cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal Variations of Snowmelt in Antarctica Derived from Satellite Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer and Special Sensor Microwave Imager data (1978–2004)

[1] We derived the extent, onset date, end date, and duration of snowmelt in Antarctica from 1978 to 2004 using satellite passive microwave scanning multichannel microwave radiometer (SMMR) and Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) data. A wavelet-transform-based method was developed to determine and characterize melt occurrences. About 9–12% of the Antarctic surface experiences melt annually. This is more than twice the surface melt extent measured in Greenland. Seasonally, surface melt primarily takes place in December, January, and February and peaks in early January. Regression analysis over the 25 year period of study reveals a negative interannual trend in surface melt. Nevertheless, the trend inference is not statistically significant. Large year-to-year fluctuations characterize the interannual variability. Extremely high melt occurred in the 1982/1983 and 1991/1992 summers, while extremely weak melt occurred in the 1999/2000 summer. A strong correlation with air temperature suggests that the melt index can serve as a diagnostic indicator for regional temperature variations. Periodic melting has been observed over Ross Ice Shelf, Ronne-Filchner Ice Shelf, the West Antarctic ice streams, and outlet glaciers in the Transantarctic Mountains. The Antarctic Peninsula, West Ice Shelf, Shackleton Ice Shelf, Amery Ice Shelf, and the ice shelf along the Princess Ragnhild Coast experienced the most persistent and intensive melt and should be closely monitored for their stability in the future, given the recent disintegration of the Larsen Ice Shelf A and B.
The Roosevelt New Deal : a program assessment fifty years after

The Roosevelt New Deal: A Program Assessment Fifty Years After, WILBUR J. COHEN, ed. Austin, Tex.: The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, 1986; xvi + 341 pp., contributors; paperbound. The Great Society and Its Legacy: Twenty Years of Social Policy, MARSHALL KAPLAN and PEGGY CUCITI, eds. Durham: Duke University Press, 1986; viii + 252 pp., index; clothbound, $42.50; paperbound; $17.95.
Laser robotically assisted nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy : a pilot study of technical feasibility in the canine model

OBJECTIVES To examine the feasibility of using laser energy during nerve-sparing robotically assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), as the energy sources currently used for haemostasis in RARP adversely affect cavernous nerve function, while clips require application by a skilled assistant, but laser energy potentially allows precise dissection with minimal collateral tissue injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used laser-based RARP in 10 dogs, using the da Vinci S system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) and a prototype robotic laser instrument. The potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser was used for dissection at 2–6 W, with intermittent use of the neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser at 5 W for coagulating larger vessels. The peak intracavernosal pressure response to nerve stimulation was recorded as a percentage of mean arterial pressure (ICP%MAP) before and after RARP. Five dogs were killed immediately after RARP and five were maintained alive for 72 h; the haemoglobin and haematocrit levels were measured before and after RARP in the latter five dogs. RESULTS All 10 procedures were performed solely using laser energy and no additional haemostatic manoeuvres. The median prostate excision time was 65 min. The ICP%MAP before and after RARP (median 98.5% and 77.0%, P = 0.12) were not significantly different; similarly, the respective haemoglobin (median 14.4 vs 12.6 g/dL, P = 0.06) and haematocrit levels (45.1% vs 40.2%, P = 0.06) were not significantly different. Two dogs had catheter-related complications and one had an anastomotic leak. There were no laser-related complications or postoperative haemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS Laser RARP is feasible in dogs and further assessment is warranted.
Negative magnetoresistance in glassy carbon

Abstract An extensive experimental investigation of the negative magnetoresistance phenomenon in a non-crystalline carbon has been carried out. The microstructure of the material was altered by heat treating in the range 1000°−2800°C, and the effect of the changes induced was measured as a function of temperature (10–300 K) and magnetic field (0–50 kG). The negative magnetoresistance was found to follow a f(H/T 1/2) dependence over a large range of temperatures and magnetic fields. The mechanism is thought to be spin-flip scattering from localized spins. Starting with Δρ∞ −m 2, where m is the magnetic moment per localized spin, the discussion relates the observed negative magnetoresistance to the anomalous behaviour of the spin susceptibility on the metallic side of the metal-insulator transition.
Designing stimulation patterns for an afferent BMI: Representation of kinetics in somatosensory cortex

In recent years, much attention has been focused on developing stimulating strategies for somatosensory prostheses. One application of such a somatosensory prosthesis is to supply proprioceptive feedback in a brain machine interface application. One strategy for the development of such a stimulation regime is to mimic the natural representation of limb state variables. In this paper, we demonstrate that end point force is represented in primary somatosensory cortex of the macaque and force, in addition to velocity, can be decoded from S1 neural recordings. Force is represented in S1 in both a movement and isometric tasks; however, models that predict force in one condition do not generalize to the other. Possible interpretations of these apparently contradictory results are discussed.
Stimulus specific deficit on visual reversal learning after lesions of medial prefrontal cortex in the mouse

