cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of osmotic pressure and calcium ion on prolactin release in vitro from the rostral pars distalis of the tilapia Sarotherodon mossambicus.

Abstract As in previous studies, prolactin (PRL) release from the rostral pars distalis of the euryhaline teleost Sarotherodon mossambicus in vitro was inversely related to the osmotic pressure of the incubation medium. In contrast, PRL release was independent of Ca 2+ concentration when this divalent ion was included in the medium. Release was completely blocked, however, when calcium was excluded. While it appears unlikely that variations in plasma Ca 2+ within the physiological range can act directly at the pituitary to alter prolactin secretion, our findings are consistent with the notion that calcium is an essential ion mediating PRL release.
Photoaffinity Labeling of P-Glycoprotein in Multidrug-Resistant Cells

(1993). Photoaffinity Labeling of P-Glycoprotein in Multidrug-Resistant Cells. Cancer Investigation: Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 46-56.
Multi-tier graphical web service for simulating reflectometry in plasma

Building a web service around a physics simulation code written in Fortran has been an effective approach for adding graphical input, visualizing the output, and making the simulation available to scientists. A multi-tier system was developed to optimize computing and display resources while making minimal changes to the original Fortran code. The amount of data in the simulation exceeds the memory limit of applets running in browsers. This limitation was overcome by compressing the data on the server before transferring the data to the client. Displaying the results involves blending images at varying resolutions that would also exceed the memory limit of the applet for zoom in viewing transformations. This was solved by mapping the target display region to the source images and transforming only the visible pixels to the blend buffer. A set of reusable scientific graphics classes were developed for upgrading a number of other legacy fusion codes.
Role of Fatty Acid Binding Proteins and Long Chain Fatty Acids in Modulating Nuclear Receptors and Gene Transcription

Abnormal energy regulation may significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. For rapid control of energy homeostasis, allosteric and posttranslational events activate or alter activity of key metabolic enzymes. For longer impact, transcriptional regulation is more effective, especially in response to nutrients such as long chain fatty acids (LCFA). Recent advances provide insights into how poorly water-soluble lipid nutrients [LCFA; retinoic acid (RA)] and their metabolites (long chain fatty acyl Coenzyme A, LCFA-CoA) reach nuclei, bind their cognate ligand-activated receptors, and regulate transcription for signaling lipid and glucose catabolism or storage: (i) while serum and cytoplasmic LCFA levels are in the 200 μM–mM range, real-time imaging recently revealed that LCFA and LCFA-CoA are also located within nuclei (nM range); (ii) sensitive fluorescence binding assays show that LCFA-activated nuclear receptors [peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α)] exhibit high affinity (low nM Kds) for LCFA (PPARα) and/or LCFA-CoA (PPARα, HNF4α)—in the same range as nuclear levels of these ligands; (iii) live and fixed cell immunolabeling and imaging revealed that some cytoplasmic lipid binding proteins [liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP), acyl CoA binding protein (ACBP), cellular retinoic acid binding protein-2 (CRABP-2)] enter nuclei, bind nuclear receptors (PPARα, HNF4α, CRABP-2), and activate transcription of genes in fatty acid and glucose metabolism; and (iv) studies with gene ablated mice provided physiological relevance of LCFA and LCFA-CoA binding proteins in nuclear signaling. This led to the hypothesis that cytoplasmic lipid binding proteins transfer and channel lipidic ligands into nuclei for initiating nuclear receptor transcriptional activity to provide new lipid nutrient signaling pathways that affect lipid and glucose catabolism and storage.
Spatial, temporal, and storm runoff-related variations in phytoplankton community structure in a small, suburban reservoir

Phytoplankton abundance and community structure were determined routinely over an annual period and intensively during two storm-runoff events in a small suburban reservoir in northern Virginia, U.S.A. Traditional graphical techniques and a multivariate approach (Principal Components Analysis) were used to demonstrate a seasonal pattern of phytoplankton succession with greens and blue-greens dominant in summer, diatoms and chrysophytes in spring and fall, and cryptophytes in winter. Spatial variations were minor over horizontal and vertical dimensions during spring mixis, but depth variations were substantial during summer stratification. Storm runoff had little effect on phytoplankton composition during the stable summer period, but was associated with a substantial perturbation in community structure during the spring to summer transition.
Connective stability of complex ecosystems.

