cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical experiences with an ASP model backup archive for PACS images

Last year we presented a Fault-Tolerant Backup Archive using an Application Service Provider (ASP) model for disaster recovery. The purpose of this paper is to update and provide clinical experiences related towards implementing the ASP model archive solution for short-term backup of clinical PACS image data as well as possible applications other than disaster recovery. The ASP backup archive provides instantaneous, automatic backup of acquired PACS image data and instantaneous recovery of stored PACS image data all at a low operational cost and with little human intervention. This solution can be used for a variety of scheduled and unscheduled downtimes that occur on the main PACS archive. A backup archive server with hierarchical storage was implemented offsite from the main PACS archive location. Clinical data from a hospital PACS is sent to this ASP storage server in parallel to the exams being archived in the main server. Initially, connectivity between the main archive and the ASP storage server is established via a T-1 connection. In the future, other more cost-effective means of connectivity will be researched such as the Internet 2. We have integrated the ASP model backup archive with a clinical PACS at Saint John's Health Center and has been operational for over 6 months. Pitfalls encountered during integration with a live clinical PACS and the impact to clinical workflow will be discussed. In addition, estimations of the cost of establishing such a solution as well as the cost charged to the users will be included. Clinical downtime scenarios, such as a scheduled mandatory downtime and an unscheduled downtime due to a disaster event to the main archive, were simulated and the PACS exams were sent successfully from the offsite ASP storage server back to the hospital PACS in less than 1 day. The ASP backup archive was able to recover PACS image data for comparison studies with no complex operational procedures. Furthermore, no image data loss was encountered during the recovery. During any clinical downtime scenario, the ASP backup archive server can repopulate a clinical PACS quickly with the majority of studies available for comparison during the interim until the main PACS archive is fully recovered.
Mosaic trisomy 4: Long-term outcome on the first reported liveborn

In a previous report, we described the first liveborn with trisomy 4 mosaicism [Marion et al. (1990) Am J Med Genet 37:362-365]. To our knowledge, since our original report, there have been only four additional reports of a prenatal diagnosis of mosaic trisomy 4 resulting in a liveborn child [Hsu et al. (1997) Prenat Diag 17:201-242; Kuchinka et al. (2001) Prenat Diag 21:36-39; Wieczorek et al. (2003) Prenat Diag 23:128-133; Zaslav et al. (2000) Am J Med Genet 95:381-384]. Three of the more recent reports lacked confirmation of the mosaicism in tissue samples collected from the child after delivery, and likely represent cases of confined placental mosaicism. We recently examined our original patient, N.J., in an effort to provide long-term follow-up. N.J. is currently 14-years-old, and is enrolled in both special education and mainstream eighth grade classes at a local public middle school. Although she generally scores below average on standardized intellectual tests, her verbal skills and social interactions are more age appropriate. Our initial report described abnormalities of N.J.'s right hand and right ear, for which several reconstructive surgeries have been performed. A current medical concern is her entrance into puberty, as menarche has not yet occurred, and asymmetrical breast development is present. Overall, N.J. has developed into a generally healthy adolescent with low-normal intellect. This report demonstrates the importance of long-term follow-up in providing accurate counseling for rare chromosomal disorders.
Conduction Mechanisms and Structure–Property Relationships in High Energy Density Aromatic Polythiourea Dielectric Films

Aromatic polythiourea (ArPTU) is an amorphous, polar, glass-phase dielectric polymer which features extremely high dielectric breakdown strength (>1.1 GV/m), low loss at high electric fields (10% at 1.1 GV/m), and a high maximum electrical energy density (>24 J/cm3). This work presents a study of the structure–property relationships and electrical conduction in ArPTU, and offers a phenomenological explanation for the experimentally observed high-field loss characteristics which facilitate the excellent energy storage properties.
1020 Eliminating the Residual Negative Pressure in the EUS-FNA Needle Before Withdrawal Enhances the FNA Cytology Yield

Eliminating the Residual Negative Pressure in the EUS-FNA Needle Before Withdrawal Enhances the FNA Cytology Yield A. Aziz Aadam*, Young OH, Sahibzada U. Latif, Abdul H. Khan, Mukund Venu, ADAM Schiro, Bryan C. Hunt, R. Nagarjun Rao, Vinod B. Shidham, Kulwinder S. Dua Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, Detroit, M
Returning nurses to the workforce: developing a fast track back program.

