cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distribution-wide effects of climate on population densities of a declining migratory landbird

1. Increases in global temperatures have created concern about effects of climatic variability on populations, and climate has been shown to affect population dynamics in an increasing number of species. Testing for effects of climate on population densities across a species' distribution allows for elucidation of effects of climate that would not be apparent at smaller spatial scales. 2. Using autoregressive population models, we tested for effects of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on annual population densities of a North American migratory landbird, the yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus, across the species' breeding distribution over a 37-year period (1966-2002). 3. Our results indicate that both the NAO and ENSO have affected population densities of C. americanus across much of the species' breeding range, with the strongest effects of climate in regions in which these climate systems have the strongest effects on local temperatures. Analyses also indicate that the strength of the effect of local temperatures on C. americanus populations was predictive of long-term population decline, with populations that were more negatively affected by warm temperatures experiencing steeper declines. 4. Results of this study highlight the importance of distribution-wide analyses of climatic effects and demonstrate that increases in global temperatures have the potential to lead to additional population declines.
Venous hemodynamics in living donor right lobe liver transplantation.

We evaluated the influence of portal and hepatic venous hemodynamics on the immediate and 3-month postoperative function of living donor right lobe grafts. Portal velocity was measured prospectively by ultrasound in 14 consecutive donor/recipient pairs. Velocity was converted to flow with the Moriyasu formula. Measurements were taken in donors in the operating room and in recipients at 1 hour after reperfusion and 3 months after transplant. Recipient liver function tests were measured postoperatively. Prereperfusion and postreperfusion liver biopsies were evaluated and correlated with the hemodynamic and biochemical results. There were 11 male (78.6%) and 3 female donors (mean age, 38.9 +/- 9.8 years) for 10 male (71.4%) and 4 female recipients (mean age, 49.3 +/- 14 years). The mean graft/recipient weight ratio was 1.22 +/- 0.3. The mean right portal vein pressure was 8 +/- 1.8 mm Hg in donors versus 13 +/- 4.7 mm Hg in recipients (P < .05). The mean peak flow velocity (Vmax) in the portal vein in donors was 47.6 +/- 12.8 cm/sec (normal, 44 cm/sec). One hour after graft reperfusion in the recipient, the mean portal Vmax was significantly higher at 94.7 +/- 28.4 cm/sec (P = .004), but by 3 months follow-up, mean portal Vmax had fallen to 58.8 +/- 37.8 (P = .01). Recipient portal vein Vmax highly correlated with portal flow (r = 0.7, P = .01). Increased recipient total bilirubin on postoperative day 2 correlated highly with higher recipient portal flow one hour after transplant (r = 0.6; P =.03). Portal vein velocity/flow dramatically increases after reperfusion, returning to baseline about 3 months after transplant. Evaluation of hepatic and portal venous flow is a relatively easy skill to acquire. Intraoperative ultrasound may enable the surgeon to predict graft dysfunction and possibly, may be used to implement pre-emptive therapies.
In the eye of the storm: Iodinated contrast medium induced thyroid storm presenting as cardiopulmonary arrest

The administration of iodinated contrast medium may lead to excess free thyroid hormone release and cause thyroid storm. A woman presented to the emergency department with dyspnea, hemoptysis, and intermittent bilateral lower extremities edema. Physical examination revealed mildly enlarged thyroid. Patient underwent a computed tomography scan of the chest with intravenous iodinated contrast medium to rule out pulmonary embolism, the patient developed a thyroid storm second to iodinated contrast medium injection. Proper treatment was provided and the patient had a good outcome. We present this case of an unusual presentation of a thyroid storm with cardiac arrest. This case illustrates that evaluating thyroid function tests in patients with an enlarged thyroid prior to the administration of iodinated contrast medium could prevent the development of thyroid storm.
New Characters for Determining the Gender of Rhyacionia frustrana Pupae (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The Nantucket pine tip moth, Rhyacionia frustrana (Scudder in Comstock) is a common pest of several southern pine species. Some tip moth research requires the sexing of pupae in order to collect emerging adults of known ages or unmated females. Characters for determining the sex of tip moth pupae were originally described in 1969. Here, we revise one of the published characters and describe seven new characters that may be used for gender determination. The new sexually dimorphic characters are: articulation of the seventh abdominal segment, dorsal spines of the second abdominal segment, length of the metathoracic tarsi, distribution of cremasteral setae, shape of the mandibular sclerite, antenna length and antenna shape.
A graphical query language for object-oriented data models

A graphical, functional query language, called Tabletalk, which can be used for a variety of object-oriented data models is described. Tabletalk expresses queries as mosaics, where spatial juxtaposition encodes the application of the functional combinators. Tabletalk is presented as a user-oriented and generic interface for object-oriented data models. >
The Boston Scleral Lens in the management of severe ocular surface disease

Fluid-ventilated, gas-permeable scleral lenses are a valuable front-line tool in the management of severe ocular surface disease. In addition to enhancing vision, they have the potential to reduce greatly the disabling ocular pain and photophobia associated with SJS, TEN, and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. They are also useful in healing some PEDs that are refractory to all other treatment strategies and in reducing PED recurrence in stem cell-deficient and neurotrophic corneas. The therapeutic benefits of these lenses are provided by the oxygenated aqueous environment they create over the corneal epithelium. The oxygenated precorneal fluid compartment that is maintained at neutral pressure protects the epithelial surface from the desiccating effects of exposure to air and the friction generated by blinking and avoids the shearing forces generated during the blink-induced movement of soft lenses.
Adapted Physical Education: Does Doctor Know Best?

