cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Patient Selection and Outcomes for Surgical Treatment of GERD and Achalasia.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common disorder in the United States and other western countries. In addition to troublesome symptoms, this condition is associated with impaired quality of life and the potential for disease progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Acid suppression medications are extremely effective for the relief of heartburn symptoms, but don’t address the physiologic derangements that cause reflux. The goal of an antireflux procedure is to correct these defects and abolish the dietary and lifestyle compromises that accompany medical therapy for gastroesophageal reflux. The Nissen fundoplication has a long and well-established track record and new options such as the LINX magnetic sphincter augmentation device allow correction of reflux with fewer side-effects than a fundoplication in appropriate patients. These options should be considered in patients incompletely satisfied on medical therapy and in those with risk factors for disease progression. The role of these therapies in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease will be reviewed in this chapter. Achalasia is an uncommon motility disorder of the esophagus that leads to profound dysphagia symptoms and greatly impaired alimentary satisfaction. Pneumatic dilation offers an endoscopic approach to the management of these patients, but often requires repeated dilatations due to the inconsistent disruption of the lower esophageal sphincter with this technique. An alternative is a laparoscopic Heller myotomy, which offers precise division of the muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter, but requires incisions and lifestyle restrictions while healing. A new therapy, per-oral endoscopic myotomy, allows the precise division of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle as in a laparoscopic myotomy, but is done endoscopically with no external incisions. The role of these therapies in patients will be reviewed in this chapter.
Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase in rainbow trout.

Electrophoretic analysis of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase from liver and blood of rainbow trout revealed a complex series of bands, which could differ between fish. The partial interconvertible nature of these bands was demonstrated with enzyme that had been incompletely inactivated at pH 8.4. In a single population of 40 fish, a homozygote and a heterozygote for an electrophoretic variant allele were found. We suggest that G6PD in rainbow trout liver and blood is determined by two alleles at a single locus, with posttranslational modification responsible for the complex electrophoretic patterns seen. The basis for this variation appears to be NADH binding to the protein molecule. Another variant and other properties of the enzyme are described.
Sex differences in the rapid and the sustained antidepressant-like effects of ketamine in stress-naïve and "depressed" mice exposed to chronic mild stress.

During the past decade, one of the most striking discoveries in the treatment of major depression was the clinical finding that a single infusion of a sub-anesthetic dose of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist ketamine produces a rapid (i.e. within a few hours) and long-lasting (i.e. up to two weeks) antidepressant effect in both treatment-resistant depressed patients and in animal models of depression. Notably, converging clinical and preclinical evidence support that responsiveness to antidepressant drugs is sex-differentiated. Strikingly, research regarding the antidepressant-like effects of ketamine has focused almost exclusively on the male sex. Herein we report that female C57BL/6J stress-naive mice are more sensitive to the rapid and the sustained antidepressant-like effects of ketamine in the forced swim test (FST). In particular, female mice responded to lower doses of ketamine (i.e. 3mg/kg at 30 min and 5mg/kg at 24h post-injection), doses that were not effective in their male counterparts. Moreover, tissue levels of the excitatory amino acids glutamate and aspartate, as well as serotonergic activity, were affected in a sex-dependent manner in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, at the same time-points. Most importantly, a single injection of ketamine (10mg/kg) induced sex-dependent behavioral effects in mice subjected to the chronic mild stress (CMS) model of depression. Intriguingly, female mice were more reactive to the earlier effects of ketamine, as assessed in the open field and the FST (at 30 min and 24h post-treatment, respectively) but the antidepressant potential of the drug proved to be longer lasting in males, as assessed in the splash test and the FST (days 5 and 7 post-treatment, respectively). Taken together, present data revealed that ketamine treatment induces sex-dependent rapid and sustained neurochemical and behavioral antidepressant-like effects in stress-naive and CMS-exposed C57BL/6J mice.
The diagnosis and treatment of aplastic anemia: a review

Aplastic anemia is a rare disorder characterized by suppression of bone marrow function resulting in progressive pancytopenia. A trigger-related abnormal T cell response facilitated by some genetic predisposition has been postulated as the pathogenetic mechanism leading to the overproduction of bone marrow-inhibiting cytokines. Immuno-mediated pathogenesis is confirmed by the response to immunosuppressive treatment (IST) (cyclosporin A+ATG), which represents the first-choice therapy for patients <40 years when a matched sibling donor (MSD) is not available for transplant. MSD hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is associated with cure in ~90 % of patients. IST up-front provides an overall survival (OS) rate of above 90 %, but a response rate of about 60 %. Front-line matched unrelated donor (MUD) appears to be a viable option in children with similar OS and event-free survival to that in MSD HSCT. MUD HSCT post-IST failure proved to be a very good rescue strategy. Haploidentical donors/cord blood transplants or alternative immunosuppressive therapies, such as alemtuzumab, may represent valid tools for resistant/relapsing cases. New promising strategies, such as eltrombopag, are now under investigation. Patients should be offered an accurate diagnostic work-up in order to rule out other underlying disorders, primarily constitutional marrow failures, which may require different approaches.
Employment of 2,6-Diacetylpyridine Dioxime as a New Route to High Nuclearity Metal Clusters: Mn6 and Mn8 Complexes