Tests of executive abilities, such as discrimination reversal and attentional set shifting, are sensitive to prefrontal cortex (PFC) damage in primates. The purpose of the present study was to use a primate reversal task to determine if PFC in the mouse is involved in similar cognitive functions. Mice with lesions of medial PFC and Sham operated control animals were trained on a series of visual problems in a computer-automated touchscreen apparatus using stimuli that varied in either pattern (lines) or luminance (black-white). PFC-lesioned mice learned to discriminate both sets of stimuli as readily as controls, but displayed a stimulus specific (pattern only) deficit on the reversal task. Analysis of error patterns on the line reversal suggests the deficit exhibited by PFC-lesioned mice was related to stimulus specific aspects of visual attention, rather than perseveration. These results demonstrate that medial PFC may play a role in control of directed attention and provide further evidence that the touchscreen procedure can be a useful tool for examining functional similarities in brain regions of very diverse species.
Wnt Signaling and Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a common form of lung fibrotic disease whose causes remain an enigma. The disease is limited to the lung and cases are reported from around the world with no predilection by ethnicity or race. Although no specific genetic factors have been identified, there have been cases of reported inheritable forms of IPF. 1-3 IPF is progressive and characterized by increased fibroblastic proliferation and extracellular matrix remodeling. The result of these processes is the dramatic disruption of the lungs natural architecture. Until recently, the most common underlying theory as to the cause of IPF was that an inflammatory process injures the lung, causing runaway fibrosis and tissue destruction. This hypothesis has been challenged recently and several reports have implicated epithelial-mesenchymal signaling as playing an important role in IPF. 4,5 A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the causes and effects of IPF will be important in the drive to develop better therapeutics and treatments that have been lacking. In this issue of The American Journal of Pathology, Chilosi and colleagues 6 report that the Wnt signal transduction pathway is aberrantly activated in IPF. This observation is important considering the wealth of knowledge supporting a role for Wnt signaling in cellular proliferation and the implications of Wnt signaling in human disease.
Investment characteristics of low- and moderate-income mortgage loans

Abstract This paper analyzes the investment characteristics of mortgage loans made to low- and moderate-income households. We combine loan level and borrower data provided by a major state housing finance authority with housing transaction data to identify loans terminated by refinancing, moving, and default. We estimate a multinomial logit model for the three risks of early termination. Measures of investment performance are generated using Monte Carlo simulation where the probability of early termination is based on the estimated multinomial model. We randomly select joint interest rate and house price scenarios. For each scenario, we generate the expected cash flows and calculate traditional investment characteristics such as duration and yield spreads. In order to compare the investment characteristics of low- and moderate-income loans with those of conventional mortgages, we simulate the cash flows and investment characteristics of conventional mortgages using models estimated from a major lender’s significantly higher default rate but a significantly lower refinancing rate when interest rates fall. The termination rate from mobility for the low- and moderate-income loans can be higher or lower than that of conventional mortgage loans, depending on the nature of the scenario. Overall, the low- and moderate-income loan portfolio has a longer duration but less negative convexity than the conventitional portfolio.
ZINC INTERFERENCE WITH COPPER, IRON AND MANGANESE IN YOUNG JAPANESE QUAIL

TO identify the most sensitive adverse effects of high dietary zinc, day-old Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix juponica) were fed diets marginally deficient, adequate or slightly elevated in copper with supplements of 15.6–2000 ppm zinc. By 14 days of age, sensitive zinc antagonisms of copper, iron and manganese were evident. The supplemental zinc caused depressed growth, decreased feather pigmentation, mild perosis and anemia; the first three generally being more severe when dietary copper was marginally deficient. The duodenum and liver accumulated zinc in relation to the dietary zinc level. Supplemental zinc caused decreased levels of iron, manganese and copper in the liver. The adequacy of copper intake is important when zinc intake is increased by use of dietary supplements or fortification of foods.
Clients' satisfaction and interpersonal trust among hospitalized psychiatric patients.

A questionnaire on clients' satisfaction was given to 40 psychiatric patients in a state hospital program. Responses showed generally high satisfaction (74%). Comparisons with earlier surveys in the same program suggested that feedback of results to the program staff without concentrated efforts by management to induce change may not be sufficient to improve reported satisfaction by patients. Clients' satisfaction correlated .43 with Rotter's Interpersonal Trust Scale, but neither measure was significantly related to staff ratings of patients' behavioral adjustment or to demographic variables.
Experiences of Iraqi doctors in Jordan during conflict and factors associated with migration