During an individualized education plan (IEP) reevaluation meeting, a student was found to no longer be eligible for adapted physical education. The students' parents disagreed. This case provides several poignant applications for physical educators in both the development and implementation of an IEP and adapted PE services.
Hölder absolute values are equivalent to classical ones

We study generalized absolute values on a field or a commutative ring with unit element satisfying an approximate triangle inequality and an approximate multiplicative property. We prove that they are always Holder equivalent to an absolute value. This implies geometric rigidity results for Lipschitz and H6older deformations of metric rings.
Behavioral Activation and Problem-Solving Therapy for Depressed Breast Cancer Patients Preliminary Support for Decreased Suicidal Ideation

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common psychiatric disorder in breast cancer patients. The prevalence of suicidal ideation in breast cancer patients is considerable, and relative to the general population, the prevalence of completed suicide is elevated, particularly in cancer patients with MDD. A major component of suicide prevention is effective treatment of MDD. Although some research has explored the utility of psychotherapy with breast cancer patients, only three trials have explored the benefits of behavior therapy in patients with well-diagnosed MDD and there has been no systematic investigation of the potential benefits of psychotherapy toward reducing suicidal ideation in breast cancer patients. As a follow-up to a recently completed randomized trial, this study examined the efficacy of 8 weeks of behavioral activation treatment for depression (BATD) and problem-solving therapy (PST) in reducing depression and suicidal ideation, as well as increasing hopefulness in breast cancer patients with MDD (n = 80). Across both treatments, GEE analyses revealed decreased depression and suicidal ideation and increased hopefulness at posttreatment, results that were maintained at 12-month follow-up. Moreover, follow-up patient contact at approximately 2 years posttreatment yielded no indication of completed suicide. Although these data are preliminary, BATD and PST may represent practical approaches to decrease suicidal ideation in depressed breast cancer patients.
Inhibition of p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate by 1-methyl-2-mercaptoimidazole and related compounds.

Abstract The induction of both rat liver mitochondrial α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (GPD) and the soluble malic enzyme by thyroid hormone is enhanced by p -chlorophenoxyisobutyrate (CPIB). CPIB also affects lipid metabolism by a mechanism which is unrelated to the thyroid hormone. The intensification of the T 4 response by CPIB was blocked by the simultaneous administration of the goitrogen, l-methyl-2-mercaptoimidazole (methimazole, MI), and this particular inhibition of CPIB by MI was shared by a number of other compounds containing the ureido or substituted ureido grouping: 1-methylimidazole, imidazole, thiourea, 2-thiouracil, 2-mercaptobenzimidazole, 2-hydroxybenzimidazole and 2- mercaptopyrimidine. However, the effect of CPIB in (a) preventing an orotic acid fatty liver, or (b) intensifying the β-lipoprotein band in serum gel electrophoresis was not inhibited by imidazole. Rat liver malic enzyme activity was increased somewhat by MI and other ureido compounds per se .
Activation of guinea pig eosinophil respiratory burst by leukotriene B4: role of protein kinase C.

Leukotriene B 4 (LTB 4 ) and the protein kinase C activator, 4-β-phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu), both induced a and concentration-dependent stimulation of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) generation by purified guinea pig peritoneal eosinophils in the concentration range 1 nM-1 μM
Monte Carlo calculations of phase diagrams for a fluid confined in a disordered porous material.

A Monte Carlo simulation study of the phase diagram of an off-lattice molecular model of a fluid in a disordered porous material is presented. The molecular model consists of a Lennard-Jones 12-6 fluid confined in a rigid matrix of spheres with size parameters representative of methane in a silica xerogel. The matrix spheres are arranged in a configuration from an equilibrium hard-sphere system, although in some cases a fcc arrangement was considered in order to study the effect of translational order in the matrix. Various strengths of attraction between the fluid molecules and matrix particles have been considered, including the case of complete repulsion. The fluid-phase diagram shows effects of confinement, wetting, and matrix disorder. The results of this study provide evidence for two fluid-phase transitions. One transition is analogous to the bulk vapor-liquid transition, while the second is related to the wetting properties of the fluid in the more confined regions of the matrix. A key feature of our results is the inhomogeneity and disorder of the equilibrium phases in the system.
Assessment of lateral hindfoot pain in acquired flatfoot deformity using weightbearing multiplanar imaging.

