cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differentiation syndrome-induced Myopericarditis in the induction therapy of acute Promyelocytic leukemia: a case report.

Background All trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has revolutionized the treatment and outcomes of patients with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL). Induction therapy with ATRA is associated with the rare but potentially fatal complication of differentiation syndrome. While the presentation of this syndrome is varied, myopericarditis as a manifestation of differentiation syndrome is often fatal and rarely reported in literature. We present a case of myopericarditis as the sole manifestation of differentiation syndrome in a patient on induction therapy with ATRA and arsenic trioxide for APL. Clinical presentation A 62 year old woman with remote history of breast and uterine cancer presented to the hospital for expedited work up of easy bruising and expanding hematomas. She was diagnosed with APL with peripheral blood and bone marrow cytogenetics revealing t (15;17) translocation and initiated on induction therapy with ATRA and ATO as well as steroids for differentiation syndrome prophylaxis. Eighteen days into induction therapy, patient developed pleuritic chest pain, elevated cardiac biomarkers, ECG changes suggestive of pericarditis. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed patchy multifocal sub-epicardial late gadolinium enhancement and elevated T2 signal consistent with acute myopericarditis. Given the timing of symptom onset and lack of other identifiable cause, patient was diagnosed with differentiation syndrome- induced myopericarditis and promptly initiated on high dose steroids with rapid improvement in symptoms, ECG, and cardiac biomarkers. Patient successfully resumed dose-reduced ATRA and arsenic trioxide without complication. Conclusion Myopericarditis can be the sole manifestation of differentiation syndrome and the presentation may be atypical owing to the use of prophylactic steroids as illustrated in our patient's case. A high index of suspicion for differentiation syndrome, multimodality imaging, and prompt input from multidisciplinary providers is crucial for making the timely diagnosis and initiating life-saving treatment.
Inteligencia y medio ambiente. Estudio mediante el test de Raven

This work is within the framework of studies carried out to determine the influence of ambiental conditions on the expression of intellzgence. Some useful hypotheses for future research are proposed. The method used i n the research (Advanced Progressive Matrices. Sets I and II) is emphasized for its role of mediation as well as the necessity of bringing up to date the standard scores of the test, as the results of our sample (students in the last year of secondary school) suggest.
Measuring HIV risk in the U.S. population aged 15-44: results from Cycle 6 of the National Survey of Family Growth.

Objective—This report presents national estimates of the percentage and number of persons in the U.S. population aged 15–44 who report behaviors that place them at increased risk for acquiring or transmitting human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. The report also contains data on condom use and HIV testing by persons who report risk behaviors. In addition, estimates of self-reported risk for HIV from the Cycle 6 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) are compared with data from other recent national surveys. Methods—Data from the NSFG Cycle 6, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), are based on interviews with a national sample of the household population of the United States. In-person, face-to-face interviews were conducted in the homes of 12,571 males and females 15–44 years of age in 2002. Most of the data were collected by Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI), in which a laptop computer is used to select and present the questions, which an interviewer reads to the respondent. The more sensitive data, including the risk behavior items on which this report is based, were collected by Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interviewing (ACASI), in which the respondent listens to recording of each question and enters his or her own answers into the computer without involving an interviewer. Results—Overall, 8.9 percent of persons 15–44 years of age had engaged in sexual behaviors in the past year that put them at increased risk of HIV, and 1.5 percent had engaged in drug use behaviors that put them at risk. In all, an estimated 9.9 percent engaged in either drug use or sexual behavior that placed them at increased risk for HIV. Including those who were treated for a sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the past year, 11.9 percent of persons 15–44 years of age—13.0 percent males and 10.8 percent of females—were at risk of HIV in 2002. The 11.9 percent at risk is equivalent to an estimated 14.4 million persons aged 15–44 at higher risk of HIV through drug use, sexual behavior, or having been treated for an STD in the past year. Persons who were at increased risk reported greater condom use and higher rates of HIV testing, but among those at risk, 33.6 percent had never been tested for HIV and 60.4 percent did not use condoms at last sex.
DyGen: automatic generation of high-coverage tests via mining gigabytes of dynamic traces

Unit tests of object-oriented code exercise particular sequences of method calls. A key problem when automatically generating unit tests that achieve high structural code coverage is the selection of relevant method-call sequences, since the number of potentially relevant sequences explodes with the number of methods. To address this issue, we propose a novel approach, called DyGen, that generates tests via mining dynamic traces recorded during program executions. Typical program executions tend to exercise only happy paths that do not include error-handling code, and thus recorded traces often do not achieve high structural coverage. To increase coverage, DyGen transforms traces into parameterized unit tests (PUTs) and uses dynamic symbolic execution to generate new unit tests for the PUTs that can achieve high structural code coverage. In this paper, we show an application of DyGen by automatically generating regression tests on a given version of software.
Monoclonal antibody solution hybridization assay for detection of human immunodeficiency virus nucleic acids.

