cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epicardial maps of atrial fibrillation after linear ablation lesions.

Maps of AF After Ablation. Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which atrial linear ablation lesions eliminate atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and Results: With an array of 112 unipole, epicordial maps of electrically induced AF in 6 dogs (acute group), self-sustained AF in 6 dogs (chronic group), and sinus rhythm and atrial pacing in 3 dogs (control group) were analyzed before and after creating linear radiofrequency ablation lesions in both atria that eliminated the AF. In the acute and chronic groups, activation maps showed multiple wavelets with complex patterns of activation and reentry during AF. Conduction velocity and the number, size, and complexity of wavelets did not change, whereas median fibrillatory cycle length increased with the number of linear lesions. In the control group, refractoriness and conduction velocity were unaffected by the number of lesions. Conclusions: In these models of AF, linear lesions that eliminate AF increase the cycle length of AF without changing conduction velocity, number or size of wavelets, or complexity of activation patterns.
Singapore's great leap: information technology in context

A brief survey of the impact of information technology on the political and social aspects of life in Singapore is presented.
A note concerning the ideal of nuclear operators

Let be a Banach algebra of bounded linear operators such that contains every operator with finite dimensional range. Then contains every nuclear operator.
A note on overall savings, physical savings, and money as a consumers’ good

Inflation induced by an increase in the money supply may be conducive to economic growth, because it can be positively related to the savings ratio. This relationship is, however, limited by a certain rate of money supply which is associated with the maximum overall savings ratio. Treating money as a consumers’ good based upon Levhari‐Patinkin [1968], this study estimates a quadratic‐form savings function using international cross‐section data. It shows that the optimal rates of money supply are 11–12 per cent and 6–8 per cent in underdeveloped and developed countries respectively.
SURFACE CHARGE OF SOL-GEL DERIVED ALUMINAS AS A FUNCTION OF CALCINATION TEMPERATURE

Abstract The sol-gel route for preparing alumina is thought to yield a unique molecular structure. Thus the powder characteristics of sol-gel derived aluminas are expected to be different from alumina powders derived by traditional processing methods. In this study wet alumina gels, after the sol-gel reaction was completed, were dried and calcined at 25°C, 300°C, 500°C, 800°C, 1100°C, and 1400°C following the methods of Yoldas and Clark and Lannutti. The initial points of zeta potential reversal (PZR) of the calcined powders determined from electrophoretic mobilities are 9.4, 10.2, 8.6, 10.6, 4.2 and 8.3, respectively for the above calcination series. The PZR of the alumina powders increased with calcination temperature up to 800°C, with the exception of the alumina calcined at 500°C. The PZR's of powders calcined between 800–1400°C decreased. The anomalous PZR of the alumina calcined at 500°C is due to catalytically formed carboxylates from the residual sec-butano1. The general trend of PZR change for ot...
Endometrial miR-181a and miR-98 Expression Is Altered during Transition from Normal into Cancerous State and Target PGR, PGRMC1, CYP19A1, DDX3X, and TIMP3

Context: Evidence suggests that a number of microRNA (miRNA) are aberrantly expressed in endometrial disorders with potential posttranscriptional regulation of their specific target genes, including ovarian steroid receptors. Objectives: Our objective was to assess the endometrial expression of miR-98 and miR-181a and their respective target genes, progesterone (P4) receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) and P4 receptor (PGR). Design, Setting, and Patients: We evaluated tissue expression and in vitro regulation at an academic university medical center in endometrial biopsies and endometrial tissues from follicular and luteal phases with and without exposure to hormonal therapies and grade I–III endometrial cancer (n = 52). Interventions: Interventions included endometrial biopsies and in vitro transfection. Main Outcome Measures: We evaluated expression and function of miR-98 and miR-181a. Results: Aberrant expression of miR-98 and miR-181a is associated with endometrial transition from normal into cancer...
Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors in B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

The B-cell receptor pathway (BCR) is aberrantly activated in select B-cell malignancies. This knowledge has allowed for the development of inhibitors of different crucial steps of this pathway. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a key component of BCR signaling and functions as an important regulator of multiple cell functions including differentiation, proliferation, and survival in various B-cell malignancies. Ibrutinib is a potent, selective BTK inhibitor that has shown significant activity in specific subtypes of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs). Given the high response rates, tolerability, and acceptable toxicities, ibrutinib was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of patients with relapsed mantle cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It is also currently being evaluated in combination with chemotherapy and as frontline therapy in B-cell NHL. This review summarizes the preclinical and clinical development of ibrutinib in the treatment of B-cell NHL.
The Real (Lack of) Difference between Republicans and Democrats: A Computer Word Score Analysis of Party Platforms, 1996–2004