TOPIC. Fast Track Back: Re-entry into Nursing Practice program. PURPOSE AND SOURCES OF INFORMATION. Describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a state-of-the-art re-entry program facilitating the return of licensed nonpracticing RNs to the workforce through a quality education program that retools them for the workforce in the areas of pharmacology, skill development using the latest technology, practice standards, and nursing issues. The program consists of didactic content taught via classroom, Internet, skills laboratory, and high fidelity human simulated technology and a clinical component. CONCLUSIONS. The program is a mechanism that enables re-entry nurses to improve skills and competencies necessary to practice in today's healthcare environment.
Variation in antibiotic susceptibility of uropathogens by age among ambulatory pediatric patients.

We compared uropathogen antibiotic susceptibility across age groups of ambulatory pediatric patients. For Escherichia coli ( n = 5,099) and other Gram-negative rods ( n = 626), significant differences ( p E . coli , differences in trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole susceptibility varied from 79% in children under 2 to 88% in ages 16–18 ( p p = 0.015). Uropathogen susceptibility to common urinary anti-infectives may be lower in the youngest children. Further investigation into these differences is needed to facilitate appropriate and prudent treatment of urinary tract infections.
MISR band-to-band registration

During the standard geo-rectification processing of MISR imagery, all four spectral bands belonging to each of the nine MISR cameras are required to be geolocated and co- registered automatically to approximately one pixel accuracy. Two steps of processing are designed to accomplish this goal: (1) a complex multi-camera geolocation and co- registration of the red spectral band data for all nine cameras, and (2) the co-registration of the other three spectral bands of MISR imagery of each camera using their relationship with the already geolocated red band imagery. This paper addresses the second processing step. The geometry of the satellite orbit, the ellipsoid rotating earth, and the separation of the view angles between different spectral bands are combined in a mathematical model which describes the band-to-band line and sample parallaxes. The sensitivity study of this model to numerous error sources, such as variations in the orbit and earth radius, orbit perturbation, and navigation errors, leads to a practical polynomial band-to-band transform solution, and the decision on the usage of either a static or dynamic band-to-band transform as well as the application range of the transform.
Natural genetic and induced plant resistance, as a control strategy to plant-parasitic nematodes alternative to pesticides

Plant-parasitic nematodes are pests of a wide range of economically important crops, causing severe losses to agriculture. Natural genetic resistance of plants is expected to be a valid solution of the many problems nematodes cause all over the world. Progress in resistance applications is particularly important for the less-developed countries of tropical and subtropical regions, since use of resistant cultivars may be the only possible and economically feasible control strategy in those farming systems. Resistance is being considered of particular importance also in modern high-input production systems of developed countries, as the customary reliance on chemical nematicides has been restricted or has come to an end. This review briefly describes the genetic bases of resistance to nematodes in plants and focuses on the chances and problems of its exploitation as a key element in an integrated management program. Much space is dedicated to the major problem of resistance durability, in that the intensive use of resistant cultivars is likely to increasingly induce the selection of virulent populations able to “break” the resistance. Protocols of pest-host suitability are described, as bioassays are being used to evaluate local nematode populations in their potential to be selected on resistant germplasm and endanger resistant crops. The recent progress in using robust and durable resistances against nematodes as an efficient method for growers in vegetable cropping systems is reported, as well as the possible use of chemicals that do not show any unfavorable impact on environment, to induce in plants resistance against plant-parasitic nematodes.
Vasospasm and cerebral infarction following isolated intraventricular hemorrhage.

Introduction Cerebral arterial vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is an important cause of delayed neurologic deterioration. Vasospasm following isolated intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is less common. Accepted predictors of vasospasm following SAH include poor Hunt-Hess grade, elevated transcranial Doppler velocities, and the thickness of cisternal blood on neuroimaging [1, 2]. The role of intraventricular hemorrhage in vasospasm is more controversial.
Rate of convergence in the strong law of large numbers for U-statistics based on a multidimensionally indexed array of random variables

Abstract U-statistics based on a multidimensionally indexed array of random variables were introduced in Christofides (1987). In this paper, the rate of convergence in the strong law of large numbers for this class of U-statistics is obtained using martingale inequalities.
Efferent-induced change in human cochlear compression and its influence on masking of tones