Abstract In this report we describe a novel, nonisotopic hybridization assay for the measurement of viral RNA in biological samples. The assay involved a solution-phase reaction between a biotinylated DNA probe and RNA target sequences. Labeled hybrids were detected in an immunoreaction by using a solid-phase anti-biotin antibody and an enzyme-labeled monoclonal antibody specific for DNA-RNA hybrids. This monoclonal antibody solution hybridization assay was compared with an antigen-capture immunoassay for the detection of human immunodeficiency virus in 436 cell culture samples from 60 seropositive patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the hybridization assay were 93.5 and 94.6%, respectively. Detection of human immunodeficiency virus solely by hybridization in the initial sample but not subsequent samples from seven cultures may reflect detection of virus that was present in the patients' lymphocytes but did not replicate in vitro. Since the assay method is adapatable to the detection of either RNA or DNA, it could provide a means for the detection of a wide range of viral nucleic acids.
Relaxing the Inclusion Property in Cache Only Memory Architecture

Cache only memory architecture (COMA), even with its additional memory overhead, can incur longer inter/intra-node communication latency than cache-coherent nonuniform memory access (CC-NUMA). Some studies on COMA suggest that the inclusion property applied between the processor cache and its local memory is one of the major causes of less-than-desirable performance. The inclusion property creates extra accesses to the slow local memory. We consider the binding time of data address to the local memory to be an important factor related to the long latency in COMA. This paper considers the inclusion property in COMA and introduces a variant of COMA, dubbed Dynamic Memory Architecture (DYMA), where the local memory is utilized as a backing store for blocks discarded from the processor cache. Thus, by delaying the binding time, the long latency due to the inclusion property can be avoided. This paper examines the potential performance of DYMA compared to COMA and CC-NUMA.
The Politics of Executive Compensation: Government Regulation in the Wake of 'Focusing Events'

“Focusing events” increase the saliency of related issues and the likelihood that policymakers will respond with legislative action. The Great Depression and the present global financial crisis meet the criteria of focusing events which succeeded at making executive compensation a salient political issue. A systematic examination of all of the policy responses concerning executive compensation to these two economic crises illustrates how a single focusing event can result in symbolic changes, such as the compensation caps legislated for companies receiving assistance from the Reconstruction Financial Corporation (RFC) and the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), and also significant changes that meet the criteria of a punctuated equilibrium, such as the compensation disclosure requirements enacted as part of the Securities Acts of 1934 and 1935, and the advisory, shareholder say-on-pay requirements enacted as part of the Wall Street Consumer Protection Act of 2010. The variety of responses to a single event is explained as a function of the extent to which the particular policy alternatives had previously been part of the policy agenda.
Noninvasive Predictors of Sudden Cardiac Death In Men With Coronary Heart Disease Predictive Value of Maximal Stress Testing

In a follow-up study of 1,852 men with coronary heart disease, 195 deaths occurred within the first 3 years (33 ± 13 months [mean ± standard deviation]). Analysis of these cases indicated that the risk of sudden cardiac death in ambulatory men with clinical manifestations of coronary heart disease may be readily estimated from noninvasive clinical and exercise criteria. The important predictors are indexes of the severity of coronary heart disease and impairment of peak left ventricular function demonstrated with symptom-limited maximal exercise. The advantages of these predictors are that they may be elicited on the initial study as well as on follow-up noninvasive examinations of ambulatory patients. The appearance of nonelectrocardiographic predictors in serial examinations may provide an indication for invasive studies and be a more important finding than the ischemic S-T response to exertion.
Abstract 18411: Sirolimus Stents, Late Incomplete Stent Malapposition, in Stent Restenosis, Oh My- Glagov’s Phenomenon Revisited

A 52-year-old female with a history of hyperlipidemia and hypothyroidism presented with intermittent chest discomfort after minimal exertion. Her past medical history is significant for two mid left anterior descending artery (mLAD) Cypher sirolimus stents (2.5mm x 23mm, 2.5mm x 8mm) placed in 2008 when she presented with a NSTEMI. Her medications were aspirin, amlodipine, pitavastatin, synthroid and a multivitamin. Electrocardiogram demonstrated normal sinus rhythm. Physical exam was unremarkable and cardiac enzymes were negative. Baseline ejection fraction was 60% and there were no wall motion abnormalities during stress echocardiogram. Due to recurrent chest discomfort, CT angiography (CTA) was ordered which revealed two sequential stents with the proximal end of the first stent appearing outside the vessel lumen. Coronary angiography revealed ISR in the mLAD with contrast outside the proximal stent. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used which demonstrated positive remodeling, late incomplete stent malapposition (ISA) and ISR. Since studies have shown that the staining outside the sirolimus stent and ISA were associated with very late stent thrombosis, we decided that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was not the ideal treatment. We opted for robotic coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery with LIMA-LAD. The patient was discharged five days later without any complications. This case highlights the value of multi-modality imaging which revealed a Cypher related process despite a negative stress test. These observations led us to reason that we need a more permanent solution for treatment and therefore we referred the patient for CABG. It also raises important issues such as the duration of dual anti-platelet therapy in patients who have Cypher stents. Although Glagov’s phenomenon was originally described only for the case of arterial remodeling in response to growth of atherosclerotic plaques, our case emphasizes how a similar process can occur after PCI depending on the stent type. In conclusion, this case illustrates the limitations of angiography which is simply luminography, the complementary roles of CTA and OCT, and how multi-modality imaging can play a critical role in helping direct clinical-decision making.
Human Methadone Self-Administration and the Generalized Matching Law