The employment of the anion of 2,6-diacetylpyridine dioxime (dapdoH2) as a pentadentate chelate in transition metal cluster chemistry is reported. The syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetochemical characterization are described for [Mn6O2(OMe)2(dapdo)2(dapdoH)4](ClO4)2 (1), [Mn6O2(OMe)2(dapdo)2(dapdoH)4][Ca(NO3)4] (2), and [Mn8O4(OH)4(OMe)2(N3)2(dapdo)2(dapdoH)2(H2O)2] (3). The reaction of [Mn3O(O2CMe)6(py)3](ClO4) with 3 equiv of dapdoH2 (with or without 2 equiv of NEt3) in MeOH gave 1. The same cation, but with a [Ca(NO3)4]2- anion, was found in complex 2, which was obtained from the reaction in MeOH between Mn(NO3)2, Ca(NO3)2, and dapdoH2 in the presence of NEt3. In contrast, addition of NaN3 to several reactions comprising MnCl2, dapdoH2, and NEt3 in MeOH gave the octanuclear complex 3. Complexes 1−3 all possess rare topologies and are mixed-valence: 2MnII, 4MnIII for 1 and 2, and 2MnII, 6MnIII for 3. The core of the cation of 1 and 2 consists of two edge-sharing Mn4 tetrahedra at the center of ...
Drug problem recognition among african american drug-using arrestees

We examined demographic factors, drug-use severity indicators, social resources, and personal perceptions as correlates of Drug Problem Recognition among African American drug-using arrestees. In particular, we sought to move beyond the "ethnic gloss" of prior research by including ethnicity-related attitudes, perceptions, and experiences among the factors tested. Multivariate regression analysis suggested that Conventional Moral Beliefs and Neighborhood Drug/Alcohol Problems were key determinants of the perception that one's own drug use is a problem. We cite implications of these findings for help seeking and engagement in treatment among African American drug user.
The phases and mass spectrum with quantum kinks of the Z(4) symmetric φ24 theory

Abstract We study the Z(4) symmetric φ 2 4 theory with N complex scalar fields, in the large- N limit, taking into account its fully quantized kinks. The complete phase diagram is obtained from a detailed study of the effective potential. Kink correlation functions are obtained in the leading order in 1/ N . The whole mass spectrum is evaluated in each phase. This includes explicitly the kink masses, whenever the symmetry is broken.
The C1 and C2 domains target human type 6 adenylyl cyclase to lipid rafts and caveolae

Previous data has shown that adenylyl cyclase type 6 (AC6) is expressed principally in lipid rafts or caveolae of cardiac myocytes and other cell types while certain other isoforms of AC are excluded from these microdomains. The mechanism by which AC6 is localized to lipid rafts or caveolae is unknown. In this study, we show AC6 is localized in lipid rafts of COS-7 cells (expressing caveolin-1) and in HEK-293 cells or cardiac fibroblasts isolated from caveolin-1 knock-out mice (both of which lack prototypical caveolins). To determine the region of AC6 that confers raft localization, we independently expressed each of the major intracellular domains, the N-terminus, C1 and C2 domains, and examined their localization with various approaches. The N-terminus did not associate with lipid rafts or caveolae of either COS-7 or HEK-293 cells nor did it immunoprecipitate with caveolin-1 when expressed in COS-7 cells. By contrast, the C1 and C2 domains each associated with lipid rafts to varying degrees and were present in caveolin-1 immunoprecipitates. There were no differences in the pattern of localization of either the C1 or C2 domains between COS-7 and HEK-293 cells. Further dissection of the C1 domain into four individual proteins indicated that the N-terminal half of this domain is responsible for its raft localization. To probe for a role of a putative palmitoylation motif in the C-terminal portion of the C2 domain, we expressed various truncated forms of AC6 lacking most or all of the C-terminal 41 amino acids. These truncated AC6 proteins were not altered in terms of their localization in lipid rafts or their catalytic activity, implying that this C-terminal region is not required for lipid raft targeting of AC6. We conclude that while the C1 domain may be most important, both the C1 and C2 domains of AC6 play a role in targeting AC6 to lipid rafts.
Allometric and functional influences on primate orbit orientation and the origins of the anthropoidea

