cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combined direct and indirect reconstructive vascular surgery on the fronto-parieto-occipital region in Moyamoya disease

Between January 1992 and December 1995, eight patients with Moyamoya disease, aged from 2 to 39 years, underwent encephalo-duro-arterio-myo-synangiosis (EDAMS) on the frontal region, superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) anastomosis combined with encephalo-myo-synangiosis (EMS) on the parietal region and encephaloduro-arterio-synangiosis (EDAS) on the occipital region using the frontal and parietal branch of the STA and the occipital artery, respectively. The development of postoperative collateral formation was assessed by carotid angiography and the improvement of clinical symptoms was evaluated for over 1 year after the bypass surgery. Of the 13 sides which underwent EDAMS and STA-MCA anastomosis with EMS, 11 sides resulted in extensive revascularization on the frontoparietal region and two sides showed localized collaterals, whereas EDAS on the occipital region demonstrated extensive and localized revascularization in each four sides and no evidence of revascularization in two sides among ten sides which underwent the EDAS. The clinical improvement due to the combined reconstructive surgery was very excellent in the reduction of the incidence of transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and reversible ischemic neurologic deficits (RIND).
Multiple Hydrolases in Bean Leaves (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and the Effect of the Halo Blight Disease Caused by Pseudomonas phaseolicola (Burkh.) Dowson

Multiple forms of hydrolytic enzymes were demonstrated in extracts of healthy bean leaves ( Phascolus vulgaris L.) and bean leaves infected with the halo blight organism [ Pseudomonas phaseolicola (Burkh.) Dowson] by polyacrylamide disc electrophoresis. Bean leaves contained up to 4 acid phosphatase bands, 9 esterase bands active towards α-naphthyl acetate, and 7 esterase bands towards α-naphthyl butyrate. Only low or no activity was found for alkaline phosphatase, lipase, and aminopeptidase. Two artifacts are described which were observed with the lead phosphate method for acid phosphatase and the Tween method for demonstration of lipase. After infection with the halo blight organism the major acid phosphatase of the host increased during early and decreased at later infection stages. An acid phosphatase of bacterial origin with a more neutral pH optimum could be demonstrated in infected leaves. It is suggested that the bacterial acid phosphatase plays a role in uptake of metabolites by the pathogen. Several esterase bands decreased after infection. One host band with activity towards α-naphthyl butyrate increased. Also the pathogen showed an esterase band with high activity towards α-naphthyl butyrate.
Probabilistic methods in matching census samples to the National Death Index.

Abstract The National Death Index (NDI) of the National Center for Health Statistics is a powerful tool for identifying deaths in epidemiologic studies. The NDI will generate a list of possible matches for every input record according to the NDI matching criteria. The task of determining a true or correct match out of the list of possible matches becomes formidable when a large number of records are being investigated. In the National Longitudinal Mortality Study nearly one million Census records are being matched to the NDI, thus requiring an efficient and accurate method to screen out the false positive matches. In a pilot study to the larger mortality follow-up, Census Bureau files containing 226,000 person records were matched to the 1979 NDI. The results of this match were used to generate a probabilistic method to separate the possible matches into categories of true positives, false positives and those of questionable status requiring manual review of the Census record and the death certificate. Of the 5542 possible matches about one-third were ultimately determined to be true positives and two-thirds false positives. The probabilistic method was validated by replications on subsets of the data and promises to save considerable time in review of records in the large national study of mortality.
Aspirin, clopidogrel, and ticagrelor in acute coronary syndromes.

Dual antiplatelet therapy is the cornerstone in the management of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Ticagrelor, an oral, direct, reversibly binding, P2Y 12 receptor antagonist, is approved for the prevention of atherothrombotic events in adult patients with ACS. In the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial, ticagrelor was associated with significant reductions in cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality compared with clopidogrel. A subanalysis of PLATO trial data identified a geographic region interaction (p = 0.045), indicating reduced efficacy of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in North American patients. This effect could be due to chance, but may be explained by an interaction of ticagrelor with high aspirin doses, which are commonly used in the United States. In patients taking low-dose maintenance aspirin, ticagrelor was more effective than clopidogrel in decreasing cardiovascular events regardless of the geographic region. A proposed hypothetical mechanism for the interaction between ticagrelor and higher aspirin dose is linked to the level of P2Y 12 inhibition and the potential prothrombotic effects of high-dose aspirin through the suppression of prostacyclin. A review of data regarding aspirin use for secondary prevention of events in ACS demonstrated that low aspirin doses (75 to 160 mg/day) are consistently favored for short- and long-term use because of the lack of a dose-response relationship between increasing aspirin dose and improved efficacy, and a higher incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding with increasing aspirin dose. The use of low aspirin doses reflects good clinical practice and is encouraged in current guidelines.
Model calculation and simulation of nonobserved negative mass instability in migma

