cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contribution of I K,ADO to the negative dromotropic effect of adenosine

Objective Despite the pathophysiological and therapeutic significance of the negative dromotropic effect of adenosine, its underlying ionic mechanism, and specifically the role of the adenosine-activated K+ current (IK,ADO) is not experimentally defined. Therefore, we studied the contribution of IK,ADO to the negative dromotropic effect of adenosine. Methods Effects of adenosine on single atrioventricular nodal and left atrial myocytes from rabbits were studied using the whole cell configuration of the patch clamp technique. Complementary experiments were done in rabbit and guinea pig isolated hearts instrumented to measure the atrium-to-His bundle interval. Results In contrast to its effect in atrial myocytes, Ba2+ selectively and completely blocked IK,ADO at membrane potentials from −70 to 0 mV in atrioventricular nodal myocytes and abolished the adenosine-induced leftward shift of the reversal membrane potential. Ba2+ alone did not significantly prolong the A–H interval, but markedly attenuated the A–H interval prolongation caused by adenosine. In guinea pig heart, EC50 values (pD2± SEM) for adenosine-induced atrium-to-His bundle interval prolongation were 3.3 μmol/L (5.48 ± 0.04) and 13.2 μmol/L (4.88 ± 0.05, P rabbit), the relative contribution of adenosine-activated K+ current to the atrium-to-His bundle interval prolongation was nearly identical. In guinea pig hearts it ranged from 37.8 % (P = 0.013) to 72.5 % (P < 0.001) at 2 to 6 μmol/L adenosine, respectively. Conclusion IK,ADO contributes significantly to the negative dromotropic effect of adenosine, but predominantly at relatively high concentrations of the nucleoside.
Multiple Criteria for Evaluating Pollinator Performance in Highbush Blueberry (Ericales: Ericaceae) Agroecosystems

ABSTRACT Numerous bee species provide pollination services in agricultural ecosystems. Evaluating a pollinator's performance with regard to a crop is an important step in attributing pollination services and predicting how changes in a bee community or foraging environment will affect those services. We used multiple criteria to evaluate pollinators of North Carolina highbush blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum L., agroecosystems. For five groups of bees (Apis mellifera L., Bombus spp., Habropoda laboriosa F., small native bees, and Xylocopa virginica L.), we measured forager abundance through transect observations, quantified per-visit efficiency as viable seed set resulting from a single visit, and analyzed bee presence in different weather conditions.Wealso considered two other criteria affecting pollinator performance—visitation rate and interspecific influence. A. mellifera was the most abundant bee in the majority of our survey sites, yet had low per-visit efficiency and reduced foraging activity in inc...
Contemporary Democracies Revisited: Democracy, Political Violence, and Event Count Models

Few have questioned how democracies as a group differ within and among themselves. The most important study in this area of inquiry is Powell's (1982) Contemporary Democracies. Unfortunately, some ...
Propagation of ultra-short optical pulses in cubic nonlinear media

Abstract We derive a partial differential equation that approximates solutions of Maxwell’s equations describing the propagation of ultra-short optical pulses in nonlinear media and which extends the prior analysis of Alterman and Rauch [Phys. Lett. A 264 (2000) 390; Diffractive nonlinear geometric optics for short pulses, Preprint, 2002]. We discuss (non-rigorously) conditions under which this approximation should be valid, but the main contributions of this paper are: (1) an emphasis on the fact that the model equation for short pulse propagation may depend on the details of the optical susceptibility in the wavelength regime under consideration, (2) a numerical comparison of solutions of this model equation with solutions of the full nonlinear partial differential equation, (3) a local well-posedness result for the model equation and (4) a proof that in contrast to the nonlinear Schrodinger equation, which models slowly varying wavetrains, this equation has no smooth pulse solutions which propagate with fixed shape and speed.
Result enrichment in commerce search using browse trails

Commerce search engines have become popular in recent years, as users increasingly search for (and buy) products on the web. In response to an user query, they surface links to products in their catalog (or index) that match the requirements specified in the query. Often, few or no product in the catalog matches the user query exactly, and the search engine is forced to return a set of products that partially match the query. This paper considers the problem of choosing a set of products in response to an user query, so as to ensure maximum user satisfaction. We call this the result enrichment problem in commerce search.The challenge in result enrichment is two-fold: the search engine needs to estimate the extent to which a user genuinely cares about an attribute that she has specified in a query; then, it must display products in the catalog that match the user requirement on the important attributes, but have a similar but possibly non-identical value on the less important ones. To this end, we propose a technique for measuring the importance of individual attribute values and the similarity between different values of an attribute. A novelty of our approach is that we use entire browse trails, rather than just clickthrough rates, in this estimation algorithm. We develop a model for this problem, propose an algorithm to solve it, and support our theoretical findings via experiments conducted on actual user data.
Issues in the full scale use of formal methods for automated testing