IN 1970, Garner and Ashby1 asked an important question: “If a large system is assembled (connected) at random, or has grown haphazardly, should we expect it to be stable or unstable?” They snowed on a linear model that probability of stability generally decreases with the increase of the degree of connectedness among the parts of the system. This fact was confirmed by May2 in a study of large systems in the ecological context.
Psychiatric disease burden profiles among veterans with epilepsy: The association with health services utilization

Objective: This brief report describes patterns of psychiatric comorbidities among patients with epilepsy and their relationship with health care utilization. Methods: The study identified psychiatric comorbid conditions in a cohort of veterans identified as having epilepsy in fiscal year 1999. From these diagnoses, nine psychiatric disease burden profiles were created. Logistic regression examined variation in emergency, neurology, and primary care for groups having different profiles and compared them with those with only epilepsy. Results: Of the 23,752 individuals identified, 48% had comorbid psychiatric conditions; most had multiple psychiatric diagnoses. Compared with patients with epilepsy only, those with comorbid psychiatric conditions were more likely to have emergency care and high primary care utilization; those with serious mental illness (psychotic disorders) were less likely to receive neurology care. Conclusions: Multiple co-occurring psychiatric diseases are common among patients with epilepsy. Addressing the mental health and medical needs of these patients, particularly those with serious mental illness, represents a challenge for health organizations. (Psychiatric Services 59:925–928, 2008)
Implication of smart-grids development for communication systems in normal operation and during disasters

This paper discusses the significance of smart grid implementation for communication systems. The concept of smart grid is initially discussed and its components are firstly described. Next, several aspects of smart grids implementation are discussed including possibly interactions between a smart grid and communication facilities, both from the utility perspective and the user perspective. Smart grids are identified as a possible solution to two very challenging problems in the information and communications technology industry, particularly in case of disasters: improved availability of air conditioners and outside plant active elements. Important standing research issues are also summarized in the paper.
The Commission's Recommendations on Housing Finance

The Commission proposes radical changes in the structure of institutions supplying residential mortgage funds. By massive broadening of their asset and liability powers, the thrifts are to become quasi-banks. The resulting housing credit gap is to be filled by multipurpose lenders, notably pension funds, and by greater use of mortgage securities backed by conventional as well as FHA and VA loans. For these changes, the Commission relies on the magic of deregulation, initiated partly in the Depository Institutions Act of 1982. A mortgage investment tax credit is proposed to cushion adverse effects on housing, but its adoption is highly unlikely. The Commission's expectations of structural reform through deregulation are overdrawn. Hence, its approach would probably reduce resource allocation to housing. The assertion that the new system would be more efficient is not supported by the meager analysis offered in the Report. Likewise, the claim of greater cyclical stability of mortgage lending remains unsubstantiated. The Commission also recommends curtailment of federal programs supporting the private housing sector: restricting FHA to high-risk loans and phasing down the GNMA guaranty of mortgage securities. But the proposals for FNMA and FHLMC stop short of cutting their umbilical cords of government.
Segmental Spinal Reflex Adaptations Associated With Chronic Ankle Instability

Abstract Sefton JM, Hicks-Little CA, Hubbard TJ, Clemens MG, Yengo CM, Koceja DM, Cordova ML. Segmental spinal reflex adaptations associated with chronic ankle instability. Objective To further understanding of the role that segmental spinal reflexes play in chronic ankle instability (CAI). Design A 2 × 2 repeated-measures case-control factorial design. The independent variables were ankle group with 2 levels (healthy, CAI) and stance with 2 levels (single, double legged). Setting University research laboratory. Participants Twenty-two participants with CAI and 21 matched healthy controls volunteered. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures The dependent variables were 2 measures of motoneuron pool excitability: paired reflex depression (PRD) and recurrent inhibition. Results A 2 × 2 repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance revealed a significant interaction between group and stance on the linear combination of PRD and recurrent inhibition variables (Wilks λ=.808, F 2,40 =4.77, P =.014). Follow-up univariate F tests revealed an interaction between group and stance on the PRD (F 1,41 =9.74, P =.003). Follow-up dependent t tests revealed a significant difference between single- and double-legged PRD in the healthy participants ( t 20 =–3.76, P =.001) with no difference in CAI participants ( t 21 =–0.44, P =.67). Finally, there was a significant difference in recurrent inhibition between healthy (mean, 83.66) and CAI (mean, 90.27) ( P =.004). Conclusions This study revealed that, compared with healthy participants, CAI participants were less able to modulate PRD when going from a double- to a single-legged stance. Additionally, CAI participants showed higher overall levels of recurrent inhibition when compared with healthy matched controls.
Surgical Management of Infected PTFE Hemodialysis Grafts: Analysis of a 15-Year Experience

