cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Periodically Triggered Seismicity at Mount Wrangell, Alaska, After the Sumatra Earthquake

As surface waves from the 26 December 2004 earthquake in Sumatra swept across Alaska, they triggered an 11-minute swarm of 14 local earthquakes near Mount Wrangell, almost 11,000 kilometers away. Earthquakes occurred at intervals of 20 to 30 seconds, in phase with the largest positive vertical ground displacements during the Rayleigh surface waves. We were able to observe this correlation because of the combination of unusually long surface waves and seismic stations near the local earthquakes. This phase of Rayleigh wave motion was dominated by horizontal extensional stresses reaching 25 kilopascals. These observations imply that local events were triggered by simple shear failure on normal faults.
The ankyrin repeat as molecular architecture for protein recognition

The ankyrin repeat is one of the most frequently observed amino acid motifs in protein databases. This protein–protein interaction module is involved in a diverse set of cellular functions, and consequently, defects in ankyrin repeat proteins have been found in a number of human diseases. Recent biophysical, crystallographic, and NMR studies have been used to measure the stability and define the various topological features of this motif in an effort to understand the structural basis of ankyrin repeat-mediated protein–protein interactions. Characterization of the folding and assembly pathways suggests that ankyrin repeat domains generally undergo a two-state folding transition despite their modular structure. Also, the large number of available sequences has allowed the ankyrin repeat to be used as a template for consensus-based protein design. Such projects have been successful in revealing positions responsible for structure and function in the ankyrin repeat as well as creating a potential universal scaffold for molecular recognition.
Organelle based molecular analyses of the genetic relatedness of cultivated alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) to Medicago edgeworthii Sirjaev, and Medicago ruthenica (L.) Ledebour

Medicago edgeworthii Sirjaev and M. ruthenica (L.) Ledebour are allogamous, diploid (2n = 2x = 16) perennials with flat pods.Medicago edgeworthii is indigenous to the Himalayas and alpine areas west to Afghanistan, and Medicago ruthenica is found in Siberia, Mongolia, and Manchuria on open hillsides and mixed grass steppes. Because both species have a remarkable ability to survive extreme cold and poor soils, the possibility of hybridizing them with alfalfa (M. sativa L.) is being investigated. The objective of this research was to conduct an organelle based molecular assessment of the genetic relatedness of cultivated alfalfa (2n = 4x = 32) to M. edgeworthii and M. ruthenica. A hypervariable, intergenic region of cpDNA was amplified, and mtDNA was amplified with two primer pairs developed from soybean (Glycine max L.) mtDNA sequences. Mean Nei and Li genetic distances (GDs) between alfalfa and M. edgeworthii and alfalfa and M. ruthenica were 0.56 and 0.48 (mtDNA), and 0.33 and 0.30 (cpDNA), respectively. Intra specific GDs were 0.37 (mtDNA) and 0.25 (cpDNA) for M. edgeworthii; 0.42 (mtDNA) and 0.15 (cpDNA) for M. ruthenica; and 0 = 0.50 (mtDNA) and 0 = 0.23 (cpDNA) for alfalfa. Cluster analyses grouped someM. edgeworthii and M. ruthenica entries with alfalfa entries. There is some chance that alfalfa and M. edgeworthii entries which clustered closely could be hybridized; chances of alfalfa × M. ruthenica hybridizations appear to be more problematic.
PLAYING THE “LATINO CARD”: Race, Ethnicity, and National Party Politics

The Democratic and Republican parties both pursue a Downsian median voter strategy that has direct implications for the role of African Americans and Latinos in national politics. The driving force in much national politics is still the politically polarizing Black-White divide in the South, which provides the necessary foundation for a nationally competitive Republican Party. This Black-White racial divide also pushes the Democratic Party to deracialize its campaigns as guided by the strategy of the Democratic Leadership Council. Counterintuitively, however, the more recent strategy of the Republican Party also contains symbolic appeals to racial inclusion with a specific focus on Latinos and a consistent marginalization of African Americans. These are efforts to soften their social conservatism to appeal to moderate “swing” White voters. We conclude that the current politics of race and ethnicity in national party politics, by Republicans and Democrats, can serve to marginalize the interests of both African Americans and Latinos in substantive policymaking.
mAb10F5 is an Anti-Phospholipid Antibody that Binds in the Basal Ganglia in Vivo