The present study examined whether in humans the generalized matching law described the relation between relative responding and relative drug intake by humans under concurrent variable interval variable interval (conc VI VI) schedules of drug reinforcement. Methadone-maintained patients, stabilized on 80 mg per day of methadone, were recruited and trained to button press for repeated deliveries of small volumes (10 ml) of 0.08 mg/ml methadone solution. In the training phase, deliveries of methadone or vehicle solution were arranged under conc VI VI schedules of reinforcement. The mean interval for the methadone and for the vehicle options was 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 s. During another phase, responding on either of 2 buttons produced methadone solution. For the comparison option, the mean interval was 60, 90, 120, 180 or 240 s. For the concurrently available standard option, the mean interval was a constant 120 s. When methadone and vehicle were available, methadone was preferred to vehicle. When methadone was available at either option, the generalized matching law described the relation between relative response allocation and methadone intake. The results extend the generality of the matching law to human drug self-administration. The study also demonstrated the importance of reinforcement context as a determinant of human behavioral allocation.
INTERACTION OF AN EXPLOSIVELY DRIVEN CRACK WITH A LARGE FLAW

ABSTRACT Dynamic photoelasticity together with high speed photography is utilized to study the interaction of an explosively driven crack with a large flaw in unloaded and compressively loaded models. Experimental data obtained are analysed to study flaw-wave interaction and flaw-crack interaction. The results indicate a strong influence of the stress field surrounding the running crack on the stationary flow. The flaw tip closer to the running crack initiates in unloaded models even before the running crack terminates into the flaw. Initial compression tends to delay secondary crack initiation.
A retrospective view of advances in heterogeneous catalysis: 1956–1996 technology

Publisher Summary The first International Congress on Catalysis in 1956 occurred at a time at which catalytic technology and industrial applications of catalysis were rapidly increasing at an almost exponential rate that accelerated through the next 20 years. It would have been hard put to envision the explosion of applied catalytic work, which, to some extent, was stimulated by the worldwide demand for goods following the recovery from the Second World War. The objective of this chapter is to show that, contrary to some statements that the rate of catalytic developments has slowed in recent years, there has been a rapid growth of technology, though the areas to which it is being applied have shifted. A major factor in the growth of new technologies—one that is not specific for catalytic developments, but applies equally to all technologies, as well as to theory—is the development and wide availability of more and more sophisticated computers. In the past few decades, computers have changed the means of observation, reduced calculation times, and simplified operations, both on the bench and on the industrial scale.
Multi-Server Queues

We will survey a variety of multiserver models in which the arrival stream is a Poisson process. In particular, we will consider the Erlang loss model in which arrivals finding all servers busy are lost. In this system, we assume a general service distribution. We will also consider finite and infinite capacity versions of this model. Another model of this type is the shared processor system in which service is shared by all customers.
Luxury Apartments with a Tenement Heart: The Kurfürstendamm and the Berliner Zimmer

In the 1880s the Kurfurstendamm was developed with opulent apartments for Berlin9s Grossburgertum , or haute bourgeoisie. It was designed to be the counterpart to the Champs-Elysees. Luxury Apartments with a Tenement Heart: The Kurfurstendamm and the Berliner Zimmer analyses the plans of these apartments, whose dining rooms—called Berliner Zimmer —retained a planning peculiarity from Berlin9s infamous tenements, or Mietskaserne . Through careful comparison, Douglas Mark Klahr shows that the Berliner Zimmer interrupted the circulation pattern for visitors and residents in a manner and to a degree not seen in comparable Parisian residences of the same period. Although building ordinances and economics shaped important aspects of Berlin9s domestic architecture, this humble plan feature endured in the architecture of the wealthy because of the rootedness of Grossburgertum identity in the values and architecture of the lower middle and working classes.
Effects of exogenous prostaglandins on aqueous humor dynamics and blood- aqueous barrier function