For years voters and political pundits have grumbled about the lack of real choice between Republicans and Democrats. Scholars have examined party behavior and suggested reasons for concern. Determining whether there is a real ideological and policy difference between U.S. political parties, and the nature of that difference, is important for political science and for democratic politics generally. Ultimately, democracy is about choices, and where choices are few, democracy is degraded. One way to examine the choices that political parties offer voters is by assessing their political platforms. Even in an era of candidate-centric politics, political party platforms spell out the general programs offered by the parties, and the platforms are heavily influenced by the policy positions of the candidates themselves. In addition, the political platform is the one document that spells out the entire program of the party. Individual candidate speeches capture only snippets (at best) of the policy choices offered to voters. Recent innovations in computerized content analysis make it possible to analyze large bodies of text such as party platforms in a systematic way by treating words as data, then analyzing them statistically.
Relationships among Stream Order, Fish Populations, and Aquatic Geomorphology in an Idaho River Drainage

Abstract As stream order (1–5) increased, width and depth and percent of channel containing rubble increased. With increasing order, channel gradient, channel elevation, and percent of channel composed of gravel decreased. As stream order increased, the number of fish species, summer water space (depth times surface area) for fish, and the total numbers of fish increased. With increasing order, the numbers of chinook salmon, rainbow trout, and sculpin increased, but the numbers of cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden decreased. The analysis demonstrated the value of headwater streams to Dolly Varden and to cutthroat and rainbow trout and resulted in management's emphasizing protection of such waters. Stream order can be used to determine approximate stream size by providing estimate of width and depth.
Changes in aquatic insect emergence in response to whole‐lake experimental manipulations of introduced trout

Summary 1. Insects emerging from mountain lakes provide an important food source for many terrestrial predators. The amount of insect subsidy that emerges from lakes is influenced by predator composition, but predator effects could be ameliorated by greater habitat complexity. We conducted a replicated whole-lake experiment to test the effects of introduced fish predators on the abundance and composition of aquatic insects within and emerging from the littoral zone of 16 mountain lakes in the Trinity Alps Wilderness in northwestern California. 2. Study treatments matched the fisheries management options being implemented in California’s wilderness areas: (i) continued stocking with non-native trout, (ii) suspension of stocking, and (iii) suspension of stocking and removal of fish. We also included four naturally fishless ‘reference’ lakes. We compared abundances and biomass of emerging aquatic insects before treatments were initiated and for 3 years following their establishment. Abundances of benthic insects were also compared in the third year post-treatment. 3. Trout removal rapidly increased abundances of mayflies, caddisflies, and insect predators, and overall insect biomass emerging from lakes. No significant differences were found between the suspension of stocking lakes and continued stocking lakes. Fish density was a more important predictor of aquatic insect emergence than habitat complexity. 4. Mayfly larvae responded positively to fish removal and caddisfly larvae tended to be more abundant in lakes without fish, but we did not detect effects on abundance of predatory insects. However, we found large insect predators in shallower water in lakes with fish compared to fish removal or fish-free reference lakes. 5. These results provide insights into the continuing effects of past and current fish stocking practices on the flow of insect prey from mountain lakes into the neighbouring terrestrial environment. We also show that these consequences can rapidly be reversed by removing non-native fishes.
Strategies for two-stage sampling designs for estimating herd-level prevalence

We propose a herd-level sample-size formula based on a common adjustment for prevalence estimates when diagnostic tests are imperfect. The formula depends on estimates of herd-level sensitivity and specificity. With Monte Carlo simulations, we explored the effects of different intracluster correlations on herd-level sensitivity and specificity. At low prevalence (e.g. 1% of animals infected), herd-level sensitivity increased with increasing intracluster correlation and many herds were classified as positive based only on false-positive test results. Herd-level sensitivity was less affected at higher prevalence (e.g. 20% of animals infected). A real-life example was developed for estimating ovine progressive pneumonia prevalence in sheep. The approach allows researchers to balance the number of herds and the total number of animals sampled by manipulating herd-level test characteristics (such as the number of animals sampled within a herd).
An optimized real-time hands gesture recognition based interface for individuals with upper-level spinal cord injuries

This paper presents a hand gesture-based interface to facilitate interaction with individuals with upper-level spinal cord injuries, and offers an alternative way to perform "hands-on" laboratory tasks. The presented system consists of four modules: hand detection, tracking, trajectory recognition, and actuated device control. A 3D particle filter framework based on color and depth information is proposed to provide a more efficient solution to the independent face and hands tracking problem. More specifically, an interaction model utilizing spatial and motion information was integrated into the particle filter framework to tackle the "false merge" and "false labeling" problem through hand interaction and occlusion. To obtain an optimal parameter set for the interaction model, a neighborhood search algorithm was employed. An accuracy of 98.81 % was achieved by applying the optimal parameter set to the tracking module of the system. Once the hands were tracked successfully, the acquired gesture trajectories were compared with motion models. The dynamic time warping method was used for signals' time alignment, and they were classified by a CONDENSATION algorithm with a recognition accuracy of 97.5 %. In a validation experiment, the decoded gestures were passed as commands to a mobile service robot and a robotic arm to perform simulated laboratory tasks. Control policies using the gestural control were studied and optimal policies were selected to achieve optimal performance. The computational cost of each system module demonstrated a real-time performance.
Species richness in patchy environments