Abstract The negative mass instability is investigated both analytically and numerically in two distinct regimes. The principal result of both studies is that the instability will cause significant disruption of orbits concentric with the axis of magnetic symmetry but will not disrupt orbits that pass near the axis. This is in agreement with experiments on both types of orbits. The numerical simulation uses a two-dimensional, electrostatic finite-size particle code. The particle pusher algorithm is time-centered and accurate to third order in the time step, which is 1 100 of a cyclotron period. The self-consistent electric field is obtained by means of a spatial Eulerian grid superposed on the particle positions. Area weighting and smoothing techniques are used to reduce the artificially high collision frequency caused by the large particle charges required for practical computation. The analytical study models a neutralized beam in a plasma background. The Larmor radius of the beam is significant in comparison with the scale of the magnetic field variation. The dephasing effect of passing through the magnetic axis rather than encircling it is shown explicitly.
Implications of the Far-Infrared Background Measurements

Some consequences of far-infrared background radiation originating beyond the solar system are derived. The most likely source, narrow emission features produced by our galaxy, can also lead to a flux from all other galaxies similar to that of the 2.7 K microwave background.
A fast full-body fluorescence/bioluminescence imaging system for small animals

Whole body in vivo optical imaging of small animals has widened its applications and increased the capabilities for preclinical researches. However, most commercial and prototype optical imaging systems are camera-based systems using epi- or trans- illumination mode, with limited views of small animals. And for more accurate tomographic image reconstruction, additional data and information of a target animal is necessary. To overcome these issues, researchers have suggested several approaches such as maximizing the detection area or using the information of other highresolution modalities such as CT, MRI or Ultrasound, or using multi-spectral signals. As one of ways to maximizing the detection area of a target animal, we present a new fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging system for small animals, which can image entire surface of a target animal simultaneously. This system uses double mirror reflection scheme and it consists of input unit, imaging unit with two conical mirrors, the source illumination part and the surface scanner, and the detection unit with an intensified CCD camera system. Two conical mirrors are configured that a larger size mirror captures a target animal surface, and a smaller size mirror projects this captured image onto a CCD camera with one acquisition. With this scheme, we could capture entire surface of a target animal simultaneously and improve back reflection issue between a mirror and an animal surface of a single conical mirror scheme. Additionally, we could increase accessibility to an animal for multi-modality integration by providing unobstructed space around a target animal.
Long-term analysis of children with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula.

Abstract Background/purpose For children with esophageal atresia (EA) or tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), the first years of life can be associated with many problems. Little is known about the long-term function of children who underwent repair as neonates. This study evaluates outcome and late sequelae of children with EA/TEF. Methods Medical records of infants with esophageal anomalies (May 1972 through December 1990) were reviewed. Study parameters included demographics, dysphagia, frequent respiratory infections (> 3/yr), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), frequent choking, leak, stricture, and developmental delays (weight, height Results Over 224 months, 69 infants (37 boys, 32 girls) were identified: type A, 10 infants; type B, 1; type C, 53; type D, 4; type E, 1. Mean follow-up was 125 months. During the first 5 years of follow-up, dysphagia (45%), respiratory infections (29%), and GERD (48%) were common as were growth delays. These problems improved as the children matured. Conclusions Children with esophageal anomalies face many difficulties during initial repair and frequently encounter problems years later. Support groups can foster child development and alleviate parent isolationism. Despite growth retardation, esophageal motility disorders, and frequent respiratory infections, children with EA/TEF continue to have a favorable long-term outcome.
Prediction of different crystal structure phases in metal borides: A lithium monoboride analog toMgB2

Modern compound prediction methods can efficiently screen large numbers of crystal structure phases and direct the experimental search for new materials. One of the most challenging problems in alloy theory is the identification of stable phases with a never seen prototype; such predictions do not always follow rational strategies. While performing ab initioa data mining of intermetallic compounds we made an unexpected discovery: even in such a well-studied class of systems as metal borides there are previously unknown layered phases comparable in energy to the existing ones. With ab initio calculations we show that the new metal-sandwich (MS) lithium monoboride phases are marginally stable under ambient conditions but become favored over the known stoichiometric compounds under moderate pressures. The MS lithium monoboride exhibits electronic features similar to those in magnesium diboride and is expected to be a good superconductor.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: an enduring challenge.