Objectives: To document the experiences of Iraqi doctors residing in Jordan before departure from Iraq and to assess factors associated with migration. Methods: Respondent-driven sampling was used to obtain information from 401 Iraqi doctors arriving in Jordan after the invasion of 2003. Three seeds were used and chains were carried out to 10-11 waves of respondents; interviews were carried out either in person or by mobile phone. Results: Migration of Iraqi doctors to Jordan peaked in 2006; 94 percent of doctors were from Baghdad and 25 percent had been internally displaced before migration to Jordan. Departure from Iraq was associated with a violent event in 61 percent (confidence interval [CI]: 56-65) of cases and 75 percent (CI: 70-79) of doctor households experienced a violent event before migration. Kidnappings or assassination attempts were reported by 17 percent (CI: 25-34) of doctors; male sex and older age were significantly associated with increased risk in multivariate models. Only 30 percent (CI: 25-34) of doctors reported they have plan to return to Iraq when the conflict is over and 6 percent (CI: 4-9) reported planning to return to Iraq within a year; the majority (52 percent, CI: 47-57) planned to settle in a third country. Conclusions: Iraq has lost many of its doctors as a result of the conflict, and the majority of those displaced in Jordan have no plans to return. The human capital losses associated with the large-scale displacement of Iraqi doctors are substantial and have left a critical void in human capital that will likely impact the health system for decades.
An analysis of regularization by diffusion for ill-posed Poisson likelihood estimations

The noise contained in images collected by a charge coupled device (CCD) camera is predominantly of Poisson type. This motivates the use of the negative-log Poisson likelihood function in place of the least-squares fit-to-data function. However, if the underlying mathematical model is assumed to have the form z = Au + γ, where z is the data and A is a compact operator and γ is the background light intensity, minimizing the negative-log Poisson likelihood function is an ill-posed problem, and hence some form of regularization is required. In previous work, the authors have performed theoretical analyses of two approaches for regularization in this setting: standard Tikhonov and total variation regularization. In this article, we consider a class of regularization functionals defined by differential operators of diffusion type, and our main results constitute a theoretical justification of this approach. However, in order to demonstrate that the approach is effective in practice, we follow our theoretical a...
Compression and expansion in graphs using overlays

In this article, we describe how to construct physical computer network topologies, which can support the establishment of overlays that reduce or increase the distances between nodes. Reducing pairwise distances (i.e., compression) implies that the overlay enjoys significantly lower inter-node latencies compared to the ambient physical network; such an overlay can be used to implement a “high-performance mode” for disaster situations in which network responsiveness is of critical importance. On the other hand, increasing pairwise distances (i.e., expansion) implies that the overlay exhibits significantly higher internode latencies compared to the ambient physical network; such an overlay can be used to implement a brief “dilated state” in networks that have been infected by a malicious worm, where slowing down the infection spread allows greater time for antidote generation. We show that it is possible to design physical networks which support overlays whose logical link bandwidth is equal to the physical link bandwidth while providing arbitrarily high compression or expansion. We also show that it is possible to “grow” such networks over time in a scalable way, that is to say, it is possible to retain the compression/expansion properties while augmenting the network with new nodes, by making relatively small adjustments to the physical and overlay network structure. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 58(1), 36–42 2011 © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic mechanistic explanation: computational modeling of circadian rhythms as an exemplar for cognitive science.

We consider computational modeling in two fields: chronobiology and cognitive science. In circadian rhythm models, variables generally correspond to properties of parts and operations of the responsible mechanism. A computational model of this complex mechanism is grounded in empirical discoveries and contributes a more refined understanding of the dynamics of its behavior. In cognitive science, on the other hand, computational modelers typically advance de novo proposals for mechanisms to account for behavior. They offer indirect evidence that a proposed mechanism is adequate to produce particular behavioral data, but typically there is no direct empirical evidence for the hypothesized parts and operations. Models in these two fields differ in the extent of their empirical grounding, but they share the goal of achieving dynamic mechanistic explanation. That is, they augment a proposed mechanistic explanation with a computational model that enables exploration of the mechanism’s dynamics. Using exemplars from circadian rhythm research, we extract six specific contributions provided by computational models. We then examine cognitive science models to determine how well they make the same types of contributions. We suggest that the modeling approach used in circadian research may prove useful in cognitive science as researchers develop procedures for experimentally decomposing cognitive mechanisms into parts and operations and begin to understand their nonlinear interactions.
Plasmid stability and α‐amylase production in batch and continuous cultures of Bacillus subtilis TN106[pAT5]

