expression, suggests a similarity in function.
Comparison of atom probe compositional fidelity across thin film interfaces

Abstract A series of Fe/Ni and Ti/Nb multilayered thin films with bilayer repeat distances of approximately 4 nm were sputter-deposited onto n-doped Si [001] substrates. The films were then focus ion beam milled into the needle-shaped geometry required for atom probe analysis in two different orientations—one with the chemical interfaces oriented parallel to the evaporation direction and the other perpendicular to the evaporation direction. The atom probe reconstructions' compositional profiles were compared between each field evaporation orientation and to a compositional profile acquired using electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). The influence of geometric field factor, image compression factor, and density smoothing parameters on the atom probe reconstructions were compared to the EELS data. Local magnification artifacts in the atom probe reconstructions were identified and were especially evident in the case when the interfaces are field evaporated parallel to the evaporation direction.
Threshold laws for three-body recombination

We obtain the threshold laws for three-body recombination of particles interacting via short-range potentials, taking into account all combinations of particle symmetry. In particular, we show that the recombination rate is constant at zero energy unless indistinguishable fermions are present. In this case, the rate is suppressed by either a factor of E or ${E}^{2}$ for two or three indistinguishable fermions, respectively. In addition, we present the threshold law for collision-induced dissociation.
SUPERSTORES AND THE EVOLUTION OF FIRM CAPABILITIES IN AMERICAN BOOKSELLING

This study considers the transformation of book retailing in America ca. 1970–95. The major transition was less modal sales venues shifting from Central Business Districts to suburban locations than the rise of extremely broadly merchandised ‘superstores’ and their supporting infrastructure. The paper documents two superficially similar but from a capabilities perspective quite different superstore business models, one identified with Borders and the other with Barnes & Noble. The two companies' key capabilities originated and developed in distinctive ways, one oriented around the management of information and the other around scale. Complementarities and the persistence of core capabilities are striking features of the organizational histories, but so is—over a fairly extended period—evolutionary change. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ion mixing of Ni–Pt films on Si

The reactions between bilayered Ni/Pt films and Si substrates induced by thermal annealing and ion mixing were investigated. Thermal annealing of Si/Pt/Ni and Si/Ni/Pt samples led to layer reversal at low temperatures (approx. 300/sup 0/ to 400/sup 0/C) and the formation of a ternary phase at high temperatures (approx. 700/sup 0/C). These results are consistent with those reported in the literature. Ion mixing of both types of samples led to silicide formation without layer reversal. This effect is interpreted in terms of a change of moving species from metal (in thermal annealing) to Si (in ion mixing). The mixing efficiency between Pt and Ni is observed to be enhanced when Si is mixed together with these two metals.
Immigration Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Awareness

The association between immigration status and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor awareness is unknown. Using physical examination-based data and participants' self-report of prior diagnosis, we assessed immigration-based disparities in awareness of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and overweight among 12,124 participants in the 2003-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Unawareness of CVD risk factors is high among all groups, but tends to be higher among foreign-born English and non-English speaking participants than among US-born participants. After adjusting for demographic factors and access to health care, foreign-born participants appear more likely to be unaware of their hypertension and overweight than US-born participants. Immigrants are more likely than those born in the US to be unaware of their CVD risk factors, and therefore may be less motivated to seek treatment and modify their behavior to prevent negative CVD outcomes.
Fixed Wing UAV Path Following in Wind With Input Constraints

This paper considers the problem of fixed wing unmanned air vehicles following straight lines and orbits. To account for ambient winds, we use a path following approach as opposed to trajectory tracking. The unique feature of this paper is that we explicitly account for roll and flight path angle constraints. The guidance laws are derived using the theory of nested saturations, and explicit flight conditions are derived that guarantee convergence to the path. The method is validated by simulation and flight tests.
Critical Issues for Psychiatric Medication Shared Decision Making With Youth and Families

