cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Indapamide blocks the rapid component of the delayed rectifier current in atrial tumor cells (AT-1 cells)

Abstract We studied the effects of a well known blocker (indapamide) of the slow component ( I ks ) of the delayed rectifier ( I k ) on K + currents in atrial tumor myocytes derived from transgenic mice (AT-1 cells) using one electrode voltage clamp method. These cells have been shown to express mRNAs encoding cardiac K + channels and display a cardiac electrophysiological phenotype. The major K + current is the rapid component ( I kr ) of the delayed rectifier current ( I k ). The purpose of this study was to show that a diuretic agent, indapamide, which was shown to be a selective blocker of the slow component ( I ks ) of delayed rectifier, also blocks I kr in a dose dependent manner. The steady state current at the end of a 1s pulse ( I 1s , step to +40 mV from a holding potential of −40 mV) was 1070.4±202.2 pA ( n =5) and the tail current ( I tail ) was 416.3±112.9 pA. Indapamide (750 μM) reduced I 1s and I tail to 254.5±62.3 pA and 42.2±37.7 pA respectively. Indapamide induced block was partially reversible for higher concentrations (≥750 μM).
Fall in child mortality in Africa and Asia is “grossly insufficient” to meet millennium development goal, says Unicef

The annual number of deaths worldwide among children aged under 5 years fell by nearly a third between 1990 and 2008, from 12.5 million to 8.8 million, show new data from Unicef. However, the agency says, progress still remains “grossly insufficient,” especially in the Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia regions, to reach the target under the United Nations’ fourth millennium development goal of a two thirds reduction in the number by 2015. Overall there was a 28% fall over nearly two decades in the global death rate among under 5s, from 90 deaths per 1000 live births in 1990 to 65 per 1000 in 2008. The death rate in this age group has fallen by 22% since 1990 in the Sub-Saharan Africa region and by 39% in South Asia, not enough for the 2015 target to be reached. …
Enzymatic amplification staining for single cell analysis: applied to in situ hybridization

Single cell analysis by flow cytometry is a powerful modality for analyzing the expression of a set of molecules. Nevertheless, the most significant deficiency of this technology has been the poor sensitivity of flow cytometry compared to other techniques such as immunoblotting. In order to address this deficiency, we have developed an enzymatic amplification system for flow cytometry that enhances the specific signal by 10-100-fold. Using enzymatic amplification staining (EAS), we and others have been able to assess the expression of molecules that could not be detected otherwise. In this review, we show the capability of this new technology to detect specific RNA expression.
Chromatography of some cystine peptides and formation of mixed disulfides.

Abstract Chromatographic systems for cystine peptides were established and mixed disulfide formation was studied using a Technicon Amino Acid Analyzer. The ninhydrin molar color yields of peptides with N-terminal cystine was increased by splitting the disulfide bond with sodium bisulfite. Cystine peptides were prepared in the sulfhydryl form by reducing the disulfide bonds with dithiothreitol. The reduced peptides were separated from dithiothreitol on a small column of Dowex 50W X4 in the H+ form. The sulfhydryl peptides were mixed together and allowed to oxidize completely. The oxidized products were analyzed in the chromatographic system. The formation of symmetrical and mixed disulfides from the sulfhydryl compounds appeared to occur randomly.
SU‐GG‐J‐147: Quantification of Tumor Response in Serial PET Imaging Using Level Set Clustering

Purpose: Simple comparison tools and measures such as the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) are currently used to gauge treatment response with PET imaging. In reality, the tumor and its response are heterogeneous and metabolic changes should be characterized by local measures. This study presents a tumor response algorithm that corrects for anatomical changes and robustly identifies local changes in serial PET images through a clustering algorithm. Materials and Methods: A two‐step analysis was performed for this study. First, pre and post‐treatment images are rigorously aligned using a deformable registration to correct for posture and soft tissue changes. The detailed mapping is modeled by free form deformations B‐spline optimized using the limited memory BFGS algorithm. A clustering algorithm further detects voxel changes in proximity to the user‐delineated structures. The level set clustering is an advanced approach that combines the advantages of pixel‐based and distance‐based techniques to classify the dataset into regions of both signal enhancement and reduction. The enhancing regions, where the treatment failed, are correlated with the RT Dose and Structure Set objects from the treatment plan. While enhancing regions inside the tumor receiving a high dose are associated with poor biological response, enhancing regions near tumor margins are associated with geometrical misses due to setup errors or targeting inaccuracies. Results: Results of the level‐set based clustering algorithm are presented to the user as colorwash displays overlaid over the original anatomy. The technique was instrumental in detecting geometrical and segmentation misses on actual clinical cases and provided an indispensable tool for accurate, outcome‐based quality assurance of the radiation treatment process. Conclusions: Patient studies have indicated that the method is reliable and provides a valuable tool to integrate imaging information into treatment assessment for image guided radiation therapy.
Septal inhibition and timing behavior in the rat