Experience from a full scale effort to apply formal methods to automated testing in the open systems software arena is described. The formal method applied in this work is based upon the Clemson Automated Testing System (CATS) which includes a formal specification language, a set of guidelines describing how to use the method effectively, and tool support capable of translating formal specifications into executable tests. This method is currently being used to develop a full scale test suite for IEEE's Ada Language Binding to POSIX. Following an overview of CATS, an experience report consisting of results, lessons learned and future directions is presented.
Thermal Curing Cycles for Composite Cylinders with Thick Walls and Thermoset Resins

Abstract : This paper treats the motion of long, unidirectional, continuous fibers through a Newtonian resin. There is a consolidation force on the top row of fibers or effective force (loads) on all the fibers due to their tension in filament-wound cylinders. An asymptotic analysis for high fiber volume fraction is presented here. The results of the asymptotic solution are compared to the results of a previous application of the lubrication approximation. There are several objectives to be achieved during the consolidation of a composite material. The elimination of voids, the removal of air and excess resin, a uniform degree of curing, a uniform final fiber volume and conformation to a specified fiber orientation are all necessary in the final consolidated material. The consolidation process may be initiated with surface or pressure loading, or in the case of fiber winding, consolidation results from tensile stress on the fibers due to the winding. Both types of loading produce resin and void motion which depends on the resin matrix properties (such as viscosity, thermal conductivity, cure behavior), the initial fiber volume fraction, fiber orientation, and fiber properties (thermal conductivity, diameter, fiber length) . The work presented here is concerned with resin flow and fiber motion in a fiber-resin system with an initially high fiber volume typical of composites made with thermoplastic resins.
Dermatophyte test medium culture for evaluating toenail infections in patients with diabetes

OBJECTIVE—To evaluate the performance of the in-office dermatophyte test medium (DTM) culture when used to confirm the diagnosis of onychomycosis in diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Nail samples from 184 diabetic patients who exhibited symptoms consistent with toenail onychomycosis were screened for dermatophyte fungal infection using DTM, potassium hydroxide evaluation, and central mycology laboratory culture tests. The diabetic patient group investigated in this study is a subset of a heterogeneous set of patients who participated in a nationwide survey designed to investigate the use of fungal culture tests by dermatologists, podiatrists, and primary care physicians described in detail elsewhere. The overall sensitivity of the DTM and central laboratory culture methods was estimated and compared. Sensitivity differences between DTM and central laboratory culture methods were tested for statistical significance using the McNemar statistic. RESULTS—DTM culture was positive in 102 of 184 patients (55%), while the central laboratory culture test detected the existence of fungal infection in 78 of 184 (42%). The two tests were in agreement (both positive or both negative) in 114 of 184 patients (62%). Central laboratory culture identified dermatophytes as the pathogen in 91% of positive cases. CONCLUSIONS—DTM is a convenient and inexpensive culture test that can be used to confirm dermatophyte infections in diabetic patients with presumed onychomycosis. We found this test to be well suited for use in the primary care setting. Because oral antifungal agents are effective against dermatophyte species, which cause the vast majority of nail infections, diagnosis of onychomycosis requires confirmation of dermatophyte infection only, not identification of genus and species. DTM fulfills this requirement and has a diagnostic yield comparable to central laboratory culture.
Cross talk in phase-coded holographic memories

The cross talk between holograms multiplexed with Walsh-Hadamard phase codes is analyzed. Each hologram is stored with a reference beam that consists of N phase-coded plane waves. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is calculated for a recording schedule for which the center of each stored image coincides with the nulls of the selectivity function for the adjacent plane-wave components of the reference beam. The SNR characteristics for phase coding with Walsh-Hadamard phase codes are then compared with the SNR for angle and wavelength multiplexing.
Attachment Disturbances in Young Children. I: The Continuum of Caretaking Casualty

Objective: To determine whether signs of disordered attachment were greater in young children being reared in more socially depriving caregiving environments. Method: Three groups of children were studied by means of structured interviews with caregivers that were administered over several months in Bucharest, Romania, in 1999: (1) 32 toddlers living in a typical unit (standard care) in a large institution in Bucharest; (2) 29 toddlers living in the same institution on a “pilot unit” designed to reduce the number of adults caring for each child; and (3) 33 toddlers living at home who had never been institutionalized. The presence of attachment disorders and other behavioral problems was assessed by caregiver/ parent report. Results: Children on the typical unit (standard care) had significantly more signs of disordered attachment than children in the other two groups. Both the emotionally withdrawn and the indiscriminately social pattern of attachment disorder were apparent in these children, but cluster analysis suggested that mixed patterns are more typical. Conclusions: The continuum of caretaking casualty is reflected by increasing signs of disordered attachment in toddlers living in more socially depriving environments. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 2002, 41(8):972‐982. Key Words: reactive attachment disorder, inhibited attachment disorder, children in institutions, deprivation, neglect.
Leading Indicators of Safety in Virtual Organizations