The logical structure of species richness determinations is outlined in order to explain how their accuracy is affected by nonrandomly distributed populations. The transformation of a species-area curve to a species-range curve is discussed in general terms and conditions required for accurate species richness determinations are given. Applications of the approach to scleractinid coral and pine-tree communities illustrate the method.
Improving hydroturbine pressures to enhance salmon passage survival and recovery

Barotrauma caused by rapid decompression during hydroturbine (turbine) passage may occur as fish move through the low pressure region below the turbine runner. This scenario is of particular concern in North American rivers with populations of ESA-listed salmon. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory released Sensor Fish into lower Snake and Columbia River turbines to determine the magnitude and rate of pressure change fish might experience. Recorded pressures were applied to simulated turbine passage (STP) in laboratory studies to determine the effect of rapid decompression on juvenile Chinook salmon. These STP studies have increased our understanding of how pressure effects fish passing through turbines and suggest that the ratio of pressure change [acclimation pressure (the depth upstream of the dam where fish are neutrally buoyant) divided by nadir pressure (lowest pressure)] is highly predictive in determining the effect on smolt survival. However, uncertainty remains in smolt acclimation depth prior to entering turbine intakes at hydroelectric facilities. The USACE continues to make progress on salmon survival and recovery efforts through continued research and by applying pressure study results to turbine design. Designing new turbines with higher nadir pressure criteria is likely to provide safer fish passage for all salmonid species experiencing turbine passage.
Quantum computing with electrons on helium

Abstract A concept for a quantum computer based on electrons localized above a helium film as quantum logic elements (qubits) is described. Each qubit is made of combinations of the ground and first excited state of an electron trapped in the image potential well at the surface. An array of electrodes beneath the surface restrict the lateral motion of electrons. Proposed mechanisms for one and two qubit logic operations and a simultaneous readout of the final state of all qubits are discussed. The principle decay channel for the excited state is via the emission of one phonon into the bulk liquid. Dephasing is estimated to be dominated by Johnson noise in the control electrodes. These times are on the order of 100 μs and allow about 104 operations.
MALE VERSUS FEMALE MATE CHOICE: SEXUAL SELECTION AND THE EVOLUTION OF SPECIES RECOGNITION VIA REINFORCEMENT

Male mate choice, expressed through courtship preferences, sometime occurs even under the mating system of polygyny, when the operational sex ratio is skewed toward males. The conditions under which male mate choice may be expected during polygyny are not well established. Servedio and Lande (2006, Evolution 60:674-685), assuming strict polygyny where all females have equal mating success, show that when having a preference does not increase the amount of energy that a male can put into courtship, male preferences for "arbitrary" female ornaments should not be expected to evolve; direct selection acts against them because they place males that carry them into situations in which there is high competition for mates. Here I explore in detail two situations under which logic dictates that this effect may be overcome or reversed. First I determine the contributions that direct and indirect selection place on male versus female preferences for traits that increase viability, using notation that allows the exact expression of these measures of selection. I find that direct selection against male preferences still predominates in the male mate choice model, causing less evolution by male than female preferences under these conditions. Second I address whether male mate choice is likely to evolve as a mechanism of premating isolation leading to species recognition, driven by the process of reinforcement. Reinforcement is compared under male and female mate choice, using a variety of models analyzed by both analytical techniques assuming weak selection and numerical techniques under broader selective conditions. I demonstrate that although under many conditions stronger premating isolation evolves under female mate choice, reinforcement may indeed occur via male mate choice alone.
Transverse conductivity of unidirectional fibrous composite with interface arc cracks

A complete solution of the conductivity problem has been obtained for the finite and infinite arrays of circular inclusions with interface arc cracks regarded as the models of fibrous composite with interface damage. By combining the multipole expansion technique with newly derived theoretical results, the model boundary-value problem has been reduced to a linear set of algebraic equations. An exact and finite form expression of the effective conductivity tensor has been found by integrating the local fields over the representative cell volume. The numerical data are given which show an accuracy and numerical efficiency of the proposed method and discover the way and extent to which the conductivity of fibrous composite is affected by the interface debonding.
Equivalence checking for compiler transformations in behavioral synthesis