Abstract The effects of septal, hippocampal, callosum-cingulate and isocortical lesions on the acquisition of spaced responding in a DRL reinforcement schedule were studied. Only in the case of the septal lesions was there evidence of impairment in the learning of the required temporal discrimination. This impairment was related to a loss of response inhibition and was manifest by the animals with septal lesions showing a high and equal likelihood of responding after short pauses (up to 10 sec). At longer pauses no impairment in temporal discrimination was noted. The neurobehavioral analysis indicated that this inhibition is mediated via septal efferents to mamillary body and anterior thalamic nuclei. Hence, the anatomical system controlling the expression of emotional or affective behavior also participates in the control of goal-directed motivated behavior.
Evaluation of outdoor recreational settings

Abstract The planning of sound and substantial outdoor recreational programs is dependent upon an understanding of the valuative process of satisfaction which is largely a result of user judgments. This study describes overall satisfaction as a function of instrumental and expressive factors, expectations, and past-use. The study revealed that expressive and instrumental factors may be stronger predictors of overall satisfaction than are the expectation factors or past-use. However, the relative importance of instrumental and expressive factors reveals site-specific variation.
Comparison of Biofeedback Pulse Wave Velocity and Progressive Relaxation in Essential Hypertensives

In a study undertaken to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of two behavioral treatments for essential hypertension (biofeedback on arterial pulse-wave velocity and progressive relaxation) 24 hypertensive subjects were randomly assigned to either a relaxation or biofeedback treatment group for 5 weekly sessions. In a second stage of the study 16 of the original subjects received both biofeedback and relaxation treatments during 5 additional weekly sessions. Results indicated that biofeedback and relaxation were equally effective in initial lowering of blood pressure in hypertensives. Although biofeedback training led to superior reductions at the 3-mo. follow-up point, after 1 yr. the blood pressures of both groups were not only equal but well below those presented at the beginning of the study.
Experimental Observation of Low Noise and Low Drift in a Laser-Driven Fiber Optic Gyroscope

We demonstrate that by driving a fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) with a laser of relatively broad linewidth ( ~ 10 MHz), both the noise and the bias drift are reduced to very low levels (0.058°/√h and 1.1°/h, respectively), comparable to the performance of the same gyroscope conventionally driven with a broadband light source. When the laser linewidth is reduced to a low enough value ( ~ 2.2 kHz), the FOG exhibits a higher drift but an even lower noise, about 4 dB lower than with a broadband source, and only 3.5 dB above shot noise. The measured dependencies of the noise and drift on laser linewidth are in good quantitative agreement with the predictions of an advanced model of backscattering errors in a FOG interrogated with coherent light, which confirms that the noise and drift are predominantly limited by backscattering. The use of a laser comes with the additional benefit of a much greater wavelength stability compared to a broadband source, which is expected to translate directly into a much more stable scale factor than possible in conventional FOGs. Residual sources of drift and the prospects for reducing them in order to achieve inertial navigation performance are discussed.
TRIAD III: Nationwide Assessment of Living Wills and Do Not Resuscitate Orders

Abstract Background Concern exists that living wills are misinterpreted and may result in compromised patient safety. Objective To determine whether adding code status to a living will improves understanding and treatment decisions. Methods An Internet survey was conducted of General Surgery, and Family, Internal, and Emergency Medicine residencies between May and December 2009. The survey posed a fictitious living will with and without additional clarification in the form of code status. An emergent patient care scenario was then presented that included medical history and signs/symptoms. Respondents were asked to assign a code status and choose appropriate intervention. Questions were formatted as dichotomous responses. Correct response rate was based on legal statute. Significance of changes in response due to the addition of either clinical context (past medical history/signs/symptoms) or code status was assessed by contingency table analysis. Results Seven hundred sixty-eight faculty and residents at accredited training centers in 34 states responded. At baseline, 22% denoted “full code” as the code status for a typical living will, and 36% equated “full care” with a code status DNR. Adding clinical context improved correct responses by 21%. Specifying code status further improved correct interpretation by 28% to 34%. Treatment decisions were either improved 12–17% by adding code status (“Full Code,” “Hospice Care”) or worsened 22% (“DNR”). Conclusion Misunderstanding of advance directives is a nationwide problem. Addition of code status may help to resolve the problem. Further research is required to ensure safety, understanding, and appropriate care to patients.
Patterns of innovating complex technologies: a framework for adaptive network strategies

Abstract Self-organizing networks have become the dominant innovators of complex technologies. This paper presents a framework that offers insight into the three distinctive patterns of innovation that are evident in the evolution of six technologies. It is at those points that networks must change from one pattern to another and that major adaptations in company strategies and public policy are required. Four indicators of pattern changes are discussed. Effective strategies and policy would benefit from the development of a different set of concepts and the science of complexity offers some of those concepts.
What is an equable climate