A primary purpose in measuring safety is to develop intervention strategies to avoid future accidents. Recognizing signals before an accident occurs offers the potential for improving safety, and many organizations have sought to develop programs to identify and benefit from alerts, signals and prior indicators. In this paper, we address the challenge of identifying and evaluating leading indicators of safety in virtual organizations-organizations comprised of multiple, distributed members, temporarily linked together for competitive advantage, that share common value chains and business processes supported by distributed information technology. We begin by discussing risk propensity in virtual organizations and leading indicators of safety. We then describe a pilot study to identify leading indicators for one safety-critical system, and use the results of that study and the literature just described to propose an approach to developing leading indicators in virtual organizations.
Requirement for root‐pressure flow to provide adequate calcium to low‐transpiring tissue

Abstract Tipburn of cabbage has been prevented in growth‐chamber studies by enclosing plants at night in plastic bags to encourage root pressure flow. Short‐period (4 hour) uptake studies of 45Ca from nutrient solutions have shown a large accumulation of 45Ca in the inner leaves when the entire plant was enclosed, so that root pressure flow occurred. However, there was essentially no accumulation of 45Ca in inner leaves when only the inner leaves were enclosed and the outer leaves were exposed to an atmosphere that encouraged transpiration from these leaves. The small amount of 45Ca present in these leaves accumulated in the center one‐half of the leaves and none was found in the marginal areas of the leaves. A tipburn of developing leaves of young ‘Red Core Chantenay’ carrot plants also has been prevented by enclosing the plants in plastic bags at night to encourage root‐pressure flow. This disorder of carrot leaves occurs with rapid growth in controlled‐environment chambers. Daily sprays of CaCl2 soluti...
Learning probabilistic models for optimal visual servo control of dynamic manipulation

We present an experiment in sequential visual servo control of a dynamic manipulation task with unknown equations of motion and feedback from an uncalibrated camera. Our algorithm constructs a model of a Markov decision process (MDP) by means of grounding states in observed trajectories, and uses the model to find a control policy based on visual input, which maximizes a prespecified optimal control criterion balancing performance and control effort.
Ahasuerus, the former Stable-Master of Belshazzar, and the Wicked Alexander of Macedon: Two Parallels between the Babylonian Talmud and Persian Sources

Throughout the Talmudic era, the Jewish community of Babylonia lived under Persian rule while Zoroastrianism, serving as a state religion, was enjoying something of a renaissance.1 In Babylonia, known in the later geographical literature as the Persian heartland, Jews lived alongside Persians.2 Babylonian Jews had also already experienced Persian rule for centuries prior to the Talmudic era under the Achaemenids, and later under the persianized Arsacid dynasty.3 This alone
Virtual Socialization in Adults With Spina Bifida

Objective To use spina bifida (SB) as a model of chronic physical disability to study the associations of virtual socialization, friendships, and quality of life (QOL) in adults. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Subjects were recruited from residential living facilities, outpatient clinics, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) research registry. Patients Inclusion criteria were age between 18 and 80 years and clinical diagnoses of SB cystica (myelomeningocele) and hydrocephalus. The exclusion criterion was the diagnosis of SB occulta. Sixty-three eligible adults were enrolled, and all completed the study. Methods The survey via questionnaire was performed in person or over the telephone. Main Outcome Measurements Data collected included the World Health Organization's Medical Outcomes Study 26-item Short Form, Economic Self-Sufficiency from the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique Short Form, virtual socializing habits, and number of friends. Three linear regression models were performed, each with a unique dependent variable: number of friends, psychological QOL, or social QOL. The following independent variables were included in all models: age, gender, ethnicity, economic self-sufficiency, marital status, education level, lesion level, health status, user group, collection method, and time spent virtually socializing. In addition, each regression model included the dependent variables from the other 2 models in its independent variables. Results Increased degree of virtual socialization (VS) was associated with a greater number of friends ( P = .003, r = .684). Mean (standard deviation) numbers of friends by VS groups were the following: users, n=4.9 ± 2.7; semi-users, n=3.8 ± 2.7; and nonusers, n=2.1 ± 2.3, which represent a 2.3 times greater number of friends between the users and nonusers. The effect of virtual socialization on QOL was also positive, however, not statistically significant. Conclusions People with chronic physical disabilities, such as SB, are at high risk for peer rejection and long-term social avoidance. Users of the most immersive forms of virtual socialization, have more real world friends than both semi-users and nonusers. Any form of VS, whether immersive or real time, may improve the opportunity for meaningful social encounters. Prospective intervention studies are needed to elucidate whether a causal positive relationship between virtual socialization and friendships exists. Further research is needed to clarify virtual socialization's impact on QOL; however, the upward trend in all 4 domains of QOL across user groups suggests similar potential benefits.
Computational fluid dynamic and heat transfer analysis of an Al/SiC IGBT power hybrid package