IgG2b antibodies are hypothesized to have more anti-phospholipid activity and therefore more likely to enter tissues from the bloodstream. The group A streptococcal conservative M protein sequence when injected into mice generates a promiscuous IgG2b antibody referred to as mAb10F5. Streptococcal antibodies are involved in latent streptococcal disorders including disorders which require movement of antibody into the brain (basal ganglia; caudate/putamen or CPu). Previously, our laboratory demonstrated the binding of streptococcal mAb10F5 with CPu and with liposomes. To determine if mAb10F5 binding to basal ganglia would occur in vivo and if binding with lipids is due to virulence of the antibody or antibody subtype, rats were injected with either control IgG2 antibodies or mAb10F5 and euthanized after 24, 48, or 72 hours. Brains were harvested and immunofluorescence was used to analyze brain slices. Control IgG2 injected rats showed significantly less fluorescence in the CPu than mAb10F5 injected rats at each of the time points (p<0.05). These findings reaffirmed mAb10F5 as an anti-basal ganglia antibody. Fluorescent clouds were visible in slices of brain acquired from mAb10F5 injected rats suggesting entry of the antibody from the bloodstream but not in IgG2 injected controls. To evaluate an anti-phosphopholipid mode of antibody entry, mAb10F5 was examined for anti-phospholipid activity using ELISA. MAb10F5 generated significantly different curves for phosphotidylserine (PS) as compared to phosphotidylinositol (PI) (p<0.05). Though mAb10F5 displayed greater affinity to lipids (PI, PS and cardiolipin were examined) in general when compared to IgG2 controls, mAb10F5 was not significantly different from IgG2b when variation between ELISAs was taken into account. Our findings support mAb10F5 as an anti-basal ganglia antibody in vivo and anti-phospholipid antibody due in part to its own virulence and in part to being an IgG2b subtype.
Response to comment on Underwood et al. Preoperative A1C and clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes undergoing major noncardiac surgical procedures. Diabetes Care 2014;37:611-616.

We appreciate Dr. Dhatariya’s comments (1) and are glad to know that the Joint British Diabetes Societies have developed guidelines for optimal A1C levels before surgery. We were not aware of these guidelines and believe that most surgeons and anesthesiologists in the U.S. are not aware of them either. In our opinion, the literature to date has focused on perioperative glycemic control—on the day of …
Clinical implications of atypical chromosome abnormalities diagnosed prenatally.

Abstract Objective: To determine the frequency of atypical aneuploidy resulting from prenatal testing and assess the implications of these diagnoses on prenatal decision making. Methods: We reviewed all amniotic fluid and chorionic villus samples obtained between January 1994 and September 1997 and grouped the abnormal cases into typical or atypical subcategories. This distinction was based upon whether the diagnosis provided a straightforward range of prognoses or an ambiguous clinical implication. Results were stratified by sample source to determine whether atypical aneuploidy was more commonly seen in cultures of chorionic villi or amniocytes. We also evaluated the influence of ultrasound findings on prenatal decision making in atypical aneuploid cases. Results: Of 2960 samples, 134 were abnormal (4.4%), with 27 of 134 abnormalities (20%) representing atypical aneuploidies. The percentages of chorionic villus and amniocentesis cases complicated by atypical aneuploidy (22% and 78%, respectively) were consistent with the distribution of procedures in the entire study. Ultrasound abnormalities did not invariably prompt a decision to terminate pregnancy (only two terminations of six fetuses with congenital malformation), whereas atypical karyotypes led to termination even in the presence of normal-appearing fetal anatomy (five terminations of 21 without malformations; P = .63). Conclusion: The frequency of atypical aneuploidy resulting from prenatal diagnosis was approximately 1.0%, and these cases represented 20% of all abnormal karyotypes observed. The ambiguity conferred by atypical aneuploidy can influence a family’s decision making, even in the presence of normal ultrasound findings.
Selling Neoliberalism: Brazil's Instituto Liberal