Behavioral synthesis entails application of a sequence of transformations to compile a high-level description of a hardware design (e.g., in C/C++/SystemC) into a Register-Transfer Level (RTL) implementation. We present a scalable equivalence checking framework to validate the correctness of compiler transformations employed by behavioral synthesis. Our approach is based on dual-rail symbolic simulation of the input and output design representations of a transformation. We have evaluated our framework on transformations applied to several designs by an open source behavioral synthesis tool, and we present initial results demonstrating the approach.
Knee-simulator testing of conventional and cross-linked polyethylene tibial inserts

Abstract We compared the resistance to delamination and to adhesive/abrasive wear of conventional and highly cross-linked polyethylene tibial inserts of a cruciate-retaining total knee design using a knee simulator. Both groups were tested after aggressive, accelerated aging, and 1 set of conventional inserts was studied without aging. Aging oxidized the conventional, but not the highly cross-linked, inserts. The simulated normal gait testing lasted for 5 and 10 million cycles for the conventional and highly cross-linked inserts, respectively. Aged conventional inserts showed delaminations, whereas none were observed in the unaged conventional and aged cross-linked inserts. Wear rates measured by the gravimetric method were 9 ± 2 mm 3 , 10 ± 4 mm 3 , and 1 ± 0 mm 3 per million cycles; by the metrologic method, they were 8 ± 1 mm 3 , 9 ± 2 mm 3 , and 3 ± 0 mm 3 for the unaged conventional, aged conventional, and aged highly crosslinked inserts, respectively. In the test model used, oxidation led to delamination, whereas increased cross-link density resulted in reduced adhesive/abrasive wear of tibial inserts.
Single layer graphene as an electrochemical platform

Over the past decade, there has been a great deal of interest in graphene with regards to its electrochemical behavior. Previous studies have focused on understanding fundamental processes such as charge transfer and molecular transport at the graphene–electrolyte interface as well as on applications of graphene in electronic, optical, and mechanical systems. We present illustrative examples of large area, single layer graphene platforms for applications such as optical and sensing devices as well as microfluidic systems. Three examples of graphene modified with thin polymer films are discussed. We have explored the use of graphene as an electrochemical platform for surface-generated electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) using poly-[Ru(v-bpy)3]2+, where v-bpy is 4-vinyl, 4′-methyl 2,2′-bipyridine, as a model system. We found that while graphene can sustain ECL conditions, there was film degradation during ECL, as demonstrated by a decrease in ECL intensity upon potential cycling even in the presence of a graphene coating (“graphene blanket”). Using poly 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT), we demonstrate a facile method of fabricating electrochromic electrodes from large area graphene. The oxidation of NADH at graphene was catalyzed using an electrodeposited layer of 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde as an effective redox mediator. In addition, we describe the fabrication and characterization of a microfluidic device based on a solution-gated field effect transistor which was able to detect changes of 60 mV per pH unit change in an inverted cell design. On the other hand, a 29 mV shift in the Dirac point per unit pH change was measured with our microfluidic devices, and a ca. 10% FET conductance change was measured when we continuously changed the pH in solution from 6.91 to 7.64 in the microfluidic channel, demonstrating local microfluidic pH sensing (albeit non-Nerstian) in real time.
The Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain Gene 3’ Enhancers Induce Bcl2 Deregulation and Lymphomagenesis in Murine B Cells

Human follicular B-cell lymphoma is associated with the t(14;18) chromosomal translocation that juxtaposes the Bcl2 proto-oncogene with the immunoglobulin heavy chain (Igh) locus, resulting in the deregulated expression of Bcl2. Our previous studies have shown that the Igh 3' enhancers deregulate the Bcl2 expression in vitro. However, the effects of the Igh 3' enhancer elements on Bcl2 expression in vivo are not known. To investigate the role of the Igh 3' enhancers in Bcl2 deregulation, we used gene targeting to generate knock-in mice in which four DNase I-hypersensitive regions from the murine Igh 3' region were integrated 3' of the Bcl2 locus. Increased levels of Bcl2 mRNA and protein were observed in the B cells of Igh-3'E-bcl2 mice. B cells from Igh-3'E-bcl2 mice showed an extended survival in vitro compared with B cells from wild-type (Wt) mice. The Bcl2 promoter shift from P1 (the 5' promoter) to P2 (the 3' promoter) was observed in B cells from Igh-3'E-bcl2 mice, similar to human t(14;18) lymphomas. The IgH-3'E-bcl2 mice developed monoclonal B-cell follicular lymphomas, which were slowly progressive. These studies show that the Igh 3' enhancers have an important role in the deregulation of Bcl2 and B-cell lymphomagenesis in vivo.
Free space optical data center architecture design with fully connected racks