Abstract The ideal (theoretical) equable climate has a mean annual temperature of 14°C and a mean annual range of 0°C. Since 14°C is and has been the average mean temperature of the earth's surface, any departure from 14°C and 0°C results in a climate of lower temperateness or equability. Therefore, reference to an equable paleoclimate is meaningless unless quantified by a centrum from which equability is measured. Climates of low seasonality are not necessarily equable because such conditions occur from the inner wet tropics into glacial-border environments. Freezing often occurs in climates of moderate to high equability. Equable climates may support taxa from different vegetation zones, a relation also evident in the paleobotanical record.
Influence of processing parameters on the formation of WC-Co nanocomposite powder using a polymer as carbon source

Influences of processing parameters on the formation of WC-Co nanocomposite powder employing polyacrylonitrile as a carbon source have been investigated systematically. The processing parameters investigated include firing time and temperature, addition of a small quantity of cobalt acetate initially as a catalyst, and the sample quantity for a given firing scheme. The investigation provides basic information for optimizing processing parameters to obtain finer WC-Co nanocomposite powders with less unwanted phases. Based on the information obtained from systematic investigation, an improved processing procedure is developed, which can avoid some shortcomings of our previously reported procedure. However, the final product still has some undecomposed polymer or uncombined carbon, which needs to be eliminated before the present synthesis route becomes commercially feasible.
Tracheal Reconstruction Using Tissue-Engineered Cartilage

Objectives: To determine whether rabbit cartilage can betissueengineeredusingapolyglycolicacid(PGA)construct composed of PGA mesh, autologous chondrocytes, and alginate covalently linked with the cell adhesionsequencearginine-glycine-asparticacid(RGD),and toinvestigatethefeasibilityofreconstructingtrachealdefects using the PGA construct in conjunction with a bioabsorble intratracheal stent. Methods:NineteenNewZealandWhiterabbitswereused. Nine rabbits underwent subcutaneous implantation of 3 different PGA construct combinations: (1) PGA, autologouschondrocytes,andRGD-modifiedalginate;(2)PGA, autologouschondrocytes,andunmodifiedalginate;and(3) PGA and RGD-modified alginate. The remaining 10 animalsunderwentanteriortrachealreconstructionusingfascia lata grafts and the complete PGA construct (PGA, autologouschondrocytes,andRGD-modifiedalginate).Atthe time of tracheal reconstruction, a poly-L-lactic acid intratrachealstentwasplacedin5oftheselatteranimals.Rates oftrachealstenosisandmortalitywerecomparedwiththose of historical control animals. Histologic analysis was performed on the PGA constructs. Results: In the subcutaneous implants, the PGA constructsmadewithchondrocytes(withandwithoutRGD) demonstrated mature cartilage formation in 7 (78%) of the 9 animals. No cartilage was seen in PGA constructs made without chondrocytes. Two of the 10 animals that underwenttrachealreconstructionwiththecompletePGA constructsurvivedto20weeksanddemonstratedpatent airways, 1 with a stent and 1 without a stent (80% overall mortality). Histologic analysis showed mature cartilage formation at the tracheal reconstruction site. Historical control animals that underwent reconstruction with fascia lata alone demonstrated the lowest overall mortality.
Modeling of Damage Initiation and Progression in a SiC/SiC Woven Ceramic Matrix Composite

The goal of an ongoing project at NASA Glenn is to investigate the effects of the complex microstructure of a woven ceramic matrix composite and its variability on the effective properties and the durability of the material. Detailed analysis of these complex microstructures may provide clues for the material scientists who `design the material? or to structural analysts and designers who `design with the material? regarding damage initiation and damage propagation. A model material system, specifically a five-harness satin weave architecture CVI SiC/SiC composite composed of Sylramic-iBN fibers and a SiC matrix, has been analyzed. Specimens of the material were serially sectioned and polished to capture the detailed images of fiber tows, matrix and porosity. Open source analysis tools were used to isolate various constituents and finite elements models were then generated from simplified models of those images. Detailed finite element analyses were performed that examine how the variability in the local microstructure affected the macroscopic behavior as well as the local damage initiation and progression. Results indicate that the locations where damage initiated and propagated is linked to specific microstructural features.
Interrelationships between cornification and cell migration of fetal rat epidermis in vitro.

Samples of dorsal skin were obtained from 18-, 19- and 20-day rat fetuses. Comparative developmental studies were carried out from a portion of the samples, while the remaining samples were cultured for four days in a medium containing tritiated thymidine and studied autoradiographically. At 18 days the epidermis contained a periderm, a stratum intermedium and a stratum basale. By 19 days the strata granulosum and spinosum had developed. At 20 days, a stratum corneum was present. Cultured samples of 18-day fetal rat skin resembled those that developed in utero with respect to time, whereas, the samples of 19- and 20-day fetal rat skin developed a more extensive stratum corneum, fewer keratohyalin granules, and a more condensed stratum Malpighii. Autoradiographic studies were made to determine the time taken for cells to migrate from the stratum basale to the outermost layer of the stratum granulosum (transit time). A similar “transit time” was noted for the three fetal ages studied. The rates of cell migration varied. The results of this study suggest that the extent of cornification impedes cell migration by providing a physical resistance or barrier against the outward forces presumably exerted by the division of basal cells.
Free recall of conspicuous items