Several lines of evidence suggest that medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferent neurons modify cochlear output to improve signal detection in noise. In animal models, stimulation of MOC efferents reduces the amount of compression in basilar membrane (BM) growth functions. Linearization of BM growth functions may assist in extending the neural response to the signal above that of noise, leading to a decrease in masking. In order to test this hypothesis, effects of MOC efferent neurons on BM compression were studied indirectly in humans by examining the effects of contralateral noise on distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) input-output functions at 1.0 and 2.0kHz. Compression threshold estimates from a three-segment linear regression model applied to the DPOAE functions were derived in order to determine correlations with psychophysical measurements of masking of tones at 1.0 and 2.0kHz. Contralateral noise shifted the DPOAE compression threshold to a significantly higher level at 1.0kHz, but not at 2.0kHz. A significant negative correlation between the change in DPOAE compression threshold and the amount of masking at 1.0kHz was observed, but no correlation between these variables was detected at 2.0kHz. The results of this experiment at the lower test frequency indicated that contralateral noise linearized DPOAE input-output functions, and individuals with larger DPOAE compression threshold shifts tended to exhibit less masking. Under certain conditions, decreases in cochlear compression induced by MOC efferent neurons may lead to unmasking of tones presented in noise.
Random forests and the data sparseness problem in language modeling

Abstract Language modeling is the problem of predicting words based on histories containing words already hypothesized. Two key aspects of language modeling are effective history equivalence classification and robust probability estimation. The solution of these aspects is hindered by the data sparseness problem. Application of random forests (RFs) to language modeling deals with the two aspects simultaneously. We develop a new smoothing technique based on randomly grown decision trees (DTs) and apply the resulting RF language models to automatic speech recognition. This new method is complementary to many existing ones dealing with the data sparseness problem. We study our RF approach in the context of n-gram type language modeling in which n − 1 words are present in a history. Unlike regular n-gram language models, RF language models have the potential to generalize well to unseen data, even when histories are longer than four words. We show that our RF language models are superior to the best known smoothing technique, the interpolated Kneser–Ney smoothing, in reducing both the perplexity (PPL) and word error rate (WER) in large vocabulary state-of-the-art speech recognition systems. In particular, we will show statistically significant improvements in a contemporary conversational telephony speech recognition system by applying the RF approach only to one of its many language models.
The routine use of modified Borelli's lactritmel agar (MBLA).

The original formula of Borelli's lactritmel agar (BLA)(3) which contains wheat flour, milk and honey, has been modified by replacing the wheat flour with dehydrated Bacto Corn Meal Agar (Difco) and by slightly altering the concentrations of the milk and honey. The modified medium (MBLA) is less turbid, less particulate, and easier to prepare than BLA. Although Trichophyton rubrum usually produces a wine-red pigment with BLA, most strains initially produce a yellow pigment, with the red pigment developing later. The corn meal in MBLA reduces this tendency and stimulates the early formation of deep wine red pigment. MBLA enhances sporulation of dermatophytes and various fungi which fail to sporulate on other media, and maintains characteristic growth without developing pleomorhic degeneration. It has been used routinely since 1972 as a reliable aid to the differentiation of T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes. Since 1975 selective MBLA has been used as a routine primary isolation medium for dermatophytes, and has proved to be most useful.
Are There Differences Across Countries Regarding the Effect of Currency Unions on Trade? Evidence from EMU

This article investigates the effect of EMU on the bilateral trade of each EMU country with the rest of the euro area using pooled data in the context of an augmented gravity model. Using the fixed effect in the pooled data, the empirical results indicate that EMU's effect on trade differs across euro area countries. For Belgium/Luxembourg, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain the effect is positive and statistically significant, whereas in the cases of Austria, France and Greece, it is negative and statistically significant. For Italy, EMU's effect on its trade with the rest of the euro area is positive but not statistically significant.
The function and evolution of the Aspergillus genome

Species in the filamentous fungal genus Aspergillus display a wide diversity of lifestyles and are of great importance to humans. The decoding of genome sequences from a dozen species that vary widely in their degree of evolutionary affinity has galvanized studies of the function and evolution of the Aspergillus genome in clinical, industrial, and agricultural environments. Here, we synthesize recent key findings that shed light on the architecture of the Aspergillus genome, on the molecular foundations of the genus' astounding dexterity and diversity in secondary metabolism, and on the genetic underpinnings of virulence in Aspergillus fumigatus, one of the most lethal fungal pathogens. Many of these insights dramatically expand our knowledge of fungal and microbial eukaryote genome evolution and function and argue that Aspergillus constitutes a superb model clade for the study of functional and comparative genomics.
Issues in Education: The Power of Relationship and Behavior Management