Cell growth and enzyme (alpha-amylase) production characteristics of Bacillus subtilis TN106 containing the recombinant plasmid pAT5 are investigated in batch and continuous cultures using a defined medium with glucose as the limiting nutrient. The batch culture studies demonstrate that the recombinant plasmid, reported earlier(1) to be stably maintained in the host, suffers from segregational and structural instabilities. The structural instability of this strain occurred during culture storage and can be eliminated in bioreactor experiments by using a modified inoculum preparation procedure. Such elimination allows an unbiased investigation of segregational instability via continuous culture studies. Such studies conducted with this fast growing microorganism, in the absence of antibiotic selection pressure, indicate a very efficient glucose utilization (very low residual glucose concentrations) over a wide range of dilution rates (0.16 h(-1) - 0.94 h(-1)). The nearly time-invariant and low residual glucose concentrations at each such dilution rate enable convenient estimation of growth parameters of the host and recombinant cells and frequency of segregational instability from transients in the resulting mixed cultures. The specific alpha-amylase activity exhibits an inverse relationship to the specific growth rate of recombinant cells. The growth of recombinant cells is not affected by the presence of antibiotic (kanamycin). The growth advantage of host cells over recombinant cells diminishes with increasing dilution rate.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Glomerular Diseases in Elderly Patients

Glomerular diseases are common in elderly patients and are a major cause of kidney failure. Most glomerular diseases in the elderly are caused by chronic systemic diseases, including arterial hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerotic vascular diseases, although acute systemic vasculitis, especially anti-neutrophil-cytoplamic-antibody-mediated vasculitis, and membranous nephropathy related to malignancy, drug toxicity, and idiopathic form also occur often. Complex age-related changes and sensitivity to drug toxicity can render diagnosis and treatment for elderly patients challenging. As the general population is aging and the rate of CKD rising, updating knowledge on managing these patients is critical for care providers. We provide a comprehensive review and update of the diagnosis and treatment of glomerular diseases in the elderly.
An algorithm for finding protein-DNA binding sites with applications to chromatin-immunoprecipitation microarray experiments.

Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by cDNA microarray hybridization (ChIP-array) has become a popular procedure for studying genome-wide protein-DNA interactions and transcription regulation. However, it can only map the probable protein-DNA interaction loci within 1-2 kilobases resolution. To pinpoint interaction sites down to the base-pair level, we introduce a computational method, Motif Discovery scan (MDscan), that examines the ChIP-array-selected sequences and searches for DNA sequence motifs representing the protein-DNA interaction sites. MDscan combines the advantages of two widely adopted motif search strategies, word enumeration and position-specific weight matrix updating, and incorporates the ChIP-array ranking information to accelerate searches and enhance their success rates. MDscan correctly identified all the experimentally verified motifs from published ChIP-array experiments in yeast (STE12, GAL4, RAP1, SCB, MCB, MCM1, SFF, and SWI5), and predicted two motif patterns for the differential binding of Rap1 protein in telomere regions. In our studies, the method was faster and more accurate than several established motif-finding algorithms. MDscan can be used to find DNA motifs not only in ChIP-array experiments but also in other experiments in which a subgroup of the sequences can be inferred to contain relatively abundant motif sites. The MDscan web server can be accessed at http://BioProspector.stanford.edu/MDscan/.
Pictorial cigarette pack warnings: a meta-analysis of experimental studies

Objective To inform international research and policy, we conducted a meta-analysis of the experimental literature on pictorial cigarette pack warnings. Data sources We systematically searched 7 computerised databases in April 2013 using several search terms. We also searched reference lists of relevant articles. Study selection We included studies that used an experimental protocol to test cigarette pack warnings and reported data on both pictorial and text-only conditions. 37 studies with data on 48 independent samples (N=33 613) met criteria. Data extraction and synthesis Two independent coders coded all study characteristics. Effect sizes were computed from data extracted from study reports and were combined using random effects meta-analytic procedures. Results Pictorial warnings were more effective than text-only warnings for 12 of 17 effectiveness outcomes (all p<0.05). Relative to text-only warnings, pictorial warnings (1) attracted and held attention better; (2) garnered stronger cognitive and emotional reactions; (3) elicited more negative pack attitudes and negative smoking attitudes and (4) more effectively increased intentions to not start smoking and to quit smoking. Participants also perceived pictorial warnings as being more effective than text-only warnings across all 8 perceived effectiveness outcomes. Conclusions The evidence from this international body of literature supports pictorial cigarette pack warnings as more effective than text-only warnings. Gaps in the literature include a lack of assessment of smoking behaviour and a dearth of theory-based research on how warnings exert their effects.
Behavioral economic analysis of drug preference using multiple choice procedure data

Abstract The multiple choice procedure has been used to evaluate preference for psychoactive drugs, relative to money amounts (price), in human subjects. The present re-analysis shows that MCP data are compatible with behavioral economic analysis of drug choices. Demand curves were constructed from studies with intravenous fentanyl, intramuscular hydromorphone and oral methadone in opioid-dependent individuals; oral d -amphetamine, oral MDMA alone and during fluoxetine treatment, and smoked marijuana alone or following naltrexone pretreatment in recreational drug users. For each participant and dose, the MCP crossover point was converted into unit price (UP) by dividing the money value ($) by the drug dose (mg/70 kg). At the crossover value, the dose ceases to function as a reinforcer, so “0” was entered for this and higher UPs to reflect lack of drug choice. At lower UPs, the dose functions as a reinforcer and “1” was entered to reflect drug choice. Data for UP vs. average percent choice were plotted in log–log space to generate demand functions. Rank of order of opioid inelasticity (slope of non-linear regression) was: fentanyl > hydromorphone (continuing heroin users) > methadone > hydromorphone (heroin abstainers). Rank order of psychostimulant inelasticity was d -amphetamine > MDMA > MDMA + fluoxetine. Smoked marijuana was more inelastic with high-dose naltrexone. These findings show this method translates individuals’ drug preferences into estimates of population demand, which has the potential to yield insights into pharmacotherapy efficacy, abuse liability assessment, and individual differences in susceptibility to drug abuse.
Correcting the Record II: Errors