Abstract Anthropoids are distinguished from other mammals by their "forward-facing" orbital apertures. Hypotheses regarding the functional significance of this feature have not been evaluated previously. Orbit orientation in most genera of extant primates, as well as several fossil taxa, was measured in terms of frontation (verticality) and convergence (the degree to which the orbits face in the same direction) using methods developed by Cartmill (1970). Hypotheses regarding the allometric and functional determinants of orbit orientation were assessed using bivariate correlation techniques. As predicted by Cartmill (1970), decreases in relative orbit diameter are correlated with increases in orbital convergence and animals with relatively large orbits in diverse lineages have intermediate values of frontation. When allometry is taken into account, anthropoids, tarsiers and lorises have high degrees of orbital convergence and anthropoids have highly frontated orbits. The high degree of convergence in tarsiers and lorises is argued to be an adaptation to nocturnal visual predation. The high degrees of convergence in anthropoids are argued to be the result of cumulative allometric increases in convergence associated with a shift to diurnality at small body size followed by a subsequent increase in body size. The highly frontated anthropoid orbits are an effect either of increases in frontal lobe size or increased basicranial flexion in a lineage of animals with orbits closely approximated below the olfactory tract. The combination of extreme convergence and frontation necessitates the presence of a postorbital septum to insulate the eye against rostrally displaced anterior temporal muscles. The orbital morphology of anthropoids is argued to have arisen most probably in a lineage of omomyid-like animals: small nocturnal animals with moderate degrees of orbital convergence and frontation and orbits closely approximated below the olfactory tract. The divergence of the anthropoid stem lineage was associated with a shift to diurnality at small body size.
Some auroral properties from far ultraviolet observations

Abstract Recent far ultraviolet spectra of four nightside auroras observed with the extreme ultraviolet (e.u.v.) spectrometer abroad the STP 78−1 satellite (Bowyer et al. , 1981) are discussed in terms of two secondary electron flux distribution models. One of these is based on calculations published by Rees and Maeda (1973) and the other on electron flux observations. Using the 1084 A NII line as the norm, the relative intensities of several lines in the range 900–1400 A could be fitted equally well by either model, indicating that some of these emission ratios are somewhat independent of the energy dependence of the secondary electron flux. The ratio of the NI 1243 A to 1084 A emission is seen to yield an effective correlation for the other observed emissions and a reasonably consistent estimate of the penetration depth of the aurora.
Risk factors for late mortality after endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta

Objective This study was conducted to identify risk factors for late mortality after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Methods A retrospective analysis of consecutive TEVAR was conducted. Medical record review, telephone contact, or query of the Social Security Death Index was used to determine 30-day and late survival. Late mortality was assessed with respect to patient characteristics at the time of the initial treatment, preoperative laboratory values, pathology, clinical presentation, and treatment adjuncts. Significant univariate predictors of death were entered into a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. Results From 1998 to 2009, 252 patients (149 men; mean age, 68 years) underwent TEVAR for degenerative thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA, n=143), type B dissection (n = 62), mycotic aneurysm (n = 13), traumatic disruption (n = 12), penetrating ulcer or intramural hematoma (n = 10), anastomotic pseudoaneurysm (n = 4), or other pathology (n = 8). The 30-day mortality was 9.5%, with stroke or spinal cord injury in 5.6%. Mean follow-up was 22 ± 22 months. Kaplan-Meier mean survival was 53 months. Predictors of late mortality by univariate analysis included age ( P P = .03), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( P = .05), aneurysm diameter ( P P P = .02), leukocytosis (white blood cell count > 10.0 × 10 3 /μL ; P P 1.7 mg/dL ( P = .01). Multivariate predictors of mortality included rupture (hazard ratio [HR], 3.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-9.44; P = .03), debranching (HR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.09-4.24; P = .03), preoperative leukocytosis (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.09-1.39; P = .001), and aneurysm diameter (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03; P = .04). Subgroup analysis of patients undergoing TEVAR for asymptomatic, nonruptured TAA demonstrated that debranching (HR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.13-5.39; P = .02), White blood cell count (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.01-1.40; P P Conclusions Preoperative leukocytosis, aneurysm diameter, and concurrent debranching independently predict late mortality irrespective of clinical presentation and may assist in risk stratification.
Automation of Thermoplastic Composite Processing

An experimental model of a new automated pre-preg lay-up process is developed to determine the effects of process parameters on the consolidation and quality of parts made of polyetheretherketone (...
Externalism and scepticism

L'externalisme permet-il, de concert avec certaines theses plausibles concernant la connaissance de soi, une refutation a priori de certaines formes de scepticisme? Cette perspective sourit a certains, tandis que d'autres craignent que cela ne revele le caractere trop compromettant de l'externalisme sur le plan epistemologique. Je soutiens ici qu'on peut contrer l'argument en question et bloquer la refutation a priori du scepticisme. Au bout du compte, cependant, des tensions logiques demeurent entre l'externalisme et le scepticisme, de sorte que la menace d'limplications epistemologiques trop fortes continue de planer sur l'externalisme.
A constraint‐based framework for strategic cost management

Since the 1980s, firms have searched for better ways to align their cost management systems with the realities of their business environments. The advent of accelerated global competitiveness, reduced product life cycles, rapid technological advancements, and inter‐organizational supply chains have drastically increased the need for more effective approaches to cost management. In recent years, activity‐based, constraint‐based, and hybrid cost management systems have been adopted by some firms to dampen the effects of their traditional (full‐absorption) costing methodologies. However, a holistic approach is needed to facilitate strategic cost management based upon organizational objectives, organizational needs and capabilities, and customer requirements. The Theory of Constraints provides the foundation for developing cost management systems that are global, integrative, and strategic in nature. A framework is presented in this paper for using a constraint‐based approach to strategic cost management.
Racial/Ethnic and Gender Differences in Concern with Weight and in Bulimic Behaviors Among Adolescents