The primary aims of this article are to describe the current context for youth shared decision making (SDM) within the U.S. children's mental health system and to identify important considerations for the development of this approach as a research and service domain. The notion is substantiated in the literature that participation in treatment decisions can prepare youth for making their own decisions as adults, can be therapeutic, and can have positive effects on their self-confidence and self-esteem. Still, the complex youth–family–provider dynamic raises important issues that need to be addressed before SDM can be successfully implemented.
Dispersion of a small-island population of the spider Metepeira datona (Araneae: Araneidae) in relation to web-site availability

Metepeira datona is the commonest orbweaving spider on very small islands of the central Bahamas. Where studied, large spiders built higher, wider and deeper webs than did small spiders, and they oriented webs modally so as to expose the least surface to the prevailing winds. About 17% of webs contained more than one spider, but large females almost never shared webs with one another. All individuals combined, and sex-age classes individually (including large females), were significantly more clumped in 2-dimensional space than random. Moreover, potential web sites for large females were about 10 x as common as occupied sites, were dispersed randomly, and were significantly less clumped than occupied sites. We conclude that a rudimentary coloniality exists and speculate on predator defense, prey capture, sharing of silk and structural support as adaptive functions.
Hepatotoxic effects of tacrine administration in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Objective. —To characterize the hepatic effects of tacrine treatment in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Design. —Controlled trials of tacrine therapy consisting of two blinded, parallel-group trials; three blinded, enrichment-design trials; and their respective open-label extensions. Setting. —Multicenter clinical trials in the United States, France, and Canada. Patients.—A total of 2446 men and women at least 50 years of age with a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease of mild to moderate severity and in good health without significant hepatic, cardiovascular, or renal disease. Intervention. —Administration of tacrine vs placebo, with weekly measurement of serum hepatic enzymes. Main Outcome Measures. —Incidence, maximum severity, and timing of event for serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation. Results. —Among the 2446 patients who received tacrine in clinical trials, ALT levels greater than the upper limit of normal (ULN) occurred on at least one occasion in 1203 patients (49%), ALT levels greater than three times the ULN occurred in 621 patients (25%), and ALT levels greater than 20 times the ULN occurred in 40 patients (2%). The elevated ALT levels were generally asymptomatic and occurred more frequently in women than men. The mean time from initiation of tacrine treatment to first ALT level greater than three times the ULN was 50 days, and 90% of all initial ALT levels greater than three times the ULN occurred during the first 12 weeks of treatment. Of 145 patients who discontinued tacrine treatment because of an ALT level greater than three times the ULN and were rechallenged, 127 (88%) were able to resume long-term therapy with the drug. In all instances, discontinuing tacrine completely reversed elevations in ALT levels, and no deaths related to hepatotoxicity occurred. Conclusions. —These data suggest that the potential for serious hepatic toxicity can be reduced through careful monitoring of ALT levels in patients who may benefit from tacrine therapy. (JAMA. 1994;271:992-998)
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genetic polymorphisms and toxicity to 5-FU-based chemoradiation in rectal cancer

There is a large degree of variation in tumour response and host toxicities associated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation for rectal cancer patients. We performed a complimentary pharmacogenetic study to investigate germline polymorphisms of genes involved in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and irinotecan pathways and their potential association with clinical outcomes and toxicities from neoadjuvant chemoradiation in patients with rectal cancer treated in a prospective genotype-directed study. The germline DNA of 131 patients was genotyped for 10 variants in TYMS, MTHFR, DPYD, UGT1A1, ABCC1 and SLCO1B1 genes. Ninety-six patients were treated with 5-FU/radiotherapy (RT) and 35 received 5-FU/RT/irinotecan. Relationships between genetic variants and adverse events, tumour response, overall and disease-free survivals were assessed. MTHFR 1298A>C and MTHFR diplotypes (for 677C>T and 1298A>C) were associated with chemoradiation-related toxicity when 5-FU was used alone. MTHFR haplotypes (677C–1298C) and diplotypes (CA–TA and TA–TA) showed, respectively, a protective and a negative effect on the incidence of severe diarrhoea or mucositis. No association was observed between genetic markers and drug response. MTHFR polymorphisms can potentially predict toxicity in patients treated with 5-FU as a single chemotherapeutic drug.
Pseudogap formation in the half-filled Hubbard model.