1. Yvonne E. Vaucher, MD, MPH* 1. *Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of California, San Diego, Calif. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe the most common cause of chronic lung disease during infancy. 2. Explain the importance of a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia throughout childhood. 3. Identify infants at high risk for developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia. 4. List the adverse effects associated with postnatal corticosteroids. Despite clinical advances in antepartum, intrapartum, and neonatal care, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) continues to challenge infants who have been in neonatal intensive care units and their caretakers. BPD is the most common cause of chronic respiratory disease during infancy and remains a major cause of long-term medical, pulmonary, and neurodevelopmental morbidity, increasing the cost of health care and the utilization of medical and educational resources throughout childhood. BPD is a clinical diagnosis, defined by oxygen dependence for a specific period of time after birth and accompanied by characteristic radiographic findings that correspond to anatomic abnormalities. Thus far, a precise physiologic definition of BPD is lacking. As the clinical presentation has evolved over the past 30 years, so has the definition. As originally described by Northway in the 1960s, the diagnosis of classic BPD was based on progressive radiographic changes in preterm infants who were treated for severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) immediately after birth and had prolonged ventilator and oxygen dependence. This form of BPD occurred in larger, relatively mature preterm infants, who required treatment with high-pressure mechanical ventilation and high concentrations of oxygen. Although the acute respiratory disease initially improved in these infants, oxygen requirements increased 7 to 10 days after birth and persisted for at least 28 days. The definition of BPD subsequently was modified by Bancalari to include preterm infants who had less severe RDS that initially required short-term mechanical ventilation, but who also developed persistent respiratory symptoms and an oxygen requirement for at least 28 days after birth …
Vacuolar reorganization in the motor cells of Albizzia during leaf movement.

During the leaf movements of Albizzia julibrissin Durazzini, volume changes in the motor cells of the pulvinule (tertiary pulvinus) are closely correlated with a reversible reorganization of the vacuolar compartment. Motor cells have central vacuoles when expanded, but become multivacuolate during the time the cell volume decreases. The central vacuole reforms — apparently by fusion of small vacuoles — during motor-cell expansion. The volume changes of the vacuolar compartment account for all of the change in the size of the protoplast, while the cytoplasmic volume remains constant during the leaf movements.
Antipsychotic drugs in the general hospital: uses and cautions.

Abstract A variety of clinical problems may arise when a patient being treated with antipsychotic drugs is admitted to a general hospital for a medical or surgical problem. Other difficulties arise when a patient becomes acutely psychotic while hospitalized for a nonpsychiatric illness. This report focuses on the use of antipsychotic drugs in medically ill hospitalized patients, including a description of the major drug interactions that may occur and the physical effects of antipsychotic drugs that may be of importance in medically ill patients.
Particle morphology characterization and manipulation in biomass slurries and the effect on rheological properties and enzymatic conversion

An improved understanding of how particle size distribution relates to enzymatic hydrolysis performance and rheological properties could enable enhanced biochemical conversion of lignocellulosic feedstocks. Particle size distribution can change as a result of either physical or chemical manipulation of a biomass sample. In this study, we employed image processing techniques to measure slurry particle size distribution and validated the results by showing that they are comparable to those from laser diffraction and sieving. Particle size and chemical changes of biomass slurries were manipulated independently and the resulting yield stress and enzymatic digestibility of slurries with different size distributions were measured. Interestingly, reducing particle size by mechanical means from about 1 mm to 100 μm did not reduce the yield stress of the slurries over a broad range of concentrations or increase the digestibility of the biomass over the range of size reduction studied here. This is in stark contrast to the increase in digestibility and decrease in yield stress when particle size is reduced by dilute-acid pretreatment over similar size ranges. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Hand path priming in manual obstacle avoidance: Rapid decay of dorsal stream information

The dorsal, action-related, visual stream has been thought to have little or no memory. This hypothesis has seemed credible because functions related to the dorsal stream have been generally unsusceptible to priming from previous experience. Tests of this claim have yielded inconsistent results, however. We argue that these inconsistencies may be due to methodological differences in the time between primes and test stimuli. In this study we sought to clarify the effect of time between primes and test stimuli by having participants complete a visually guided manual obstacle avoidance task with varying times between trials. Consistent with a previous study using this task, we found that hand path curvature depended on the presence or absence of an obstacle in the previous trial. This hand path priming effect decayed quickly as the time between trials increased, and was almost, though not entirely, eliminated when 1000 ms separated successive trials. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the dorsal stream can be primed but that this priming attenuates rapidly. We suggest that this outcome may indicate that the period over which the dorsal stream retains information may be related to the sequential statistics of action.
Introduction to the workshop on computational health science

This short paper introduces the rationale for a workshop on computational health science, and provides a brief overview of the workshop's content. We point out some of the recent research on mining social media data for health, define what we mean by computational health science, and argue the value of meaningful multi-disciplinary collaboration.
Effect of hyperinsulinaemia-hyperaminoacidaemia on leg muscle protein synthesis and breakdown: reassessment of the two-pool arterio-venous balance model.