Topical prostaglandins (PGs) are very effective at reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in a variety of animals and in humans with relatively few side effects. The mechanisms of action of several PGs, their prodrugs and analogues have been studied in rabbits, cats, monkeys and humans. PGF2 alpha and its analogues evaluated in monkeys include PGF2 alpha-tromethamine salt, PGF2 alpha -isopropylester (-IE), S-1033, PhXA34, PhDH100A and latanoprost (PhXA41). Aqueous flow and outflow facility are either increased or remain unchanged by these agents. PGF2 alpha-IE, PHXA34, PhDH100A and latanoprost increase uveoscleral outflow, accounting for most of the IOP reduction. PGA2 in cats increases aqueous flow and outflow facility, but it reduces IOP primarily by stimulating uveoscleral outflow. The PGD2 analogue BW245C is unique in that it is the only PG that decreases aqueous flow. Mechanistic studies in humans have been performed with PGF2 alpha -IE, unoprostone, PhXA34 and latanoprost. In two clinical studies with latanoprost, a significant increase in uveoscleral outflow was found which, as in animals, accounts for most of the IOP reduction. A slight but inconsistent increase in outflow facility may also be involved. The doses tested had minimal effects on the permeability of the blood-aqueous barrier (BAB). In vitro studies of human tissue have been conducted to elucidate the PG effect on outflow facility and uveoscleral outflow. Studies of isolated human anterior segment preparations show that PGE2 increases outflow facility whereas PGF2 alpha has no measurable effect on this parameter. Studies of human ciliary muscle cells in tissue culture indicate that PGs may directly modulate extracellular matrix metabolism, which may be related to the increased uveoscleral drainage. This review summarizes in vitro and in vivo studies of the effects of PGs on aqueous humor dynamics and BAB integrity in humans, cats and monkeys.
Identification of sex pheromone produced by female sweetpotato weevil,Cylas formicarius elegantulus (Summers)

A sex pheromone of the sweetpotato weevil,Cylas formicarius elegantulus (Summers), was obtained from collections of volatiles from virgin females, and pheromone was isolated by means of liquid and gas chromatography. The purification procedure was monitored by quantitative laboratory and field bioassays and the compound was identified as (Z)-3-dodecen-1-ol (E)-2-butenoate by means of spectroscopic and microchemical methods. Synthesis, followed by laboratory and field bioassays, showed that the biological activity of the synthetic material was qualitatively and quantitatively indistinguishable from that of the purified natural product.
Renewable Energy for Low Income Clients: Benefits Beyond the Money

Abstract The Sustainable Energy Resources for Consumers Grants (SERC) became available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), in 2010. The objective of SERC was to expand weatherization to “materials, benefits, and renewable and domestic energy technologies” that were not currently covered. Cost-effectiveness was one of the stated priorities of SERC funding. Appropriate technology is an approach to technology implementation that is characterized by creative and sound engineering that recognizes the social, environmental, as well as, the economic components. Renewable energy may have additional quality of life benefits to offer families beyond the cost savings. In Michigan, there were two SERC grants awarded; one to the Muskegon and Oceana Community Action Partnership (MOCAP) in West Michigan and Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA) in Southeast Michigan. To be eligible, residents had to own their homes and meet income qualification levels. To determine the appropriateness of installing renewable energy technology on income qualified households, this paper will look at qualitative indicators to see if the clients perceived personal benefits beyond the monetary savings from the renewable energy systems installed on their homes and if those perceived benefits vary between the solar thermal and photovoltaic systems.
Future prospects for THz spectroscopy

Many of the most astrophysically important transitions of atoms and molecules occur at THz frequencies. These transitions allow us to probe the formation and evolution of stars, planets, galaxies, and even the Universe itself. A recent confluence of technologies involving mixers, local oscillators, micromachining, IF amplifiers, and digital signal processing now make the fabrication of large format (~1000 pixel), heterodyne arrays at THz frequencies possible. Planned observatories at high altitude sites (e.g. the high Atacama and Dome A in Antarctica) and in the stratosphere (e.g. SOFIA and balloon-borne telescopes) can serve as platforms from which THz arrays can provide unprecedented access to a powerful window to the Universe. In this paper the scientific impact and technical roadmap to the realization and implementation of THz arrays will be discussed.
Adaptive optics flood-illumination camera for high speed retinal imaging

Current adaptive optics flood-illumination retina cameras operate at low frame rates, acquiring retinal images below seven Hz, which restricts their research and clinical utility. Here we investigate a novel bench top flood-illumination camera that achieves significantly higher frame rates using strobing fiber-coupled superluminescent and laser diodes in conjunction with a scientific-grade CCD. Source strength was sufficient to obviate frame averaging, even for exposures as short as 1/3 msec. Continuous frame rates of 10, 30, and 60 Hz were achieved for imaging 1.8,0.8, and 0.4 deg retinal patches, respectively. Short-burst imaging up to 500 Hz was also achieved by temporarily storing sequences of images on the CCD. High frame rates, short exposure durations (1 msec), and correction of the most significant aberrations of the eye were found necessary for individuating retinal blood cells and directly measuring cellular flow in capillaries. Cone videos of dark adapted eyes showed a surprisingly rapid fluctuation (~1 Hz) in the reflectance of single cones. As further demonstration of the value of the camera, we evaluated the tradeoff between exposure duration and image blur associated with retina motion.
Using wide-field quantitative diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in combination with high-resolution imaging for margin assessment