Using quantum Monte Carlo, we study the evolution of pseudogaps in the spectral weight function for a half-filled two-dimensional Hubbard model as a function of temperature and coupling constant. The formation of pseudogaps at finite temperature can be used to distinguish between three regimes: (1) a strong-coupling Mott-Hubbard regime, characterized by a pseudogap which persists even at high temperatures; (2) a weak-coupling spin-density-wave regime, characterized by the absence of a pseudogap at any finite temperature; and (3) an intermediate-coupling regime with mixed behavior, characterized by a pseudogap that appears at a finite temperature.
Pain-suppressed behaviors in the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

Our ability to provide analgesia in wild and exotic patients is hampered by a lack of species-specific information on effective drugs and protocols. One contributing factor is the difficulty of applying data from traditional laboratory tests of nociception to clinical conditions frequently involving combinations of inflammatory, mechanical, and neuropathic pain. Pain-suppressed behaviors have become a valuable predictor of clinical utility in other species; in this study we extend this framework to red -tailed hawks in a wildlife hospital, in an attempt to develop a new, humane testing method for birds of prey. We scored six behaviors in hawks hospitalized either for orthopedic trauma or for non-painful conditions. These behaviors included: movement about the cage, grooming, head motions, foot shifts, beak clacks, and rouse. Movement, head motions, and beak clacks were all significantly reduced in hawks with recent orthopedic injury, but not in hawks with healed or minor injuries (P<0.05 for all behaviors). However, it should be noted that due to stringent admission criteria, and the difficulties inherent in studying naturally-occuring injury in wild patients, this study only included -subjects in four experimental groups, and this limited our ability to fully investigate confounds within our data. A follow-up experiment was conducted to determine potential effects of buprenorphine, a mu opioid agonist, on the behaviors listed above. Buprenorphine in the absence of pain caused minor, non-significant decreases in most behaviors, and had no effect on head movement frequency. This suggests that head movements in particular may be sensitive to pain but not to sedative side-effects of buprenorphine. Overall, red -tailed hawks with recent orthopedic trauma show consistent and marked red uctions in several normal maintenance behaviors. Head movements, reported for the first time in this study as a potential marker of pain in birds, in particular seem to be insensitive to sedative side effects of buprenorphine, while being a sensitive measu re of affective state in hawks with painful injuries. These behaviors can be scored humanely and with minimal expense, and should be considered for further research on pain and analgesia in avian species.
High-frequency hearing influences lower-frequency distortion-product otoacoustic emissions.

Objectives The primary goal of this study was to test the ability of 2 f 1 − f 2 distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) to detect reduced cochlear function in the presence of normal behavioral sensitivity. Design A prospective study was performed in normal-hearing young adults using simple and complex regression analyses to clarify the relationship between ultrahigh frequency (UHF) hearing and DPOAE levels at lower frequencies, as well as the influence of hearing levels for frequencies within the conventional test range and subject age on this association. Methods Average DPOAE levels between 4 to 8 kHz, which were elicited by equilevel primary tones of low to moderate levels, were measured as level-frequency functions, or distortion-product (DP) grams, and related to the mean UHF hearing levels from 11.2 to 20 kHz. The median hearing level for the UHF hearing was used to separate subjects into good and poor UHF hearers. This distinction was then used to compare DPOAE levels from 4 to 8 kHz for the 2 groups to determine if UHF hearing status influenced DPOAE levels at lower frequencies. Results Simple regression analysis revealed that the 4- to 8-kHz DPOAE levels were significantly correlated with the pure-tone average (PTA) from 11.2 to 20 kHz. However, the PTA for 4 and 8 kHz was also significantly correlated with the PTA for UHF hearing. Further multiple regression analyses revealed that UHF hearing significantly and uniquely accounted for approximately 14% of the variance in DPOAE levels from 4 to 8 kHz for most of the primary-tone level combinations. In contrast, neither the PTA for the conventional hearing range nor subject age contributed significantly to the DPOAE variance. Conclusions The findings suggest that UHF hearing influences DPOAEs at significantly lower frequencies because emissions are sensitive to subtle changes in outer hair cells not yet detected by pure-tone thresholds in this region or because alterations in the basal cochlea affect the generation of lower-frequency DPOAEs originating from more apical cochlear regions.
Insulin Degrading Enzyme Is a Cellular Receptor Mediating Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection and Cell-to-Cell Spread