This paper describes the fluid dynamic and heat transfer optimization of an integrally cooled Aluminum and Silicon Carbide (Al/SiC) high current power hybrid package. Discussed herein are the design and supporting analyses for a module, suitable for electric power-train applications. These modules are constructed with insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT) and free wheeling diodes arranged in selected circuitry, supporting 3 phase motor control. Aluminum Silicon Carbide has evolved as a heat sink material of choice for certain high power hybrid packages. The ability to net shape cast Al/SiC allows for increased integration of the power stage heat exchanger with the package itself. Improved thermal management, increased power density, reduced weight and lower cost were all motivating factors for this work. The study, conducted at Motorola's Power Products Division indicates that heatsink designs and internal flow geometry's play a critical role in equalizing device junction temperatures. The study has shown that heatsink configurations exist that have minimal dependence on die placement, thus allowing for greater circuit flexibility. Results of three dimensional finite volume coupled-field computational fluid dynamic (CFD) and finite difference heat transfer analyses will be presented.
Cardiac Elav-type RNA-binding Protein (ETR-3) Binds to RNA CUG Repeats Expanded in Myotonic Dystrophy

Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is a neuromuscular disorder associated with CTG triplet repeat expansion in the myotonin protein kinase gene ( DMPK ). We previously proposed a hypothesis suggesting that the expanded CUG repeats sequester specific RNA-binding proteins and that such a sequestration results in abnormal RNA processing of several RNAs containing CUG repeats in multiple tissues affected in patients with DM. One of the members of the CUG-binding proteins, CUG-BP, has been identified previously. Here we describe the second member of this family, elav -type ribonucleoprotein (ETR-3), which is highly expressed in heart and is able to interact with CUG repeats. Screening of a mouse liver cDNA library with a CUG-BP probe identified two mETR-3 cDNAs. Two additional cDNAs from mouse heart were amplified by RT-PCR. These cDNAs differ by several insertions/deletions and might be generated via alternative splicing. Mouse ETR-3 has a mol. wt of 50 kDa and displays a high level of homology to CUG-BP protein. The organization of the RNA-binding domains (RBDs) within the ETR-3 molecule is similar to one within CUG-BP. A study of mETR-3 RNA-binding activity showed that the mETR-3 binds to (CUG)8repeats. Sequence analysis of mETR-3 indicates the presence of several CUG repeats within the mETR-3 mRNA. Both CUG-BP and mETR-3 bind to mETR-3 mRNA via CUG repeats, suggesting the possible involvement of CUG-BP-like proteins in the regulation of mETR-3 processing. Analysis of the tissue distribution of ETR-3 showed that in human cells, ETR-3 mRNA is highly expressed in heart, but is undetectable in other tissues examined. Our results suggest the existence of a family of proteins that bind to CUG repeats and might be affected in DM by expansion of CUG repeats.
Double-metal waveguide λ μm quantum cascade lasers grown by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy

Quantum cascade lasers designed to emit at λ≃19 µm grown by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy are demonstrated to operate in pulsed mode up to 170 K. The structures are processed into a double-metal waveguide that enhances mode confinement while minimising waveguide losses. The performance of the material grown at rates of 6 and 1 A/s is compared. The devices constitute the longest-wavelength quantum cascade lasers grown by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy to date.
Chronic CNS oxytocin signaling preferentially induces fat loss in high-fat diet-fed rats by enhancing satiety responses and increasing lipid utilization

Based largely on a number of short-term administration studies, growing evidence suggests that central oxytocin is important in the regulation of energy balance. The goal of the current work is to determine whether long-term third ventricular (3V) infusion of oxytocin into the central nervous system (CNS) is effective for obesity prevention and/or treatment in rat models. We found that chronic 3V oxytocin infusion between 21 and 26 days by osmotic minipumps both reduced weight gain associated with the progression of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and elicited a sustained reduction of fat mass with no decrease of lean mass in rats with established diet-induced obesity. We further demonstrated that these chronic oxytocin effects result from 1) maintenance of energy expenditure at preintervention levels despite ongoing weight loss, 2) a reduction in respiratory quotient, consistent with increased fat oxidation, and 3) an enhanced satiety response to cholecystokinin-8 and associated decrease of meal size. These weight-reducing effects persisted for approximately 10 days after termination of 3V oxytocin administration and occurred independently of whether sucrose was added to the HFD. We conclude that long-term 3V administration of oxytocin to rats can both prevent and treat diet-induced obesity.
Quantification of resolution in multiplanar reconstructions for digital breast tomosynthesis

Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) in digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) allows tomographic images to be portrayed in various orientations. We have conducted research to determine the resolution of tomosynthesis MPR. We built a phantom that houses a star test pattern to measure resolution. This phantom provides three rotational degrees of freedom. The design consists of two hemispheres with longitudinal and latitudinal grooves that reference angular increments. When joined together, the hemispheres form a dome that sits inside a cylindrical encasement. The cylindrical encasement contains reference notches to match the longitudinal and latitudinal grooves that guide the phantom’s rotations. With this design, any orientation of the star-pattern can be analyzed. Images of the star-pattern were acquired using a DBT mammography system at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Images taken were reconstructed and analyzed by two different methods. First, the maximum visible frequency (in line pairs per millimeter) of the star test pattern was measured. Then, the contrast was calculated at a fixed spatial frequency. These analyses confirm that resolution decreases with tilt relative to the breast support. They also confirm that resolution in tomosynthesis MPR is dependent on object orientation. Current results verify that the existence of super-resolution depends on the orientation of the frequency; the direction parallel to x-ray tube motion shows super-resolution. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the direction of the spatial frequency relative to the motion of the x-ray tube is a determinant of resolution in MPR for DBT.
Toric focusing for radiation force applications using a toric lens coupled to a spherically focused transducer

Dynamic elastography using radiation force requires that an ultrasound field be focused during hundreds of microseconds at a pressure of several megapascals. Here, we address the importance of the focal geometry. Although there is usually no control of the elevational focal width in generating a tissue mechanical response, we propose a tunable approach to adapt the focus geometry that can significantly improve radiation force efficiency. Several thin, in-house-made polydimethylsiloxane lenses were designed to modify the focal spot of a spherical transducer. They exhibited low absorption and the focal spot widths were extended up to 8-fold in the elevation direction. Radiation force experiments demonstrated an 8-fold increase in tissue displacements using the same pressure level in a tissue-mimicking phantom with a similar shear wave spectrum, meaning it does not affect elastography resolution. Our results demonstrate that larger tissue responses can be obtained for a given pressure level, or that similar response can be reached at a much lower mechanical index (MI). We envision that this work will impact 3-D elastography using 2-D phased arrays, where such shaping can be achieved electronically with the potential for adaptive optimization.
P4-S4.04 Temporal dynamics of vaginal bacterial communities

Background Dysbiosis of vaginal bacterial communities have been associated with increased risk for sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis. This is the first observational study to model temporal dynamics of vaginal microbiota using frequently collected samples, behavioural data and culture-independent methods. Methods Thirty-three asymptomatic, reproductive-age women self-collected mid-vaginal swabs every 3rd day for 16 weeks (998 samples). Participants reported behaviours and menstrual data on daily diaries. Bacterial communities were determined by pyrosequencing of barcoded 16S rRNA genes (V1–V2 region). Participants were clustered into five community classes based on temporal patterns of vaginal bacterial community composition using transition probabilities. A linear mixed effect model for the log of Jensen-Shannon rate of community change was utilised. The model accounted for correlations between samples from the same participant and was adjusted for time-varying confounders and normalised menstrual cycle time. Results Three of the community classes were most often dominated by Lactobacillus iners , L crispatus , or L gasseri , respectively, while two lacked significant numbers of Lactobacillus spp. The latter classes were split into subtype A typified by Corynebacterium, Anaerococcus, Peptinophilus, Prevotella, and Finegoldia, while those of subtype B showed a higher abundance of the genus Atopobium. The rank abundance and species composition of bacterial communities in some women changed markedly over short periods of time while others were relatively stable. Classes dominated by L crispatus and L gasseri experienced the fewest fluctuations in community composition, and communities that lacked significant number of Lactobacillus spp . also demonstrated some stability. Vaginal communities dominated by L iners demonstrated either a lack of constancy or notable stability. The menstrual cycle was associated with temporal dynamics, but these effects were influenced by bacterial community class. Sexual activity the day prior to sampling was of borderline statistical significance (p=0.065) and is a variable of interest in supplementary modelling. Conclusions Vaginal microbiota can fluctuate rapidly. Future studies should investigate the role of temporal changes in vaginal microbiota on sexually transmitted infection risk. Longitudinal studies of the vaginal microbiome may allow for the future development of targeted individualised therapeutic approaches.
OPTIMIZED NEURAL NETWORK BASED CONTROLLER FOR A NONLINEAR AEROELASTIC SYSTEM