Background: The etiology of lateral hindfoot pain in flatfoot deformity can be difficult to assess on plain radiographs. We hypothesized that multiplanar measurements obtained in a fully upright, weightbearing position would reliably demonstrate an increase in lateral hindfoot arthrosis and/or impingement in a cohort of flatfoot patients with lateral hindfoot pain compared to a cohort without pain. Materials and Methods: Ten consecutive patients with flexible flatfoot deformity and lateral hindfoot pain (mean age, 55.5 ± 13.9) were compared to 10 consecutive patients with flexible deformity but no pain (mean age, 61.0 ± 8.6). Conventional radiographs and weightbearing multiplanar images were performed on all patients before surgical reconstruction. Flatfoot, hindfoot impingement, and arthrosis parameters were interpreted in a blinded fashion by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Interrater reliability was determined with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). All parameters were compared between groups with a Wilcoxon rank sum test (p < 0.05). Results: A significant increase in posterior facet subtalar arthrosis (p = 0.006) and combined anterior and posterior facet subtalar arthrosis (p = 0.022) was evident in the pain group. Calcaneofibular impingement and calcaneocuboid arthritis were increased in the pain group, but did not reach significance (p = 0.057 and p = 0.067 respectively). The multiplanar imaging parameters demonstrated good (ICC = 0.60 to 0.73) to excellent (ICC 0.74) reliability for most impingement and arthrosis parameters and for many of
Soliton sampling of subcarrier multiplexed signals to suppress dispersion-induced RF power fading

By using a novel soliton sampling technique, we demonstrate the suppression of RF power fading over 94 km of single-mode fiber. We transmit a digital data signal that has been multiplexed on a subcarrier wave that ranges from 0.25-14 GHz. A 35-ps soliton pulse train is used to sample the data-modulated subcarrier. These inherently stable soliton pulses are then used to carry the information without suffering from dispersion. By using this technique, RF power fading is reduced from 22 dB to <2 dB over a 10-GHz frequency range.
Dogs Canis familiaris as carnivores: their role and function in intraguild competition

Dogs Canis familiaris are the world's most common carnivore and are known to interact with wildlife as predators, prey, competitors, and disease reservoirs or vectors. 2. Despite these varied roles in the community, the interaction of dogs with sympatric wild carnivore species is poorly understood. We review how dogs have been classified in the literature, and illustrate how the location and ranging behaviour of dogs are important factors in predicting their interactions with wild prey and carnivores. 3. We detail evidence of dogs as intraguild competitors with sympatric carnivores in the context of exploitative, interference and apparent competition. 4. Dogs can have localized impacts on prey populations, but in general they are not exploit- ative competitors with carnivores. Rather, most dog populations are highly dependent on human-derived food and gain a relatively small proportion of their diet from wild prey. However, because of human-derived food subsidies, dogs can occur at high population densities and thus could potentially outcompete native carnivores, especially when prey is limited. 5. Dogs can be effective interference competitors, especially with medium-sized and small carnivores. Dogs may fill the role of an interactive medium-sized canid within the carnivore community, especially in areas where the native large carnivore community is depauperate. 6. Dogs can also be reservoirs of pathogens, because most populations around the world are free-ranging and unvaccinated. Diseases such as rabies and canine distemper have resulted in severe population declines in several endangered carnivores coexisting with high-density dog populations. Dogs can therefore be viewed as pathogen-mediated apparent competitors, capable of facilitating large-scale population declines in carnivores. 7. Based on this information, we propose conceptual models that use dog population size and ranging patterns to predict the potential for dogs to be intraguild competitors. We discuss how interactions between dogs and carnivores might influence native carnivore communities.
Comparison of Soluble Decoy IgG Fusion Proteins of BAFF-R and BCMA as Antagonists for BAFF

BAFF is considered a therapeutic target because dysregulated production of BAFF can induce systemic lupus erythematosus-like phenotype in mice, and elevated levels of BAFF are associated with disease severity in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis patients. Fc fusion decoy receptors, BCMA-Fc and BAFF-R-Fc, are therapeutic candidates for blocking BAFF. While studying their interactions with BAFF, we found that BAFF-R-Fc is more effective than BCMA-Fc for blocking BAFF binding to its receptors. We also found that a trimeric BAFF can bind more than one BAFF-R-Fc but only one BCMA-Fc. Moreover, we show that, in contrast to monovalent BAFF-R-Fc, monovalent BCMA does not form stable complexes with BAFF. Differences in their interaction with BAFF predict BAFF-R-Fc would be a better inhibitor. Indeed, we show BAFF-R-Fc is 10-fold more efficacious than BCMA-Fc for blocking BAFF-induced B cell proliferation in vitro and for blocking BAFF-mediated survival of mouse splenic B lymphocytes in vivo.
Does Information Really "Unravel"? Understanding Factors That Motivate Sellers to Seek Third-Party Certifications in an Online Labor Market