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox and shingles. While varicella is likely spread as cell-free virus to susceptible hosts, the virus is transmitted by cell-to-cell spread in the body and in vitro. Since VZV glycoprotein E (gE) is essential for virus infection, we postulated that gE binds to a cellular receptor. We found that insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) interacts with gE through its extracellular domain. Downregulation of IDE by siRNA, or blocking of IDE with antibody, with soluble IDE protein extracted from liver, or with bacitracin inhibited VZV infection. Cell-to-cell spread of virus was also impaired by blocking IDE. Transfection of cell lines impaired for VZV infection with a plasmid expressing human IDE resulted in increased entry and enhanced infection with cell-free and cell-associated virus. These studies indicate that IDE is a cellular receptor for both cell-free and cell-associated VZV.
The sometime suppressor gene RB 1.

Abstract The idea that the ‘suppressor’ gene RB 1 always acts as a suppressor is questioned.
Improving malaria treatment by increasing access to accurate diagnostic tests: test results must guide treatment

Commentary on : Leslie T, Mikhail A, Mayan I, et al. Rapid diagnostic tests to improve treatment of malaria and other febrile illnesses: patient randomised effectiveness trial in primary care clinics in Afghanistan. BMJ 2014;348:g3730.[OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] Malaria control programmes focus on two things: reducing transmission by decreasing exposure to infected mosquitoes (via residual indoor spraying, use of insecticide-treated nets and prophylactic treatment) and improving diagnosis and treatment of infected persons. Treatment should be guided by an accurate diagnosis to avoid treating persons without malaria, so as to conserve resources and delay emergence of artemesinin resistance. Diagnosis is based on microscopy as the gold standard, with use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (MRDT) as either an adjunct or alternative to microscopy when or where microscopy is unavailable. However, treatment is frequently not based on diagnostic test results, even when diagnostic tests are available. This was a randomised trial of MRDT in two areas of Afghanistan … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DBMJ%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1136%252Fbmj.g3730%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F24948695%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/ijlink?linkType=ABST&journalCode=bmj&resid=348/jun19_1/g3730&atom=%2Febmed%2F19%2F6%2F233.atom
B cell follicles and antigen encounters of the third kind

Defining where and in what form lymphocytes encounter antigen is fundamental to understanding how immune responses occur. Although knowledge of the recognition of antigen by CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells has advanced greatly, understanding of the dynamics of B cell-antigen encounters has lagged. With the application of advanced imaging approaches, encounters of this third kind are now being brought into focus. Multiple processes facilitate these encounters, from the filtering functions of lymphoid tissues and migration paths of B cells to the antigen-presenting properties of macrophages and follicular dendritic cells. This Review will discuss how these factors work together in the lymph node to ensure efficient and persistent exposure of B cells to diverse forms of antigen and thus effective triggering of the humoral response.
Measurements of Inelastic Energy Loss in Large-Angle Ar + on Ar Collisions at keV Energies