In this paper, we propose a novel design of a data center (DC) using free space optical (FSO) technology. The proposed FSO-DC design is based on fixed, non-mechanical, FSO links facilitating the realization of fully connected FSO racks and rows/columns of racks. Each rack becomes a point of intersection of three fully connected sub-networks. We investigate requirements, advantages and challenges of the proposed design. We develop and analyze a switch-free, fully connected FSO rack, present its link budget analysis and validate it by simulation. Results establish the feasibility of a switch-free FSO rack based on the proposed FSO-DC design. A cost estimate for the proposed FSO-DC design is also presented and compared to three well-known conventional DC designs.
Specific nonopiate receptors for beta-endorphin

Iodinated beta H-[2-D-alanine]endorphin exhibits specific binding to cultured human lymphocytes. The binding is inhibited by low concentrations of beta-endorphin and its D-alanine derivative, but is not affected by opiate agonists and antagonists, or by enkephalin analogs, beta-lipotropin, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, or alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone; this suggests the existence of a specific, non-opiate binding site (receptor) for beta-endorphin. The carboxy-terminal region of beta-endorphin is essential for this binding activity, since alpha-endorphin is not active. beta-Endorphin may be a circulating hormone with peripheral physiological effects that are not primarily mediated through interactions with opiate or enkephalin receptors.
Functional display of platelet-binding VWF fragments on filamentous bacteriophage.

von Willebrand factor (VWF) tethers platelets to sites of vascular injury via interaction with the platelet surface receptor, GPIb. To further define the VWF sequences required for VWF-platelet interaction, a phage library displaying random VWF protein fragments was screened against formalin-fixed platelets. After 3 rounds of affinity selection, DNA sequencing of platelet-bound clones identified VWF peptides mapping exclusively to the A1 domain. Aligning these sequences defined a minimal, overlapping segment spanning P1254–A1461, which encompasses the C1272–C1458 cystine loop. Analysis of phage carrying a mutated A1 segment (C1272/1458A) confirmed the requirement of the cystine loop for optimal binding. Four rounds of affinity maturation of a randomly mutagenized A1 phage library identified 10 and 14 unique mutants associated with enhanced platelet binding in the presence and absence of botrocetin, respectively, with 2 mutants (S1370G and I1372V) common to both conditions. These results demonstrate the utility of filamentous phage for studying VWF protein structure-function and identify a minimal, contiguous peptide that bind to formalin-fixed platelets, confirming the importance of the VWF A1 domain with no evidence for another independently platelet-binding segment within VWF. These findings also point to key structural elements within the A1 domain that regulate VWF-platelet adhesion.
Detection and tracking of T cells in time-lapse imaging

The effective classification and tracking of cells obtained from modern staining techniques has significant limitations due to the necessity of having to train and utilize a human expert in the field who must manually identify each cell in each slide. Often times these slides are filled with noise cells that are not of particular interest to the researcher. The use of computational methods has the ability to effectively and efficiently enhance image quality, as well as identify and track target cell types over large data sets. Here we present a computational approach to the in vitro tracking of T cells in time-lapse imagery capable of scaling to hundreds of cells and applicable to multiple staining techniques.
Phosphoproteomic Analysis of Rat Liver by High Capacity IMAC and LC−MS/MS

Proper liver function is crucial for metabolism control and to clear toxic substances from the bloodstream. Many small-molecule therapeutics accumulate in the liver, negatively impacting liver function and often resulting in hepatotoxicity and cell death. Several analytical methods are currently utilized to evaluate hepatotoxicity and monitor liver function. To date, none of these methods have specifically targeted protein phosphorylation-mediated signal transduction pathways which should be altered in response to toxic effects of small molecule therapeutics. To develop novel assays to probe specific signaling pathways in the liver, identification and quantification of specific protein phosphorylation sites in this complex organ is necessary. Here, we have utilized an optimized immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) protocol to enrich phosphorylated peptides from a tryptic digest of proteins isolated from whole liver lysate. LC-MS/MS analysis of IMAC-enriched peptides resulted in the identification of more than 300 phosphorylation sites from over 200 proteins in rat liver, a significant advance over previously published analyses of the liver phosphoproteome. Previously characterized phosphorylation sites and potentially novel sites were identified in the current study, including sites on proteins implicated in metabolism regulation, transcription, translation, and canonical signaling pathways. Moreover, protein phosphorylation analysis was performed without prior fractionation of the sample, enabling analysis of small sample amounts while minimizing analysis time, potentially allowing for high-throughput assays to be performed with this methodology. From these data, it appears that this methodology can be used to identify new phosphorylation sites and, in combination with a stable isotope-labeling step, to investigate the effects of liver diseases, cancer and evaluate potential toxicology of new drug substances.
Dry etching of polydimethylsiloxane for microfluidic systems