Due to the large number of women diagnosed with breast cancer and the lack of intra-operative tools, breast cancer margin assessment presents a significant unmet clinical need. Diffuse reflectance spectral imaging provides a method for quantitatively interrogating margins of lumpectomy specimens. We have previously found that [β- carotene]/μ s ' is a diagnostically important parameter but both parameters, [β-carotene] and μ s ', were derived from a low resolution parameter map and are subject to the tissue type and heterogeneity present in the breast. In this study, we used diffuse reflectance measurements from individual sites co-registered with high resolution microendoscopy (HRME) images to determine if the combined performance of these technologies could improve margin assessment. By comparing the optical parameters of [β-carotene] and μ s ' to the quantitative HRME image endpoints of feature size, feature density and normalized fluorescence, we determined that adding HRME to spectral imaging can improve the specificity of our diffuse reflectance spectral imaging system.
Potassium Content of Rat Diaphragms Following Hypophysectomy and Incubation with Growth Hormone.

SummaryExperiments were performed to determine if hypophysectomy and growth hormone influence amino acid transport by rat diaphragm through alterations in muscle K+ content. Hypophysectomy did not alter in vivo K+ content of rat diaphragm. Neither hypophysectomy nor incubation with growth hormone exerted a detectable influence on K+ level of the diaphragm in vitro. Moreover, diaphragms which were K+ depleted and could not take up K+ during the incubation period, still responded to bovine growth hormone with an increase in amino acid transport. Thus it appears unlikely that the effects of hypophysectomy and growth hormone on amino acid transport by rat diaphragm are mediated through changes in muscle K+ content.The authors wish to thank Dr. Frank L. Engel for his interest and critical evaluation of the manuscript.
EELS near-edge structure in the Laves-phase compounds Ti Cr 2 and Ti Co 2 :Theoretical and experimental studies

Laves-phase compounds $\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{Cr}}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{Co}}_{2}$ have been investigated by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), and ab initio calculations have also been performed to relate the experimental spectra based on the method of augmented plane waves plus local orbitals $(\mathrm{APW}+\mathrm{lo})$ with the generalized gradient approximation. It is shown that the normalized EELS cross sections of $\mathrm{Ti}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}{L}_{2,3}$ edges change only slightly between $\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{Cr}}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{Co}}_{2}$ compounds, and that variations of the calculated valence charge redistributions between these compounds are negligible. Therefore, there are no significant charge transfers between Ti and Cr (Co) atoms, and the local charge neutrality approximation is valid in these compounds. The charge densities of these compounds were also theoretically investigated. The results reveal a relatively strong covalent nature of atomic bonds between Cr--Cr (Co--Co) atoms compared with that between Ti and Cr (Co) atoms in $\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{Cr}}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{Co}}_{2}$, respectively. It is also demonstrated that the covalent bonding of the atoms in $\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{Co}}_{2}$ is stronger than that in $\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{Cr}}_{2}$. This result could explain the significant difference of the calculated enthalpies of formation between $\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{Cr}}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{Co}}_{2}$ compounds.
Anomalous polarization of the photoluminescence from anisotropic colloidal CdSe nanocrystals subject to external magnetic fields

We explain anomalous polarization of magnetophotoluminescence from CdSe nanocrystals with built-in anisotropy observed by Htoon et al., [Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 017402 (2009)] in external magnetic fields up to 5 T. While there are two radiative doublets associated with the exciton ground state, it is the lower component of the upper doublet which demonstrates a truly anomalous behavior. We further describe complex behavior of the doublets components polarization in high-magnetic fields. The polarization degree of the upper component of each doublet varies with the applied magnetic field slower than that of the lower component. However, for the upper doublet this behavior is more pronounced and becomes apparent at much lower fields.
Potassium channel dysfunction in cerebral arteries of insulin-resistant rats is mediated by reactive oxygen species

Background and Purpose— Insulin resistance (IR) increases the risk of stroke in humans. One possible underlying factor is cerebrovascular dysfunction resulting from altered K+ channel function. Thus, the goal of this study was to examine K+ channel–mediated relaxation in IR cerebral arteries. Methods— Experiments were performed on pressurized isolated middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) from fructose-fed IR and control rats. Results— Dilator responses to iloprost, which are BKCa channel mediated, were reduced in the IR compared with control arteries (19±2% versus 33±2% at 10−6 mol/L). Similarly, relaxation to the KATP opener pinacidil was diminished in the IR MCAs (17±2%) compared with controls (38±2% at 10−5 mol/L). IR also reduced the KATP channel–dependent component in calcitonin gene-related peptide–induced dilation; however, the magnitude of the relaxation remained unchanged in IR because of a nonspecified K+ channel–mediated compensatory mechanism. In contrast, Kir channel–mediated relaxation elicited b...
GSK-3 signaling in developing cortical neurons is essential for radial migration and dendritic orientation