Large-angle collisions of ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$ ions with Ar atoms are studied in which the inelastic energy loss $Q$ is measured as a function of incident energy and scattering angle. Measurements are made at 3-, 6-, 12-, 25-, 50-, 75-, and 100-keV incident energies and the recoiling target particles are studied at several angles $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ between 84\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 52\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, corresponding to collisions where the scattered incident particle is scattered through angles $\ensuremath{\theta}$ between about 6\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 38\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The kinetic energies and scattering angles of the recoils are accurately measured, and this, together with the conservation equations, permits determination of the inelastic energy. The average value of the inelastic energy loss $\overline{Q}$ is plotted vs recoil angle $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ and a separate curve is obtained for each incident energy. However, when the various $\overline{Q}$ values are plotted vs the calculated distance of closest approach, a universal curve is obtained which has an abrupt rise when this distance is 0.23 \AA{} irrespective of energy.The $\overline{Q}$ values are a weighted average of the energy losses associated with the various charge states found among the recoil particles at a given angle, the energy loss ${\overline{Q}}_{n}$ of a particular charge state $n$ being weighted in accordance with its abundance. The several values of ${\overline{Q}}_{n}$ are presented for each of several angles $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ at each energy studied.In a few cases a fine structure was seen in the data. For example, in 12-keV ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$ on Ar collisions, the recoils at $\ensuremath{\varphi}=52\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ are found to contain ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{2+}$ ions (as well as ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$, ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{3+}$, etc.). Here these ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{2+}$ ions arise from collisions where the average value is ${\overline{Q}}_{2}=234$ eV. However, this is a weighted average of three just resolved groups of slightly different energies and these correspond to $Q'\mathrm{s}$ of 90, 318, and 620 eV. These are interpreted as arising from collisions where the (unobserved) scattered incident particle is ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$, ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{3+}$, and ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{5+}$, respectively. Thus, individual $Q$ values are obtained for these reactions. There is evidence that the electrons usually leave in groups of two during these violent collisions.
Attention shifting and temperament at 5 months

Five-month-olds' shift rate in a visual attention task was correlated with parent-reported temperament (Rothbart IBQ duration of orienting, r = −.21, and distress to limitations, r =.22), but not with Bayley MDI. Shift rate showed strong week-to-week stazility (r =.67).
Induction of hyperhydration in rats by IP loading with graded concentrations of NaCl solution

IP loads of NaCl solution (1% of body weight) varying in concentration from 0.15-1.0 M were used to assess their ability to induce hyperhydration in rats that were allowed access to water for 6 h after loading. The hypertonic concentrations (0.25, 0.50, and 1.0 M) increased water intake in a concentration-related fashion. Only loads of 0.50 and 1.0 M NaCl solution increased urine output above that of water-loaded controls. All hypertonic concentrations increased fluid exchange (i.e., water intake less urine output) significantly. There was a direct concentration-related increase in accumulative mean fluid exchange (delta FE, fluid exchange of NaCl-loaded group less that of control group). There was also a direct concentration-related increase in the time of hyperhydration. When related to each other, delta FE was a direct linear function of time of hyperhydration. The slope and intercept of this relationship were compared with those found in an earlier study for angiotensin II (AngII) and isoproterenol (ISO), both potent dipsogens. Comparison revealed that slopes, but not intercepts, of the relationship between delta FE and time of hyperhydration for any two of the three treatments differed significantly. These data suggest that a given time of hyperhydration can be achieved at a lower delta FE with NaCl loads than with administration of either AngII or ISO. This suggests, in turn, that loading with NaCl solutions produces a more effective hyperhydration than is achieved with administration of either AngII or ISO.
RADIOACTIVE MONITORING OF OFFSHORE NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS

As the fossil fuel shortage deepens, the role of nuclear energy in the electrical power structure of the world must increase. To date, all nuclear power stations have been constructed on land. However, plans for siting such facilities on the Inner Continental Shelves are well advanced. Among parameters pertinent to site selection are myriad environmental concerns, including radiation monitoring. This paper describes new underwater instrumentation designed to measure radioactive components in the surficial marine sediments. The instruments consist of (1) a rapid bottom scanning device, which detects gross gamma radiation on the seafloor; (2) a static detector for specific isotope identification which is lowered to the seafloor while on station and (3) a shipboard analysis system for data retrieval and processing. To date, these instruments have field tested in investigations of naturally-occurring radioactivity associated with heavy mineral sands and marine phosphorites. The same equipment can be used for evaluations of offshore nuclear power station sites prior to construction as well as for routine monitoring during plant operations.
The geometry of zeros of trinomial equations

Ce travail est consacre a la premiere discussioncomplete du comportement des racines de l'equation trinomialea z r+s +(1−α)z r −1=0 (r, s∈N) pour α variant −∞ a +∞.
Production of Progestational Endometrium in Post-Menopause Women with Δ4 Pregnen-in-17-on-3-ol-17 Administered Orally