This PDF file contains the editorial “Correcting the Record II: Errors” for OE Vol. 46 Issue 11
A 0.9-V microcontroller for portable applications

A 0.9-1.6-V, 1-MHz, 8-b microcontroller based on the 68HC08 architecture is presented. In addition to standard digital microcontroller functions, the chip features RAM, ROM, phase-locked loop (PLL) clock synthesis, and liquid crystal displays (LCD) drive capabilities operating from the voltage supply range of a single AA or AAA battery. The design used a library of CMOS microcontroller building blocks, converted into a low-voltage technology using unilateral transistors. The design approach was to optimize the conversion strategy for each functional block and to provide new designs when the conversion was insufficient. The chip exceeded specifications with blocks showing full functionality down to 0.7 V.
Increased sensitivity of bacterial detection in cerebrospinal fluid by fluorescent staining on low-fluorescence membrane filters

A membrane-filter-based, fluorescent Gram stain method for bacterial detection in cerebrospinal fluid samples was developed and evaluated as a rapid, sensitive alternative to standard Gram stain protocols. A recently developed, modified version of the aluminium oxide membrane Anopore with low-fluorescence optical properties showed superior performance in this application. Other aspects of the fluorescent Gram stain system that were evaluated include membrane filter selection, strategies to reduce fluorescence fading and the effect of patient blood cells on bacterial detection in the fluorescently stained cerebrospinal fluid samples. The combination of the membrane filter's bacteria-concentrating ability and absolute retention along with high-contrast, fluorescent Gram discriminating dyes enabled rapid bacterial detection and Gram discrimination, with a 1-1.5 order of magnitude increase in the bacterial concentration limit of detection.
Links Between Adipose Tissue and Thrombosis in the Mouse

Obesity has become a global epidemic and carries a considerable negative impact in regard to quality of life and life expectancy. A primary problem is that obese individuals are at increased risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease complications such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Because fat accumulation is a consistent aspect of obesity, mechanisms that may link adipose tissue to cardiovascular disease complications should be considered. Proteins expressed from adipose tissue, known as adipokines, are hypothesized to have important effects on the progression and incidence of cardiovascular disease complications. This review examines the evidence that adipokines play a direct role in vascular thrombosis, an important event in cardiovascular disease complications.
Implementation of the Campaign to Prevent Antimicrobial Resistance in Healthcare Settings: 12 Steps to Prevent Antimicrobial Resistance Among Hospitalized Adults--experiences from 3 institutions.

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat to public health. Health care settings are particularly prone to the spread of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and extended-spectrum b-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms, which contribute to adverse health outcomes and rising costs. To address this challenge, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched the Campaign to Prevent Antimicrobial Resistance in Healthcare Settings (the Campaign) in March 2002. The Campaign was designed as a nationwide effort to facilitate the implementation of educational and behavioral interventions that will assist clinicians in preventing antimicrobial resistance. The Campaign centers on 4 broad strategies—Prevent Infection, Diagnose and Treat Infection Effectively, Use Antimicrobials Wisely, and Prevent Transmission—and includes multiple evidence-based 12-step programs targeting clinicians who treat specific patient populations, including hos-
Direct CO2 laser “revascularization” of the myocardium

Evidence of regional myocardial perfusion and contractile function after direct CO2 laser myocardial revascularization (DLR) is lacking. We examined myocardial segment shortening, adenine nucleotide concentrations, and regional blood flow after DLR of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) distribution before and after its proximal ligation in seven anesthetized conditioned dogs. Sonomicrometry assessed myocardial fiber shortening and radioactive microspheres were used to estimate baseline regional blood flows. Cardiopulmonary bypass was followed by cardioplegia arrest. Laser channels (1 mm diameter) were made every 3 to 5 mm in the LAD region with an 80 watt Laser-sonics CO2 unit. Bypass was terminated, the LAD occluded, and parameters reassessed. Core samples of myocardium from the lased LAD and control circumflex area were taken to assess adenine nucleotides. After occlusion, LAD distribution blood flow and myocardial shortening were reduced to pre-lasting ischemic controls. Adenine nucleotides were reduced in the LAD region relative to the control CMX area. DLR cannot be relied upon to acutely revascularize the ischemic myocardium.
Disruption of renal peritubular blood flow in lipopolysaccharide-induced renal failure: role of nitric oxide and caspases