The records of 52 consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment for 57 episodes of hemodialysis graft infection (HGI) from 1977 to 1993 were reviewed to determine the mortality and morbidity associated with this complication and to clarify guidelines for its management. The study group consisted of 35 women and 17 men whose mean age was 57 years at initial graft placement. Thirty-three (58%) HGIs involved straight grafts in the upper arm, 12 (21%) straight forearm grafts, 11 (19%) loop forearm grafts, and 1 (2%) a loop groin fistula. All of these grafts were constructed with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). All 57 cases of HGI showed at least local evidence and 41 (72%) caused systemic symptoms. Thirty-seven (65%) HGIs were associated with positive blood cultures. The predominant infecting organism was Staphylococcus, which was isolated alone or in combination with other organisms from 40 (70%) graft or would sites. Seventy-eight percent (31/40) of the staphylococcal infections involved Staphylococcus aureus. The median time from graft implantation to diagnosis of HGI was 7 months (mean 16 months, range 0 to 77 months) and from diagnosis to surgical treatment, 4 days (mean 6 days, range 0 to 26 days). Initial surgical management consisted of complete excision of all prosthetic material in 43 (75%) cases and partial excision in 14. The 30-day mortality rate following the last operation for the treatment of HGI was 12% (6/52) and was not significantly increased by incomplete excision. Six (86%) of the early deaths were related to sepsis and each of these patients had positive blood cultures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Absolute Returns of Hedge Funds

In this paper, we examine the ability of hedge funds and funds of hedge funds to generate absolute returns using fund level data. Based on the comparison of the empirical distributions of the holding period returns of hedge funds, a U.S. stock index and a U.S. bond index, we classify hedge funds into four categories according to their return profile: absolute, symmetric, snail, and sinking. We then apply Bayesian multinomial probit and frequentist multinomial logit regressions to examine how fund strategies, fund characteristics, and past return profile influence the probability that a fund can achieve the absolute return profile. We find that hedge funds with strategies in Option Arbitrage, Fixed Income-MBS, Global Macro, Emerging Markets, and Event Driven have a significantly better chance to produce absolute returns. The use of high water mark provision and hurdle rate provision also enhance the probability for a fund to generate absolute returns. Whether a fund calls itself an “absolute return” fund is another significant and robust contributing factor for absolute returns generation. Finally, we find no evidence for performance persistence in absolute return profile once fund strategies and fund characteristics have been accounted for.
Magnetometer Based on the Opto-Electronic Oscillator

We theoretically propose and discuss properties of two schemes of an all-optical self-oscillating magnetometer based on an opto-electronic oscillator stabilized with an atomic vapor cell. Proof of the principle DC magnetic field measurements characterized with 2 x 10(exp -7) G sensitivity and 1 - 1000 mG dynamic range in one of the schemes are demonstrated.
In vitro development of the embryonic mouse inner ear following exposure to trypsin

Trypsin has been shown to disrupt normal in vitro morphogenesis of embryonic organ rudiments. Otic tissues derived from 11-, 12-, and 13-day-old mouse embryos were exposed to either Ca++- and Mg++-free PBS or 0.25% trypsin dissolved in Ca++- and Mg++-free PBS prior to explantation into organ culture. Trypsin treatment of otic explants disrupted the expression of the normal pattern of inner-ear development in vitro. There was a direct correlation between the embryonic age at time of exposure to trypsin and the severity of dysmorphogenesis of the inner ear. The younger explants showed abnormalities of both vestibular and auditory structures, whereas with increasing embryonic age, abnormalities were confined more to the auditory portion of the inner ear. The results suggest that integrity of the otocyst basal lamina and epitheliomesenchymal tissue interactions are important factors in early otic development. It is postulated that the major effect of trypsin on inner-ear morphogenesis is through disruption of these factors, which may act to regulate the progressive expression of early otic development.
Spontaneous emission from excitons in cylindrical dielectric waveguides and the spontaneous-emission factor of microcavity ring lasers

The modification of the spontaneous emission from various dipoles in a cylindrical dielectric waveguide is studied as a function of the refractive index and the radius of the waveguide. It is found that the emission rates of the axial dipoles and the radial dipoles can be modified to enhance greatly the fraction of radial dipole emission that goes into the guided lasing modes. The total emission from the axial dipoles can be suppressed. This combination gives a high spontaneous-emission factor β for a microcavity ring laser. Other microlaser structures that have high β values are also discussed. We conclude that microlasers based on strongly guided single-mode dielectric waveguides are promising devices for achieving high β values and low lasing thresholds.
Homocysteinemia: association of a metabolic disorder with vascular disease and thrombosis.

Increasing attention is being devoted to homocysteinemia, a metabolic etiology for premature vascular disease and thrombosis. This review will summarize homocysteine metabolism, as well as inherited and acquired causes of homocysteinemia. Available assays to measure homocysteine will also be discussed. A detailed summary of clinical data linking vascular disease with homocysteinemia is presented, as is an overview of biochemical mechanisms by which homocysteine promotes atherogenesis and thrombosis. Lastly, therapeutic modalities to treat homocysteinemic patients are summarized. Detailed reviews of these topics have been previously published (l-3).
Engineering a distributed intrusion tolerant database system using COTS components