(2009). Issues in Education: The Power of Relationship and Behavior Management. Childhood Education: Vol. 86, No. 1, pp. 33-34.
Stress response pathways protect germ cells from omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid-mediated toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Polyunsaturated fatty acids serve both structural and functional roles as membrane components and precursors for a number of different factors involved in inflammation and signaling. These fatty acids are required in the human diet, although excess dietary intake of omega-6 fatty polyunsaturated fatty acids may have a negative influence on human health. In the model nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, dietary exposure to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), an omega-6 fatty acid, causes the destruction of germ cells and leads to sterility. In this study we used genetic and microscopic approaches to further characterize this phenomenon. We found that strains carrying mutations in genes involved in lipid homeostasis enhanced sterility phenotypes, while mutations reducing the activity of the conserved insulin/IGF signaling pathway suppressed sterility phenotypes. Exposure to a mild heat stress prior to omega-6 fatty acid treatment led to an adaptive or hormetic response, resulting in less sterility. Mutations in skn-1 and knockdown of genes encoding phase II detoxification enzymes led to increased sterility in the presence of dietary DGLA. Thus, detoxification systems and genetic changes that increase overall stress responses protect the germ cells from destruction. Microscopic analyses revealed that dietary DGLA leads to deterioration of germ cell membranes in the proliferative and transition zones of the developing germ line. Together, these data demonstrate that specific omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, or molecules derived from them, are transported to the germ line where they disrupt the rapidly expanding germ cell membranes, leading to germ cell death.
Dystonia-predominant adult-onset Huntington disease: association between motor phenotype and age of onset in adults.

Background In juvenile Huntington disease (HD), dystonia as well as parkinsonism and eye movement abnormalities may be the predominant motor signs rather than chorea. Several patients have come to our attention with adult-onset HD in whom there is prominent dystonia and minimal chorea (ie, an adult-onset form of HD that resembles juvenile HD). Objectives To estimate the prevalence of these cases of dystonia-predominant HD in a clinic and to study the relationship between the motor phenotype and age of onset in HD. Methods The Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) was administered to 127 subjects during their initial visit to the Huntington's Disease Center at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, where dystonia, chorea, bradykinesia, rigidity, and eye movements were rated. The dystonia score was the mean UHDRS rating of dystonia in 5 body regions; the chorea score, the mean rating of chorea in 7 regions; the bradykinesia score, the mean rating of axial and limb bradykinesia; the rigidity score, the mean rating of rigidity in both arms; and the eye movement score, the mean rating of ocular pursuit, saccade initiation, and velocity. Dystonia-predominant HD was defined by the severity of dystonia relative to the severity of chorea. Results Fifteen (11.8%) of 127 subjects had dystonia-predominant HD. Age of onset correlated negatively ( r = −0.22, P = .02) with the dystonia score divided by the chorea score and negatively ( r = −0.28, P = .002) with the severity of dystonia, bradykinesia, and eye movement abnormalities relative to chorea (ie, [(dystonia score + bradykinesia score + eye movement score)/3] − chorea score), suggesting that subjects with younger ages of onset had more severe dystonia, bradykinesia, and eye movement abnormalities relative to chorea. Conclusions Cases of adult-onset HD with prominent dystonia and a paucity of chorea may represent 1 in 8 cases in specialty clinics. Age of onset was clearly associated with the motor phenotype. A younger age of onset was associated with more severe dystonia, bradykinesia, and eye movement abnormalities relative to chorea, supporting the notion that in adult-onset HD, the motor phenotype forms a continuum with respect to age of onset.
Structured mesh generation with smoothness controls

In geometrically complex domains, the Ryskin and Leal (RL) orthogonal mesh generation system may cause mesh distortion and overlapping problems when using the ‘weak constraint’ method with specified boundary point distribution for all boundaries. To resolve these problems, an improved RL system with automatic smoothness control is proposed. In this improved RL system, the automatic smoothness control mechanism is based on five types of smoothness conditions and includes the self-adjustment mechanism and the auto-evaluation mechanism for an empirical parameter. The proposed system is illustrated using several test examples. Several applications to natural domains are also demonstrated. It is shown that the improved RL system is capable of resolving the above problems at little cost of orthogonality. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rate of Urinary Retention in Adults With Down Syndrome: A Prospective Study

Purpose: Down syndrome (DS) is associated with a higher incidence of many medical conditions, but little information regarding urinary retention exists. We assessed the urinary retention rates in a group of adults with DS and compared the characteristics of patients with and without urinary retention. Methods: A prospective observational study of adults with DS was conducted. Patients were recruited at their regularly scheduled medical appointments. A noninvasive bladder volume instrument, the BladderScan BVI 3000, was used to determine the bladder volume after voiding. Results: We enrolled 66 patients (mean age, 36.6 years). Of these, 6 patients (9%) had urinary retention. Patients with urinary retention were significantly older (46.5 vs 35.6 years old; P = .022) and had higher rates of urinary frequency (P = .003) than patients without urinary retention. No other differences were statistically significant. Of the 6 patients with urinary retention, most (83.3%) were men and 45 years of age or older. Urinary frequency was the most common symptom associated with the diagnosis of urinary retention. Conclusions: The reported frequency and symptoms of urinary retention in adults with DS who are older than 45 years of age can be used to guide further clinical evaluation for urinary retention.
Improved Monte Carlo renormalization group method