A fluorine-based reactive ion etch (RIE) process has been developed to anisotropically dry etch the silicone elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). This technique complements the standard molding procedure that makes use of forms made of thick SU-8 photoresist to produce features in the PDMS. Total gas pressure and the ratio of O2 to CF4 were varied to optimize etch rate. The RIE recipe developed in this study uses a 1:3 mixture of O2 to CF4 gas resulting in a highly directional and stable etch rate of approximately 20 μm per hour. Selective dry etching can be performed through a photolithographically patterned metal etch mask providing greater precision and alignment with preexisting molded features. The dry etch process is presented in this article along with a brief comparison to recently reported wet etch approaches.
The reliability of peer review for manuscript and grant submissions: A cross-disciplinary investigation

The reliability of peer review of scientific documents and the evaluative criteria scientists use to judge the work of their peers are critically reexamined with special attention to the consistently low levels of reliability that have been reported. Referees of grant proposals agree much more about what is unworthy of support than about what does have scientific value. In the case of manuscript submissions this seems to depend on whether a discipline (or subfield) is general and diffuse (e.g., cross-disciplinary physics, general fields of medicine, cultural anthropology, social psychology) or specific and focused (e.g., nuclear physics, medical specialty areas, physical anthropology, and behavioral neuroscience). In the former there is also much more agreement on rejection than acceptance, but in the latter both the wide differential in manuscript rejection rates and the high correlation between referee recommendations and editorial decisions suggests that reviewers and editors agree more on acceptance than on rejection. Several suggestions are made for improving the reliability and quality of peer review. Further research is needed, especially in the physical sciences.
SYNTHESIS AND CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF A NANOMETER-SCALE DENDRITIC POLYSILANE

A triply convergent synthesis has produced a dendritic polysilane with 13 silicons in the longest chain: [(Me3Si)3SiSiMe2SiMe2Si(SiMe3)2SiMe2]3SiMe. The structure was proved by assignment of each 1H, 13C, and 29Si resonance and by solution of the X-ray structure. The molecule represents a polysilane dendrimer that has achieved an approximately spherical shape. The roughly perpendicular distances between antipodal terminal methyls are 1.74, 1.70, and 1.65 nm, describing an approximate sphere with nanometer dimensions. The Si−Si−Si−Si dihedral angles indicate mixtures of gauche, orthogonal, and anti conformations. The longest all-anti segment is AAA, a hexasilane moiety. Despite the presence of numerous twists from gauche and orthogonal conformations, the molecule exhibits two ultraviolet maxima at 260 and 283 nm, with extinction coefficients respectively of 1.80 × 105 and 1.16 × 105. The wavelengths are comparable to that exhibited by linear polysilanes of similar length, but the extinction coefficients o...
Pink Bollworm: Effects of Male Irradiation and Ejaculate Sequence on Female Ovipositional Response and Sperm Radiosensitivity

Males of Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) were treated with 20 krad of gamma irradiation at 2 or 3 days postemergence and then placed with 1 virgin female every 24 h for 4 consecutive transfers. Mating, amount and kind of sperm received, egg production, and egg hatch were recorded for each female. In this manner, we could determine whether a male mated with all 4 or fewer than 4 females and whether the 1st ejaculate occurred with the 1st or a subsequent female and could compare the results with oviposition and hatch records. There was no significant difference in the frequency of mating between irradiated and control males: 85% of control males mated an avg of 2.4 times; 83% of treated males mated an avg of 2.2 times. The 1st and 2nd matings were similarly distributed in both groups of males. However, there was a highly significant difference in the 3rd mating; 63% of the control males mated for the 3rd time with the 3rd female, compared to 33% for the irradiated males. Both irradiated and control males transferred similar amounts of eupyrene sperm in the 1st ejaculate. The amount of sperm received was significantly lower in subsequent ejaculates, and was significantlymore » lower in females that mated with irradiated males than in those that mated with control males. The 1st ejaculate by either control or irradiated males elicited a greater ovipositional response than subsequent ejaculates, but irradiated males did not elicit as great an ovipositional response as control males. There was no significant difference whether the 1st ejaculate occurred with the 1st female or with females 2-4. We found a significant reduction in hatch of eggs fertilized by irradiated sperm, but there was no significant difference in egg hatch in females that received any of the ejaculates from an individual male.« less
Trophic factor supplemented UW solution reduces intimal hyperplasia in the rat aortic transplant model.

Abstract Background Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) is associated with delayed graft function, cold ischemic injury, and is an important cause of premature graft loss. A characteristic vascular lesion of CAN is intimal hyperplasia (IH). The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of cold storage in University of Wisconsin solution supplemented with trophic factors (UW-TF) on IH in rat aortic isograft (IG) and allograft (AG) models. Methods F344 → F344 and Lewis → F344 orthotopic abdominal aortic transplants were performed after 48 h of cold storage in either UW or UW-TF solution with and without immunosuppression. Results Significant reduction in IH was observed when IG were stored in UW-TF solution compared to UW solution. A significant reduction in intimal inflammation was observed in UW-TF stored, nonimmunosuppressed AG. In immunosuppressed recipients, AG stored in UW-TF solution evidenced significantly less IH compared to those stored in UW alone. Conclusions UW-TF solution decreased IH in both alloindependent and dependent models.
The role of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 as a marker for atherosclerosis