SummaryDefinite progestational changes were produced in the endometrium of post-menopause women with Δ4 pregnen-in-17-on-3-ol-17, administered orally, after preliminary priming with estradiol-benzoate.
Hydrogen Effect in Lead Selenide

A relativistic scattered-wave formalism based on the one-electron Dirac equation is used to calculate the electronic structure of PbSe clusters both with and without point defects. The specific defects considered are vacancies, and substitutional and interestitial hydrogen atoms. The results show that the experimentally observed change in the electrical conductivity of PbSe upon exposure to atomic hydrogen is only compatible with hydrogen occupying the Pb vacancy.
Phase evolution during the formation of stoichiometric hydroxyapatite at 37.4 °C

The mechanism of formation of stoichiometric hydroxyapatite in aqueous solution by the acid-base reaction of the precursor calcium phosphates tetracalcium phosphate [Ca4(PO4)2O, TetCP] and anhydrous dicalcium phosphate (CaHPO4, DCPA) was investigated. Phase evolution during the formation of hydroxyapatite was studied, and could be correlated with the kinetics of reaction. Initial dissolution of precursors is followed by hydroxyapatite nucleation and growth. Consumption of DCPA precedes that of TetCP and results in the formation of nonstoichiometric hydroxyapatite. As a result of continued TetCP dissolution, the pH of the solution increases towards a pH at which hydroxyapatite and Ca(OH)2 co-exist in equilibrium. Hydroxyapatite formation takes place in two stages: initially formed, nonstoichiometric hydroxyapatite subsequently reacts with TetCP and is converted to stoichiometric hydroxyapatite.
Near-term/Late Preterm Infants

Abstract Near-term/late preterm newborns are born between 34 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks postmenstrual age and are therefore premature because they are born before 37 completed weeks. More than 360 000 near-term/late preterm newborns were born in the United States in 2004, representing more than 71% of all preterm births. They may be cared for in low-risk or high-risk settings depending upon their immediate transition to extrauterine life. Although they may be treated like term newborns, they are at increased risk for problems with thermoregulation, hypoglycemia, respiratory distress, severe hyperbilirubinemia, sepsis evaluations, apnea and bradycardia, and feeding, which may require longer hospitalization after birth and may result in rehospitalization after initial discharge. Neonatal nurses must be able to identify these newborns as at-risk and conduct appropriate assessments and monitoring wherever they are cared for to insure safe care and to optimize outcomes.
Outcomes of Long-Term Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Purpose Given substantial advances in veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) technology, long-term support is increasingly feasible. Although the benefits of short-term ECMO as a bridge to recovery in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are well described in the literature, the outcomes of patients requiring long-term support remain unclear. Methods and Materials Patients requiring ECMO for ARDS between January 2009 and November 2012 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed separately for those requiring short-term and long-term ECMO support (≥3 weeks). Demographics, ECMO variables and outcomes of patient bridged to recovery or transplantation were assessed. Results 57 patients with ARDS were placed on ECMO during that time period with 11 patients requiring long-term ECMO support (59±51 days). Recovery was the goal in all patients. In the long-term support group, pre-ECMO mechanical ventilation was conventional PC or PRVC (N=4), APRV (N=5), or HFO (N=2). The mean pre-ECMO FiO2 was 0.93±0.13 with mean pH, PaO2, and PaCO2 of 7.3±0.1, 69±26 mmHg, 63±21 mmHg, respectively. Pre-ECMO Murray Scores were 3.7±0.4 and 3.82±0.29 (p=NS) in the long-term and short-term groups, respectively. 8 (73%) long-term support patients were successfully bridged to recovery and 1 patient was bridged to transplantation after a refractory course. 25 (52%) short-term support patients and 8 (73%) long-term support patients survived to 30-days or hospital discharge. In the long-term support group, 4 of the 8 surviving patients had mid-term follow-up available; with 100% surviving, returned to home, and with normal functional status at 1 year. Conclusions Previously, long-term ECMO support has not been thought to be associated with favorable outcomes. This study, however, may provide support for the efficacy of ECMO for patients even requiring support greater than 3 weeks as a bridge to recovery or transplantation.
GEOMETRIC PROGRAMMING WITH SEVERAL DISCRETE VARIABLES: ALGORITHMS EMPLOYING GENERALIZED BENDERS' DECOMPOSITION