GSK-3 is an essential mediator of several signaling pathways that regulate cortical development. We therefore created conditional mouse mutants lacking both GSK-3α and GSK-3β in newly born cortical excitatory neurons. Gsk3-deleted neurons expressing upper layer markers exhibited striking migration failure in all areas of the cortex. Radial migration in hippocampus was similarly affected. In contrast, tangential migration was not grossly impaired after Gsk3 deletion in interneuron precursors. Gsk3-deleted neurons extended axons and developed dendritic arbors. However, the apical dendrite was frequently branched while basal dendrites exhibited abnormal orientation. GSK-3 regulation of migration in neurons was independent of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Importantly, phosphorylation of the migration mediator, DCX, at ser327, and phosphorylation of the semaphorin signaling mediator, CRMP-2, at Thr514 were markedly decreased. Our data demonstrate that GSK-3 signaling is essential for radial migration and dendritic orientation and suggest that GSK-3 mediates these effects by phosphorylating key microtubule regulatory proteins.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02663.001.
Radiatively heated high voltage pyroelectric crystal pulser

Abstract Thin lithium tantalate pyroelectric crystals in a multi-stage pulser were heated by quartz lamps during their charging phase to generate high voltage pulses. The charging voltage was determined empirically based on the measured breakdown voltage in air and verified by the induced breakdown voltage of an external high voltage power supply. A four-stage pyroelectric crystal device generated pulse discharges of up to 86 kV using both quartz lamps (radiative) and thermoelectric (conductive) heating. Approximately 50 mJ of electrical energy was harvested from the crystals when radiatively heated in air, and up to 720 mJ was produced when the crystals were submerged in a dielectric fluid. It is anticipated that joule-level pulse discharges could be obtained by employing additional stages and optimizing the heating configuration.
Different outcomes in urethral reconstruction using elastin and collagen patches and conduits in rabbits.

Objectives: To study the feasibility of urethral reconstruction with two urethroplasty techniques using an elastin and collagen heterograft in rabbits. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two male rabbits were studied. Two types of injury, (1) a 1.5 ×× 0.6 cm2 semicircumferential defect; (2) a 1.5 cm segmental defect of the penile urethra, were created and repaired using size-matched elastin and collagen patches or tubed conduits. Urethral repair by primary closure for the type 1 injury and a tubularized autologous bladder mucosal graft for the type 2 injury served as controls. At 3 months, urethral diameter was measured with retrograde urethrography. The animals were then euthanized for histological examination. Results: The postoperative complication rate was significantly higher in the urethral reconstructions using tubed collagen (83%) and elastin (50%) grafts compared to the patch onlay grafts (p = 0.001 for collagen and p = 0.01 for elastin) and tubularized ABM (10%, p = 0.003 and 0.05, respectively). At the type 2 injury site, a dense circumferential fibrosis developed after all repairs. Only minimal ventral fibrosis presented in the type 1 injury repair. The intensity of chronic inflammation and fibrosis was greatest when collagen was used for the urethral repair. In the elastin urethral repairs the urethral diameter decreased significantly for the tubed repair compared to the patch onlay (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Urethral injury repair using elastin and collagen biomaterials is feasible in the rabbit model. The results of onlay urethroplasty using the elastin and collagen patches are significantly superior to those using the elastin and collagen tubed conduits. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
A Spatial Merger Estimator with an Application to School District Consolidation

Abstract This paper develops a spatial merger estimator to explain political integration generally and then applies this method to a wave of school district mergers in the state of Iowa during the 1990s. Our estimator is rooted in the economics of matching and thus accounts for three important features of typical merger protocol: two-sided decision making, multiple potential partners, and spatial interdependence. Rather than simply explaining when a particular region is likely to experience a wave of political integration, our method allows us to explore the factors driving which specific subregional mergers take place. This allows us to explore how those districts that merge choose with which of their neighbors to do so. Our results highlight the importance of state financial incentives for consolidation, economies of scale, diseconomies of scale, and a variety of heterogeneity measures in this particular application. We also demonstrate the power of our estimator, relative to existing estimators, to detect a statistically significant role for heterogeneity factors. While our application is limited to school district consolidation, our method can be adapted to include the salient features of many spatial integration problems.
Iterative optimal design of PET experiments for estimating β-adrenergic receptor concentration

To estimate in vivo myocardial β-adrenergic receptor concentration with sufficient precision and to reduce the experimental complexities in positron emission tomography (PET), an iterative optimal design method is applied. An initial three-injection protocol, utilising [F-18]-labelled (R)- and (S)-fluorocarazolol and unlabelled (S)-fluorocarazolol, is optimised for ligand dosages and administration times to maximise the precision of all model parameters using the D-optimal criterion. Using this experimental protocol, PET data are collected in porcine studies, and model parameters are estimated. All model parameters are identified with satisfactory precision. The in vivo myocardial β-receptor concentration is 7.5±0.6 pmol ml−1, which corresponds to the in vitro result of 10.1±1.3pmol ml−1. With more accurate parameter values, a simplified two-injection protocol is optimally designed, utilising only radiolabelled and unlabelled (S)-fluorocarazolol, based on a new criterion to maximise the precision of the β-receptor concentration. This revised optimum design predicts that the in vivo β-receptor concentration can be estimated with good precision but reduced experiment complexity.
Contribution of dead-space microdomains to tortuosity of brain extracellular space.