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an enzyme that belongs to the superfamily of phospholipase A2 enzymes. Although initial studies showed that Lp-PLA2 might be protective against atherosclerosis, emerging data seem to suggest that Lp-PLA2 may be proatherogenic, which is an effect thought to be mediated by lysophosphatidylcholine and oxidized nonesterified fatty acids, two mediators generated by Lp-PLA2. This article reviews the potential mechanisms by which Lp-PLA2 may participate in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations, namely, coronary artery disease and stroke.
Learning to use evidence in the study of history

To think like a historian, students must select and assess evidence that supports interpretations of the meaning of the past. Three historians focus on aspects of this task and pursue different approaches to teach their students to use evidence.
Edible Apple Film Wraps Containing Plant Antimicrobials Inactivate Foodborne Pathogens on Meat and Poultry Products

Apple-based edible films containing plant antimicrobials were evaluated for their activity against pathogenic bacteria on meat and poultry products. Salmonella enterica or E. coli O157:H7 (10(7) CFU/g) cultures were surface inoculated on chicken breasts and Listeria monocytogenes (10(6) CFU/g) on ham. The inoculated products were then wrapped with edible films containing 3 concentrations (0.5%, 1.5%, and 3%) of cinnamaldehyde or carvacrol. Following incubation at either 23 or 4 degrees C for 72 h, samples were stomached in buffered peptone water, diluted, and plated for enumeration of survivors. The antimicrobial films exhibited concentration-dependent activities against the pathogens tested. At 23 degrees C on chicken breasts, films with 3% antimicrobials showed the highest reductions (4.3 to 6.8 log CFU/g) of both S. enterica and E. coli O157:H7. Films with 1.5% and 0.5% antimicrobials showed 2.4 to 4.3 and 1.6 to 2.8 log reductions, respectively. At 4 degrees C, carvacrol exhibited greater activity than did cinnamaldehyde. Films with 3%, 1.5%, and 0.5% carvacrol reduced the bacterial populations by about 3, 1.6 to 3, and 0.8 to 1 logs, respectively. Films with 3% and 1.5% cinnamaldehyde induced 1.2 to 2.8 and 1.2 to 1.3 log reductions, respectively. For L. monocytogenes on ham, carvacrol films induced greater reductions than did cinnamaldehyde films at all concentrations tested. In general, the reduction of L. monocytogenes on ham at 23 degrees C was greater than at 4 degrees C. Added antimicrobials had minor effects on physical properties of the films. The results suggest that the food industry and consumers could use these films as wrappings to control surface contamination by foodborne pathogenic microorganisms.
Methods for calculating dietary energy density in a nationally representative sample

There has been a growing interest in examining dietary energy density (ED, kcal/g) as it relates to various health outcomes. Consuming a diet low in ED has been recommended in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines, as well as by other agencies, as a dietary approach for disease prevention. Translating this recommendation into practice; however, is difficult. Currently there is no standardized method for calculating dietary ED; as dietary ED can be calculated with foods alone, or with a combination of foods and beverages. Certain items may be defined as either a food or a beverage (e.g., meal replacement shakes) and require special attention. National survey data are an excellent resource for evaluating factors that are important to dietary ED calculation. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) nutrient and food database does not include an ED variable, thus researchers must independently calculate ED. The objective of this study was to provide information that will inform the selection of a standardized ED calculation method by comparing and contrasting methods for ED calculation. The present study evaluates all consumed items and defines foods and beverages based on both USDA food codes and how the item was consumed. Results are presented as mean EDs for the different calculation methods stratified by population demographics (e.g. age, sex). Using United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) food codes in the 2005-2008 NHANES, a standardized method for calculating dietary ED can be derived. This method can then be adapted by other researchers for consistency across studies.
A Study of HZSM-5 Membrane Synthesis on α-Al2O3 Supports

Porous α-alumina supports were seeded with monodisperse nanocrystalline HZSM-5 zeolite and calcined. The supports were treated in a synthesis solution to grow the seeds into HZSM-5 membrane with aluminum nitrate (Al (NO3)3), tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and tetrapropyl ammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) as raw materials. X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization results showed that the membranes consisted of well-crystallizedH ZSM-5. The influence of crystallization time on morphology of HZSM-5 membranes was represented by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) characterization: the HZSM-5 zeolite membranes on the supports were defect free and the membrane thickness was increased with the crystallization time prolonged.
Assessment of readiness for clinical decision support to aid laboratory monitoring of immunosuppressive care at U.S. liver transplant centers.