Subjects attempted to recall lists of homogeneous unrelated words, some of which had been accompanied by a signal denoting that they were to be specially attended to. The results are consistent with the idea that “isolated” items are well retained because they are held in mind for a relatively long time.
Rapid solid state metathesis reactions for the synthesis of copper oxide and other metal oxides

Abstract Solid state metathesis (exchange) reactions are investigated as a synthetic route to simple metal oxides. These self-propagating exothermic reactions occur between metal halides and alkali metal oxides, and can be easily initiated with a hot filament. CuF 2 and Na 2 O 2 for instance, react in seconds to produce copper(II) oxide and sodium fluoride. Highly crystalline, high purity CuO can be isolated by simply washing away the salt byproduct with an appropriate solvent. Other halides (CuCl 2 , CuCl, and K 3 CuF 6 ) or oxides (KO 2 and Na 2 O) react to form CuO or a mixture of CuO and Cu 2 O. Several metal halide - sodium peroxide combinations are found to be effective for the synthesis of simple oxides including Cr 2 O 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , and ZnO.
Comparison of two composite meshes using two fixation devices in a porcine laparoscopic ventral hernia repair model

Introduction Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair uses tacks to secure mesh. The mesh is designed to maximize tissue ingrowth while minimizing adhesions. We hypothesized: (1) a collagen-coated polyester mesh (PCO) will form fewer adhesions than an ePTFE-polypropylene composite (BC) and (2) absorbable tacks are equivalent to metal tacks.
Three-dimensional late gadolinium enhancement imaging of the left atrium with a hybrid radial acquisition and compressed sensing.

Purpose: To develop and test a hybrid radial (stack of stars) acquisition and compressed sensing reconstruction for efficient late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging of the left atrium. Materials and Methods: Two hybrid radial acquisition schemes, kx-ky-first and kz-first, are tested using the signal equation for an inversion recovery sequence with simulated data. Undersampled data reconstructions are then performed using a compressed sensing approach with a three-dimensional total variation constraint. The data acquisition and reconstruction framework is tested on five atrial fibrillation patients after treatment by radio-frequency ablation. The hybrid radial data are acquired with free breathing without respiratory navigation. Results: The kz-first radial acquisition gave improved image quality as compared to a kx-ky-first scheme. Compressed sensing reconstructions improved the overall quality of undersampled radial LGE images. An image quality metric that takes into account the signal, noise, artifact, and blur for the radial images was 35% (±17%) higher than the corresponding Cartesian acquisitions. Total acquisition time for 36 slices with 1.25 × 1.25 × 2.5 mm3 resolution was under 3 min for the proposed scheme. Conclusion: Hybrid radial LGE imaging of the LA with compressed sensing is a promising approach for obtaining images efficiently and offers more robust image quality than Cartesian acquisitions that were acquired without a respiratory navigator signal. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
African American Participation in Alzheimer’s Disease Research That Includes Brain Donation:

Historically, minority groups have been underrepresented in research and clinical trials. The lack of participation by minorities has been attributed to variety of factors including a mistrust of the predominately white research establishments and a lack of education about the purpose of research. The current study was designed to determine African-American interest in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research and to recruit African Americans as normal controls in current AD studies with the goal of eventually gaining consent for brain donation upon death. Participants were 46 African Americans aged 65 or older who were interviewed about knowledge of medical procedures and experience with research. After initial recruitment interviews, 31.7% of participants agreed to yearly testing with eventual brain donation. Study findings suggest a moderate relationship between participants’ knowledge of medical procedures used to prolong life and willingness to donate one’s brain.
Reproducibility of Random Periareolar Fine Needle Aspiration in a Multi-Institutional Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Random periareolar fine needle aspiration (RPFNA) is a research technique developed to assess short-term breast cancer risk in women at increased risk of breast cancer. Although there is increasing acceptance of RPFNA, neither the reproducibility nor the inter–institutional compatibility of RPFNA has been established. To address these key limitations, the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) Prevention Group tested the reproducibility of RPFNA in a multi-institutional cross-sectional study. Methods: Sixty-three high-risk women from five CALGB institutions (Duke, Ohio State, Roswell Park, Dana Farber, and Vermont) underwent RPFNA from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008. Duplicate bilateral RPFNA was performed on each woman by a single investigator on a single day. Masood Cytology Index score was assessed by a single blinded cytopathologist. Results: There was a high degree of statistical agreement in the Masood Cytology Index scores of duplicate RPFNA samples from the same breast, with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.8312 ( P < 0.0001). Importantly, although there was agreement in duplicate samples from the same breast, there was lack of agreement between duplicate samples from the opposite breast. Conclusions: This multi-institutional study shows that RPFNA is a highly reproducible measure of breast cytology in a cooperative group cross-sectional trial. RPFNA did not show a high degree of agreement between breasts, suggesting that breast cancer risk and progression may occur at different rates in individual breasts from a single woman. These studies provide proof-of-principle for future RPFNA-based cooperative group prevention studies. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(5):1379–85)
The high metabolic cost of a functional gut