This study examined cross-sectional gender and racial/ ethnic differences in bulimic behaviors among adolescents. Subjects were 704 male and 621 female students at a large urban public high school in the Northeast. Approximately 61% of the girls and 43% of the boys reported trying to lose weight or maintain their current weight; 2.0% of the students reported using laxatives or vomiting to control their weight. The use of these behaviors to control weight was only slightly more common among girls than boys (2.7% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.1). Although more black than white girls used laxatives or vomiting to control weight (odds ratio [OR] = 11.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-95.3), there were no racial/ethnic differences in these behaviors among boys. However, Hispanic boys were twice as likely as white boys to binge eat at least monthly (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.6). Our results suggest that bulimic behaviors affect male and female adolescents from a variety of racial/ethnic backgrounds. In addition, in contrast to the large gender differences in the prevalence of dieting and binge eating, more modest differences were documented in the prevalence of using vomiting and laxatives to control weight.
Dynamic three dimensional computations for solids, with variable nodal connectivity for severe distortions

This paper presents a three dimensional algorithm for dynamic Lagrangian computations for solids, with variable nodal connectivity to allow for severe distortions. The nodes are analogous to flexible spheres. When they move closer together than their equilibrium distance they generate compressive, repulsive forces. Conversely, when they move apart, they generate tensile attractive forces. Material strength effects are also included. Because a node can be affected only by its ‘neighbour’ nodes, the approach has been designated the ‘NABOR’ approach. The distinguishing feature of this technique is that it is possible to have variable connectivity. A node can acquire new neighbours, thus allowing all forms of distortion. The three dimensional NABOR algorithm has been incorporated as an option into the explicit finite element code, EPIC-3. By using both the NABOR grid and the traditional EPIC-3 finite element grid together, it is possible to perform Lagrangian computations for a wider range of problems.
Soluble Porous Coordination Polymers by Mechanochemistry: From Metal‐Containing Films/Membranes to Active Catalysts for Aerobic Oxidation

Soluble porous coordination polymers from mechanochemical synthesis are presented through a coordination polymerization between highly contorted, rigid tetraphenol and a broad variety of transition metal ions. These polymers can be easily cast as metal-containing films or freestanding membranes. Importantly, as-made coordination polymers are highly active and stable in the aerobic oxidation of allylic C-H bonds.
Inside the Identity Management Game

Techniques for managing authentication and authorization are critical to the next round of Internet innovation. Cloud-based services, the social Web, and rapidly expanding mobile platforms will depend on identity management to provide a seamless user experience. Although a number of standards have been advanced, an Internet scale identity solution remains elusive.
Epigenetic regulation of fetal globin gene expression in adult erythroid cells

The developmental regulation of globin gene expression has served as an important model for understanding higher eukaryotic transcriptional control mechanisms. During human erythroid development, there is a sequential switch from expression of the embryonic e-globin gene to the fetal ɣ-globin gene in utero, and postpartum the ɣ-globin gene is silenced, as the β-globin gene becomes the predominantly expressed locus. Because the expression of normally silenced fetal ɣ-type globin genes and resultant production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in adult erythroid cells can ameliorate the pathophysiological consequences of both abnormal β-globin chains in sickle cell anemia and deficient β-globin chain production in β-thalassemia, understanding the complex mechanisms of this developmental switch has direct translational clinical relevance. Of particular interest for translational research are the factors that mediate silencing of the ɣ-globin gene in adult stage erythroid cells. In addition to the regulatory roles of transcription factors and their cognate DNA sequence motifs, there has been a growing appreciation of the role of epigenetic signals and their cognate factors in gene regulation, and in particular in gene silencing through chromatin. Much of the information about epigenetic silencing stems from studies of globin gene regulation. As discussed here, the term epigenetics refers to postsynthetic modifications of DNA and chromosomal histone proteins that affect gene expression and can be inherited through somatic cell replication. A full understanding of the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic silencing of HbF expression should facilitate the development of more effective treatment of β-globin chain hemoglobinopathies.
Dependence of Elevated Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I Molecule Expression on Increased Heavy Chain, Light Chain (β2-Microglobulin), Transporter Associated with Antigen Processing, Tapasin, and Peptide

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecule expression was investigated by DNA-mediated gene transfer. Cell surface expression was increased up to 75% by transfection of HLA-A2 or HLA-B8 heavy chain genes but not genes encoding light chains (β2-microglobulin (β2m)), transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP), or tapasin. Interferon (IFN) treatment further increased expression of transfected heavy chains, suggesting that IFN inducible molecules support heavy chain expression. IFN induces β2m, TAP, and tapasin mRNAs. Transfected heavy chain expression increased upon cotransfection with genes encoding TAP1 and TAP2 but not individual TAP subunits, β2m, or tapasin. Tetracycline inducible heavy chain gene expression was also increased by IFN treatment or TAP cotransfection, suggesting that IFN-induced TAP supports heavy chain maturation. Expression of a mutant that does not interact strongly with TAP, HLA-A2-T134K, was also increased by IFN. Inhibition of TAP-dependent peptide transport by ICP47 reduced heavy chain expression. Expression of HLA-A2, but not HLA-B8, was restored in ICP47 cells by HLA-A2-binding (IP-30) signal peptides. However, these peptides did not further increase transfected HLA-A2 expression, suggesting that peptide availability does not limit heavy chain expression in the absence of ICP47. These results suggest that cytokine-induced TAP supports maturation of HLA class I molecules through combined chaperone and peptide supply functions.
Ion-beam induced epitaxy of silicon