Background: Following liver transplantation, patients require lifelong immunosuppressive care and monitoring. Computerized clinical decision support (CDS) has been shown to improve post-transplant immunosuppressive care processes and outcomes. The readiness of transplant information systems to implement computerized CDS to support post-transplant care is unknown. Objectives: a) Describe the current clinical information system functionality and manual and automated processes for laboratory monitoring of immunosuppressive care, b) describe the use of guidelines that may be used to produce computable logic and the use of computerized alerts to support guideline adherence, and c) explore barriers to implementation of CDS in U.S. liver transplant centers. Methods: We developed a web-based survey using cognitive interviewing techniques. We surveyed 119 U.S. transplant programs that performed at least five liver transplantations per year during 2010–2012. Responses were summarized using descriptive analyses; barriers were identified using qualitative methods. Results: Respondents from 80 programs (67% response rate) completed the survey. While 98% of programs reported having an electronic health record (EHR), all programs used paper-based manual processes to receive or track immunosuppressive laboratory results. Most programs (85%) reported that 30% or more of their patients used external laboratories for routine testing. Few programs (19%) received most external laboratory results as discrete data via electronic interfaces while most (80%) manually entered laboratory results into the EHR; less than half (42%) could integrate internal and external laboratory results. Nearly all programs had guidelines regarding pre-specified target ranges (92%) or testing schedules (97%) for managing immunosuppressive care. Few programs used computerized alerting to notify transplant coordinators of out-of-range (27%) or overdue laboratory results (20%). Conclusions: Use of EHRs is common, yet all liver transplant programs were largely dependent on manual paper-based processes to monitor immunosuppression for post-liver transplant patients. Similar immunosuppression guidelines provide opportunities for sharing CDS once integrated laboratory data are available.
The Landscape of Community: A History of Communal Forests in New England

A history of New England's communal forests and their economic, environmental, and cultural impact.
Chemokinetic Effect of Interleukin-1β on Cultured Biomphalaria glabrata Embryonic Cells

Abstract Previous studies have indicated that a molecule with cytokine activity, possibly an interleukin-1-like (IL-1) molecule, plays a role in the killing of larval stages of the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni in the snail host Biomphalaria glabrata. The purpose of the present experiment was to test the effects of recombinant-human IL-1β (rhIL-1β) on embryonic B. glabrata (Bge) cell motility to determine whether the cells respond to the cytokine. Response was measured using a variation of a chemokinetic assay in which cells in culture were separated from variable concentrations of rhIL-1β by a semi-permeable membrane containing pores to allow migration. A double staining technique was developed to ascertain cell movement across the membrane. The number of cells moving across the membrane significantly increased in a concentration-dependent manner relative to the presence of increasing amounts of rhIL-1β below the membrane. The number of cells that moved across the membrane increased until a threshold w...
An improved permeabilization protocol for the introduction of peptides into cardiac myocytes: Application to protein kinase C research

We have developed an improved, less disruptive procedure for the transient permeabilization of neonatal cardiac myocytes using saponin. The method allows delivery of peptides to a high percentage of cells in culture without effects on long-term cell viability. Permeation was confirmed microscopically by cellular uptake of a fluorescently labeled peptide and biochemically by uptake of 125I-labeled calmodulin and a 20-kD protein kinase Ce fragment into the cells. The intracellular molar concentration of the introduced peptide was ≈10% of that applied outside. We found no significant effects of permeabilization on spontaneous, phorbol ester–modulated, or norepinephrine-modulated contraction rates. Similarly, the expression of c-fos mRNA (measured 30 minutes after permeabilization) and the incorporation of [14C]phenylalanine following agonist stimulation (measured 3 days after permeabilization) were not altered by saponin permeabilization. Finally, permeabilization of cells in the presence of a protein kinase...
Diabetes Risk Assessment and Glycemic Control.

Blood glucose control is considered the cornerstone of diabetes management. Clinical trials have shown that improving blood glucose can lower the risk of early microvascular complications, although no trials have had a long enough duration of follow-up to demonstrate significant reductions in end-stage outcomes suchasvisual loss, end-stage renal disease, or amputation. Nearly all diabetes clinical guidelines include recommendations to maintain tight glucose control,most commonly defined as ahemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of less than 7.0%, for the majority of patients with diabetes. In the August 2015 issue of JAMA Ophthalmology, Aiello and colleagues1 described results fromacluster randomized trial of ophthalmology clinics examining an intervention intended to improve glucose control in 1746 patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who alsohadanHbA1c level of 7.5%orgreater. The investigatorshypothesized that frank discussion of the risks of diabetic retinopathy associated with elevated HbA1c levels could motivate patients to improve their glucose control, particularly becauseblindness is oneof themost feared complications of diabetes. The 876 patients in the intervention group received point-ofcare HbA1c testing. The investigators used this information to create individualized profiles for the patients showing them their time JAMAOPHTHALMOLOGY