In this paper, we present the design and implementation of ITDB, a self-healing or intrusion-tolerant database prototype system. While traditional secure database systems rely on preventive controls and are very limited in surviving malicious attacks, ITDB can detect intrusions, isolate attacks, contain, assess, and repair the damage caused by intrusions in a timely manner such that sustained, self-stabilized levels of data integrity and availability can be provided to applications in face of attacks. ITDB is implemented on top of a COTS DBMS. Preliminary testing measurements of ITDB suggest that when the accuracy of intrusion detection is satisfactory, ITDB can effectively locate and repair the damage on-the-fly with reasonable (database) performance penalty.
Selection, Optimization, Compensation, and Equilibrium Dynamics

One of the major theoretic frameworks through which human development is studied is a process-oriented model involving selection, optimization, and compensation. These three processes each provide accounts for methods by which gains are maximized and losses minimized throughout the lifespan, in particular during later life. These processes can be cast within the framework of dynamical systems theory and then modeled using differential equations. The current article will review basic tenets of selection, optimization, and compensation while introducing language and concepts from dynamical systems. Four categories of interindividual differences and intraindividual variability in dynamics are then described and discussed in the context of selection, optimization, and compensation.
A physical design tool for built-in self-repairable RAMs

In this paper, we present the description and evaluation of a novel physical design tool, BISRAMGEN, that can generate reconfigurable and fault-tolerant RAM modules. This tool designs a redundant RAM array with accompanying built-in self-test (BIST) and built-in self-repair (BISR) logic that can switch out faulty rows and switch in spare rows. Built-in self-repair causes significant improvement in reliability, production yield, and manufacturing cost of ASICs and microprocessors with embedded RAMs.
What psychological process mediates feeding evoked by electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus

Because electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus (ESLH) can elicit both feeding and reward, most investigators have concluded that stimulation does not evoke the aversive cues associated with hunger. It has been hypothesized, instead, that ESLH primes ingestion by evoking pleasurable taste sensations. A direct taste of this hedonic hypothesis was undertaken in rats that showed stimulus-bound feeding. Contrary to the prediction, it was found that the taste reactions (gapes, tongue protrusions, etc.) during ESLH were more aversive than hedonic. It is suggested that the stimulation influences behavior by potentiating the salience, but not the hedonic value, of external stimuli. The advantages of this incentive salience hypothesis are that it circumvents the need to postulate a hedonic sensory experience during stimulation and that it can explain how evoked feeding may switch to other behaviors when conditions are altered.
Santiago de Murcia

Santiago de Murcia In her letter in EM Jan 82 p. 125 Monica Hall mentions a large number of com positions by Francois Le Cocq, Francois Campion, Robert de Visee and Fran cesco Corbetta that Santiago de Murcia inserted into his Passacalles y obras (1732). Although I am sure that she arrived at her conclusions independent of my own research, last year these same correspondences were brought to light in my 'Santiago de Murcia: Spanish Theorist and Guitarist of the Early Eighteenth Century', 2 vols. (PhD diss., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1981). Unfortunately, Ms Hall incorporates several errors into her brief letter. She mentions 13 pieces by Le Cocq in Murcia's Passacalles; there are, in fact. 16. In most of these instances Murcia preserves the basic structure of the original, but in a few cases he sig nificantly alters and reshapes the model. He expands several movements bor rowed from Le Cocq's Suite in G minor by inserting recurring motives and harmonic passages that forge the suite into a unified whole. The 11 pieces Richard Pinnell lists as being by Cor betta (a figure that Ms Hall accepts) should be pruned to only six—the remaining five are actually by Campion and Le Cocq. The correspondences between Murcia and his contemporaries do not stop with Le Cocq, Campion, De Visee and Corbetta; I have discovered that all 59 of the contredanses in Murcia's Resumen de acompanar la pane con la guitarra (Antwerp, 1714) are taken from the publications of the French dance master Raoul-Auger Feuillet. Further more, thematic similarities between several preludes hint that Murcia may have been familiar with the music of Henry Grenerin and Antoine Carre. A detailed table of these correspondences can be found in my dissertation and my forthcoming article 'Santiago de Mur cia: the French Connection in Baroque Spain', Journal of the Lute Society of America, 15 (1982).
Physical modelling in biomechanics

Physical models, like mathematical models, are useful tools in biomechanical research. Physical models enable investigators to explore parameter space in a way that is not possible using a comparative approach with living organisms: parameters can be varied one at a time to measure the performance consequences of each, while values and combinations not found in nature can be tested. Experiments using physical models in the laboratory or field can circumvent problems posed by uncooperative or endangered organisms. Physical models also permit some aspects of the biomechanical performance of extinct organisms to be measured. Use of properly scaled physical models allows detailed physical measurements to be made for organisms that are too small or fast to be easily studied directly. The process of physical modelling and the advantages and limitations of this approach are illustrated using examples from our research on hydrodynamic forces on sessile organisms, mechanics of hydraulic skeletons, food capture by zooplankton and odour interception by olfactory antennules.
Dynamik des Gehirns