Key points Accurate measurements of muscle protein synthesis and breakdown rates are critical for understanding the processes underlying muscle atrophy and hypertrophy. Several mathematical approaches have been described to derive muscle protein synthesis and breakdown rates from a two-pool (artery–vein) model including metabolic tracers. We found that only some of the published approaches provide accurate protein turnover rates and only when the computations are made with mole percent excess as the measure of tracer enrichment and the sum of tracer and tracee as the corresponding concentration in the artery and vein; errors, up to several-fold in magnitude, result when computations are made with unlabelled concentration only, and/or enrichment expressed as tracer-to-tracee ratio or with any of the other equations (irrespective of how concentration and enrichment are expressed). Interpretation of muscle protein turnover rates and their validity requires careful attention to the mathematical approach used to calculate them. Abstract Accurate measurement of muscle protein turnover is critical for understanding the physiological processes underlying muscle atrophy and hypertrophy. Several mathematical approaches, used in conjunction with a tracer amino acid infusion, have been described to derive protein synthesis and breakdown rates from a two-pool (artery–vein) model. Despite apparently common underlying principles, these approaches differ significantly (some seem to not take into account arterio-venous shunting of amino acids, which comprises ∼80–90% of amino acids appearing in the vein) and most do not specify how tracer enrichment (i.e. mole percent excess (MPE) or tracer-to-tracee ratio (TTR)) and amino acid concentration (i.e. unlabelled only or total labelled plus unlabelled) should be expressed, which could have a significant impact on the outcome when using stable isotope labelled tracers. We developed equations that avoid these uncertainties and used them to calculate leg phenylalanine (Phe) kinetics in subjects who received a [2H5]Phe tracer infusion during postabsorptive conditions and during a hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamp with concomitant protein ingestion. These results were compared with those obtained by analysing the same data with previously reported equations. Only some of them computed the results correctly when used with MPE as the enrichment measure and total (tracer+tracee) Phe concentrations; errors up to several-fold in magnitude were noted when the same approaches were used in conjunction with TTR and/or unlabelled concentration only, or when using the other approaches (irrespective of how concentration and enrichment are expressed). Our newly developed equations should facilitate accurate calculation of protein synthesis and breakdown rates.
Targeting Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins to Block Vascular Inflammation

The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) represents a large number of membrane-bound and secreted proteins that regulate inflammation and other functions in the vasculature and other tissues. Members of the TNFRSF are involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis,1 and treatment with anti-TNFα antibodies enhances vascular function in patients with arthritis.2 Activation of TNFRSF members triggers multiple intracellular signaling pathways that influence diverse cellular activities. This complexity is exemplified by TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1), the founder member of the TNFRSF, where signaling activates dual nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and p38/c-Jun-N-terminal kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways that cooperate to induce and stabilize proinflammatory transcripts.3,4 Signaling through TNFR1 also drives an NF-κB-independent proapoptotic signaling pathway.5 However, this pathway is suppressed in endothelial cells by a parallel NF-κB-dependent survival pathway, which involves transcriptional activation of cytoprotective genes.3,6 See accompanying article on page 2240 Thus, a deeper understanding of the factors that regulate TNFR signaling may inform the development of novel therapies that suppress TNFR-dependent inflammatory activation while retaining the prosurvival activities of this receptor. This concept was brought into sharp relief by Mayer et al7 (in this issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology ), who demonstrated that targeting cellular inhibitor …
Bit error variances of DPSK and NCFSK in Nakagami-m channels

There has been an intensive interest in exactly evaluating the average bit error rate (BER) of different modulation techniques in fading environments. However, it is less well known how the variance of BER behaves. In this paper, we derive the closed-form variance formulas for binary DPSK and NCFSK in the Nakagami-m fading environment. One of the striking results is that, unlike their BER average, the BER variance is non-monotonic with the average received SNR/bit ratio rho. We show that the variances reach the maximum at a particular rho and the corresponding standard deviation is as high as 15%. The other important result is, when rho becomes sufficiently large, DPSK is 1.5 dB better than NCFSK, FSK is 2.2 dB better than NCFSK, and PSK is 3.7 dB better than NCFSK
THE ROLE OF NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT IN INFANT CAREGIVING: AN EXPERIMENTAL SIMULATION