Abstract The extracellular space (ECS) of the brain is a major channel for intercellular communication, nutrient and metabolite trafficking, and drug delivery. The dominant transport mechanism is diffusion, which is governed by two structural parameters, tortuosity and volume fraction. Tortuosity (λ) represents the hindrance imposed on the diffusing molecules by the tissue in comparison with an obstacle-free medium, while volume fraction (α) is the proportion of tissue volume occupied by the ECS. Diffusion of small ECS markers can be exploited to measure λ and α. In healthy brain tissue, λ is about 1.6 but increases to 1.9–2.0 in pathologies that involve cellular swelling. Previously it was thought that λ could be explained by the circumnavigation of diffusing molecules around cells. Numerical models of assemblies of convex cells, however, give an upper limit of about 1.23 for λ. Therefore, additional factors must be responsible for λ in brain. In principle, two mechanisms could account for the measured value: a more complex ECS geometry or an extracellular macromolecular matrix. Here we review recent work in ischemic tissue suggesting concave geometrical formations, dead-space microdomains, as a major determinant of extracellular tortuosity. A theoretical model of λ based on diffusion dwell times supports this hypothesis and predicts that, in ischemia, dead spaces occupy ≈60% of ECS volume fraction leaving only ≈40% for well-connected channels. It is further proposed that dead spaces are present in healthy brain tissue where they constitute about 40% of α. The presence of dead-space microdomains in the ECS implies microscopic heterogeneity of extracellular channels with fundamental implications for molecular transport in brain.
Pharmacy: Isotopes: Pharmacy's Responsibility.

(1967). Pharmacy: Isotopes: Pharmacy's Responsibility. Hospital Topics: Vol. 45, No. 10, pp. 77-83.
Utility of flow cytometry in subtyping composite and sequential lymphoma.

Composite lymphoma (CL) is defined as more than one distinct lymphoma variant occurring in the same anatomic site, and sequential lymphoma (SL) is defined as different lymphoma variants occurring at different sites or at different times in the same patient. The utility of flow cytometry immunophenotyping in evaluating CL and SL has only been investigated in a few single-case studies. To further define the utility of flow cytometry in evaluating these tumors, records were searched at two institutions. Cases representing high-grade progression of low-grade lymphoma were excluded. For each CL/SL, clinical data was obtained and morphology was evaluated in routinely processed H&E-stained tissue sections. Tumor components were subtyped using revised European-American classification (REAL) criteria. Follicle center components were graded using modified Rappaport criteria. Immunophenotype was determined using two-color flow cytometry and paraffin-section immunostains. Four cases were identified. Case 1, nodal follicle center, follicular, grade III plus marginal zone CL, showed two discrete populations of monoclonal B-cells that differed in their expression of CD10. Case 2, cutaneous lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma followed by mesenteric non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (lymphoplasmacytoid plus follicle center, follicular, grade III) plus Hodgkin's disease CL, showed CD5-/CD10-/CD19+/kappa+ cells by flow cytometry in both tissue samples. The Hodgkin's disease component showed CD3-/CD15-/CD20-/CD30+ Reed-Sternberg cell variants in paraffin-section immunostains. Case 3 represented nodal follicle center lymphoma, follicular, grade I (CD3-/CD5-/CD10-/CD19+/kappa+) followed by cutaneous anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma (CD2+/CD4+/CD5+/CD19- cells with partial expression of CD3 and CD7). Case 4 represented cutaneous follicle center lymphoma, follicular, grade I (CD5-/CD10+/CD19+/CD23+/lambda+) followed by bone marrow B-cell small lymphocytic lymphoma (CD5+/CD10-/CD19+/CD23+/kappa+). Results show that flow cytometry is a potentially useful adjunct in characterizing CL and SL.
Fatal and near-fatal asthma in children: The critical care perspective

Objective: To characterize the clinical course, therapies, and outcomes of children with fatal and near-fatal asthma admitted to pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).
You Want Me to Trust You? Using Adventure Learning to Teach Millennials About Trust

Management educators are confronted with a variety of teaching challenges as they attempt to distill and instill practical knowledge. Compounding this overarching challenge is millennial students' desire to be actively involved in their own learning and their need to receive immediate feedback regarding the practical implications of their course material. One particularly difficult topic to teach millennial students is trust. Adventure learning provides a medium to address these student desires and to explore trust in an emotionally, socially, and physically safe environment. This article explores adventure learning and looks at specific activities being used at a medium-sized, northeastern university to teach millennial students about trust.
The Design and Testing of a Highly Insulating Glazing System for Use With Conventional Window Systems