Despite the abundance of studies on consequences of professional certifications, there is little empirical research on what motivates sellers to attempt certifications in the first place. One of the most intriguing theoretical predictions is the “information unraveling” proposition, which predicts a “domino effect” in sellers’ certification-seeking behavior when a certification opportunity arises. To test this proposition, and to further identify factors that motivate sellers to seek certifications, we exploit two unique natural experiments and detailed transaction data on a global online labor market. The first natural experiment was the introduction of certifications into the market, with a fee; and the second occurred when certification exams were made free. We derive and test hypotheses on factors that motivate sellers to seek certifications, including word-of-mouth, repeat customers, cost of certification, and informational cascading. We also show that, contrary to theoretical predictions, certification status negatively impacts some sellers’ ability to obtain contracts, even when certification exams are free. These findings have important managerial as well as academic implications.
Polymerization and matrix physical properties as important design considerations for soluble collagen formulations

Despite extensive use of type I collagen for research and medical applications, its fibril-forming or polymerization potential has yet to be fully defined and exploited. Here, we describe a type I collagen formulation that is acid solubilized from porcine skin collagen (PSC), quality controlled based upon polymerization potential, and well suited as a platform polymer for preparing three-dimensional (3D) culture systems and injectable/implantable in vivo cellular microenvironments in which both relevant biochemical and biophysical parameters can be precision-controlled. PSC is compared with three commercial collagens in terms of composition and purity as well as polymerization potential, which is described by kinetic parameters and fibril microstructure and mechanical properties of formed matrices. When subjected to identical polymerization conditions, PSC showed significantly decreased polymerization times compared to the other collagens and yielded matrices with the greatest mechanical integrity and broadest range of mechanical properties as characterized in oscillatory shear, uniaxial extension, and unconfined compression. Compositional and intrinsic viscosity analyses suggest that the enhanced polymerization potential of PSC may be attributed to its unique oligomer composition. Collectively, this work demonstrates the importance of standardizing next generation collagen formulations based upon polymerization potential and provides preliminary insight into the contribution of oligomers to collagen polymerization properties.
The Importance of Object Memories for Older Adults

The memories of treasured objects are essential in giving life meaning. In the process of development in later adulthood, most changes involve significant loss including loss of physical and mental ability, loss of family and friends, and loss of possessions. Objects and their associated memories are especially important in maintaining an internal working model of self. This study explores the roles and functions of object memories in the lives of elders in a residential home. An interview process is used to examine the functions and memories of objects for elderly men and women. These objects and memories became the means of communicating the substance, meaning, and justification of a life history. Good long-term care facilities are places where the elderly are respected and allowed and encouraged to have personal items.
The MIDCAB experience: A current look at evolving surgical and anesthetic approaches

This article reviews and updates the recent modifications in patient selection and revisions in the anesthetic approach to MIDCAB surgery. It outlines the changing surgical selection criteria, current ways to assess graft patency, and evolving anesthetic management. A promising new advancement in coronary artery bypass, the minimally invasive technique has received varying reviews and undergoes careful evaluation. Increasing surgical experience, immediate postoperative assessment of graft patency, and improvement in surgical instruments are expected to improve patient outcome. A stratification of MIDCAB patients into status I and status II patients will aid in future evaluation of surgical and anesthetic outcome. Communication of newly developed techniques to those caring for cardiovascular patients is imperative.
A Survey of Fault Management in Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks are resource-constrained self-organizing systems that are often deployed in inaccessible and inhospitable environments in order to collect data about some outside world phenomenon. For most sensor network applications, point-to-point reliability is not the main objective; instead, reliable event-of-interest delivery to the server needs to be guaranteed (possibly with a certain probability). The nature of communication in sensor networks is unpredictable and failure-prone, even more so than in regular wireless ad hoc networks. Therefore, it is essential to provide fault tolerant techniques for distributed sensor applications. Many recent studies in this area take drastically different approaches to addressing the fault tolerance issue in routing, transport and/or application layers. In this paper, we summarize and compare existing fault tolerant techniques to support sensor applications. We also discuss several interesting open research directions.
A data-driven acute inflammation therapy

Acute inflammation is a severe medical condition defined as an inflammatory response of the body to an infection. Its rapid progression requires quick and accurate decisions from clinicians. Inadequate and delayed decisions makes acute inflammation the 10th leading cause of death overall in United States with the estimated cost of treatment about $17 billion annually. However, despite the need, there are limited number of methods that could assist clinicians to determine optimal therapies for acute inflammation. We developed a data-driven method for suggesting optimal therapy by using machine learning model that is learned on historical patients' behaviors. To reduce both the risk of failure and the expense for clinical trials, our method is evaluated on a virtual patients generated by a mathematical model that emulates inflammatory response. In conducted experiments, acute inflammation was handled with two complimentary pro- and anti-inflammatory medications which adequate timing and doses are crucial for the successful outcome. Our experiments show that the dosage regimen assigned with our data-driven method significantly improves the percentage of healthy patients when compared to results by other methods used in clinical practice and found in literature. Our method saved 88% of patients that would otherwise die within a week, while the best method found in literature saved only 73% of patients. At the same time, our method used lower doses of medications than alternatives. In addition, our method achieved better results than alternatives when only incomplete or noisy measurements were available over time as well as it was less affected by therapy delay. The presented results provide strong evidence that models from the artificial intelligence community have a potential for development of personalized treatment strategies for acute inflammation.
Variable frequency operation of a HVDC-VSC interconnected type 1 offshore wind power plant