Das menschliche Gehirn ist ein komplexes dynamisches System, in dem viele Teilsysteme auf der Grundlage neuronaler und synaptischer Signalverarbeitung zusammenarbeiten. Komplexe Verschaltungen dieser neurobiologischen Systeme ermoglichen Wahrnehmung, geplantes Handeln, Emotionen, Denken und Bewustsein.
Performance analysis of optimistic concurrency control schemes with different rerun policies

The pure optimistic concurrency control (OCC) scheme, which only aborts a transaction at its commit time, can do better than aborting transactions as soon as conflict is detected (broadcast OCC). To further exploit this phenomenon, hybrid CC schemes are devised which use a different CC scheme to handle rerun transactions. These include switching to static or dynamic locking (static and dynamic hybrid OCC schemes, respectively) or to broadcast OCC during rerun, while doing pure OCC for the first run. In the high-data contention environment, where locking is inferior to OCC, it is found that the static and dynamic hybrid OCC can do better than OCC. >
Potential for Cell-Mediated Immune Responses in Mouse Models of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease

Although activation of the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system are undoubtedly involved in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, it is unclear whether immune system activation is a primary or secondary event. Increasingly, published studies link primary metabolic stress to secondary inflammatory responses inside and outside of the nervous system. In this study, we show that the metabolic stress pathway known as the unfolded protein response (UPR) leads to secondary activation of the immune system. First, we observe innate immune system activation in autopsy specimens from Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) patients and mouse models stemming from PLP1 gene mutations. Second, missense mutations in mildly- and severely-affected Plp1-mutant mice exhibit immune-associated expression profiles with greater disease severity causing an increasingly proinflammatory environment. Third, and unexpectedly, we find little evidence for dysregulated expression of major antioxidant pathways, suggesting that the unfolded protein and oxidative stress responses are separable. Together, these data show that UPR activation can precede innate and/or adaptive immune system activation and that neuroinflammation can be titrated by metabolic stress in oligodendrocytes. Whether or not such activation leads to autoimmune disease in humans is unclear, but the case report of steroid-mitigated symptoms in a PMD patient initially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis lends support.
Na+-Ca2+ and Na+-H+ Antiporter Interactions. Relations between Cytosolic Free Ca2+, Na+ and Intracellular pH

There is increasing evidence that Na+-Ca2+ and Na+-H+ antiporters are present in practically all cells. However, many questions regarding their importance, their role in the control of cellular ion homeostasis and their mode of operation remain to be answered. For instance, a) what is the prevailing mode, forward or reverse, of the antiporter in a particular cell? b) can Na+-Ca2+ exchange be activated in both modes depending on the ionic balance and the thermodynamic conditions of the cell? and c) is there an interaction between Na+-Ca2+ and Na+-H+ exchange since both depend on the Na+ electrochemical potential?
How I Teach a Valve-Sparing Root Replacement.

The historic operation of choice for patients with sinus of Valsalva aneurysms is a Bentall operation, which involves replacement of the aortic valve and sinus segment with reimplantation of the coronary arteries. This operation has proven excellent long-term results [1]. However, in a select group of patients who have repairable or normal aortic valves with a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm, a valve-sparing root replacement (VSRR) is an appealing alternative. The ability to preserve a patient’s valve, obviating the need for anticoagulation therapy, makes it attractive because the disease tends to affect young patients who would otherwise need mechanical valves. The two most common procedures to address the pathology include the root remodeling technique by Magdi Yacoub and the reimplantation technique described by Tirone David and Christopher Feindel [2]. We prefer the latter in most patients because the operation has the added benefit of stabilizing the annulus. Teaching the VSRR operation is something we have done for more than a decade. It requires familiarity and mastery of the operation as the attending surgeon in addition to patience and the ability to teach, understand, and perform the operation from the “left side of the table.” Moreover, not all VSRRs are the same. Teaching a VSRR operation in a patient with normal left ventricular function and no aortic insufficiency (AI) is clearly not the same as teaching a VSRR operation in a patient with eccentric trileaflet AI with abnormal left ventricular function. For the sake of simplicity, we will describe how we teach a VSRR procedure in a trileaflet valve without any leaflet pathology.
Reducing the risk of transfusion‐transmitted cytomegalovirus infection: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