Acute renal failure (ARF) is a frequent and serious complication of endotoxemia caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and contributes significantly to mortality. The present studies were undertaken to examine the roles of nitric oxide (NO) and caspase activation on renal peritubular blood flow and apoptosis in a murine model of LPS-induced ARF. Male C57BL/6 mice treated with LPS (Escherichia coli) at a dose of 10 mg/kg developed ARF at 18 h. Renal failure was associated with a significant decrease in peritubular capillary perfusion. Vessels with no flow increased from 7 +/- 3% in the saline group to 30 +/- 4% in the LPS group (P < 0.01). Both the inducible NO synthase inhibitor L-N(6)-1-iminoethyl-lysine (L-NIL) and the nonselective caspase inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp fluoromethylketone (Z-VAD) prevented renal failure and reversed perfusion deficits. Renal failure was also associated with an increase in renal caspase-3 activity and an increase in renal apoptosis. Both L-NIL and Z-VAD prevented these changes. LPS caused an increase in NO production that was blocked by L-NIL but not by Z-VAD. Taken together, these data suggest NO-mediated activation of renal caspases and the resulting disruption in peritubular blood flow are an important mechanism of LPS-induced ARF.
Biogeography and ecology: two views of one world

Both biogeography and ecology seek to understand the processes that determine patterns in nature, but do so at different spatial and temporal scales. The two disciplines were not always so different, and are recently converging again at regional spatial scales and broad temporal scales. In order to avoid confusion and to hasten progress at the converging margins of each discipline, the following papers were presented at a symposium in the International Biogeography Society's 2011 meeting, and are now published in this issue of the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. In a novel approach, groups of authors were paired to represent biogeographic and ecological perspectives on each of four topics: niche, comparative ecology and macroecology, community assembly, and diversity. Collectively, this compilation identifies points of agreement and disagreement between the two views on these central topics, and points to future research directions that may build on agreements and reconcile differences. We conclude this compilation with an overview on the integration of biogeography and ecology.
Influence of combustion conditions on yields of solvent-extractable anhydrosugars and lignin phenols in chars: implications for characterizations of biomass combustion residues.

Abstract Anhydrosugars, such as levoglucosan and its isomers (mannosan, galactosan), as well as the solvent-extractable lignin phenols (methoxylated phenols) are thermal degradation products of cellulose/hemicellulose and lignin, respectively. These two groups of biomarkers are often used as unique tracers of combusted biomass inputs in diverse environmental media. However, detailed characterization of the relative proportion and signatures of these compounds in highly heterogeneous plant-derived chars are still scarce. Here we conducted a systematic study to investigate the yields of solvent-extractable anhydrosugars and lignin phenols in 25 lab-made chars produced from different plant materials under different combustion conditions. Solvent-extractable anhydrosugars and lignin phenols were only observed in chars formed below 350 °C and yields were variable across different combustion temperatures. The yields of mannosan (M) and galactosan (G) decreased more rapidly than those of levoglucosan (L) under increasing combustion severity (temperature and duration), resulting in variable L/M and L/(M + G) ratios, two diagnostic ratios often used for identification of combustion sources (e.g. hardwoods vs. softwoods vs. grasses). Our observations thus may provide an explanation for the wide ranges of values reported in the literature for these two ratios. On the other hand, the results of this study suggest that the ratios of the major solvent-extractable lignin phenols (vanillyls (V), syringyls (S), cinnamyls (C)) provide additional source reconstruction potential despite observed variations with combustion temperature. We thus propose using a property–property plot (L/M vs. S/V) as an improved means for source characterization of biomass combustion residues. The L/M–S/V plot has shown to be effective in environmental samples (soil organic matter, atmospheric aerosols) receiving substantial inputs of biomass combustion residues.
Phase Transformations during Transient Liquid Phase Bonding of NiAl

Abstract: Transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding is a joining process in which a liquid-forming interlayer is placed between the substrates to be joined. At the bonding temperature, the interlayer initially liquates. Subsequently, interdiffusion between the liquid interlayer and the adjacent substrates results in a change in the overall composition of the joint, such that isothermal resolidification of the joint takes place. Standard models of the TLP process assume the sequential occurrence of discrete dissolution, isothermal solidification, and homogenization processes. This study uses edge-on transmission electron microscopy investigations to challenge the general applicability of such standard models to the TLP bonding of a variety of systems involving the B2 type intermetallic compound NiAl as a substrate material. This article considers the formation of boride phases apparently at the bonding temperature in NiAl/Ni-Si-B/Ni bonds. The precipitation of repeating sequences of phases in NiAl/Cu/Ni joints and the reliquation of the NiTi substrate in NiAl/Cu/NiTi bonds after the completion of isothermal solidification are examined.
Silent and deadly: Abdominal catastrophe in the nonverbal adolescent patient