We observed 11 undergraduates in an experiment designed to simulate infant caregiving. In negative reinforcement conditions experienced by all participants, a targeted caregiving response (e.g., rocking a baby doll) produced escape from, and avoidance of, a recorded infant cry. Nine participants' caregiving was shown to be controlled by this negative reinforcement contingency. Nine participants experienced an extinction condition that consisted of an inescapable cry, and the previously reinforced caregiving responses of 2 of these participants were resistant to extinction. For both of these participants, the previously reinforced response was eliminated when an alternative form of caregiving was reinforced. These results highlight the role of negative reinforcement in infant caregiving and suggest the need for additional research on the effects of crying on caregivers as well as the development of effective strategies for minimizing infant crying.
Beam propagation and wavefront-phase integrals in high Reynolds number shear layers and jets*

Aero-optical phenomena associated with beam propagation through variableindex-of-refraction fields generated by turbulent shear-layers and jets have been investigated. Using simultaneous imaging of the optical-beam distortion and the turbulent-flow index-of-refraction field, Fourier-filtering, and other techniques, measurements of wavefront-phase behavior, as an optical beam emerges from the turbulent region in these free-shear flows, have been performed. Spatial-wavefront-phase spectra, from both shear layers and jets, are found to exhibit non-Kolmogorov behavior. A simple level-set representation of the index-of-refraction field in high Reynolds number shear layers is found to be quite successful in representing the resulting wavefront-phase behavior.
Experimental systemic cryptococcosis in SCID mice.

The susceptibility of severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) mice to experimental systemic cryptococcosis was studied. SCID mice were at least 16-fold more susceptible to lethal infection than were immunocompetent control mice (P < 0·001). Histological assessment showed that control mice responded with a granulomatous inflammatory response, whereas SCID mice showed no evidence of a cellular host response. In a therapeutic study, 5 mg kg-1 day-1 of fluconazole caused a significant reduction in the infectious burden in the spleen, liver, kidney and lungs of treated mice compared with no treatment. These results indicate that a model of systemic cryptococcosis with meningitis in SCID mice may have utility in the study of immunology and therapy of this disease in the severely immunocompromised host.
Choline: an essential nutrient for public health

Choline was officially recognized as an essential nutrient by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 1998. There is significant variation in the dietary requirement for choline that can be explained by common genetic polymorphisms. Because of its wide-ranging roles in human metabolism, from cell structure to neurotransmitter synthesis, choline-deficiency is now thought to have an impact on diseases such as liver disease, atherosclerosis, and, possibly, neurological disorders. Choline is found in a wide variety of foods. Eggs and meats are rich sources of choline in the North American diet, providing up to 430 milligrams per 100 grams. Mean choline intakes for older children, men, women, and pregnant women are far below the adequate intake level established by the IOM. Given the importance of choline in a wide range of critical functions in the human body, coupled with less-than-optimal intakes among the population, dietary guidance should be developed to encourage the intake of choline-rich foods.
Quantitative Trait Loci Affecting Survival and Fertility-Related Traits in Caenorhabditis elegans Show Genotype-Environment Interactions, Pleiotropy and Epistasis

We have identified, using composite interval mapping, quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting a variety of life history traits (LHTs) in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Using recombinant inbred strains assayed on the surface of agar plates, we found QTL for survival, early fertility, age of onset of sexual maturity, and population growth rate. There was no overall correlation between survival on solid media and previous measures of survival in liquid media. Of the four survival QTL found in these two environments, two have genotype-environment interactions (GEIs). Epistatic interactions between markers were detected for four traits. A multiple regression approach was used to determine which single markers and epistatic interactions best explained the phenotypic variance for each trait. The amount of phenotypic variance accounted for by genetic effects ranged from 13% (for internal hatching) to 46% (for population growth). Epistatic effects accounted for 9-11% of the phenotypic variance for three traits. Two regions containing QTL that affected more than one fertility-related trait were found. This study serves as an example of the power of QTL mapping for dissecting the genetic architecture of a suite of LHTs and indicates the potential importance of environment and GEIs in the evolution of this architecture.
A control strategy for adaptive bipedal locomotion