Abstract Epitaxial regrowth of an amorphous Si layer on a 〈100〉 Si crystal held at 200–400°C is achieved under bombardment with Si, Kr, or Xe ions. Channeling measurements with MeV He ions show the regrowth proceeds from the amorphous-crystalline interface, and has an initially linear dose dependence. The annealing beam, however, introduces additional damage centered at or beyond the ion range. Amorphous layers obtained by low-temperature self-ion bombardment regrow much more readily than amorphous deposited layers.
Evolutionary relationships between rat and mouse chromosomes.

Trypsin banded karyotypes of rat and mouse chromosomes were analyzed for banding pattern similarities. Apparently identical banding patterns were found, covering about 40% of the genome of each species. Predictions are made as to what gene loci are located on specific rat chromosomes. The problem of the relationship between the genetic content of a chromosome and its banding pattern is discussed.
1634 IN VITRO PROSTACYCLIN PRODUCTION IN THE HEMOLYTIC UREMIC SYNDROME FOLLOWING THE ADDITION OF NORMAL SERUM

1634 IN VITRO PROSTACYCLIN PRODUCTION IN THE HEMOLYTIC UREMIC SYNDROME FOLLOWING THE ADDITION OF NORMAL SERUM
Binding of Pyridine Nucleotide Coenzymes to the β-Subunit of the Voltage-sensitive K+ Channel

Abstract The β-subunit of the voltage-sensitive K+ (Kv) channels belongs to the aldo-keto reductase superfamily, and the crystal structure of Kvβ2 shows NADP bound in its active site. Here we report that Kvβ2 displays a high affinity for NADPH (K d = 0.1 μm) and NADP+(K d = 0.3 μm), as determined by fluorometric titrations of the recombinant protein. The Kvβ2 also bound NAD(H) but with 10-fold lower affinity. The site-directed mutants R264E and N333W did not bind NADPH, whereas, the K d NADPH of Q214R was 10-fold greater than the wild-type protein. TheK d NADPH was unaffected by the R189M, W243Y, W243A, or Y255F mutation. The tetrameric structure of the wild-type protein was retained by the R264E mutant, indicating that NADPH binding is not a prerequisite for multimer formation. A C248S mutation caused a 5-fold decrease inK d NADPH, shifted the pK a of K d NADPH from 6.9 to 7.4, and decreased the ionic strength dependence of NADPH binding. These results indicate that Arg-264 and Asn-333 are critical for coenzyme binding, which is regulated in part by Cys-248. The binding of both NADP(H) and NAD(H) to the protein suggests that several types of Kvβ2-nucleotide complexes may be formed in vivo.
Imaging Nanobubbles in Water with Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy

We present a technique based on scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) that is capable of probing nanobubble dynamics with nanometer spatial resolution. A vacuum-tight vessel holds a sub-micrometer layer of water between two electron-transparent dielectric membranes. Electrical current pulses passing through a platinum wire on one of the membranes inject sufficient heat locally to initiate single bubble formation. In the absence of power input, all bubbles are observed to be unstable against collapse, but the STEM beam alone can cause a shrinking bubble to grow.
Additive models with spatio-temporal data

Additive models (AMs) have been widely used in environmental, biological, and ecological studies. While the procedure for fitting an AM to independent data has been well established, the currently available methods for fitting AMs with correlated data are not completely satisfactory in practice. We propose a new approach based on penalized likelihood method to fit AMs for spatio-temporal data. Both maximum likelihood and restricted maximum likelihood estimation schemes are developed. Conditions for asymptotic posterior normality are investigated for the case with fixed spatial correlation structure and no temporal dependence. We also propose a new model selection criterion for comparing AMs with and without spatial correlation. The proposed methods are illustrated by both simulation study and real data analysis on the abundance distribution of Alaska plaice in eastern Bering Sea.
Microfabricated, Wireless, Magnetoelastic Micro-Particles for the Detection of Bacillus Anthracis Spores

Magnetoelastic resonance biosensors were fabricated by immobilizing a bio-molecular recognition element onto the surface of Fe79B21 magnetoelastic particles (MEP). These sensors can be measured wirelessly and remotely for both in-air and in-liquid bacteria detection. Filamentous bacterio-phage that was selected specifically for the detection of Bacillus anthracis spores was employed as the biomolecular recognition element and immobilized onto the MEPs’ surfaces. Attachment of the spores to the sensor surface due to specific phage-spore binding results in a shift in the resonance frequency of the biosensor. Insitu measurement of the resonance frequency of biosensors of 5x100x500 microns were used to determine the sensor response as a function of spore concentrations of 103 to 108 cfu/ml. Specificity of the sensor was evaluated by conducting tests using a mixture of Bacillus anthracis Sterne strain, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus megaterium spores.
Self-control in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta): controlling for differential stimulus exposure.