A Department of Energy study showed wind power generation may reach 330 GW and 20% penetration of total energy production by 2030. Of this, 54 GW of wind power will be generated at offshore wind power plants. The deployment of offshore wind power plants requires power transmission from the plant to the load center inland. Depending on the distance to shore, the use of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission may be economically justified. The use of HVDC has many operational and reliability advantages, and among them is the possibility of variable frequency operation of the sending-end (offshore wind power plant) power converter. This will allow the offshore wind power plant to operate at variable frequency but constant volt/hertz ratio. In this paper, a variable frequency constant volt/hertz operation will be applied to the Type 1 wind turbine (induction generator) for offshore wind power plants. The benefits of such variable frequency constant volt/hertz application include (a) low-cost variable speed wind turbines (no need to install a power converter at each turbine), (b) improved energy capture of the wind turbine by variable speed operation, and (c) enhanced compliance in energy conversion from aerodynamic to mechanical to electrical power. Various control aspects of Type 1 generators at the plant level and at the turbine level will be investigated. The potential impact of the proposed system on lowering the cost wind power will be investigated as well.
The Influence of the Economy on Party Identification in the Reagan Years

Utilizing frequent measurements taken during a period of considerable economic volatility, our research explores how short-term fluctuations in partisanship have operated and continue to operate within a limited range before permanent realignment occurs. Specifically, we examine monthly fluctuations in the aggregate distribution of partisan identifiers between 1981 and 1986. We show that there were systematic changes in the partisan balance during the period, and confirm the MacKuen, Erikson, and Stimson (1989) finding that changes in presidential popularity account for some of the movement. Further, we detail economic influences on macropartisanship using objective indicators. The results show that both inflation and unemployment bear directly on the partisan balance, and that each exerts an indirect influence through presidential popularity.
Epigenetic Control of Smooth Muscle Cell Identity and Lineage Memory

Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), like all cells, acquire a cell-specific epigenetic signature during development that includes acquisition of a unique repertoire of histone and DNA modifications. These changes are postulated to induce an open chromatin state (referred to as euchromatin) on the repertoire of genes that are expressed in differentiated SMC, including SMC-selective marker genes like Acta2 and Myh11, as well as housekeeping genes expressed by most cell types. In contrast, genes that are silenced in differentiated SMC acquire modifications associated with a closed chromatin state (ie, heterochromatin) and transcriptional silencing. Herein, we review mechanisms that regulate epigenetic control of the differentiated state of SMC. In addition, we identify some of the major limitations in the field and future challenges, including development of innovative new tools and approaches, for performing single-cell epigenetic assays and locus-selective editing of the epigenome that will allow direct studies of the functional role of specific epigenetic controls during development, injury repair, and disease, including major cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and microvascular disease, associated with diabetes mellitus.
Mary McLeod Bethune: Black Educational Ministry Leader of the Early 20th Century:

Mary McLeod Bethune's life epitomized her philosophy of Christian education. With a sense of divine destiny, clear vision, and daily awareness of God's presence and purpose, Mary Jane McLeod Bethune, the daughter of freed slaves, became the most influential black woman of her times in the United States. Along with the establishment of the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute for Negro Girls, later Bethune-Cookman College, Mary Bethune served as president of many na- tional organizations and held leadership appointments under Presidents Coolidge, Hoover, Roo- sevelt, and Truman. Her life of profound faith and service left a contagious legacy of perpetual spiri- tual and social transformation.
General Anesthetic Techniques in Ruminants

This article reviews the injectable and inhalant techniques used for general anesthesia in cattle, sheep, and goats. Particular attention is given to recently developed injectable and inhalant drugs that are currently available in the United States. Perioperative care, including preoperative preparation and perioperative analgesia, is also addressed.
Multiscale modeling of polymeric composite materials for ballistic protection

This chapter addresses the problem of multilength-scale modeling of polymer-matrix composites reinforced with high specific strength, high specific stiffness fibers/filaments. These materials are commonly used in various protective systems whose main requirement is a high level of penetration resistance against high kinetic energy projectiles (eg, bullets, exploded mine–propelled soil ejecta, or fragments of improvised explosive devices or turbine blades). Within the multilength-scale modeling approach presented, the following distinct length scales have been identified and their respective mechanical constitutive relations derived: (1) molecular chain; (2) fibril; (3) fiber; (4) yarn; (5) fabric/ply; (6) single lamina; (7) stacked lamina; and (8) laminate. Also, the problem of interfacing of different length scales is addressed.
An In Vitro Thrombolysis Study Using a Mixture of Fast-Acting and Slower Release Microspheres