In the 1980s more and more Latin American countries attempted to address daunting economic problems with variations on the so-called neoliberal theme. While one should have expected governments to implement some form of short-term fiscal and monetary adjustments to address the region's generalised fiscal crisis, it was less inevitable that this neoclassical formula should coincide with a more long-term structural adjustment formula, including such neoliberal (or neo-orthodox) policies as privatisation of State-owned companies, liberalization of tariffs, and reduction of the public sector workforce. As a result of this policy mix, the normal recessionary impact of adjustment intensified. The clamour for protection from that impact, and/or for putting an end to the policies themselves, has also intensified not only from the popular sector (that perennial target of all adjustments), but from the ranks of economic elites as well.
Implanted passive engineering mechanism improves hand function after tendon transfer surgery: a cadaver-based study.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate if a new tendon transfer surgical procedure that uses an implanted passive engineering mechanism for attaching multiple tendons to a single donor muscle in place of directly suturing the tendons to the muscle improves hand function in physical interaction tasks such as grasping.
Correlates of sexually transmitted infection histories in a cohort of American male health professionals

Several epidemiologic studies have investigated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and later risk of genitourinary conditions with suggestive positive results. While these results may reflect causal associations, other possible explanations include confounding by factors possibly related to both STI acquisition and genitourinary condition risk such as recognized STI-risk factors/correlates, and other factors not typically considered in relation to STIs (e.g., general health-related behaviors or markers of such behaviors). Very few of these factors have been investigated in older populations in which STIs and genitourinary conditions are typically studied. Therefore, we investigated STI history correlates in one such population, the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. We ascertained histories of potential correlates, gonorrhea, syphilis by questionnaire (n = 36,032), and performed serologic testing for Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, human papillomavirus, and human herpesvirus type 8 infection in a subset (n = 651). Positive correlations were observed for African–American race, foreign birth, southern residence, smoking, alcohol consumption, ejaculation frequency, vasectomy, and high cholesterol. Inverse correlations were observed for social integration and routine health-related examinations. These findings provide useful information on potential confounders for epidemiologic investigations of STIs and chronic diseases, and interesting new hypotheses for STI prevention (e.g., STI counseling before vasectomy).
Basin and petroleum system modelling of the East Coast Basin, New Zealand: a test of overpressure scenarios in a convergent margin

In the East Coast Basin (ECB), an active convergent margin of the North Island, New Zealand, the smectite-rich Eocene Wanstead Formation forms an effective regional seal, creating high overpressure in the underlying Cretaceous through Palaeocene units due to disequilibrium compaction. This study examines the evolution of pore pressure and porosity in Hawke Bay of the ECB based on stepwise structural reconstruction of a stratigraphic and structural framework derived from interpretation of a regional two-dimensional seismic line. This framework is incorporated into a basin and petroleum system model to predict the generation, distribution, and dissipation of overpressure, and examine the influence of faults, erosion, structural thickening, and seal effectiveness of the Wanstead Formation on pore pressure evolution. We find that natural hydraulic fracturing is likely occurring in sub-Wanstead source rocks, which makes it a favourable setting for potential shale gas plays. We use poroelastic modelling to investigate the impact of horizontal bulk shortening due to tectonic compression on pore pressure and the relative order of principal stresses. We find that shortening modestly increases pore pressure. When 5% or greater shortening occurs, the horizontal stress may approach and exceed vertical stress in the last 4 Myr of the basin’s history. Shortening impacts both the magnitude and relative order of principal stresses through geological time. Due to the overpressured nature of the basin, we suggest that subtle changes in stress regime are responsible for the significant changes in structural deformational styles observed, enabling compressional, extensional, and strike-slip fault regimes to all occur during the tectonic history and, at times, simultaneously.
Localization of human immunodeficiency virus Rev in transfected and virus-infected cells.

The rev gene product of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is obligatory for viral replication. Rev interacts specifically with a structured RNA sequence within the viral genome termed the REV resp...
Bit rate flexible chirp measurement technique using two-photon absorption

A novel chirp measurement technique is proposed, using two-photon absorption, requiring no synchronisation against measured optical signals and which can be easily utilised at bit rates exceeding 100 Gbit/s. The concept was successfully demonstrated by using Si avalanche photodiodes as two-photon absorbers.
Perineural extension of facial melanoma

A 64-year-old man presented with a pigmented cutaneous lesion on the right side of his face along with right facial numbness. Histological examination revealed malignant melanoma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed perineural extension along the entire course of the maxillary division of the right trigeminal nerve. This is a rare but important manifestation of the spread of head and neck malignancy.
The H1N1 pandemic: media frames, stigmatization and coping.