Abstract Geometric programming problems in which several of the variables are restricted to assume either integer values or one of a set of standard sizes are known as Semi-Discrete Geometric Programming problems. In this paper several variations of Generalized Benders' Decomposition are described for these problems and some computational experience is presented.
MUC1 oncoprotein activates the IκB kinase β complex and constitutive NF-κB signalling

Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is constitutively activated in diverse human malignancies by mechanisms that are not understood1,2. The MUC1 oncoprotein is aberrantly overexpressed by most human carcinomas and, similarly to NF-κB, blocks apoptosis and induces transformation3,4,5,6. This study demonstrates that overexpression of MUC1 in human carcinoma cells is associated with constitutive activation of NF-κB p65. We show that MUC1 interacts with the high-molecular-weight IκB kinase (IKK) complex in vivo and that the MUC1 cytoplasmic domain binds directly to IKKβ and IKKγ. Interaction of MUC1 with both IKKβ and IKKγ is necessary for IKKβ activation, resulting in phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα. Studies in non-malignant epithelial cells show that MUC1 is recruited to the TNF-R1 complex and interacts with IKKβ–IKKγ in response to TNFα stimulation. TNFα-induced recruitment of MUC1 is dependent on TRADD and TRAF2, but not the death-domain kinase RIP1. In addition, MUC1-mediated activation of IKKβ is dependent on TAK1 and TAB2. These findings indicate that MUC1 is important for physiological activation of IKKβ and that overexpression of MUC1, as found in human cancers, confers sustained induction of the IKKβ–NF-κB p65 pathway.
Fragrance material review on trans,trans-δ-damascone

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of trans,trans-δ-damascone when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented.
Effect of pH on the ocular distribution of a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor

Ampholyte carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (including MK-927) have previously been shown to elicit greater intraocular pressure reduction when applied in ionized form at moderately acidic or alkaline pH compared to application of un-ionized drug at neutral pH. Since ionized solutions should be far more membrane-impermeant than un-ionized solutions, we attempted to solve this apparent paradox. We studied the distribution at 0.5-18 hr of MK-927 in eye tissues and fluid after topical instillation of one drop of a 0.5% solution at pH 4.9, 7.0 and 9.1. Measured drug concentrations at 30 min in corneal epithelium and stroma are approximately 4.5-fold greater after acidic or alkaline application than after neutral application, with the highest levels being found in corneal epithelium. The same pattern is seen in ciliary process, the site of aqueous humor production. Here drug concentration is approximately 60% of that in cornea at 30 min. Free drug concentrations in ciliary process were used to compute the time course of maximal carbonic anhydrase inhibition for the three modes of application. Drug concentration in sclera, uvea and aqueous humor at all times are all low by comparison, suggesting drug movement is from cornea to ciliary process via the corneo-scleral junction. The k(in) for proton movement across the corneal epithelium was measured (k(in) = 12.4 hr-1) from which a permeability coefficient (P = 2.7 x 10(-2) cm sec-1) was computed. Separate analysis was made of the pH status of the cornea 30 min and 1 hr following instillation of 1 drop 2% acidic (pH 4.9) and alkaline (pH 9.1) MK-927, with sodium sulfadiazine and pilocarpine.HCl as pH controls. Stromal bicarbonate at 30 min was approximately halved after acidic drops and doubled after alkaline drops consistent with pH decrease or increase of nearly 0.3 U. The results are in accord with classical schemes for amine permeation of the cornea at acidic pH when consideration is given to movement of acid equivalents and corneal pH. Thus drug inside the eye is in relatively (> 95%) lipophilic form except that trapped in the cornea shortly after acidic or alkaline applications.