An extensive program to analyze critical systems using an improved Monte Carlo renormalization group method (IMCRG),(1) being undertaken at LANL and Cornell, is described. Here we first briefly rview the method and then list some of the topics being investigated.
Cardiac Malformations Associated with Down's Syndrome

A review of 55 specimens with congenital heart disease from subjects with Down's syndrome (Mongolism) showed a variety of malformations. For each case a major anomaly was identified and, when present, additional anomalies were recorded. The three leading types of major anomalies, in order of decreasing frequency, were (1) persistent common atrioventricular canal (60%), isolated ventricular septal defect (29%), and tetralogy of Fallot either alone or in association with persistent common atrioventricular canal (14.5%). Of the additional anomalies, the most common took the form either of an atrial septal defect at the fossa ovalis (50%) or patent ductus arteriosus (47%).
The Metaphor of Nurse as Guest With Ethical Implications for Nursing and Healthcare

Current healthcare advertising and customer relations terminology acknowledge that healthcare providers, including nurses, are to act as hosts for persons who enter into healthcare agencies and institutions. Indeed, much has been written aligning nursing and other healthcare services with consumer-oriented roles of the hospitality service industry commonly associated with hotels and restaurants. From a human becoming perspective, this article discusses possible ethical, administrative, and practice implications of nurses acting as guests entering into the lives of those we serve.
Functional Specialization of Membrane-Bound Ribosomes in Eukaryotic Cells

Ultrastructural studies have revealed a very high degree of macromolecular organization in eukaryotic cells. The plasma membrane, the nuclear envelope, and the membranes of cytoplasmic organelles create subcellular compartments with specific functions and macromolecular composition. The limiting membranes of these compartments and the structures within them rely for their function on the precise spatial organization of specific protein constituents. There is therefore considerable interest in understanding the processes which coordinate the biogenesis of membrane components with their assembly into cellular membranes. This requires an elucidation of the mechanisms which ensure that newly synthesized proteins and phospholipids are transferred to their sites of function. For many proteins this entails transfer between several compartments and for some, extensive structural modifications. For secretory proteins and for some proteins in the outer face of plasma membranes discharge towards the extracellular environment eventually occurs.
Elevated glucose inhibits VEGF-A-mediated endocardial cushion formation: modulation by PECAM-1 and MMP-2

Atrioventricular (AV) septal defects resulting from aberrant endocardial cushion (EC) formation are observed at increased rates in infants of diabetic mothers. EC formation occurs via an epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT), involving transformation of endocardial cells into mesenchymal cells, migration, and invasion into extracellular matrix. Here, we report that elevated glucose inhibits EMT by reducing myocardial vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). This effect is reversed with exogenous recombinant mouse VEGF-A165, whereas addition of soluble VEGF receptor-1 blocks EMT. We show that disruption of EMT is associated with persistence of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and decreased matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression. These findings correlate with retention of a nontransformed endocardial sheet and lack of invasion. The MMP inhibitor GM6001 blocks invasion, whereas explants from PECAM-1 deficient mice exhibit MMP-2 induction and normal EMT in high glucose. PECAM-1–negative endothelial cells are highly motile and express more MMP-2 than do PECAM-1–positive endothelial cells. During EMT, loss of PECAM-1 similarly promotes single cell motility and MMP-2 expression. Our findings suggest that high glucose-induced inhibition of AV cushion morphogenesis results from decreased myocardial VEGF-A expression and is, in part, mediated by persistent endocardial cell PECAM-1 expression and failure to up-regulate MMP-2 expression.
Implications of welfare reform for child health: emerging challenges for clinical practice and policy.