Throughout history, people have soothed their fear of disease outbreaks by searching for someone to blame. Such was the case with the April 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak. Mexicans and other Latinos living in the US were quickly stigmatized by non-Latinos as carriers of the virus, partly because of news reports on the outbreak’s alleged origin in Mexican pig farms. In this exploratory study we examined the psychological processes of cue convergence and associative priming, through which many people likely conflated news of the H1N1 outbreak with pre-existing cognitive scripts that blamed Latino immigrants for a variety of social problems. We also used a transactional model of stress and coping to analyze the transcripts from five focus groups, in order to examine the ways in which a diverse collection of New England residents appraised the threat of H1N1, processed information about stereotypes and stigmas, and devised personal strategies to cope with these stressors. Twelve themes emerged in the final wave of coding, with most of them appearing at distinctive points in the stress and coping trajectories of focus group participants. Primary and secondary appraisals were mostly stressful or negative, with participants born in the USA reporting more stressful responses than those who were not. Latino participants reported no stressful primary appraisals, but spoke much more often than Whites or Non-Hispanic Blacks about negative secondary appraisals. When interactions between participants dealt with stigmas regarding Latinos and H1N1, Latinos in our focus groups reported using far more negative coping strategies than Whites or Non-Hispanic Blacks. When discussions did not focus on stereotypes or stigmas, Latino participants spoke much more often about positive coping strategies compared to members of these same groups. Participants in all five focus groups went through a similar process of stress and coping in response to the threat of H1N1, though individual responses varied by race and ethnicity. Stigmatization has often been common during pandemics, and public health and emergency preparedness practitioners can help to mitigate its impacts by developing interventions to address the social stressors that occur during outbreaks in highly-localized geographic regions.
Rousseau, Amour Propre, and Intellectual Celebrity

With the publication of the First Discourse, Rousseau initiated a famous debate over the social value of the arts and sciences. As this debate developed, however, it transformed into a question of the value of the intellectuals as a social class and touched upon questions of identity formation. While the philosophes were lobbying to become a new cultural aristocracy, Rousseau believed the ideological glorification of intellectual talent demeaned the peasants and working classes. This essay argues that amour propre, as put forth in the Second Discourse, was in part designed to address this concern and is an attempt to highlight the dangers of making talent the measure of a human.
Exploring novel strategies for AIDS protozoal pathogens: α-helix mimetics targeting a key allosteric protein–protein interaction in C. hominis thymidylate synthase-dihydrofolate reductase (TS-DHFR)

The bifunctional enzyme thymidylate synthase–dihydrofolate reductase (TS–DHFR) from the protozoal parasite Cryptosporidium hominis is a potential molecular target for the design of antiparasitic therapies for AIDS-related opportunistic infections. The enzyme exists as a homodimer with each monomer containing a unique swap domain known as a “crossover helix” that binds in a cleft on the adjacent DHFR active site. This crossover helix is absent in species containing monofunctional forms of DHFR such as human. An in-depth understanding of protein–protein interactions between the crossover helix and adjacent DHFR active site that might modulate enzyme integrity or function would allow for insights into rational design of species-specific allosteric inhibitors. Mutational analysis coupled with structural studies and biophysical and kinetic characterization of crossover helix mutants identifies this domain as essential for full enzyme stability and catalytic activity, and pinpoints these effects to distinct faces of the crossover helix important in protein–protein interactions. Moreover, targeting this helical protein interaction with α-helix mimetics of the crossover helix leads to selective inhibition and destabilization of the C. hominis TS–DHFR enzyme, thus validating this region as a new avenue to explore for species-specific inhibitor design.
Battle of the titans: Charcot and Brown-Séquard on cerebral localization.