BACKGROUND Leukoreduced (LR) or cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seronegative cellular blood components are commonly used to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted CMV infection in high-risk patients. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the evidence for the use of LR cellular blood components with or without concurrent CMV testing of donor units in patients undergoing chemotherapy or solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, in pregnant women, in very-low-birthweight infants, and in patients with primary immunodeficiency. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus from 1980 through February 2015. Studies were included if they had a comparison group. Two independent reviewers selected and appraised studies. Meta-analysis was performed when appropriate. RESULTS Of 457 studies screened, 11 were eligible. One study was excluded from the meta-analysis because the comparison performed differed significantly from the others. Meta-analysis of five studies that compared leukoreduction to transfusing CMV-untested blood components showed no significant difference in clinical CMV infection (relative risk [RR], 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04-1.57) or laboratory CMV infection (RR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.08-1.37). Meta-analysis of three studies that compared leukoreduction to transfusing CMV-seronegative cellular components showed no significant difference in laboratory CMV infection (RR, 2.18; 95% CI, 0.96-4.98). Meta-analysis of two studies that compared adding CMV testing to leukoreduction (vs. leukoreduction alone) showed no significant difference in clinical or laboratory CMV infection. The certainty in estimates was low for all comparisons. CONCLUSION At present, the scientific evidence does not favor a single strategy for reducing the risk of transfusion-related CMV infection in high-risk patients.
Falls in the elderly.

Increasing age leads to an increased risk for both fall and fracture. Debility sufficient to result in institutionalization may double that risk. Multiple risk factors have been identified which are clinically useful in defining individual patient's potential for fall and careful history and physical examination is sufficient to identify most of those risk factors. While falling may be an unavoidable part of a lifetime human experience, the risk of falling should be reduced and its secondary morbidity lessened with a preventive and functionally oriented approach. That approach requires minimal additional resources, but is likely to provide tremendous benefit for both individual patients and the larger society. Language: en
Relation of baseline serum potassium levels to angiographic findings in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND In experimental animal studies, potassium has been demonstrated to protect against the development of atherosclerosis through a variety of mechanisms. Data regarding the role of potassium in the development of human atherosclerosis are sparse. The objective of this study was to determine the association between plasma potassium levels and angiographically defined coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS In a cohort of 389 male patients undergoing coronary angiography for a variety of clinical indications, the association between baseline serum potassium levels and the extent of angiographically defined atherosclerosis was analyzed. Adjustments were made for clinical and laboratory variables (including inflammatory markers) known to be associated with atherosclerosis. RESULTS By multivariate logistic regression analysis, baseline serum potassium levels were an independent predictor of the presence of multivessel disease (odds ratio (OR) 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.69; P < 0.05). In addition, in the non-myocardial infarction subpopulation of patients, serum potassium was also an independent predictor of the presence of multivessel disease by multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR 1.34, 95% CI, 1.02-1.76; P < 0.05). In the myocardial infarction (MI) subpopulation, serum potassium was not a predictor of multivessel disease, possibly due to the confounding effect of hypokalemia known to be present during MI. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that a simple baseline serum potassium level is independently associated with the presence of multivessel disease, even in the context of clinical CAD risk factors and other established inflammatory markers.
CHAOS, CANTOR SETS, AND HYPERBOLICITY FOR THE LOGISTIC MAPS

(1999). Chaos, Cantor Sets, and Hyperbolicity for the Logistic Maps. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 106, No. 5, pp. 400-408.
Relationships of Stream Responses to Hydrologic Changes

Rural to urban land use change is a ubiquitous and formidable challenge in watershed management. Decades of research have revealed that urbanization frequently results in severe stream degradation, but the complexity and variability of stream responses inhibit prediction and informed decision-making. Associations between gross measures of total imperviousness or human population and stream characteristics provide little meaningful feedback for understanding key processes and creating practical mitigation strategies. In contrast, examining the effectiveness of mitigation strategies relative to fundamental biophysical linkages provides a foundation for improved management of aquatic ecosystems in rapidly changing watersheds. The objective of this paper is to provide a process-oriented view of what is known about the physical response of streams to urbanization and stormwater controls, to identify some critical information gaps, and to suggest useful approaches and analysis tools for filling these gaps. In particular, variable responses to altered flow and sediment regimes across different stream types, riparian conditions, and spatio-temporal scales are considered. Decision-based models of channel instability that account for the relative sensitivity of stream types to changes in flow and sediment regimes can improve our ability to set priorities and tailor mitigation strategies to the response potential of receiving waterbodies.
Effects of Different Applying Times of Astragalus sinicus on Soil Nutrient Content and Nutrient Absorption of Late Rice Plants

A field experiment was carried out to study the effects of different applying times of Chinese milk vetch(Astragalus sinicus) on the content of soil nutrient after the harvest of late rice and the nutrient absorption of late rice plants.The results showed that turning A.sinicus to underground on the 5th～15th day before transplanting early rice plants could increase the content of total N,available N,available P and available K in the soil,but it had no significant effects on the content of total P and total K in the soil.Turning A.sinicus to underground on the 5th day before transplanting early rice plants could decrease the content of N and P in the stalk and grain of late rice as well as the yield of late rice.Turning A.sinicus to underground 10～15 days before transplanting early rice plants could significantly increase the content of N,P and K in the stalk and grain of late rice,and enhance the yield of late rice.Therefore,turning A.sinicus to underground on the 15th day before transplanting early rice plants had the best effects.
Interaction between Shock Waves in Water and Convergent Structures of Finite Thickness