Summary Previous research on self-control using macaques (Macaca fascicularis) showed these animals have a strong bias for a delayed, larger reinforcer (Self-control) over an immediate, smaller reinforcer (Impulsive). Typical studies of self-control have used a discrete trials methodology with a secondary discriminative stimulus during the delay periods. This results in a greater exposure to the stimulus representing the self-controlled option and may account for some of the early exclusive preference for self-control observed. The present experiment examined self-control bias in three rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatto) while controlling for differential durations of stimulus exposure. Subjects were presented stimuli via a computer monitor and made choices by touching the stimulus at which point both stimuli were removed for the delay periods. All three subjects displayed a nearly exclusive bias for the delayed, larger reinforcer (self-control). These results are consistent with previous studies, despite th...
A Community without Truth: Derrida and the Impossible Community

Etude de la question autobiographique de la communaute et de l'identite chez Derrida qui s'inscrit dans son rapport prive au judaisme et a l'atheisme. Denoncant toute fusion identitaire qui resiste a l'oeuvre de deconstruction caracterisee par la differance, l'A. montre que la formule viens, oui, oui correspond chez Derrida au reve messianique d'une quasi-communaute toujours a venir, fondee sur l'ouverture a l'infini de l'autre, une communaute impossible sans vision, sans verite, sans revelation
A theoretical and experimental study of nonpropagating free-burning fires

Theoretical and experimental studies are reported on stationary free-burning fires of cross piles (cribs) of wood. Based on the various experimental results which are presented, simplified models of the burning behavior for each of two fairly distinct regimes are developed. For densely packed configurations, the mass, momentum, and energy transfers involved in the flow through the structure are considered. The resultant theoretical model provides expressions for the maximum burning rate in terms of the basic geometric and physical properties of the fuel structure and is found to agree with the experimental results that show that, in the densely packed region, the specific burning rate is a strong function of the crib height and packing density. For the loosely packed regime, heat and mass transfer ideas are combined with experimental results to show that the burning rate per unit exposed surface area is inversely proportional to the square root of the fuel element thickness with the constant of proportionality being a function only of the physical properties of the fuel elements and not the fuel bed geometry. The generalization of the results to other structures is discussed and the predictions are compared with wooden pallet data.
Interaction of Cytokines and Alveolar Cells with Pneumocystis carinii In Vitro

Although deficient cellular immune function is a major predisposing factor in the development of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, the mechanisms involved in cellular immune surveillance against P. carinii have not been defined. When P. carinii were separated from rat cells by a semipermeable membrane, alveolar macrophages secreted substances lethal to P. carinii only when the macrophages were activated by interferon-gamma; normal macrophages were ineffective. Type II alveolar epithelial cells caused death of P. carinii whether or not interferon-gamma was present. The effects of soluble mediators also were tested; recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) but not recombinant rat interferon-gamma or endotoxin was directly lethal to P. carinii. These lethal effects were prevented when antiserum to TNF or antioxidants (catalase and superoxide dismutase) were included. These data suggest that TNF may be a major mediator involved in the killing activity of activated macrophages against P. carinii and that TNF's activity against P. carinii is related to induction of oxidative stresses.
Nitrogen excretion in two species of pulmonate land snails

Abstract 1. 1. Kidneys and excreta of two pulmonate land snail species, Mesomphix vulgatus and Euglandina rosea, were analyzed for non-protein nitrogen components. 2. 2. Mesomphix was found to void no excretory material. 3. 3. Uric acid and guanine were the only two purines found. 4. 4. Guanine was present in significantly higher amounts in Mesomphix kidneys than in Euglandina and may enable Mesomphix, an annual species, to go through life without excreting any nitrogen.
A fully-anisotropic Morlet wavelet to identify dominant orientations in a porous medium

Wavelet analysis can be used to extract local information from a signal or random field. We introduce a new fully-anisotropic Morlet wavelet to identify dominant orientations in anisotropic random fields. The standard Morlet wavelet is a complex-valued wavelet that has directionally-dependent real and imaginary parts but is isotropic in magnitude. Our new fully-anisotropic Morlet wavelet is anisotropic in its real and imaginary parts and also in its magnitude. We use this wavelet to identify dominant orientations in the permeability field of a 1mx1m block of Massillon sandstone. We show that this fully-anisotropic Morlet wavelet is more effective than the standard Morlet wavelet at identifying dominant orientations in two-dimensional anisotropic random fields.
Justice and economic decision making: A model of akrasia