Objective: To examine the differing views of Jean–Martin Charcot and Charles Edouard Brown–Sequard—two celebrated neuroscientists of the nineteenth century—on cerebral localization as exemplified in their controversial debate of 1875 at the Societe de Biologie in Paris. Background: As clinicopathologic correlations were developed in the mid and late nineteenth century, cerebral localization was a primary topic of debate at scientific, social, and religious levels. Charcot, representing an anatomic approach to research, and Brown–Sequard, representing a physiologic perspective, disagreed fundamentally on the importance of cerebral localization to normal behavior and neurologic illness. Methods: The minutes of the Societe de Biologie meetings of 1875 and 1876, as well as primary archive documents from the Archives Nationales de l’Academie des Sciences and the Bibliotheque Charcot, were examined. Results: Charcot was a strong proponent of localization theory and relied on human pathologic material primarily from isolated cerebral hematomas to establish the role of the cortex and subcortical white matter fiber tracts to motor and sensory function. Brown–Sequard used his animal physiology experiments to argue that the brain was composed of complex networks and that isolated lesions had no direct bearing on the localization of cerebral function. Conclusion: Although Charcot’s simple and direct anatomic methods won the debate on this occasion, Brown–Sequard’s prioritization of physiology and experimentalism became beacons of modern neurologic study at the close of the nineteenth century. Charcot’s later failures in the study of hysteria can be viewed as attempts to mimic physiologic experiments in the manner of Brown–Sequard’s scientific methods.
An Ion Microprobe Study of Diagenetic Carbonates in the Devonian Nisku Formation of Alberta, Canada

ABSTRACT Diagenetic calcites and dolomites of the Upper Devonian Nisku Formation in central Alberta, Canada, were analyzed for trace elements by ion microprobe. The ion microprobe permits analyses on sample spots comparable in size (< 20 µm) to those of conventional electron probes. Detection limits on the ion microprobe are < 1 ppm for many trace elements of interest. Trace element data obtained by ion microprobe are comparable to those obtained by ICP. Trace element variations in and between Upper Devonian diagenetic calcites from the Nisku Formation aid in the interpretation of the fluid composition during precipitation and/or recrystallization, as well as in the interpretation of primary carbonate mineralogy (e.g., high-Mg calcite vs. aragonite). Using the ion probe, microenvironments as well as temporal variations in diagenetic fluid composition can be resolved. The presence of significant trace element variations in Nisku carbonates on a scale of < 100 µm indicates that fluid-rock interaction during burial of up to 4000 m and during more than 300 m.y. was very limited. Although several of the measured trends probably reflect incomplet retention of primary compositional variations, trace element variations in some Paleozoic limestones and dolostones reflect variations in fluid composition during "primary" precipitation (as opposed to fluid compositions during recrystallization). These findings encourage the use of trace element compositions for diagenetic interpretations even in very old and deeply buried carbonates.
HIGH POWER TEST OF A 3.9 GHZ 5-CELL DEFLECTING-MODE CAVITY IN A CRYOGENIC OPERATION

A 3.9 GHz deflecting mode (Σ, TM110) cavity has been long used for six-dimensional phase-space beam manipulation tests [1-5] at the A0 Photo-Injector Lab (16 MeV) in Fermilab and their extended applications with vacuum cryomodules are currently planned at the Advanced Superconducting Test Accelerator (ASTA) user facility (> 50 MeV). Despite the successful test results, the cavity, however, demonstrated limited RF performance during liquid nitrogen (LN2) ambient operation that was inferior to theoretical prediction. We have been performing full analysis of the designed cavity by analytic calculation and comprehensive system simulation analysis to solve complex thermodynamics and mechanical stresses. The re-assembled cryomodule is currently under the test with a 50 kW klystron at the Fermilab A0 beamline, which will benchmark the modeling analysis. The test result will be used to design vacuum cryomodules for the 3.9 GHz deflecting mode cavity that will be employed at the ASTA facility for beam diagnostics and phase-space control.
Cardiovascular Changes by Long-term Inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin System in Aging