Attenuation of vibratory response is an important design consideration in many aeroelastic systems, and active methods of vibration reduction have been extensively studied in this context. The synthesis of active controllers requires that a good analytical model of the system be available. In those problems where the aeroelastic system is inherently nonlinear, a robust control scheme is difficult to implement, particularly in the presence of large uncertainties in the model. The present paper explores the use artificial neural networks (NN), with on-line learning capabilities, as an approach for developing robust control strategies for such problems. In particular, the use of neural networks to mimic the behavior of a modified LQG controller that is applicable to nonlinear systems, is presented in the paper. The helicopter rotor blade is a classic example of an aeroelastic system where vibration reduction is an overriding concern, and where the plant is both nonlinear and contains uncertainties. A simplified 2-D representation of this aeroelastic system, consisting of an airfoil with a trailing-edge flap, is considered in the present work; both structural and aerodynamic nonlinearities are included in the problem. The optimal design is approached as a dual structural-control design, where the aeroelastic system is optimized in conjunction with the development of the optimal active control system.
Anchoring of self-expanding metal stents using the over-the-scope clip, and a technique for subsequent removal

Background and study aims: Standard clips do not consistently prevent the migration of covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMS). The aims of this study were to assess the efficacy and safety of the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system for anchoring SEMS to the esophagus, and to evaluate a novel OTSC removal technique. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective, cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing SEMS anchoring with OTSC. Removal of the OTSC was accomplished using an inject-and-resect technique. Results: A total of 12 patients were included. The indications for endoscopic stenting were: tracheo-esophageal fistula (n = 7), postoperative leak or fistula (n = 4), perforation (n = 1). Successful application of the OTSC system was accomplished in all patients (100 %). Stent migration during follow-up (mean 3 weeks, range 2 – 4 weeks) occurred in two patients (16.7 %). After healing of the underlying condition, the stent was removed in six patients (50.0 %). In four patients (33.3 %), the anchored stent was left indefinitely in order to treat the underlying condition. There were no complications associated with deployment of the OTSC or SEMS removal. Conclusions: Although endoscopic anchoring of fully covered SEMS with the OTSC was feasible, easy to accomplish, safe, and prevented stent migration in most cases, larger studies are needed to confirm these encouraging early findings. The inject-and-resect technique was safe and efficient for OTSC and stent removal in all cases in which it was attempted.
Epstein-Barr Virus-Positive Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Involving the Colon in a Patient With Ulcerative Pancolitis and Polymyositis on Long-Term Methotrexate Therapy

The link between immunosuppressive therapy and increased lymphoma risk is well established in patients with solid organ transplantation. Epstein-Barr virus-positive (EBV) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is known to be a complication in patients receiving methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis, and the risk of lymphoma in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has raised concerns regarding the lymphoproliferative potential of immunomodulatory therapy. In this report, we describe a case of EBV-positive DLBCL arising within the colon of a patient affected by ulcerative pancolitis. The patient is a 73-year-old man with a history of IBD and polymyositis on long-term methotrexate therapy. Increasing age and long-term methotrexate therapy may simulate post-transplantation immunosuppression and contribute to lymphoma tumorigenesis in a segment of chronically inflamed colon.
Cell of Origin and Cancer Stem Cells in Tumor Suppressor Mouse Models of Glioblastoma

The cellular origins and the mechanisms of progression, maintenance of tumorigenicity, and therapeutic resistance are central questions in the glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) field. Using tumor suppressor mouse models, our group recently reported two independent populations of adult GBM-initiating central nervous system progenitors. We found different functional and molecular subtypes depending on the tumor-initiating cell lineage, indicating that the cell of origin is a driver of GBM subtype diversity. Using an in vivo model, we also showed that GBM cancer stem cells (CSCs) or glioma stem cells (GSCs) contribute to resistance to chemotherapeutic agents and that genetic ablation of GSCs leads to a delay in tumor progression. These studies are consistent with the cell of origin and CSCs as critical regulators of the pathogenesis of GBM.
Immunohistochemical approach for the diagnosis of a liver mass on small biopsy specimens

Well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) shares overlapping histological features with benign hepatocellular lesions, including hepatocellular adenoma and focal nodular hyperplasia in non-cirrhotic liver, and with high-grade dysplastic nodule in cirrhotic liver. Several metastatic tumors, such as neuroendocrine tumor, renal cell carcinoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, melanoma, and epithelioid angiomyolipoma, can be indistinguishable from HCC on histologic grounds. Since this distinction has important therapeutic implications, judicious use of immunohistochemical markers plays an important role in establishing an accurate diagnosis, especially when limited material of tumor is available on cell block or a small core biopsy. This review describes commonly used immunohistochemical markers used in the diagnosis of HCC, highlighting advantages and disadvantages of each marker, and suggests appropriate immunohistochemical panels for specific clinicopathologic situations.
Neurologic Correlates of Gait Abnormalities in Cerebral Palsy: Implications for Treatment