Abstract Pediatric care providers are often faced with the challenge of providing for patients who are nonverbal or have trouble communicating. This difficulty in communication extends into the adolescent population for some with chronic health conditions, such as cerebral palsy. Because they cannot communicate well, early warning signs of life threatening processes are important to notice. If these are dismissed, it may lead to suboptimal outcomes in this patient population. We present a case series of four adolescent males with communicative difficulties and abdominal pathology. We characterize a relatively short latency between recognized onset of symptoms and exploratory laparotomy, and suggest further investigation into early warning signs of impending disaster in this patient population.
Use of Pediatric Open, Laparoscopic and Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Ureteral Reimplantation in the United States: 2000 to 2012

Purpose: We characterize the use of pediatric open, laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation in the United States from 2000 to 2012.Materials and Methods: We used the Kids’ Inpatient Database to identify patients who underwent ureteral reimplantation for primary vesicoureteral reflux. Before 2009 laparoscopic ureteral reimplantion and robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation were referred to together as minimally invasive ureteral reimplantation. A detailed analysis of open vs robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation was performed for 2009 and 2012.Results: A total of 14,581 ureteral reimplantations were performed. The number of ureteral reimplantations yearly decreased by 14.3%. However, the proportion of minimally invasive ureteral reimplantations increased from 0.3% to 6.3%. A total of 125 robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantations were performed in 2012 (81.2% of minimally invasive ureteral reimplantations), representing 5.1% of all ureteral ...
A Novel Concurrent 22–29/57–64-GHz Dual-Band CMOS Step Attenuator With Low Phase Variations

A novel 22–29/57–64-GHz concurrent dual-band CMOS 4-bit step attenuator with small phase variations is presented. A new integrated diplexer-attenuator possessing both attenuation and diplexer filtering functions is used to achieve the concurrent dual-band response for the 22–29/57–64-GHz concurrent dual-band attenuator, which leads to small size and low insertion loss. The 22–29/57–64-GHz concurrent dual-band attenuator also includes a new distributed attenuator configured to result in small phase variation. The 22–29/57–64-GHz concurrent dual-band attenuator is fabricated using a 0.18- $\mu {\text {m}}$ BiCMOS technology. The measured insertion loss, root-mean-square (rms) amplitude error, and rms phase error are less than 7.9 dB, 0.55 dB, and 4.7° in the first passband of 22–29 GHz, respectively. In the second passband, 57–64 GHz, the measured insertion loss, rms amplitude error, and rms phase error are less than 11 dB, 1.5 dB, and 4.1°, respectively. The measured stopband rejections over the 16 states are greater than 28 and 31 dB at 12 and 36 GHz, respectively. The core chip size is $1.8\,\times \, 0.52~{\text {mm}}^{2}$ .
The development of a new computer use ergonomic assessment method:The study of computer keyboard and mouse use and fatigue

Objective To further study the office ergonomics on computer related musculoskeletal disorders,a more effective computer use ergonomic assessment method is needed.Due to the fact that computer keyboard and mouse are the primary input devices and their repetitive use could increase the risk of developing computer related musculoskeletal disorders,the objective of this study is firstly to develop a new computer keyboard and mouse use ergonomic assessment method and secondly to apply this method to study computer keyboard and mouse use and fatigue.Methods This assessment method includes: computer keyboard and mouse usage statistics software,automatic perceived level of fatigue questionnaire software and data processing and results visualization.25 subjects were followed for 8 weeks and assessed by this method.Results Computer keyboard and mouse usage results accurately described how subjects operated their computer.Fatigue results were also consistent with and supported by other laboratory study results.Conclusion A new and effective computer keyboard and mouse use ergonomic assessment method was successfully developed.
Study on Toxicity of Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate

Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate(DEHP) is a kind of plasticizers which is widely used in our daily life and all kinds of plastic product.In the manufacturing process of plastic,DEHP is connected with plastic matrix by hydrogen bond and van der waals force,so it can be released and evaporated to air,soil and water.That will contaminate the environments,organism and foods,and enters body through digestive tract and respiratory tract,which can induce toxicity.In this paper,authors make a review about toxicity of DEHP in body.
A Comparative Analysis of Social Deprivations between Immigrants and Natives in the United States

This paper analyzes differences in multidimensional poverty between immigrants and natives in the U.S using 2014 microdata from the American Community Survey. Drawing from a normative framework based in the Capability Approach and a methodological measurement in the Alkire-Foster method, the paper finds that immigrants disproportionally contribute to overall poverty. Among the six deprivations in the US-MPI, healthcare and education contribute most to both immigrants and native poverty. Consistent with past literature, there is a significant mismatch in identification between income and multidimensional measures. The results also indicate that poverty varies by citizenship status as well as country of birth. The paper finds that Mexican immigrants - the largest immigrant population - are also the poorest.
Ancient and Early Medieval Chinese Literature: A Reference Guide