We studied four groups of 20 female mice to evaluate the long-term effect of an angiotensin-converting enzyme on myocardium and vessels during the natural process of aging. Three groups received enalapril in water from weaning to 24 months of age (group A, 20 mg/L; group B, 10 mg/L; group C, 5 mg/L); group D served as a control. Animals surviving after 24 months were killed, and morphometric studies were performed. Total corporal weight was higher in animals receiving enalapril. Cardiac weight relative to total body weight was lower in the treated groups than in the control group. Cardiac morphometric studies showed lower myocardiosclerosis in animals receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (groups A through D, respectively, 0.9 +/- 0.6%, 1.1 +/- 0.2%, 1.03 +/- 0.1%, and 9.5 +/- 4.3%; P < .01, groups A, B, and C versus D). The number of mitochondria per myocardiocyte was higher in the groups receiving enalapril (A through D, respectively, 85 +/- 7, 85 +/- 6, 83 +/- 8, and 58 +/- 8; P < .01, groups A, B, and C versus D). At the vascular level, vessel diameters were not significantly different between the groups receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and the control group, whereas differences were seen in arterial tunica media thickness (wall-lumen ratio) (groups A through D, respectively, aorta: 0.13 +/- 0.02, 0.11 +/- 0.02, 0.12 +/- 0.01, 2.81 +/- 0.35; intrapulmonary: 0.9 +/- 0.43, 0.6 +/- 0.41, 0.8 +/- 0.46, 1.9 +/- 0.51; intracerebral: 2.18 +/- 0.46, 2.29 +/- 0.45, 2.46 +/- 0.43, 3.30 +/- 0.41; intrarenal: 2.28 +/- 0.46, 2.73 +/- 0.48, 2.70 +/- 0.51, 3.23 +/- 0.41; intracariaciac: 2.27 +/- 0.44, 2.59 +/- 0.41, 2.80 +/- 0.43, 3.68 +/- 0.47; P < .001, groups A, B, and C versus D).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
An Algorithm for Constrained Deconvolution Based on Reparameterization

The method of deconvolution is the most general method of evaluating drug absorption. Deconvolution does not normally subscribe to a particular structured model for the input function that would ensure non-negativity of the calculated input rate. Unfortunately, the increased flexibility gained by this “model independence” sometimes results in a calculated input rate that becomes negative in the late absorption phase. A method for constrained deconvolution is proposed to overcome this deficiency. The method is based on a reparameterization of the input function in a “model-free” context. The reparameterization schemes proposed are optimal in the sense that they give the input function its maximum flexibility possible while at the same time ensuring non-negativity. The method makes use of “deconvolution through convolution.” The basic procedure of this technique is, during the curve fitting, to iteratively adjust the input function so that when it is convolved with the unit impulse response function it results in a curve that best fits the data from the extravascular administration. Cimetidine data from oral and iv administrations are deconvolved by the proposed method to demonstrate the basic procedures involved. The proposed method is easy to implement since it relies on simple curve-fitting procedures as routinely performed in pharmacokinetics. The procedure can be carried out using any of the many curve-fitting programs available that allow the user to supply the function to be fitted and allow simple bounds to be specified for the fitted parameters. The convolution required by the method can be done analytically using a previously published computer program.
Early detection of burn induced heterotopic ossification using transcutaneous Raman spectroscopy

Introduction Heterotopic ossification (HO), or the abnormal formation of bone in soft tissue, occurs in over 60% of major burn injuries and blast traumas. A significant need exists to improve the current diagnostic modalities for HO which are inadequate to diagnose and intervene on HO at early time-points. Raman spectroscopy has been used in previous studies to report on changes in bone composition during bone development but has not yet been applied to burn induced HO. In this study, we validate transcutaneous, in-vivo Raman spectroscopy as a methodology for early diagnosis of HO in mice following a burn injury.
An improved min-net-cut approach for gate-matrix and metal-metal matrix circuit layout

An algorithm to minimize the number of tracks, and hence the layout area, for gate-matrix and metal-metal-matrix layouts is presented. Unlike traditional algorithms, which minimize the layout area by minimizing the net-density between columns, the algorithm minimizes the net-density across the columns of a layout. The gate-matrix and the metal-metal matrix layout optimization problem are discussed, followed by a short discussion on the deficiencies of the traditional min-net-cut-based column ordering algorithms. The authors' algorithm for minimizing the layout area is presented. This approach and the traditional min-net-cut-based approach for metal-metal matrix layouts are compared. >
Approaches to conventional mechanical ventilation of the patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

To minimize ventilator-induced lung injury, attention should be directed toward avoidance of alveolar over-distention and cyclical opening and closure of alveoli. The most impressive study of mechanical ventilation to date is the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Network study of higher versus lower tidal volume (VT), which reported a reduction in mortality from 39.8% to 31.0% with 6 mL/kg ideal body weight rather than 12 mL/kg ideal body weight (number-needed-to-treat of 12 patients). To achieve optimal lung protection, the lowest plateau pressure and VT possible should be selected. What is most important is limitation of VT and alveolar distending pressure, regardless of the mode set on the ventilator. Accumulating observational evidence suggests that VT should be limited in all mechanically ventilated patients—even those who do not have ALI/ARDS. Evidence does not support the use of pressure controlled inverse-ratio ventilation. Although zero PEEP is probably injurious, an area of considerable controversy is the optimal setting of PEEP. Available evidence does not support the use of higher PEEP, compared to lower PEEP, in unselected patients with acute lung injury (ALI)/ARDS. However, results of a meta-analysis using individual patients from 3 randomized controlled trials suggest that higher PEEP should be used for ARDS, whereas lower PEEP may be more appropriate in patients with ALI. PEEP should be set to maximize alveolar recruitment while avoiding over-distention. Many approaches for setting PEEP have been described, but evidence is lacking that any one approach is superior to any other. In most, if not all, cases of ALI/ARDS, conventional ventilation strategies can be used effectively to provide lung-protective ventilation strategies.
Incomplete Data: What You Don't Know Might Hurt You