Shock waves generated from underwater explosions (UNDEX) are potential hazards to all kinds of marine structures. In such events, coupled dynamics of the solid structure and the surrounding fluid can yield severe damage, and sometimes lead to damage of the solid structure
Role of Dendritic Cells in Aging

Immunesenescence is characterized by a decline in immune functions which is responsible for majority of morbidity and mortality associated with aging. The possible consequences of this progressive aging of the immune system are an increase in autoimmune phenomena, incidence of malignancies and predisposition to infections. Innate immune system is the primary defense against invading pathogens. Moreover, it also initiates and modulates the functions of adaptive immune system. This review focuses on the age-associated changes in the functions of dendritic cells, the major antigen presenting cells of the innate immune system.
Immunologically Mediated Male and Female Reproductive Failure

Pregnancy poses a unique immune condition actively modulated to protect the mother against pathogens and prevent damage to the fetus, the result of a combination of signals and responses originating from the maternal immune system and the fetal–placental immune system. Seminal fluid components can perturb the female reproductive tract, both promoting the survival of spermatozoa and facilitating the implantation of embryos. The prevention of autoimmunity to sperm-associated antigens is dependent upon the presence of both an anatomical blood–testis barrier and tolerance mechanisms mediated by T regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes. Significant roles are played by the interactions of Treg cells, dendritic cells, uterine natural killer cells, and stromal cells of the decidua through the mediation of cytokines and chemokines in the regulation of trophectoderm outgrowth and early placental development. Impairment of these processes may have implications leading to clinical abnormalities of pregnancy.
Regulating World Markets in a Liberal Global Economy

There is an apparent paradox in the title of this essay: regulating markets would appear to be incompatible with a liberal global economy, yet we shall argue that the global economy is not quite as liberal as is sometimes claimed, that illiberal regulation of markets persists and in some cases ought to be removed, whereas in other cases efficiency and equity might increase if there were greater regulation of the global economy within a broadly liberal framework. A liberal economy is not the same thing as a laissez faire economy and a degree of market regulation is indeed compatible with a liberal global system. The question is not whether liberalization always is desirable but what are the circumstances under which economic performance would be enhanced by deregulation and, conversely, under what circumstances would intervention in market processes be beneficial.
WiFO: Hybrid WiFi and Free-Space Optical Communication System with PAM Optimal Decoding

We describe WiFO, a novel communication system that integrates free space optical communication and WiFi technologies to provide an order of magnitude improvement in wireless capacity. To provide high bit rates and large coverage, WiFO employs an array of LED-based transmitters. Each modulates a beam of invisible light using a Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) scheme. A WiFO receiver is capable of receiving signals from multiple transmitters simultaneously. We describe a PAM decoding scheme that estimates the channel parameters, then use them to determine the decoding thresholds for minimizing the bit error rate. Furthermore, we characterize the conditions on channel parameters for perfect signal recovery. Simulations and theoretical analyses are provided to validate the proposed scheme.
Fighting America’s Highest Incarceration Rates with Offender Programming: Process Evaluation Implications from the Louisiana 22nd Judicial District Reentry Court

Reentry programs, when adequately funded and delivered with fidelity, can render recidivism reduction and other positive outcomes such as abstinence and employment stability. This paper reports process evaluation findings for the Louisiana 22nd Judicial District Reentry Court program, a joint SAMHSA/BJA-sponsored multiphase programming intervention for high-risk/high-need offenders featuring job readiness training in the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola and transition services during reentry, including program engagement, job placement, and treatment services continuation in the community under strict judicial supervision. Research procedures entailed 1) observation of court appearances, treatment team meetings, educational activities, and counseling sessions, 2) review of all program participant case files enabling progress tracking, and 3) in-depth and focus group interviews with program stakeholders both at Angola and post-release in community settings. Findings relate the evidence based nature and quality of services delivery to date, as well as fidelity demonstrated across major programmatic domains. Program improvement opportunities, outcome evaluation implications, and performance measures signaling early success center discussion around vanguard elements of the court and evaluation design, respectively.
A short note on the derivation of the elastic von Kármán shell theory

We derive the Γ-limit of scaled elastic energies h−4Eh(uh) associated with deformations uh of a family of thin shells \({S^h} = \left\{ {z = x + t\vec n\left( x \right);x \in S, - g_1^h\left( x \right) < t < g_2^h\left( x \right)} \right\}\) . The obtained von Karman theory is valid for a general sequence of boundaries g1h, g2h converging to 0 in an appropriate manner as h vanishes. Our analysis relies on the techniques and extends the results in [10] and [11].
Dual Control for Identification and Guidance