Rhythmic movements of a five-link sagittal biped with muscle-like actuators are considered. In walking contact is periodically made with the environment as the support phases change. The inputs to every actuator are modeled after the inputs to muscles in mammals. The system possesses intrinsic position and velocity feedback due to the actuator dynamics. A control strategy is articulated that is novel in that (a) it is physiologically viable, (b) it simplifies the dynamics, and (c) it adapts to speed of walking, going up and down stairs, going up or dozen inclines, maneuvering above obstacles or holes, and the tempo and stride length of walking. Simulations of the walk of a five-link sagittal biped are presented.
CloudDRN: A Lightweight, End-to-End System for Sharing Distributed Research Data in the Cloud

The cloud has proven itself as a scalable platform for Web-based applications. However, scientists and medical researchers are still searching for a simple cloud-based architecture that enables secure collaboration and sharing of distributed datasets. To date, attempts at using the cloud for this purpose generally view the cloud as simply a pool of servers upon which to run their legacy software. This approach fails to leverage the unique platform capabilities of the cloud. In this paper, we describe our Cloud Distributed Research Network (CloudDRN). We leverage the cloud for availability, reliability, scalability, and improved security as compared to legacy distributed systems while still supporting site autonomy. Our philosophy is to adapt commercial software tooling that was originally designed for business use-cases, thereby benefiting from the large built-in user community. We describe our general architecture and show an example of our system created to share distributed clinical research data. We evaluate our system in Amazon Web Services (AWS) and in Microsoft Windows Azure and find that while each cloud achieves similar financial cost, representative queries are 3.5x slower on average in Windows Azure.
A Gain by Any Other Name: Accounting for a Bargain Purchase Gain

ABSTRACT: Students gain insight into a unique accounting treatment in acquisition accounting by completing this case—that of a bargain purchase gain (BPG). In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) revised accounting for business combinations when they promulgated Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 141R, Business Combinations. Under the revised standard, acquirers record net assets of the acquiree at their respective fair market values at the time of acquisition and recognize the excess of net assets over the consideration paid as a BPG included in income from continuing operations. This case takes place after the acquisition is negotiated and the consideration is agreed upon. Students are required to estimate fair values of acquired net assets based on the information provided, determine whether goodwill or a bargain purchase gain exists, and evaluate the impact of this transaction on the financial statements. The case also requires students to consider subjectivity wi...
Discovery of gene network variability across samples representing multiple classes

Gene networks have been predicted using the expression profiles from microarray experiments that include multiple samples representing each of several classes or states (e.g., treatments, developmental stages, health status). A framework that integrates Bayesian networks, mixture of gene co-expression models and clustering is proposed to further mine information from the variation of samples within and across classes and enhance the understanding of gene networks. The approach was evaluated on two independent pathways using data from two microarray experiments. Our algorithm succeeded on reconstructing the topology of the gene pathways when benchmarked against empirical reports and randomised data sets. The majority or all the samples within a class shared the same co-expression model and were classified within the corresponding class. Our approach uncovered both gene relationships and profiles that are unique to a particular class or shared across classes.
Local Innervation and Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common human arrhythmia in the world and, depending on individual demographics, afflicts from 0.1% to 4% of the general population.1 With the steady rise of cardiovascular disease in the industrialized world, it is no surprise that the incidence of AF is also increasing.2,3 However, despite its ubiquitous presence in adult medicine, AF remains an enigmatic disease whose pathophysiology is very complex and incompletely understood. Unlike traditional macroreentrant arrhythmias that arise from better understood electrophysiological substrates, AF is a more complex disease arising from multiple, mutually interacting mechanisms. In part, because of our incomplete understanding of the mechanisms underlying AF, therapeutic success rates in patients treated with either antiarrhythmic drug therapy, catheter-based ablation, or both remain highly variable.4 Emerging data from the basic science laboratory is starting to shed some light on the mechanistic basis of this disease, which may lead to the development of long-term therapies for patients with AF. One of the ideas that has persisted for several decades about AF, and is fast gaining traction, is that there may be a strong contribution from the autonomic nervous system in both the initiation and maintenance of this disease.5 The structural basis for this theory stems from the discovery of rich autonomic innervation and ganglionated plexi (GP) associated with the pulmonary veins and sites in the atria from which AF triggers often originate.6 Although the exact causal relationship between these autonomic connections and the initiation of AF is not well understood, anecdotal clinical and laboratory findings suggest that such a link is plausible. In this review, we will explore our current understanding of the cardiac nervous system and its role in the pathogenesis of AF, with an eye toward future therapeutic strategies that could exploit this relationship. …
Laser Scanning Fluorescence Microscope