Abstract Background & Aims: Animal studies have shown that more than half of the dietary protein intake is used by the gut and that a large proportion of this utilization is devoted to (glyco-)protein synthesis. Recycling of these secretions may play a critical role in the regulation of overall dietary amino acid bioavailability. Methods: Four piglets (age 32 days, 8–10 kg) bearing portal, arterial, and duodenal catheters and a portal flow probe were infused with a complete diet via the duodenum for 12 hours, followed by 12 hours of fasting. The portal balance of glucose and amino acids was measured throughout the 24-hour period. The animals also received duodenal and intravenous infusions of different lysine and threonine tracers. Measurements of intestinal tracer utilization and reappearance in the portal blood were used to calculate intestinal amino acid utilization and recycling. Results: From 0 to 6 hours, one third of the protein intake appeared in the portal blood. As feeding continued, the portal glucose balance (60% of intake) was constant, but the net amino acid portal balance became progressively more positive. Significant net amino acid absorption continued for at least 6 hours after the cessation of feeding. Over 24 hours, 52% of the dietary protein intake appeared in the circulation and one third of this derived from recycled intestinal secretions. Conclusions: Intestinal recycling of amino acids contributes significantly to their systemic availability and may be a critical factor in amino acid nutrition. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2002;123:1931-1940
Use of porous membranes modified with polyelectrolyte multilayers as substrates for protein arrays with low nonspecific adsorption.

Coating of substrates with polyelectrolyte multilayers terminated with poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) followed by activation of the free −COOH groups of PAA provides a surface that readily reacts with amine groups to allow covalent immobilization of antibodies. The use of this procedure to prepare arrays of antibodies in porous alumina supports facilitates construction of a flow-through system for analysis of fluorescently labeled antigens. Detection limits in the analysis of Cy5-labeled IgG are 0.02 ng/mL because of the high surface area of the alumina membrane, and the minimal diameter of the substrate pores results in binding limited by kinetics, not mass transport. Moreover, PAA-terminated films resist nonspecific protein adsorption, so blocking of antibody arrays with bovine serum albumin is not necessary. These microarrays are capable of effective analysis in 10% fetal bovine serum.
Respiratory Drug Delivery Europe 2007.

Left to right: Badrul Chowdhury (US FDA), John Hall (Quintiles and John Hall Consulting Limited), Gaetano Brambrilla (Chiesi Farmaceutici), Richard Ahrens (University of Iowa), Caroline Vanneste (H...
The electrostatic free energy of a discretely charged cylinder.

Abstract The electrostatic free energy of a discretely charged cylinder immersed in an electrolyte has been evaluated. It is thought that the expression obtained may be useful in calculations of the free energy of helical nucleic acids and other molecules of biological interest which have approximately cylindrical symmetry.
Persistent ST segment elevation in left ventricular aneurysm before and after surgery.

Abstract Post-myocardial infarction aneurysms are often accompanied by persistent ST segment elevations. To determine whether or not these ST segments regress following successful surgery for left ventricular aneurysms, serial electrocardiograms were studied in 74 patients and compared to changes of heart size and NYHA Functional Class. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 18.2 months (range 3 to 52 months). The mean precordial ΣST elevation preoperatively was 5.27 mm. and 4.71 mm. after surgery (P 0.1). Although clinical improvement occurred in 66 (89.2 per cent) by NYHA class and x-ray evidence of improvement was seen in 46 (62.2 per cent), a degree of ST elevation remained in all cases and was less elevated in only 19 (25.7 per cent). After surgery for left ventricular aneurysm, ST segments tend to remain elevated with little apparent relation to reduction of heart size or clinical improvement.
Economic Lot Scheduling for Two-Product Problem

Abstract In this paper we propose an algorithm for the two-product single machine Economic Lot Scheduling Problem (ELSP). Past research on this problem has relied heavily on the assumption that both products are produced cyclically. In particular Boctor's algorithm provides optimal solution to the two-product problem under such assumption. We first simplify Boctor's algorithm and then propose an algorithm which allows for the unequal cycle time for the more frequently manufactured product. We show that the cost corresponding to our solution is either less than 1.015 times the cost obtained from the Independent Solution, which is a lower bound of the optimal solution, or is better than that obtained by Boctor's algorithm. An example is used to show that the difference in cost can be as much as 24%.
Acetylcholine modulation of neural systems involved in learning and memory