The study of early medieval China – the period between the end of the Han dynasty in the late second century and the beginning of the Tang dynasty in the early seventh century – is experiencing a n...
Sparse exponential family Principal Component Analysis

We propose a Sparse exponential family Principal Component Analysis (SePCA) method suitable for any type of data following exponential family distributions to achieve simultaneous dimension reduction and variable selection for better interpretation of the results. Because of the generality of exponential family distributions, the method can be applied to a wide range of applications, in particular when analyzing high dimensional next-generation sequencing data and genetic mutation data in genomics. The use of sparsity-inducing penalty helps produce sparse principal component loading vectors such that the principal components can focus on informative variables. By using an equivalent dual form of the formulated optimization problem for SePCA, we derive optimal solutions with efficient iterative closed-form updating rules. The results from both simulation experiments and real-world applications have demonstrated the superiority of our SePCA in reconstruction accuracy and computational efficiency over traditional exponential family PCA (ePCA), the existing Sparse PCA (SPCA) and Sparse Logistic PCA (SLPCA) algorithms. HighlightsA Sparse exponential family Principal Component Analysis is proposed.It has wide applications to any data following exponential family distributions.Efficient solutions can be achieved with closed-form update rules.The performance is enhanced with appropriate assumption of the data distribution.This model is flexible and highly extensible.
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes from human colon carcinomas: functional and phenotypic characteristics after long-term culture in recombinant interleukin 2

Abstract Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and autologous peripheral blood lymphocytes from 7 patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon were evaluated for expansion and antitumor activities during culture in the presence of 1000 U/ml of recombinant human interleukin 2. Functional and phenotypic characteristics of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and autologous peripheral blood lymphocytes were compared between weeks 2 and 3 of culture in recombinant interleukin 2. All but one tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte and all autologous peripheral blood lymphocyte preparations proliferated well in vitro. Tumorinfiltrating lymphocytes expanded better (p
Band Prolapse: Diagnosis and Management

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) prolapse is a well-described complication following LAGB and is defined by the herniation of any portion of the gastric wall through the band in a proximal direction, with caudal migration of the band. Gastric band prolapse typically presents with some combination of food intolerance, nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, or worsening GERD. The mainstay of diagnosis is barium esophagography. Management of LAGB prolapse involves one of four options: a conservative non-operative approach, band removal, band revision (re-banding), and band removal with conversion to an alternate bariatric procedure. Limited and variable data preclude definitive recommendations regarding the optimal treatment, timing, and ideal revisional choice for these complex patients.
The Cradle of Chemistry: The Early Years of Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh.

At least two international collaborative projects are currently investigating the spaces in which chemistry was practised in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The supposition is that o...
IgG4-Related Disease of Bilateral Temporal Bones.

Objective:IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an idiopathic inflammatory condition that causes pseudotumor formation in single or multiple organs, including those of the head and neck. Temporal bone involvement is rare, with only 3 cases of unilateral temporal bone IgG4-RD described in the literature. We report the first known case of IgG4-RD of bilateral temporal bones and describe its clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.Methods:The patient was a 52-year-old man with latent tuberculosis (TB) who presented with a 10-year history of bilateral profound hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated bilateral labyrinthine destruction with invasion of the posterior fossa.Results:Immunoglobulin level testing showed elevated total serum IgG levels with normal IgG4 levels. Bilateral mastoidectomies were performed, with biopsy samples demonstrating IgG4 staining with IgG4-positive plasma cells up to 40/HPF (high power field) on the right and 20/H...
The Development of Severe and Chronic Violence Among Youth: The Role of Psychopathic Traits and Reward Processing

Psychopathic traits are a manifestation of a personality pathology that comprises a core affective-interpersonal dysfunction (callous-unemotional traits) and an impulsive-antisocial behavioral component. Of particular importance, psychopathic traits are associated with the perpetration of some of the most severe acts of violence, and they appear to indicate a subset of youth at risk for earlier onset, greater frequency, and persistence of violent offending. Although these youth represent a minority of the population, they commit a significant proportion of the violence in the general community. In our review, we highlight evidence of a unique neurobiological predisposition that underlies the core affective deficits and describe contemporary accounts for the developmental processes leading to the antisocial behavior associated with psychopathy. Current evidence suggests that, for this subset of youth, the structure and function of neural circuitry supporting emotion processing, reward learning, decision making, and the development of emotion related to empathy may be crucial to understanding why they are at risk for violence. In particular, a reward dominant pattern of neurobehavioral conditioning may explain how these youth progress to some of the most severe and persistent forms of violence. However, this pattern of conditioning may also be essential to the primary prevention of such deleterious behavior. We suspect that effective strategies to prevent such violence may ultimately be informed by understanding these affective and motivational mechanisms.