* Abbreviations: PRWORA = : Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act • AFDC = : Aid to Families With Dependent Children • TANF = : Temporary Assistance for Needy Families • SCHIP = : State Child Health Insurance Program • SSI = : Supplemental Security Income The passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) in 1996 represented one of the most profound developments in American social policy since the Great Society programs of the mid- 1960s and has the potential to affect the health of millions of American children. The overall purpose of the legislation, commonly referred to as welfare reform, was to decrease reliance on welfare and increase the economic independence of poor families. Its impact has been far-reaching, affecting many determinants of child health and well-being, such as family resources, reproductive choices, maternal employment, parental supervision, childcare, and access to health insurance. The implementation of PRWORA has been associated with unprecedented declines in the number of children receiving public benefits. In the first 2 years after welfare reform, the number of children receiving welfare benefits fell by 28%.1,2 In addition, the number of children enrolled in Medicaid, the principal public health insurance program for poor children in the United States, also fell, despite provisions in the legislation to extend Medicaid coverage to all children who lose welfare benefits.3 Similarly, the number of children receiving food stamps has dropped by 20% between 1996 and 1998.4–6 Although there is consensus that both growth in the economy and welfare policies themselves have contributed to these declines, the exact proportion attributable to each factor remains unclear.7–9 This discussion considers how these major shifts in public support for poor children and their families are likely to affect patterns of child health and the provision of clinical services to children. It addresses these concerns by exploring 4 related issues: the elements of the welfare legislation most likely to affect child health, the impact of this legislation on enrollment in public programs for children, the potential health effects of welfare reform, and the …
The role of attention in feature detection and conjunction discrimination: An electrophysiological analysis

An electrophysiological probe technique was used to ascertain whether the same attentional mechanisms are employed for both the detection of simple visual features and the discrimination of conjunctions of features. Visual search arrays containing 14 grey items and 2 colored items were presented; one color was designated relevant for each trial block. Subjects were required to report the presence or absence of the relevant color (feature detection condition) or the shape of the relevantly-colored item (conjunction discrimination condition). Shortly after the onset of the search array, a task-irrelevant probe stimulus was flashed at the location of the relevant or irrelevant color and the event-related potential (ERP) produced by this stimulus was used to assess sensory processing at the probed location. Probes presented at the location of the relevant color were found to elicit enhanced ERP components and probes presented on the opposite side of the display from the relevant color elicited suppressed components. These effects were observed in both the detection and discrimination conditions, indicating that spatially restricted attentional processes are used for both the detection of simple features and the discrimination of conjunctions. However, one ERP component (the PI wave) exhibited these effects in the discrimination condition but not in the detection condition, indicating that conjunction discrimination utilizes additional attentional processes beyond those required for feature detection.
The structure of Polycomb-repressed chromatin in the bithorax complex

The 300 kb of the Drosophila bithorax complex (BX-C) is the original model for studying Hox gene repression by Polycomb group proteins. Decades of genetic experiments have led to the hypothesis that Polycomb organizes BX-C chromatin differently in each of the abdominal parasegments, and the structure of the chromatin is critical for maintaining cell identity. Studying the molecular organization of chromatin in individual parasegments has been technically difficult. We solved this problem by developing a sorted nuclei ChIP-seq pipeline. In this system, transgenic embryos produce tagged nuclei in single parasegments. Using FACS, we sorted these tagged nuclei and performed small-scale ChIP-seq. Initial results show that a histone mark catalyzed by Polycomb group proteins, trimethylated histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3), covers less of the BX-C as we move from PS5 to PS7. The boundaries of the H3K27 methylation correlate precisely with previously identified CTCF binding sites, a protein known to act as a chromatin barrier. Correspondingly, a mark that correlates with gene activation, H3K4me3, appears over the transcription start sites of BX-C genes that are not associated with Polycomb histone methyltransferase activity. Going forward, we will assay the localization of Polycomb group proteins and many other chromatin regulatory proteins to gain a complete picture of the chromatin environment that regulates Hox gene expression in the developing embryo. Still, the current results offer a compelling first look at BX-C chromatin in vivo, and provide molecular support to a long-standing genetic hypothesis.
The Storm Lab: Meteorology in the Austrian Alps

What, if anything, uniquely defines the mountain as a “laboratory of nature”? Here, this question is considered from the perspective of meteorology. Mountains played a central role in the early history of modern meteorology. The first permanent year-round high-altitude weather stations were built in the 1880s but largely fell out of use by the turn of the twentieth century, not to be revived until the 1930s. This paper considers the unlikely survival of the Sonnblick observatory (3105 m.) in the Austrian Alps. By examining the arguments of the Sonnblick's critics and defenders, it reveals a seemingly paradoxical definition of the mountain as a space that simultaneously maximized isolation and communication. Drawing on the social and environmental history of the Alps, it shows how the Sonnblick came to appear as the perfect embodiment of this paradox.
Does inhibitory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation augment functional task practice to improve arm recovery in chronic stroke