Abstract Extensive evidence supports the view that cholinergic mechanisms modulate learning and memory formation. This paper reviews evidence for cholinergic regulation of multiple memory systems, noting that manipulations of cholinergic functions in many neural systems can enhance or impair memory for tasks generally associated with those neural systems. While parallel memory systems can be identified by combining lesions with carefully crafted tasks, most—if not all—tasks require the combinatorial participation of multiple neural systems. This paper offers the hypothesis that the magnitude of acetylcholine (ACh) release in different neural systems may regulate the relative contributions of these systems to learning. Recent studies of ACh release, obtained with in vivo microdialysis samples during training, together with direct injections of cholinergic drugs into different neural systems, provide evidence that release of ACh is important in engaging these systems during learning, and that the extent to which the systems are engaged is associated with individual differences in learning and memory.
Quantitative Methodology for Knee Exoskeleton Design

Traditionally, the design of exoskeletons (from choice of configuration to selection of parameters) as well as the process of fitting this exoskeleton (to the individual user/patient) has largely depended on intuition and/or practical experience of a designer/physiotherapist. However, improper exoskeleton design and/or incorrect fitting can cause buildup of significant residual forces/torques (both at joint and fixation site). Performance can be further compromised by the innate complexity of human motions and need to accommodate the immense individual variability (in terms of patient–geometries, motion–envelopes and musculoskeletal–strength). In this paper, we propose a systematic and quantitative methodology to evaluate various alternate exoskeleton designs using twist- and wrench-based modeling and analysis. This process is applied in the context of a case-study for developing optimal configuration and fixation of a knee brace/exoskeleton. An optimized knee brace is then prototyped using 3D printing and instrumented with 6–DOF force-torque transducer. Knee brace is then physically tested together with a saw-bones knee model in a scaled knee bracing test. Preliminary results of the physical testing of the knee brace show promise and are discussed.© 2014 ASME
Primary vesicoureteral reflux in adult patients.

Abstract Twenty adult patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux involving 29 renal units are presented, and the various aspects of etiology, clinical findings, and management are discussed. The importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management are emphasized.
Meander evolution on piecewise-uniform, quasi-geostrophic jets

Abstract A variety of simple, two-layer representations of a quasi-geostrophic jet along a vorticity front are initialized with a simple meander. The subsequent evolution of the jet is followed and related to the observed behavior of the Gulf Stream front east of the New England sea mounts. By varying the horizontal and vertical structure of the jet, a range of behavior is obtained that includes shingle formation and eddy detachment. These effects can be related to the linear stability properties of the jet. The structure that exhibits the most realistic meander evolution is that of a jet associated with a simple baroclinic vorticity front separating two pools of vorticity in the upper layer and two weaker pools in the lower layer. This picture is consistent with what one can inter from the known density structure of the Gulf Stream in this region.
Quantum decoherence in a pragmatistview: Part I

The quantum theory of decoherence plays an important role in a pragmatist interpretation of quantum theory. It governs the descriptive content of claims about values of physical magnitudes and offers advice on when to use quantum probabilities as a guide to their truth. The content of a claim is to be understood in terms of its role in inferences. This promises a better treatment of meaning than that of Bohr. Quantum theory models physical systems with no mention of measurement: it is decoherence, not measurement, that licenses application of Born's probability rule. So quantum theory also offers advice on its own application. I show how this works in a simple model of decoherence, and then in applications to both laboratory experiments and natural systems. Applications to quantum field theory and the measurement problem will be discussed elsewhere.
Postprandial Hypotension in 499 Elderly Persons in a Long-Term Health Care Facility

OBJECTIVE: To present baseline data from a prospective study of postprandial hypotension in 499 elderly persons in a long-term health care facility. DESIGN: Analyses of baseline data for a prospective study. SETTING: A large long-term health care facility where 499 ambulatory or wheelchair-bound residents were studied. PATIENTS: The 499 residents were ≥ 62 years of age, mean age 80 ± 9 years (range 62–100), 71% female, 29% male, 66% white, 27% black, 7% Hispanic, 68% ambulatory, and 32% wheelchair-bound. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The mean maximal decrease in postprandial systolic and diastolic blood pressures was 15 ± 6 mm Hg/6 ± 2 mm Hg. The mean maximal decrease in postprandial systolic blood pressure occurred 15 minutes after eating in 13% of residents, 30 minutes after eating in 20% of residents, 45 minutes after eating in 26% of residents, 60 minutes after eating in 30% of residents, and 75 minutes after eating in 11% of residents. Of 499 residents, 118 (24%) had a maximal decrease in postprandial systolic blood pressure of ≥20 mm Hg. The mean maximal decrease in postprandial systolic blood pressure was 24 ± 5 mm Hg in residents with syncope in the prior 6 months and 14 ± 5 mm Hg in residents without syncope (P < 0.0001). The mean maximal decrease in postprandial systolic blood pressure was 21 ± 5 mm Hg in residents with falls in the preceding 6 months and 13 ± 4 mm Hg in residents without falls (P < 0.0001). The mean maximal decrease in postprandial systolic blood pressure was significantly greater in residents treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, nitrates, digoxin, and psychotropic drugs than in residents not treated with these drugs. The mean maximal decrease in postprandial systolic and diastolic blood pressures was not significantly different in elderly blacks, Hispanics, and whites. CONCLUSIONS: A more severe reduction in postprandial systolic blood pressure correlates with a history of syncope or falls in the previous 6 months. Long-term follow-up is being planned to determine whether a marked reduction in postprandial systolic blood pressure in elderly persons correlates with a higher incidence of falls, syncope, new coronary events, new stroke, and total mortality.
Soil Charcoal in Old‐Growth Rain Forests from Sea Level to the Continental Divide