To test the hypothesis that a mixture combining fast and slower release rate microspheres can restore blood flow rapidly and prevent formation of another blockage in thrombolysis. We used polyethylene glycol (PEG) microspheres which provide the release of the encapsulated streptokinase (SK) on the scale of minutes, and Eudragit FS30D (Eud), a polymethacrylate polymer, for development of delayed release microspheres which were desirable to prevent a putative second thrombus. Eud microspheres were coated with chitosan (CS) to further extend half-life. Experiments included the development, characterization of Eud/SK and CS-Eud/SK microspheres, and in vitro thrombolytic studies of the mixtures of PEG/SK and Eud /SK microspheres and of PEG/SK and CS-Eud/SK microspheres. CS-Eud/SK microspheres have slightly lower encapsulation efficiency, reduced activity of SK, and a much slower release of SK when compared with microspheres of Eud/SK microspheres. Counter-intuitively, slower release leads to faster thrombolysis after reocclusion as a result of greater retention of agent and the mechanism of distributed intraclot thrombolysis. A mixture of PEG/SK and CS-Eud/SK microspheres could break up the blood clot rapidly while providing clot-lytic efficacy in prevention of a second blockage up to 4 h.
A combined light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical method for the simultaneous localization of multiple tissue antigens. Tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive innervation of corticotropin releasing factor synthesizing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the rat.

In order to study the morphological interrelationships between immunocytochemically identified neuronal systems, a double labelling procedure — suitable for correlative light and electron microscopic observations — is introduced. The technique is based on the consecutive use of the silver-gold (SG) intensified and non-intensified forms of the oxidized 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) chromogen in the framework of the peroxidase-antiperoxidase complex (PAP) indirect immunocytochemical procedure. The first tissue antigen is detected by the SG intensified DAB chromogen, which has a black color and high electron density. The structures containing the second antigen are visualized by the non-intensified DAB-endproduct, which is less electron dense than the silver-gold amplified form and is brown. The metallic shield that forms around the labeled antibody sequences associated with the first antigen prevents non-specific binding of immunoglobulins used for the detection of the second tissue antigen.
Why Just Two Parties? A Voting Game to Illustrate Duverger's Law

With the 2012 presidential elections approaching, student interest in (and frustration with) the US two-party system is likely to grow. Although many explanations exist for this phenomenon, their number and complexity often overwhelm students. This article describes an iterative game, designed for a single class session, that illustrates one of the major institutional explanations for the US two-party system—Duverger's Law. The game can also spur discussion of some of the major criticisms of the Law.
Nanoscale Features Grown by MBE on Nonplanar Patterned Si Substrates

Si growth by molecular beam epitaxy on nonplanar patterned Si substrates is studied as a function of growth parameters. The substrates consist of a truncated pyramid template with {111} sides and (100) tops formed by anisotropic etching of Si(100). For growth temperatures ≤ 550°C no qualitative changes in the morphology of the template are observed. At growth temperatures between 650–700°C {113} facets begin to form on the (100) surface and reduce the lateral dimensions of the (100) facet to < 20 nm. At high temperatures (∼800°C) {113} facets remain stable and {111} facets no longer exist. The small (100) mesa formed at medium temperatures by facet reduction is exploited through the growth of Si/Si 1-xGex multiple quantum wells leading to low-dimensional structures. Observations are quantified by scanning electron and transmission electron microscopies.
Carbon exchange of an old-growth eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) forest in central New England

Carbon (C) exchange of an approximately 200-year-old eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis L.) forest in central Massachusetts, USA, was estimated from mid-October 2000 through October 2001 based on eddy covariance measurements and statistical modeling from microclimatic data. Measurements were made in 68% of the hours during the year of study, with > 50% coverage in all months except December and August. Data were filtered by wind direction and atmospheric turbulence to remove invalid measurements. Analysis of filtered data showed that photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was significant in predicting C exchange, except during the winter. Daily minimum air temperature affected C exchange in autumn and winter, whereas time of day, water vapor pressure deficit and air temperature had significant effects on C storage in spring, summer and fall. Most C storage in the stand occurred in April through July and in October 2001, with maximum rates in April and May. Persistent cold weather prevented C storage in December through March. In early spring 2001, C uptake was sensitive to nocturnal frost: daily minimum air temperatures below 0 degrees C reduced C fixation, and minima below -5 degrees C caused its virtual cessation. Soil temperature was a poor predictor of C balance during this period. In August, high soil and air temperatures (averaging 16.7 and 21.1 degrees C, respectively) drove high ecosystem respiration, which approximately balanced C uptake. These patterns show potential for stimulated C storage in hemlock forests in a warmer climate with fewer spring and autumn frosts, but reduced C storage during warmer summers. Estimated annual C storage was 3.0 Mg ha(-1), which is higher than for younger coniferous and deciduous forests during earlier years in the northeastern USA. Long-term data are needed to determine if the estimated high C storage in this hemlock forest is a result of interannual climate variation or an effect of forest composition.
Molecular properties of the sodium channel: a receptor for multiple neurotoxins.