Economics has provided the most rigorous model of decision making. Unfortunately, its severe rationality assumptions rule out psychological conflict. Modifying the standard model to allow for conflicting preferences creates scope for hesitation, doubt, regret, and akrasia. Akrasia, which is doing wrong knowingly, figures prominently in discussions of morality and justice in classical philosophy. The development of a formal model of akrasia along the lines taken in this essay holds the promise of combining the mathematical rigor of economics, the analytical power of philosophy, and the empirical methods of psychology in the study of justice.
C-Reactive Protein, Subclinical Atherosclerosis, and Risk of Cardiovascular Events

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an independent determinant of risk of stroke among both men and women. For instance, in the Framingham Study, the relative risk for future stroke for the highest quartile of CRP compared with the lowest was 2.0 for men and 2.7 for women.1 The association between CRP and risk of stroke among men and women in this cohort persisted after adjustment for age, smoking, total cholesterol: HDL cholesterol ratio, systolic blood pressure, and diabetes.1 Similarly, in the Physicians’ Health Study, men in the highest quartile of CRP also had a 2-fold increased risk of stroke compared with the lowest quartile,2 while in the Women’s Health Study women in the top quartile of CRP had a more than 3-fold increased risk of stroke.3 See page 1662 While the association between CRP and hard cardiovascular events seems robust, the relationship between CRP and subclinical atherosclerosis is less clear.4–8⇓⇓⇓⇓ Thus, the report by Wang and colleagues9 regarding CRP and carotid atherosclerosis in this issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology , and a recently published companion report from the same group regarding CRP and coronary artery calcification,10 are valuable additions to this field. In the present report, Wang …
Survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests with initial asystole or pulseless electrical activity and subsequent shockable rhythms.

Abstract Background Non-shockable arrest rhythms (pulseless electrical activity and asystole) represent an increasing proportion of reported cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The prognostic significance of conversion from non-shockable to shockable rhythms during the course of resuscitation remains unclear. Objective To evaluate whether out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival with initially non-shockable arrest rhythms is improved with subsequent conversion to shockable rhythms. Methods Secondary analysis of data in Epistry – Cardiac Arrest, an epidemiologic registry maintained by the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC). This analysis includes OHCA events from December 1, 2005 through May 31, 2007 contributed by six US and two Canadian sites. For all EMS-treated adult (18 and older) cardiac arrest patients who presented with non-shockable cardiac arrest, we compared survival to hospital discharge between patients who did develop a shockable rhythm and those who did not based on receipt of subsequent defibrillation. Missing data were handled using multiple imputation. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for potentially confounding variables. Results A total of 6556 EMS treated adult cardiac arrest cases presented in non-shockable rhythms. Survival to discharge in patients who converted to a shockable rhythm was 2.77% while survival in those who did not was 2.72% ( p =0.92). After adjusting for confounders, conversion to a shockable rhythm was not associated with improved survival (OR 0.88, 95% CI: 0.60–1.30). Conclusion For OHCA patients presenting in PEA/asystole, survival to hospital discharge was not associated with conversion to a shockable rhythm during EMS resuscitation efforts.
Dielectric optical antenna transmitters and receivers

Optical antennas are critical components in nanophotonics research due to their unparalleled ability to concentrate electromagnetic energy into nanoscale volumes. Researchers typically construct such antennas from wavelength-size metallic structures. However, researchers have recently exploited the scattering resonances of high-permittivity particles to realize all-dielectric optical antennas, emitters, photodetectors, and metamaterials. Here, we review experimental and theoretical work concerning the resonant modes of subwavelength rod-shaped dielectric particles and their use as novel light emitters (transmitters) and photodetectors (receivers). Using a diversity of materials systems, dielectric optical antennas may impact a variety of photonic technologies throughout the visible and infrared frequency regime.
Regulation of erythropoiesis by hypoxia-inducible factors.

A classic physiologic response to systemic hypoxia is the increase in red blood cell production. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) orchestrate this response by inducing cell-type specific gene expression changes that result in increased erythropoietin (EPO) production in kidney and liver, in enhanced iron uptake and utilization and in adjustments of the bone marrow microenvironment that facilitate erythroid progenitor maturation and proliferation. In particular HIF-2 has emerged as the transcription factor that regulates EPO synthesis in the kidney and liver and plays a critical role in the regulation of intestinal iron uptake. Its key function in the hypoxic regulation of erythropoiesis is underscored by genetic studies in human populations that live at high-altitude and by mutational analysis of patients with familial erythrocytosis. This review provides a perspective on recent insights into HIF-controlled erythropoiesis and iron metabolism, and examines cell types that have EPO-producing capability. Furthermore, the review summarizes clinical syndromes associated with mutations in the O2-sensing pathway and the genetic changes that occur in high altitude natives. The therapeutic potential of pharmacologic HIF activation for the treatment of anemia is discussed.
Analysis of Finite Strain Anisotropic Elastoplastic Fracture in Thin Plates and Shells

A finite element methodology for analyzing fracture in thin shells in the large strain elastoplastic regime is presented. The postlocalization constitutive model is based on a cohesive surface dissipation mechanism. We employ a Kirchhoff-Love shell model (and the corresponding discretization by finite elements) and make use of the extended finite element technique in the (implicit) form of midsurface displacement and director field discontinuities. Applications showing the possibilities of this technique are shown, and the effect of plastic anisotropy in the crack pattern is numerically inspected.
Influence of glutathione peroxidase on coronary artery responses to alterations in PO2 and H2O2.