Molecular epidemiology studies commonly exhibit missing observations. Methods for extracting correct and efficient analyses from incomplete data are well known in statistics, but relatively few such methods have diffused into applications. I review some areas of incomplete data research that are relevant to molecular epidemiology and appeal for greater efforts by statisticians to translate their methods into practice. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(8); 1567–70. ©2011 AACR .
Multidatabase management in Pegasus

Pegasus is an object-oriented multidatabase system being developed at Hewlett-Packard Laboratories. The goal of the system is to provide facilities for multidatabase applications for accessing and manipulating multiple autonomous heterogeneous object-oriented, relational and other databases. This paper gives an overview of the architecture, describes the common object model and gives the justification for adapting the model for a multidatabase system. It describes the database environment of the system, discusses how to manage schemas consisting of types and functions from multiple databases. It briefly describes the features of the data language and gives an example. It discusses a method for dealing with object identification issues in a multidatabase system, reviews schema integration issues and briefly mentions schema mapping to relational models. >
La gestion des données de recherche en bibliothèque universitaire

L’augmentation exponentielle de la quantite de donnees de recherche produites et reutilisees par les chercheurs pose des defis importants aux bibliotheques universitaires. Il s’agit pour celles-ci de mettre sur pied des services de gestion de donnees integres au cycle de vie de la recherche. Cela n’est possible qu’en assurant une collaboration active avec une serie d’acteurs internes et externes, et en developpant une formation specialisee au sein des ecoles de sciences de l’information. Cet article decrit le contexte de cette transformation, et identifie les principales activites et les responsables pour chaque etape du cycle de vie de la recherche.
Effect of a Quaternary Ammonium Sanitizer for Hatching Eggs on Their Contamination, Permeability, Water Loss, and Hatchability

The present study tested the biocidal effectiveness of the quaternary ammonium Hatching Egg Sanitizer Spray (HES Spray) in disinfecting broiler hatching eggs and in terms of its effects on eggshell permeability, water loss, and hatchability. The application of HES at a 1.5% or a 3.0% concentration resulted in significant reductions in the total aerobic counts on the egg surface of 98.1% and 99.9%, respectively, within 30 min of application. Molds and yeasts were significantly reduced by 3.0% HES at 14 days of incubation. Significant reductions in total aerobic counts on the egg surface due to 1.5% and 3.0% HES were also observed on eggs that were allowed to "sweat." The 3.0% HES concentration also reduced coliforms on egg surfaces. Hatchability of fertile eggs from a 32-wk-old flock was significantly increased, over 6.0%, by spraying 1.5% or 3.0% HES in comparison to controls that were not sprayed, with no significant difference in hatchability due to treatment observed in eggs from flocks that were 36, 42, 46, or 62 wk of age. This change in hatchability associated with spraying HES may be due to a change in eggshell permeability (respiration) caused by an interaction of HES with the eggshell cuticle.
Health Care Reform and Equity: Promise, Pitfalls, and Prescriptions

The United States has made little progress during the past decade in addressing health care disparities. Recent health care reforms offer an historic opportunity to create a more equitable health care system. Key elements of health care reform relevant to promoting equity include access, support for primary care, enhanced health information technology, new payment models, a national quality strategy informed by research, and federal requirements for health care disparity monitoring. With effective implementation, improved alignment of resources with patient needs, and most importantly, revitalization of primary care, these reforms could measurably improve equity.
Asymptotic capacity of multicarrier transmission over a fading channel with feedback