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common movement disorder in children. A diagnosis of CP is often made based on abnormal muscle tone or posture, a delay in reaching motor milestones, or the presence of gait abnormalities in young children. Neuroimaging of high-risk neonates and of children diagnosed with CP have identified patterns of neurologic injury associated with CP, however, the neural underpinnings of common gait abnormalities remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we review the nature of the brain injury in CP, as well as the neuromuscular deficits and subsequent gait abnormalities common among children with CP. We first discuss brain injury in terms of mechanism, pattern, and time of injury during the prenatal, perinatal, or postnatal period in preterm and term-born children. Second, we outline neuromuscular deficits of CP with a focus on spastic CP, characterized by muscle weakness, shortened muscle-tendon unit, spasticity, and impaired selective motor control, on both a microscopic and functional level. Third, we examine the influence of neuromuscular deficits on gait abnormalities in CP, while considering emerging information on neural correlates of gait abnormalities and the implications for strategic treatment. This review of the neural basis of gait abnormalities in CP discusses what is known about links between the location and extent of brain injury and the type and severity of CP, in relation to the associated neuromuscular deficits, and subsequent gait abnormalities. Targeted treatment opportunities are identified that may improve functional outcomes for children with CP. By providing this context on the neural basis of gait abnormalities in CP, we hope to highlight areas of further research that can reduce the long-term, debilitating effects of CP.
The 2D Visual Episodal Associative Memory for Monitoring and Interpreting Outputs from Distributed Networks of Sensors

Abstract This discussion is concerned with a new method for mapping multi-dimensional data into 2D space so that sensor data can be displayed, viewed and understood readily in 2D format. Such technology can be of value in real-time process monitoring and control. There are three established rational methods for dimension reduction, namely the Karhunen-Loeve, the auto-associative and the feature-mapping approaches. This presently introduced additional method might be named the Variance-Constrained mapping, and seems to be computationally efficient and effective. For illustrative purposes, it is used to store and display information regarding the blending of a number of gasoline blends; it is used to display traces of sensor outputs and it also used as a memory of the band-gap values of some semi-conductor blends. The proposition is that such dimension-reduction technology can be used effectively for realtime system monitoring and display.
Renal Fanconi syndrome with meropenem/amoxicillin-clavulanate during treatment of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis

Prolonged use of meropenem/amoxicillin-clavulate to treat XDR-TB may be associated with renal Fanconi syndrome http://ow.ly/dFSD30gCKti
Possible Problems at the San Clemente Checkpoint

This Article explores the U.S. Border Patrol’s administration of its interior checkpoint program at the southwest border. It examines the disparities between vehicle stops as originally approved in United States v. Martinez-Fuerte and the program as implemented today. Accusations persist that the Border Patrol runs these checkpoints as indiscriminate dragnets to advance general crime control interests. Moreover, prosecutorial strategies in cases such as United States v. Soto-Zuniga, a checkpoint conviction that was remanded by the Ninth Circuit and then quickly dismissed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, present other potential concerns: is the government using the San Clemente checkpoint as a cover for engaging in a secretive and arguably unlawful practice known as parallel construction? Current calls for immigration overhaul and promises to “build a wall” focus on exterior geographic boundaries. This Article redirects that national conversation inward, toward possible corruption within our interior immigration checkpoints.
Frames and Slants in Titles of Visualizations on Controversial Topics

Slanted framing in news article titles induce bias and influence recall. While recent studies found that viewers focus extensively on titles when reading visualizations, the impact of titles in visualization remains underexplored. We study frames in visualization titles, and how the slanted framing of titles and the viewer's pre-existing attitude impact recall, perception of bias, and change of attitude. When asked to compose visualization titles, people used five existing news frames, an open-ended frame, and a statistics frame. We found that the slant of the title influenced the perceived main message of a visualization, with viewers deriving opposing messages from the same visualization. The results did not show any significant effect on attitude change. We highlight the danger of subtle statistics frames and viewers' unwarranted conviction of the neutrality of visualizations. Finally, we present a design implication for the generation of visualization titles and one for the viewing of titles.
Molecular principles for heparin oligosaccharide-based inhibition of neutrophil elastase in cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multifactorial disease in which dysfunction of protease–antiprotease balance plays a key role. The current CF therapy relies on dornase α, hypertonic saline, and antibiotics and does not address the high neutrophil elastase (NE) activity observed in the lung and sputum of CF patients. Our hypothesis is that variants of heparin, which potently inhibit NE but are not anticoagulant, would help restore the protease–antiprotease balance in CF. To realize this concept, we studied molecular principles governing the effectiveness of different heparins, especially 2-O,3-O-desulfated heparin (ODSH), in the presence of sputum components and therapeutic agents. Using sputa from CF patients and an NE activity assay, we found that heparins are ineffective if used in the absence of dornase. This is true even when mucolytics, such as DTT or N-acetylcysteine, were used. Computational modeling suggested that ODSH and DNA compete for binding to an overlapping allosteric site on NE, which reduces the anti-NE potential of ODSH. NE inhibition of both DNA and ODSH is chain length–dependent, but ODSH chains exhibit higher potency per unit residue length. Likewise, ODSH chains exhibit higher NE inhibition potential compared with DNA chains in the presence of saline. These studies suggest fundamental differences in DNA and ODSH recognition and inhibition of NE despite engaging overlapping sites and offer unique insights into molecular principles that could be used in developing antiprotease agents in the presence of current treatments, such as dornase and hypertonic saline.
Abstract WMP115: Thrombolysis and Thrombectomy in Pediatric Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Stroke is a devastating disease at any age. There are few studies on utility of intravenous thrombolysis (tPA) or intra-arterial thrombectomy (IAT) in pediatric acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Hypothesis: To describe and compare clinical outcomes of pediatric AIS patients who did and did not receive tPA+/-IAT. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all pediatric AIS cases, aged 0-17, from the 2006-2010 Nationwide Inpatient Survey, a 20% stratified sample of all U.S. community hospitals. Demographics, outcomes, cost of stay, and comorbidities were assessed. Results: Overall, 20,587 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 6.0 years (SD 13.9); female 43.9%; white 47.7%. Of those, 198 patients received intervention: 169 tPA, 5 IAT, and 24 tPA+IAT. Treated patients were older (10.0 years vs 5.9 years, p<0.0001). Mortality for pediatric AIS patients was 7.8%; 13.8% in tPA patients compared to 7.7% in the untreated. No deaths in the IAT group. Non-treated patients were more likely to be discharged home tha...
Time will tell: managing post-purchase changes in brand attitude