Our previous work suggests that relaxation of endothelium-removed bovine coronary arteries (BCA) to posthypoxic reoxygenation is mediated by NADH oxidase-dependent superoxide anion-derived H2O2 and...
The Arabidopsis Cupin Domain Protein AtPirin1 Interacts with the G Protein α-Subunit GPA1 and Regulates Seed Germination and Early Seedling Development

Heterotrimeric G proteins are implicated in diverse signaling processes in plants, but the molecular mechanisms of their function are largely unknown. Finding G protein effectors and regulatory proteins can help in understanding the roles of these signal transduction proteins in plants. A yeast two-hybrid screen was performed to search for proteins that interact with Arabidopsis G protein α-subunit (GPA1). One of the identified GPA1-interacting proteins is the cupin-domain protein AtPirin1. Pirin is a recently defined protein found because of its ability to interact with a CCAAT box binding transcription factor. The GPA1–AtPirin1 interaction was confirmed in an in vitro binding assay. We characterized two atpirin1 T-DNA insertional mutants and established that they display a set of phenotypes similar to those of gpa1 mutants, including reduced germination levels in the absence of stratification and an abscisic acid–imposed delay in germination and early seedling development. These data indicate that AtPirin1 likely functions immediately downstream of GPA1 in regulating seed germination and early seedling development.
Contextual Factors and Vocational Interests in South Asian Americans’ Vocational Development:

Examining vocational interests is a central component of career counseling; yet, little research has investigated structural differences for specific subpopulations or the role of cultural factors on vocational interests. The purpose of this study was to examine the structure of interests, congruence between expressed and measured interests, and the relationship between contextual factors, congruence, and vocational interests for South Asian Americans. Circular unidimensional scaling analyses examined the structural nature of interests for females and males and found a better fit with Holland’s model for South Asian American females when compared to males. Correlation and multiple regression analyses found that contextual variables, such as acculturation, cultural values, and gender did not predict congruence but did predict vocational interest themes. Gender, acculturation, and individualistic and collectivistic cultural values predicted Realistic and Social interests.
Treatment Modalities Should Be Based Upon Efficacy and Cost: Early Stage NSCLC, a Case in Point.

Surgical resection has long been the treatment of choice for stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), achieving 5-year, overall survival rates on the order of 65%, whereas for similarly staged inoperable patients who underwent conventional radiation therapy (CRT), the survival rate was more like 16%. In their recent meta-analysis, Zheng et al (1) compared the survival rates obtained by surgical resection with those following stereotactic body RT (SBRT). Due to significant differences in the mean ages of these cohorts (66 vs 74 years of age, respectively), the overall survival of the surgical cohort (71.7%) was considerably longer than the SBRT cohort (41.2%). However, after adjusting for age and operability, Zheng reports that the SBRT and surgical cohorts had similar survival rates. Currently, SBRT offers the inoperable patient an efficacious replacement for CRT and the operable patient a viable alternative to surgery. Also, the highly conformal dose distributions achieved by SBRT have led to a renewed interest in hypofractionation, which can result in fewer treatments and a reduction in overall treatment costs. These contentions are supported by the work of Andratschke et al (2) who treated 31 stage T1 and 61 stage T2 patients with significant cardiopulmonary comorbidities, whose mean age was 75 years. The treatments consisted of 3 to 5 fractions, 7 to 15 Gy per fraction, with doses of 7 to 15 Gy in 3 to 5 fractions. The patients’ 1-, 3-, and 5-year diseasespecific survival rates were 93%, 64%, and 48%, respectively. Dose-for-dose, there is no reason to expect the tumorcure probabilities of any of the currently used external beam radiations to differ significantly. Therefore, the optimum radiation source would be that which delivers the smallest doses to surrounding organs at risk per unit of tumor dose. Based upon computer-generated dose distri
A Comparison of the Corrosion Behavior of Nanocrystalline and Conventional Al 5083 Samples

Abstract Pitting scan (PS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques were used to evaluate the corrosion behavior of nanocrystalline (NC) samples and conventional Al 5083 (UNS A95083) in three solutions with different chloride concentrations. The PS obtained in 0.5 N sodium chloride (NaCl) and in 0.5 M sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) + 0.1 N NaCl indicated that pitting should occur in these solutions. These results were confirmed by EIS data that were recorded for up to 25 days. For exposure to 0.5 M Na2SO4 + 0.05 N NaCl the pitting (Epit) and protection (Eprot) potentials determined after exposure for 2 h suggested that pitting would not occur in this solution. However, the initial impedance spectra were indicative of pitting. Tests carried out after exposure for 2 days and 3 days showed passive behavior, but starting with exposure for 5 days, pitting was again indicated for all three samples. PS performed at the end of the EIS tests suggested that this result was due to the increase in corrosi...