Soil charcoal is an indicator of Holocene fires as well as a palaeoecological signature of pre-Colombian land use in Neotropical rain forests. To document rain forest fire history, we examined soil charcoal patterns in continuous old-growth forests along an elevational transect from sea level to the continental divide on the Atlantic slope of Costa Rica. At 10 elevations we sampled 1-ha plots, using 16 cores/ha to collect 1.5-m deep soil samples. We found charcoal in soils at every elevation, with total dry mass ranging from 3.18 g/m 2 at 2000-m elevation to as much as 102.7 g/m 2 at 300 m. Soil charcoal is most abundant at the wettest lowland sites (60‐500 m) and less at montane elevations (> 1000 m) where there is less rainfall. Between 30- and 90-cm soil depth, soil charcoal is present consistently and every 1-ha plot has charcoal evidence for multiple fire events. Radiocarbon dates range from 23,240 YBP at 1750-m elevation to 140 YBP at 2600 m. Interestingly, none of the charcoal samples from 2600 m are older than 170 yr, which suggests that forests near the continental divide are relatively young replacement stands that have re-established since the most recent localized volcanic eruption on Volc´ an Barva. We propose that these old-growth forests have been disturbed infrequently but multiple times as a consequence of anthropogenic and natural fires.
Medication taking and diabetes: a systematic review of the literature.

Purpose The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the evidence of the challenges and barriers to medication taking (adherence) and to summarize the interventions that improve medication taking in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods PubMed, the Cochrane Collaborative, and the Health and Psychosocial Instruments databases were used to obtain articles identified by using the MeSH headings of diabetes, medication, oral hypoglycemic agents, oral antihyperglycemic agents, oral antidiabetic agents, insulin, adherence, medication taking, compliance, fears, treatment, and electronic monitoring. Only articles published in English between 1990 and May 7, 2007, and including individuals of all ages with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus were included. Retrospective and prospective studies reporting adherence to medications using self-report, pill counts, medication possession ratios, and electronic monitoring devices were included. Database analyses of prescription records from various organizations or countries were included only if adherence to pharmacologic therapy was stated. Surveys and questionnaires assessing medication taking were also included. The data from the selected literature was abstracted independently. The various studies were grouped together based on the type of study conducted. Studies were not included if a specific measure of adherence to medication was not used or stated. The studies are presented in 3 tables according to design. Conclusions Several barriers to medication taking have been suggested for those with diabetes mellitus, although well-controlled trials to confirm and resolve these barriers are limited. Diabetes educators should be aware of the common barriers to medication taking (regimen complexity of more than 1 diabetes mellitus drug or more than 1 dose daily, depression, and remembering doses and refills) and provide screening and support to their patients to resolve barriers if they exist. Further studies are needed to test specific interventions to improve medication taking in diabetes.
Optimistic pruning for multiple instance learning

This paper introduces a simple evaluation function for multiple instance learning that admits an optimistic pruning strategy. We demonstrate comparable results to state-of-the-art methods using significantly fewer computational resources.
An abstract quasi-linearization algorithm for estimating parameters in hereditary systems

A parameter estimation problem for class of linear hereditary systems is recast in a state space setting. A quasi-linearization type algorithm is developed, based on the state space formulation. The resulting algorithm requires the solution of initial value problems for hereditary systems. A numerical example is given to illustrate the technique.
Alternative Perspectives in the Organizational Sciences: “Inquiry from the Inside” and “Inquiry from the Outside”

“Inquiry from the inside” is characterized by the experiential involvement of the researcher, the absence of a priori analytical categories, and an intent to understand a particular situation. “Inquiry from the outside” calls for detachment on the part of the researcher, who typically gathers data according to a priori analytical categories and aims to uncover knowledge that can be generalized to many situations. Greater appreciation of the epistemological differences between these two approaches can help organization scientists select the mode of inquiry appropriate to the phenomenon under study and to their own abilities and purposes.
Antimicrobial strategies for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular infections.