Introduction. Restoration of upper extremity (UE) functional use remains a challenge for individuals following stroke. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive modality that modulates cortical excitability and is being explored as a means to potentially ameliorate these deficits. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, in the presence of chronic stroke, the effects of low-frequency rTMS to the contralesional hemisphere as an adjuvant to functional task practice (FTP), to improve UE functional ability. Methods. Twenty-two individuals with chronic stroke and subsequent moderate UE deficits were randomized to receive 16 sessions (4 times/week for 4 weeks) of either real-rTMS or sham-rTMS followed by 1-hour of paretic UE FTP. Results. No differences in UE outcomes were revealed between the real-rTMS and sham-rTMS intervention groups. After adjusting for baseline differences, no differences were revealed in contralesional cortical excitability postintervention. In a secondary analysis, data pooled across both groups revealed small, but statistically significant, improvements in UE behavioral measures. Conclusions. rTMS did not augment changes in UE motor ability in this population of individuals with chronic stroke. The chronicity of our participant cohort and their degree of UE motor impairment may have contributed to inability to produce marked effects using rTMS.
Prey Chemical Discrimination by the Desert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea): A Comparison of Invertebrate and Vertebrate Prey

Abstract We investigated responses of adult and juvenile Desert Nightsnakes (Hypsiglena chlorophaea) to odor extracts of potential invertebrate and vertebrate prey. Snakes were collected during 2009 from three localities in Washington state. We obtained odor from three potential invertebrate prey—spider (Tegenaria spp.), scorpion (Paruroctonus boreus), and field cricket (Gryllus spp.)—and compared responses with a vertebrate prey item, a Western Terrestrial Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans). All potential prey items were collected at the same site as H. chlorophaea. We presented odors on 15-cm cotton swabs held 2.5 cm in front of the snake's snout. For each trial we recorded the number of tongue flicks in 60 sec, the latency to first tongue flick, and whether the stimulus elicited an attack. We observed no significant difference in latency of responses between spider, scorpion, cricket, or snake odors. However, both adult and juvenile H. chlorophaea responded with higher tongue-flick rates to snake odor. J...
Photoresist and Fluorocarbon Postplasma Etch Residue Removal Using Electrochemically Generated Radical Anions

Integration of new materials into semiconductor manufacturing sequences demands cleaning processes that are compatible with copper and low dielectric constant (low-k) materials. Conventional oxidative cleaning processes are currently used to remove fluorocarbon-based postplasma etch residues; however, these processes are generally incompatible with organic-containing low-k candidate materials. A photoresist removal and etch residue cleaning process based on reductive naphthalene radical anion chemistry has been developed and evaluated on patterned low-k etch residue samples. Solutions of naphthalene radical anions are generated by electrolysis using platinum electrodes in a split electrochemical cell. The radical anion process cleans effectively at room temperature and thus requires no elevated temperature steps for film removal or surface drying. The removal mechanism is a synergistic combination of solvent swelling and fluorocarbon attack, resulting in effective etch-residue removal; removal from vias as small as 130 nm has been demonstrated. Preliminary investigations indicate chemical compatibility with both Coral and methylsilsesquioxane low-k materials.
Interactions between Humans and Wildlife: Landowner Experiences Regarding Wildlife Damage, Ownership and Benefits in Laikipia District, Kenya

Substantial biological diversity exists in areas outside protected areas and its survival depends on the goodwill extended by private landown­ers. To ensure that those landowners contribute to biodiversity conservation efforts in mutually beneficial partnerships, it is important to understand their socio-economic backgrounds and historical heritage, land use patterns and expectations, and biodiversity education needs as a basis of formulating in­clusive conservation policies. The goal of this study was to explore some of the issues arising from interactions between local landowners and wildlife in a prominent wildlife area in Kenya. Interviews were conducted with 377 pri­vate landowners in Laikipia District of north-central Kenya falling in three categories: small-scale, pastoralist and large-scale. Landowners differed in many respects regarding wildlife benefits, wildlife damage and mitigation, benefits, ownership and possible solutions primarily based on their economic backgrounds, land-parcel size and land use, traditional history and knowl­edge about biodiversity. In all ownerships, the elephant (Loxodonta africana)was the most dominant animal in terms of size and its potential to cause in­jury or death and damage to property. The most favoured methods of deter­ring wildlife were traditional (in small-scale and pastoralist ownerships)including bonfires, iron-sheet beating and sound whips; while in many large ownerships modern methods were favoured, primarily the use of firearms to shoot in the air. Many landowners stated that benefiting from wildlife utilisa­tion directly, was very important to them. Suggested long-term solutions emphasised direct wildlife benefits, compensation for property damages, problem animal control, investment in development projects and biodiversity education.
Association between serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and gingival inflammation