Les canaux au sodium sont les recepteurs de plus d'une dizaine de differentes classes de toxines biologiques qui se fixent sur au moins cinq sites distincts. Les brevetoxines et ciguatoxines se fixent sur le site recepteur5. Ce site est situe sur la sous-unite a du canal au sodium, et des segments peptidiques du domaine IV de cette sous-unite sont importants pour la fixation des brevetoxines
Sub-bandgap polysilicon photodetector in zero-change CMOS process for telecommunication wavelength.

We report a defect state based guided-wave photoconductive detector at 1360–1630 nm telecommunication wavelength directly in standard microelectronics CMOS processes, with zero in-foundry process modification. The defect states in the polysilicon used to define a transistor gate assists light absorption. The body crystalline silicon helps form an inverse ridge waveguide to confine optical mode. The measured responsivity and dark current at 25 V forward bias are 0.34 A/W and 1.4 μA, respectively. The 3 dB bandwidth of the device is 1 GHz.
Sources of Consumer Distrust of Financial Services Marketing Practices

In recent years, the volume of research on the public’s lack of trust in business and government has significantly grown. Research has, for example, focused on drivers of public distrust in political entities and elected officials (Hetherington and Husser 2012), perceptions of trustworthiness of business leaders (Kramer 2009), and drivers of trusting relationships within organizations (Coutu 1998). In much of this research, the perspective of the inquiry has been on general levels of trust, both internally within organizations (Hurley 2006) and externally involving parties with competing interests (e.g., Hopkins 2011). While the accumulated research has provided a general macro view of trust, very little research has been conducted to pinpoint the sources of consumer distrust in specific business practices and especially related to financial services marketing practices.
Toxoplasma Effector Recruits the Mi-2/NuRD Complex to Repress STAT1 Transcription and Block IFN-γ-Dependent Gene Expression

Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is an essential mediator of host defense against intracellular pathogens, including the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. However, prior T. gondii infection blocks IFN-γ-dependent gene transcription, despite the downstream transcriptional activator STAT1 being activated and bound to cognate nuclear promoters. We identify the parasite effector that blocks STAT1-dependent transcription and show it is associated with recruitment of the Mi-2 nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex, a chromatin-modifying repressor. This secreted effector, toxoplasma inhibitor of STAT1-dependent transcription (TgIST), translocates to the host cell nucleus, where it recruits Mi-2/NuRD to STAT1-dependent promoters, resulting in altered chromatin and blocked transcription. TgIST is conserved across strains, underlying their shared ability to block IFN-γ-dependent transcription. TgIST deletion results in increased parasite clearance in IFN-γ-activated cells and reduced mouse virulence, which is restored in IFN-γ-receptor-deficient mice. These findings demonstrate the importance of both IFN-γ responses and the ability of pathogens to counteract these defenses.
Prenatal Counseling for Fetal Diagnoses

The first reported case of a prenatally diagnosed fetal structural anomaly was in 1970 when anencephaly in a fetus was detected utilizing ultrasound [1]. Since that time, prenatal diagnosis of many other congenital brain anomalies has been described, with high detection rates reported at experienced centers. The diagnosis and prognosis for the most severe brain anomalies, including anencephaly, acrania, holoprosencephaly, and hydanencephaly, are usually unambiguous. For other conditions, however, the prognosis may be less straightforward, and depends on factors such as the characteristics of the specific lesion, and the presence or absence of associated anomalies. In this chapter we outline advances in the detection of fetal abnormalities and the prenatal counseling process that such findings initiate.
Overexpression of HER2/neu oncogene in pancreatic cancer correlates with shortened survival

For the purpose of determining the prognostic significance of HER2/neu oncogene in pancreatic and ampullary cancers, 21 pancreatic cancers of ductal origin and six cancers of the ampulla of Vater were studied immunohistochemically using the monoclonal antibody (MAb) CB11, specifically reactive with HER2/neu product. Staining of the epithelium of the normal duct and acini was negative or weakly positive. Moderately and strongly positive reactions indicated the overexpression of this gene, and were found in 10 of 21 (47.6%) pancreatic cancers of ductal origin and in 2 of 6 (33.3%) ampullary adenocarcinomas. Overexpression of HER2/neu was closely and inversely related to the survival of the patients with pancreatic cancer of ductal origin: 19.1±11.7 mo for those not overexpressing vs 7.3±3.8 mo for the overexpressors (p<0.01). Among the pancreatic cancer group, 11 patients underwent cancer resection. The average survival for the 7 with nonoverexpressing cancer was 21.4±14.3 mo vs 10.5±3.6 mo for those with the overexpressing tumor. Among those not undergoing resection, the average survival for the 4 with nonoverexpressing cancer was 15.0 ±3.8 mo as contrasted to 5.2±2.1 mo for the overexpressors (p<0.01). Although the number of patients is small, these findings duggest that the overexpression of HER2/neu gene product may be frequently found in pancreatic cancer of ductal origin and may be one of the useful prognostic biomarkers for this cancer.
Missed injuries and unplanned readmissions in pediatric trauma patients.