We report on the development of a laser scanning fluorescence microscope possessing several features which facilitate its application to biological and biophysical analyses in living cells. It is built around a standard inverted microscope stand, enabling the use of standard optics, micromanipulation apparatus, and conventional (including video) microscopy in conjunction with laser scanning. The beam is scanned across the specimen by a pair of galvanometer-mounted mirrors, driven by a programmable controller which can operate in three modes: full raster scan, region of interest, and random-access. A full 512x512 pixel image can be acquired in one second. In region of interest mode, several subareas of the field can be selected for more rapid or detailed analysis. For those cases where the time scale of the observed phenomenon precludes full-field imaging, or where a full-field image is unnecessary, the random access mode enables an arbitrary pattern of isolated points to be selected and rapidly sequenced through. Via a graphical user interface implemented on the system's host computer, a user will be able to take a scout image either with video or a full-field laser scan, select regions or points on the scout image with a mouse, and set up experimental parameters such as detector integration times with a window-style menu. The instrument is designed to be a flexible testbed for investigating new techniques, without compromising its utility as a tool for biological research.
Hostility, Health Behaviors, and Risk of Recurrent Events in Patients With Stable Coronary Heart Disease: Findings From the Heart and Soul Study

Background-—Hostility is a significant predictor of mortality and cardiovascular events in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), but the mechanisms that explain this association are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential mechanisms of association between hostility and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Methods and Results-—We prospectively examined the association between self-reported hostility and secondary events (myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, transient ischemic attack, and death) in 1022 outpatients with stable CHD from the Heart and Soul Study. Baseline hostility was assessed using the 8-item Cynical Distrust scale. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the extent to which candidate biological and behavioral mediators changed the strength of association between hostility and secondary events. During an average follow-up time of 7.42.7 years, the age-adjusted annual rate of secondary events was 9.5% among subjects in the highest quartile of hostility and 5.7% among subjects in the lowest quartile (age-adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30 to 2.17; P<0.0001). After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, participants with hostility scores in the highest quartile had a 58% greater risk of secondary events than those in the lowest quartile (HR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.19 to 2.09; P=0.001). This association was mildly attenuated after adjustment for C-reactive protein (HR: 1.41, 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.87; P=0.02) and no longer significant after further adjustment for smoking and physical inactivity (HR: 1.25, 95% CI: 0.94 to 1.67; P=0.13). Conclusions-—Hostility was a significant predictor of secondary events in this sample of outpatients with baseline stable CHD. Much of this association was moderated by poor health behaviors, specifically physical inactivity and smoking. (J Am Heart Assoc. 2013;2:e000052 doi: 10.1161/JAHA.113.000052)
A Riemannian model of regional degeneration of the hippocampus in Alzheimer's disease

We develop a Riemannian model of shape of solids in 3D space to map and compare localized hippocampal atrophy in normal aging, conversion to Alzheimer's disease (AD), and progression of the disorder over a 1-year period. The study is based on magnetic resonance scans of 428 subjects acquired 12 months apart by the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Shape geodesics are used to model the spatiotemporal evolution of the anatomy of the hippocampus of each subject and to uncover regional differences in shape that are characteristic of the three dynamical processes. We identify regions where changes in shape due to neurodegeneration in conversion to AD differs significantly from normal aging suggesting potential morphological markers of incipient AD.
Group polarization and choice‐dilemmas: how important is self‐categorization?

Self-categorization proponents (e.g., Turner, 1991) assume that group polarization occurs because discussants wish to differentiate themselves from outgroup positions and implicitly think of such groups even when they are not specifically mentioned. Ingroup/outgroup salience is thought to heighten such effects. To examine this view, we had participants discuss Choice Dilemma items either with or without explicit knowledge of outgroup positions. Contrary to a self-categorization account, this manipulation of outgroup salience did not affect the degree of group polarization. In addition, rating measures revealed little spontaneous consideration of outgroup positions on the part of participants, nor was consideration of outgroup positions related to degree of polarization. Group members did show evidence of ingroup identification, but this identification was unrelated to participants' post-discussion conformity to the group consensus. Taken as a whole, these results suggest distinct limits to the self-categorization interpretation of group polarization involving Choice Dilemmas. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of sirolimus on the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation

Tumor recurrence after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with a poor prognosis. Because immunosuppression is a well-known risk factor for tumor growth, it is surprising that its possible role in the outcome of liver transplantation has been poorly evaluated. We performed a case-control review of prospectively collected data and compared 2 groups of patients according to the type of immunosuppression after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma at a single center. One hundred six patients received tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil, and 121 received sirolimus. Patients in the sirolimus group had significantly higher recurrence-free survival rates than patients in the tacrolimus group (P = 0.0003). The sirolimus group also had significantly higher patient survival rates than the tacrolimus group at 1 year (94% versus 79%), 3 years (85% versus 66%), and 5 years (80% versus 59%; P = 0.001). Sirolimus was well tolerated, and the patients in this study did not have the increase in surgical complications noted by other investigators. Leukopenia was the most common side effect, but it typically resolved with dose reduction. Dyslipidemia and mouth ulcers were common but were easily controlled. In summary, the data suggest a beneficial effect of sirolimus immunosuppression on recurrence-free survival, which translates into patient survival benefits.
A Model‐based Reference Architecture for Medical Device Development

The application of systems engineering within the medical device domain must adapt to its unique challenges such-as the regulatory environment that these devices have to be designed within to ensure patient safety, and the nature of the interactions between the device and the patient. The sheer number of regulations imposed by government agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and various international agencies adds to the complexity of designing these systems. This also presents an opportunity to implement a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach to capture the regulatory environment and map those specialized requirements to components within the system that address those requirements. In this study, we present a model of a reference architecture that can be used as a starting point for the system design of medical devices. Although the state of the model has not been fully matured, this approach offers the potential to more efficiently address the complex regulatory requirements, and reduce the time to design medical devices.
Optimal patient position for lumbar puncture, measured by ultrasonography.

The purpose of this study was to identify the patient position for lumbar puncture associated with the widest interspinous distance utilizing ultrasound. Sixteen healthy adult volunteers were placed in three positions commonly used for lumbar puncture (lateral recumbent with knees to chest, sitting and bent forward over an adjustable bedside stand, and sitting with feet supported and chest to knees) and the distance between lumbar spinous processes was measured by ultrasound. Measurements were compared between the three positions. Differences were analyzed using Tukey’s honestly significant difference test. The results showed that the interspinous distance was significantly greater in the “sitting, feet supported” position than in the other two positions (P<0.001). The “sitting, feet supported” position may offer advantages for selected patients undergoing lumbar puncture. Ultrasonography may be a useful adjunct when performing lumbar puncture in the emergency department.
Linking movement and oviposition behaviour to spatial population distribution in the tree hole mosquito Ochlerotatus triseriatus

Summary 1. Researchers often use the spatial distribution of insect offspring as a measure of adult oviposition preferences, and then make conclusions about the consequences of these preferences for population growth and the relationship between life-history traits (e.g. oviposition preference and offspring performance). However, several processes other than oviposition preference can generate spatial patterns of offspring density (e.g. dispersal limitations, spatially heterogeneous mortality rates). Incorrectly assuming that offspring distributions reflect oviposition preferences may therefore compromise our ability to understand the mechanisms determining population distributions and the relationship between life-history traits. 2. The purpose of this study was to perform an empirical study at the whole-system scale to examine the movement and oviposition behaviours of the eastern tree hole mosquito Ochlerotatus triseriatus (Say) and test the importance of these behaviours in determining population distribution relative to other mechanisms. 3. A mark‐release‐recapture experiment was performed to distinguish among the following alternative hypotheses that may explain a previously observed aggregated distribution of tree hole mosquito offspring: (H 1 ) mosquitoes prefer habitats with particular vegetation characteristics and these preferences determine the distribution of their offspring; (H 2 ) mosquitoes distribute their eggs randomly or evenly throughout their environment, but spatial differences in developmental success generate an aggregated pattern of larval density; (H 3 ) mosquitoes randomly colonize habitats, but have limited dispersal capability causing them to distribute offspring where founder populations were established; (H 4 ) wind or other environmental factors may lead to passive aggregation, or spatial heterogeneity in adult mortality (H 5 ), rather than dispersal, generates clumped offspring distributions. 4. Results indicate that the distribution of tree hole mosquito larvae is determined in part by adult habitat selection (H 1 ), but do not exclude additional effects from passive aggregation (H 4 ), or spatial patterns in adult mortality (H 5 ). 5. This research illustrates the importance of studying oviposition behaviour at the population scale to better evaluate its relative importance in determining population distribution and dynamics. Moreover, this study demonstrates the importance of linking behavioural and population dynamics for understanding evolutionary relationships among life-history traits (e.g. preference and offspring performance) and predicting when behaviour will be important in determining population phenomena.