In this research, four longitudinal studies investigate changes in post-purchase brand attitude. Following predictions based on adaptation theory, Studies 1a & 1b reveal that brand attitude declines over time after purchase. This research further identifies moderators that counteract post-purchase brand attitude decline. In the first two studies, long-term (versus short-term) temporal orientation is associated with relatively more positive post-purchase brand attitudes. In Studies 2 and 3, brand singularization exerts a similar effect. These studies also point to an important congruence effect such that brand attitude change is relatively more positive when consumers’ long-term (short-term) time orientations are concordant with affiliative (autonomous) brand singularization. The positive congruency effect is mediated by self–brand connections. Overall, our study results advance theoretical and applied understanding of the understudied area of post-purchase brand attitude management.
“Hate Begets Hate; Violence Begets Violence”: A Wisdom-Based Analysis of Contemporary Social Activism

This chapter explores the wisdom of contemporary social activism. An analysis of three important historical social activists and figures of great wisdom—Jesus Christ, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr—reveals that when pursuing social justice ends do not justify means. Wisdom resides in the method that a person uses to realize their vision of social equality. According to Jesus, Gandhi, and MLK Jr, the practice of social activism must be based on a moral commitment to philosophical nonviolence. The chapter compares such an approach to dominant methods of social activism today. A Twitter analysis illuminates the significant problems we currently face in our digital age. The chapter concludes by envisioning a more sustainable approach to social change that foregrounds the importance of storytelling.
Programmed Activity Attendance in Assisted Living: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior with Additional Health Factors.

Objectives: Programmed activities contribute to the quality of life of assisted living (AL) residents, but attendance rates are often quite low. Using the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study explores relationships among social cognitive variables, multidimensional health factors, and programmed activity attendance in AL. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, 185 AL residents (Mage = 83.64, SD = 9.64) self-reported physical and mental health; TPB constructs (i.e., attitudes, subjective norms, behavioral control, and behavioral intention); and the percentage of programmed activities attended in the previous week. Results: Structural modeling showed that TPB was a good fit for the data (χ2/DF = 1.67; CFI = .97; TLI = .96; RMSEA = .06), explaining 82% of variance in behavioral intention and 44% of variance in activity attendance. After adding health factors to the model, only mental health yielded a significant indirect effect on activity attendance. Conclusion: Results provide preliminary support for the viability of TPB as a framework to explain resident activity attendance in AL. Thus, the decision to attend programmed activities in AL may represent a social cognitive process, influenced by mental health. Clinical Implications: Interventions may consider targeting TPB constructs and mental health to increase activity behaviors amongst AL residents.
An Improved Power Processing Unit for Multi-Mode Monopropellant Electrospray Thrusters for Satellite Propulsion Systems

In this paper, a transformer coupled high gain DC-DC converter is proposed for applications in electrospray thruster systems. The proposed converter consists of a two-phase interleaved boost converter, a step-up transformer, and a Diode-Capacitor multiplier. The proposed converter enhances the reliability of the thruster by alternating the voltage across the extractor grids, which ensures the neutrality of the propellant. The paper addresses the grounding issue of the multi-mode thruster, which is pivotal to the successful operation of the propulsion system. A hardware prototype is presented and the theoretical and practical converter gains are analyzed and compared. The converter proposed in this paper is found to be highly modular and scalable in nature, enabling enhanced mission capabilities.