As prosthetic cardiovascular devices become more common, the risk of complicating infections increases. The confluence of high-risk procedures, prosthetic material and antibiotic-resistant bacteria has made the management of these cardiovascular infections a challenge. A limited number of new antimicrobial agents have been introduced with activity against the resistant gram-positive organisms that are responsible for such problematic cardiovascular infections. Among these are the new agents quinupristin/dalfopristin and linezolid. In addition, several new therapeutic agents (e.g. daptomycin, lysostaphin and a Staphylococcus aureus vaccine) are in varying stages of clinical trials. Other strategies, such as the use of synergistic antibiotic combinations, the prophylactic eradication of bacterial colonization and the exploration of agents specifically targeting bacterial biofilms, are potentially valuable methods that are currently under investigation.
Thermoviscous remagnetization in some Appalachian limestones

Experimental evidence shows that blocking temperature-relaxation time theory for single-domain magnetite can grossly underestimate laboratory thermal demagnetization temperatures of a present day viscous remanence in Devonian limestones of New York State. Thermoviscous remagnetization at moderately elevated burial temperatures during the late Paleozoic cannot therefore be readily excluded for the origin of the stable secondary component in these rocks. More generally, these results emphasize that single domain thermal activation theory cannot be assumed a priori to correctly predict temperature of thermoviscous remanence acquisition in all magnetite-bearing rocks. The Prob leto
Pulmonary Artery Sling in an Asymptomatic 15-Year-Old Boy

A 15-year-old boy was evaluated for a 3-month history of sharp pain in the upper left chest. Notable findings on the physical examination included a low-frequency long systolic ejection murmur in the left infraclavicular region. The results of a 15-lead ECG were normal (Figure 1). A complete transthoracic echocardiogram was performed and the result was reported as normal (Figure 2). Because of the unusual character of the murmur, the referring cardiologist sent the patient for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Figure 1. A 15-lead ECG demonstrates normal sinus rhythm with sinus arrhythmia. The intervals and morphologies are normal, with no evidence of atrial or ventricular enlargement. Figure 2. Parasternal short-axis echocardiogram with color demonstrates the LPA arising from the right and coursing leftward. A complete cardiac magnetic resonance study was performed that included gadolinium-contrasted images. On axial and 3D reconstruction gadolinium-enhanced images, the left pulmonary artery (LPA) was seen arising from the superior aspect of the right pulmonary artery (RPA) (Figures 3 and 4⇓). The LPA was mildly compressed and coursed posterior to the trachea at the level of the carina. No significant compression of the main stem, right, or left bronchi were present (Figures 5 and 6⇓). Pulmonary …
Discussion of Agricultural Economics and the Changing Structure of Higher Education

Professor Coutu is to be commended for synthesizing in a brief paper a great many insights bearing on the management of teaching, research and extension in the next decade. As a discussant, I feel much as a blind man trying to describe the Taj Mahal—I can only reach so high. The future is as yet unknown and any predictions are at best pretty wild guesses. But there are insights gleaned from the past that can guide us in anticipating the future. In developing his anticipations, Professor Coutu drew upon several important sources of information, including his personal observations on the status of the university, his recent research on organizational structures used by the University of North Carolina system to manage research, and the Carnegie Commission report on higher education.
Switching light with light

The basic characteristics of the light amplifying optical switch (LAOS) are explained. The LAOS, as compared to its electronic counterparts, will substantially reduce the interconnect time between components, chips, PC boards, and machines. The use of the LAOS to implement optical logic circuits with multiple input stages that invert and restore the input signal is discussed. Applications to image and signal processing are examined. Future uses are considered. >
Staphylococcus aureus Adhesion via Spa, ClfA, and SdrCDE to Immobilized Platelets Demonstrates Shear-Dependent Behavior

Objective— The objective of this study is to delineate the molecular mechanisms responsible for Staphylococcus aureus –platelet adhesion as a function of physiologically relevant wall shear stresses. Methods and Results— A parallel plate flow chamber was used to quantify adhesion of wild-type, Spa − , ClfA − and SdrCDE − strains to immobilized platelet layers. In the absence of plasma, adhesion increases with increasing wall shear rate from 100 to 5000 seconds −1 . The presence of plasma significantly enhances adhesion at all shear levels. Addition of exogenous fibrinogen yields adhesion levels similar to plasma in the lower shear regimes, but has a diminishing effect on potentiating adhesion at higher shear rates. Alternatively, as shear rate increases von Willebrand factor (VWF) plays an increasingly significant role in mediating binding. Conclusions— Addition of plasma proteins potentiates S aureus –platelet interactions at all shear rates examined. Whereas fibrinogen plays a significant role in all shear regimes, VWF mediation becomes increasingly important as wall shear rate increases. Fibrinogen binding is dependent on bacterial adhesins ClfA and SdrCDE whereas Spa is the dominant receptor for VWF.
Shallow conductive‐component of heat flow near Novarupta Dome, Katmai, Alaska

An investigation of the shallow conductive heat flow from one of the half dozen thermal areas in the vicinity of Novarupta Dome suggests that convective heat transport by hydrothermal fluids is the dominant mode of heat transfer in the shallow subsurface within the thermal areas. The thermal observations are used to qualitatively characterize the state of the hydrothermal system at depth. We conclude that there is no shallow (100–200 m), laterally extensive heat source beneath the vent region but rather that the source of the heat emanating from the thermal areas is the cooling conduit that supplied magma to the surface during the 1912 eruption. This heat is transported to the surface by vapor flow along high permeability pathways associated with the margins of the 1912 vent. The thermal observations are also used to place a lower bound on the characteristic diameter of the conduit of 50 meters.