In most areas of the United States, windows are by far the poorest insulating material used in buildings. As a result, approximately 3 percent of the nation's energy use is used to offset heat lost through windows. Under cold conditions, conventional double glazings create uncomfortable spaces and collect condensation. However, with the recent introduction of low-emissivity (low-E) coatings and low/conductivity gas filling to respectively reduce radiative and conductive/convective heat transfer between glazing layers, some manufacturers are beginning to offer windows with R-values (resistance to heat transfer) of 4 hr-ft/sup 2/-F/Btu (0.70m/sup 2/-C/W). This papers presents designs for and analysis and test results of an insulated glass unit with a center-of-glass R-value of 8-10; approximately twice as good as gas-filled low-E units, and four times that of conventional double glazing. This high-R design starts with a conventional insulated-glass unit and adds two low-emissivity coatings, a thin glass middle glazing layer, and a Krypton or Krypton/Argon gas fill. The unit's overall width is 1 in. (25 mm) or less, consistent with most manufacturers' frame and sash design requirements. Using state-of-the-art low-emissivity coatings does not significantly degrade the solar heat gain potential or visible transmittance of the window. Work to date has substantiatedmore » this concept of a high-R window although specific components require further research and engineering development. Demonstration projects, in conjunction with utilities and several major window manufacturers, are planned. This high-R window design is the subject of a DOE patent application.« less
Atmospheric attenuation reduction through multisensor fusion

The visualization of a scene of murky atmospheric conditions is improved by fusing multiple images. A key feature of this system is the use of the wavelet domain in the fusion process. Many possible fusion formulas in this domain exist and to find the `best' formula, we formulate an optimization problem. We assume a set of training data consisting of a sequence of images with the presence of atmospheric effects and the corresponding image with no atmospheric effects present (ground truth). Next, we perform a search over the parameter space of our `generic fusion formula' attempting to minimize the error between the original ground truth image and the image created by fusing the noisy data. Using the resulting `best' fusion formula, we have created a system for pixel level fusion. Experimental results are shown and discussed. Possible applications of this system including processing of outdoor security system data, filters for outdoor vehicle image data and use in heads-up displays.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Pediatric Donor Lungs for Adult Transplant Recipients: Feasibility and Outcomes

Background There is a limited experience using pediatric organs for adult lung transplantation (LTx), with size matching the major concern. We reviewed our experience transplanting pediatric donor lungs into adult recipients with endpoints of post-LTx complications and overall patient survival. Methods From 2/1990 to 12/2007, 609 adults underwent primary LTx at our institution. Thirty-eight (6.2%) patients underwent LTx with organs from pediatric donors (≤16 years). Of these, median donor age was 13 years (range: 7 to 16) and median recipient age 55 (range: 24 to 66). Endpoints analyzed included size matching accuracy, airway and pleural complications, time to extubation, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital lengths of stay, as well as survival. Results Gross undersizing of the donor lung was present in 2/38 (5.3%) and of the donor bronchus in 11/38 (29%). Five patients (13%) experienced a major postoperative airway complication. Thoracentesis prior to discharge was necessary in 4/38 (11%) patients and chest tube reinsertion in 10/38 (26%) for pleural effusion. Median time to extubation was 2 days. ICU and hospital lengths of stay were 6 and 16 days, respectively. Kaplan–Meier survival at 30 days, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years post-transplant was 89%, 74%, 63%, and 55%. Conclusions Despite sizing concerns, transplantation of pediatric lungs into adult recipients is feasible. Size mismatch may predispose to higher rates of airway and pleural complications. Hospital course and overall survival appear comparable to adult-to-adult LTx, and concerns over size matching should not preclude pediatric organ use for adult candidates.
Is Congo Red an Amyloid-specific Dye?

Congo red (CR) binding, monitored by characteristic yellow-green birefringence under crossed polarization has been used as a diagnostic test for the presence of amyloid in tissue sections for several decades. This assay is also widely used for the characterization of in vitro amyloid fibrils. In order to probe the structural specificity of Congo red binding to amyloid fibrils we have used an induced circular dichroism (CD) assay. Amyloid fibrils from insulin and the variable domain of Ig light chain demonstrate induced CD spectra upon binding to Congo red. Surprisingly, the native conformations of insulin and Ig light chain also induced Congo red circular dichroism, but with different spectral shapes than those from fibrils. In fact, a wide variety of native proteins exhibited induced CR circular dichroism indicating that CR bound to representative proteins from different classes of secondary structure such as α (citrate synthase), α + β (lysozyme), β (concavalin A), and parallel β-helical proteins (pectate lyase). Partially folded intermediates of apomyoglobin induced different Congo red CD bands than the corresponding native conformation, however, no induced CD bands were observed with unfolded protein. Congo red was also found to induce oligomerization of native proteins, as demonstrated by covalent cross-linking and small angle x-ray scattering. Our data suggest that Congo red is sandwiched between two protein molecules causing protein oligomerization. The fact that Congo red binds to native, partially folded conformations and amyloid fibrils of several proteins shows that it must be used with caution as a diagnostic test for the presence of amyloid fibrils in vitro.