Background: Vitamin D has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects in in vitro and in animal studies. However, data from clinical studies of inflammatory diseases are scarce. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] and gingival inflammation. Design: We analyzed data from 77 503 gingival units (teeth) in 6700 never smokers aged 13 to >90 y from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multiple logistic regression models adjusted for subject- and site-specific covariates included age, sex, race-ethnicity, income, body mass index, diabetes, use of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy among women, intake of vitamin C, missing teeth, full crown coverage, presence of calculus, frequency of dental visits, and dental examiner and survey phase. Generalized estimating equations were used to account for correlated observations within subjects. Results: Compared with sites in subjects in the lowest 25(OH)D quintile, sites in subjects in the highest 25(OH)D quintile were 20% (95% CI: 8%, 31%) less likely to bleed on gingival probing (P for trend < 0.001). The association appeared to be linear over the entire 25(OH)D range, was consistent across racial or ethnic groups, and was similar among men and women as well as among users and nonusers of vitamin and mineral supplements. Conclusions: Vitamin D may reduce susceptibility to gingival inflammation through its antiinflammatory effects. Gingivitis may be a useful clinical model to evaluate the antiinflammatory effects of vitamin D.
Outcomes of mitral valve surgery in the elderly

As the US population ages, the burden of mitral valve disease has become an increasingly important and controversial issue. Traditionally, elderly patients have been denied surgical intervention due to poor preoperative functional status and higher risk for postoperative morbidity and mortality. Over the last decade, as the field has evolved, more elderly patients are being considered for surgical management. In this review, we examine the literature surrounding the safety of mitral valve surgery in the elderly, the type of procedure these patients should undergo, and the survival and quality of life associated with these interventions. Additionally, we examine some of the new technologies and advancements in the field that may allow for surgical intervention in patients who would otherwise be denied this treatment.
Differential Effects of Calcium Ions on Glycoconiugate Secretion by Canine Tracheal Explants

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Optical coherence tomography assessment of the mechanistic effects of rotational and orbital atherectomy in severely calcified coronary lesions

Objectives This study sought to assess the mechanistic effect of rotational atherectomy (RA) and orbital atherectomy (OA) on heavily calcified coronary lesions and subsequent stent placement using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Background RA and OA are two main approaches to ablate coronary calcium. While small case reports have described the mechanistic effect of RA in calcified coronary lesions, there has been no imaging study to assess the effect of OA on coronary artery architecture and/or compare the effects of two atherectomy devices. Methods This study analyzed 20 consecutive patients with OCT imaging performed after atherectomy and after stent implantation, RA (n = 10) and OA (n = 10). Results Postatherectomy OCT analysis identified tissue modification with deep dissections in around a third of lesions after RA and OA; however, post OA dissections (“lacunae”) were significantly deeper (1.14 vs. 0.82 mm, P = 0.048). Post OA/RA lesions with dissections had significantly higher percentage of lipid rich plaques and smaller calcification arcs as compared to plaques without dissections. Stents after OA were associated with a significantly lower percent of stent strut malapposition than post RA stents (4.36 vs. 8.02%, P = 0.038). Conclusions Although the incidence of dissections was comparable between RA and OA cases, OA resulted in deeper tissue modifications (lacunae) as shown by OCT imaging. The finding might provide an explanation for a better stent apposition after OA as compared to RA. Their impact on long-term outcome needs to be determined. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preoperative aspirin ingestion increases operative blood loss after coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Thirty-four patients were entered into a non-blinded, randomized study to test the effect of preoperative aspirin ingestion on postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements after coronary artery bypass grafting. Sixteen patients in the aspirin-treated group had significantly increased chest-tube blood loss 12 hours after operation (1,513 ± 978 versus 916 ± 482 ml; p = 0.038). In addition, aspirin users had significantly increased requirements for postoperative packed red blood cells (4.4 ± 3.5 versus 1.8 ± 1.3 units; p = 0.014), platelets (1.3 ± 1.3 versus 0.2 ± 0.4 six-donor units, p = 0.0049), and fresh-frozen plasma (3.6 ± 5.0 versus 0.78 ± 1.6 units; p = 0.042) transfusions. The only patients requiring reoperation for bleeding were in the aspirin-treated group (2 patients). Six patients were not entered into the randomized part of the study because of excessively prolonged post-aspirin bleeding times (> 10 minutes). This finding suggests that a subset of patients are particularly sensitive to aspirin and have significantly prolonged bleeding times after aspirin ingestion. We conclude that aspirin ingestion increases postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements, and we recommend discontinuation of aspirin therapy before cardiac procedures.