Abstract Background We sought to determine the incidence and characteristics of missed injuries and unplanned readmissions at a Level-1 pediatric trauma center. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of all trauma patients who presented to our ACS-verified Level-1 pediatric trauma center from 2009 to 2014. Results Overall, there were 27 readmissions and 27 missed injuries (0.38%). Patients who were unplanned readmissions had a greater Injury Severity Score (ISS) (8.6 vs 5.2, p =0.03), had longer hospitalizations (4.9 vs 2.5days, p =0.02), and were more likely to have required operative intervention (51.9% vs 32.3%, p =0.04). Similarly, patients identified with missed injuries had a higher ISS (15.2 vs 5.2, p p p p Conclusions Missed injuries and unplanned readmissions were rare occurrences among our pediatric patient population. These events, however, did result in longer hospitalizations and additional procedures. Patients with multisystem injuries and compromised physical exam are at higher risk. Level of Evidence: IV.
Radiological Medical Device Innovation: Approvals via the Premarket Approval Pathway From 2000 to 2015

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to critically assess the clinical evidence leading to radiologic medical device approvals via the premarket approval pathway from 2000 to 2015. Methods This study used the publically available FDA premarket database for radiologic device approvals over the past 15 years (September 1, 2000, to August 31, 2015). Approval characteristics were collected for each device, and statistical analysis was performed on the data for each pivotal trial. Additionally, methodological quality of the pivotal trial was determined using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. Results Twenty-three class III radiologic device approvals were identified, with breast imaging accounting for 16 (70%) and computer-aided detection software accounting for 9 (39%) approvals. The median premarket approval time was 475 days (range, 180-1,116). Twenty-one devices were approved on the basis of multireader, multicenter studies, one on the basis of a randomized controlled trial, and one on the basis of a preclinical technical equivalence trial. The median number of patients per pivotal trial was 201 (range, 25-3,946). Twenty-six of the 34 pivotal trials (76%) had at least one methodologic bias. Breast imaging devices had a greater number of patients per pivotal trial ( P = .009) and more prospective studies. With regard to all modalities, increased time to device approval correlated with weaker trial quality ( r = 0.600, P Conclusions Radiologic devices are largely approved by multireader, multicenter studies, the recommended standard for assessing diagnostic technologies. Given that radiologic devices play a key role in modern medicine, further efforts should be made to increase transparency of clinical data leading to approval.
Phase 3 trial of first generation protease inhibitor therapy for hepatitis C virus/human immunodeficiency virus coinfection.

Phase 3 trial of first generation protease inhibitor therapy for hepatitis C virus/human immunodeficiency virus coinfection
Beyond computational intelligence to computational creativity in games

This paper argues that computational creativity is the logical next step in the evolution of game design; briefly overviews what is meant by computational creativity and suggests some ways in which it could augment contemporary games; explores some initial ideas for its incorporation into the future of gaming and game design; and argues for increased cross-pollination and collaboration between the computational intelligence and games research community and the computational creativity research community.
The Fly's Eye: Live Spatial Analysis and Deconstruction of the Video.

The Fly's Eye project (2002) creates an animated document of both space and time and draws inspiration from the structure, function and significance of the eye of the fly and other processes of vision. In The Fly’s Eye, the history of a public space or film is built in layers of position and image.
Elastic modulus in the selection of interbody implants.

Background: The modulus of elasticity of an assortment of materials used in spinal surgery, as well as cortical and cancellous bones, is determined by direct measurements and plotting of the appropriate curves. When utilized in spine surgery, the stiffness of a surgical implant can affect its material characteristics. The modulus of elasticity, or Young’s modulus, measures the stiffness of a material by calculating the slope of the material’s stress-strain curve. While many papers and presentations refer to the modulus of elasticity as a reason for the choice of a particular spinal implant, no peer-reviewed surgical journal article has previously been published where the Young’s modulus values of interbody implants have been measured. Methods: Materials were tested under pure compression at the rate of 2 mm/min. A maximum of 45 kilonewtons (kN) compressive force was applied. Stress-strain characteristics under compressive force were plotted and this plot was used to calculate the elastic modulus. Results: The elastic modulus calculated for metals was more than 50 Gigapascals (GPa) and had significantly higher modulus values compared to poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) materials and allograft bone. Conclusions: The data generated in this paper may facilitate surgeons to make informed decisions on their choices of interbody implants with specific attention to the stiffness of the implant chosen.