Abstract An adaptive dual control guidance algorithm is presented for intercepting a moving target in tile presence of an interfering target (decoy) in a stochastic environment. Two sequences of measurements are obtained at discrete points in time; however, it is not certain, which sequencecame from the target of interest and which from the decoy. Associated with each track, the interceptor also receives noisy, state dependent feature measurements. The optimum control for the interceptor which is given by the solution of the stochastic dynamic programming equation is not numerically feasible to obtain. An approximate solution of this equation is obtained by evaluating the value of the future information gathering. This is done through the use of preposterior analysis-approximate prior probability densities are obtained and used to describe the future learning and control. In this way, the interceptor control is used for information gathering in order to reduce the future target and decoy inertial measurement errors and enhance the observable target/decoy feature differences for subsequent dis crimination between the true target and the decoy.
Impact of Academic Detailing and Same-Day Reminders on Monitoring for Iron Deficiency in Patients With Heart Failure in a Family Medicine Residency.

Introduction As we move from a fee-for-service system to a value-based payment system, ongoing quality improvement projects have become the norm. We chose to evaluate whether academic detailing by a pharmacist is an effective means of increasing knowledge among family medicine residents of the need to monitor for iron deficiency in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. Methods We identified the baseline number of iron levels obtained for CHF patients and surveyed all 24 residents to evaluate baseline knowledge of the association between iron deficiency and CHF. Residents met with a pharmacist on clinic days to discuss iron deficiency and CHF and received an educational handout and a list of their CHF patients. Periodic reminders were first sent electronically to residents followed by in-person reminders from the pharmacist for patients seen that day in clinic. Results At baseline, 16 (3%) of 488 CHF patients had an iron level collected within the past year. Initial survey results showed only one resident (4.2%) reported knowledge of monitoring iron in CHF patients. After academic detailing, residents ordered iron panels on 234 patients. Of these, 98 patients (42%) were found to be iron deficient. On postintervention analysis, all residents surveyed (20) reported that they would monitor iron in CHF patients (P<0.001). Residents were receptive to academic detailing and preferred it over EMR messages. Conclusion Education from a pharmacist improved awareness of the necessity to evaluate for iron deficiency in CHF patients. Academic detailing with reminders is a viable option for improving quality and educating residents.
Identification of an Epoxide Metabolite of Lycopene in Human Plasma Using 13C-Labeling and QTOF-MS

The carotenoid lycopene is a bioactive component of tomatoes and is hypothesized to reduce risk of several chronic diseases, such as prostate cancer. The metabolism of lycopene is only beginning to be understood and some studies suggest that metabolites of lycopene may be partially responsible for bioactivity associated with the parent compound. The detection and characterization of these compounds in vivo is an important step in understanding lycopene bioactivity. The metabolism of lycopene likely involves both chemical and enzymatic oxidation. While numerous lycopene metabolites have been proposed, few have actually been identified in vivo following lycopene intake. Here, LC-QTOF-MS was used along with 13C-labeling to investigate the post-prandial oxidative metabolism of lycopene in human plasma. Previously reported aldehyde cleavage products were not detected, but a lycopene 1,2-epoxide was identified as a new candidate oxidative metabolite.
Comparison Study of Regularizations in Spectral Computed Tomography Reconstruction

The energy-resolving photon-counting detectors in spectral computed tomography (CT) can acquire projections of an object in different energy channels. In other words, they are able to reliably distinguish the received photon energies. These detectors lead to the emerging spectral CT, which is also called multi-energy CT, energy-selective CT, color CT, etc. Spectral CT can provide additional information in comparison with the conventional CT in which energy integrating detectors are used to acquire polychromatic projections of an object being investigated. The measurements obtained by X-ray CT detectors are noisy in reality, especially in spectral CT where the photon number is low in each energy channel. Therefore, some regularization should be applied to obtain a better image quality for this ill-posed problem in spectral CT image reconstruction. Quadratic-based regularizations are not often satisfactory as they blur the edges in the reconstructed images. As a result, different edge-preserving regularization methods have been adopted for reconstructing high quality images in the last decade. In this work, we numerically evaluate the performance of different regularizers in spectral CT, including total variation, non-local means and anisotropic diffusion. The goal is to provide some practical guidance to accurately reconstruct the attenuation distribution in each energy channel of the spectral CT data.
“Madam, you ought to be the man such times as these”: gendered confrontations and the Runaway Scrape

ABSTRACTThis article examines the power dynamics between men and women during the “Runaway Scrape.” During this chapter of the Texas Revolution, the situation looked bleak for the Texas army as they withdrew towards the Louisiana border to avoid the Mexican onslaught. Women, slaves, and the men not engaged in battle joined the retreat. This study focuses on the gendered contestations between those fleeing the attack. Women often found themselves challenging the authority, decision-making, character, and even manliness of their male counterparts; some casting aspersions on the masculinity of a wide array of historical actors, ranging from deserters to government and military officials.