We study the asymptotic capacity of multicarrier transmission through a frequency-selective fading channel with limited feedback. The rate at which the capacity increases is characterized as a function of the number of subchannels N for the uniform power distribution over an optimized subset of channels, and optimal water filling. For Rayleigh fading, we also consider a finite-precision rate control scheme and show that the O(log N) increase in data rate can be achieved with a feedback rate, which grows as O(log/sup 3/ N). If the number of active subchannels is bounded, then the capacity grows only as O(loglog N).
Selective electro-oxidation of glycerol to tartronate or mesoxalate on Au nanoparticle catalyst via electrode potential tuning in anion-exchange membrane electro-catalytic flow reactor

Abstract A potential-controlled glycerol oxidation to tartronate or mesoxalate was demonstrated on Au nanoparticle catalysts in a self-designed anion-exchange membrane electro-catalytic flow reactor. The investigation clearly shows that by tuning the anode potential from 0.35 to 0.65 V, the selectivity to tartronate dropped from 79% to 26%, while that to mesoxalate increased from 0% to 57%. The tests also indicate that the elongation of reaction time will only increase the glycerol conversion, having little effects on the product distribution. The work may open a new route for the controllable oxidation of biorenewable polyols to valuable chemicals.
QEEG-Guided Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Introduction. Blinded, placebo-controlled research (e.g., Sterman, 2000) has documented the ability of brainwave biofeedback to recondition brain wave patterns. Neurofeedback has been used success- fully with uncontrolled epilepsy, ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, and head injuries. However, nothing has been published on the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with neurofeedback. Method. Quantitative EEGs were gathered on two consecutive OCD patients who sought treatment. This assessment guided protocol selec- tion for subsequent neurofeedback training. Results. Scores on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale and the Padua Inventory normalized following treatment. An MMPI was ad- ministered pre-post to one patient, and she showed dramatic improve- ments not only in OCD symptoms, but also in depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms, and in becoming extroverted rather than introverted and withdrawn. Discussion. In follow-ups of the two cases at 15 and 13 months after completion of treatment, both patients were maintaining improvements in OCD symptoms as measured by the Padua Inventory and as externally validated through contacts with family members. Since research has D. Corydon Hammond is Professor, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Univer-
Crystal structure and mesophase morphology of MBPE polyethers containing odd‐number methylene spacers

A series of polyethers was synthesized from 4-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-3-methylphenol and α, ω-dibromoalkenes, MBPE-n. The polymers with odd-numbered methylene spacers show a monotropic mesophase behavior during cooling from the isotropic melt before crystallization. The crystal structures of MBPE (n = odd) polyethers have been investigated through wide angle X-ray diffraction fiber patterns. Two crystallographic periods along the c-axis are found, one of which corresponds to the length of methylene spacers, and the other is close to an integral number times the length of the repeating unit. Polarized light microscopy observations of the uniaxially oriented samples obtained through mechanical shear show a banded texture, which is a typical morphology found in liquid crystal polymers. Transmission electron microscopy experiments provide morphological evidence to identify that this mesophase is a nematic liquid crystal state based on the disclination defect patterns defined by Frank. A relationship between splay elastic constant k11 and bend elastic constant k33 is discussed through lamellar decoration of disclination defects.
Extraction and concentration of thromboplastic material from human urine.

SummaryA method is described whereby thromboplastic material is extracted from normal male human urine by adsorption on BaSO4 and subsequent elution. The thromboplastic material is comparatively resistant to heat; its activity is enhanced by incubation with serum and prothrombin-free plasma. As little as 6 μg/cc of the thromboplastic material per cc of hemophilic plasma was found to restore the clotting properties of this plasma to normal.
Age-Dependent Changes in Information Processing Abilities between 20 and 60 Years:

Information processing performance in single- and dual-task configurations was examined across 60 subjects between the ages of 20 and 60. The objective was to investigate the general slowing trend observed with increasing chronological age more closely. The results supported this general slowing trend which appears to be more pronounced for complex stimulus materials. However, age did not interact with dual-task loading. Examination of the evoked brain potential data under speed and accuracy instructions suggested that most of the slowing was attributed to response processes rather than those of perception and memory. Furthermore, older subjects were more conservative in placing their response criterion and suffered a smaller loss when placed under speed stress.
The analysis of analgesics by high-speed liquid chromatography

High-speed liquid chromatography has been shown to be useful for the rapid quantitative analysis of the active ingredients in a variety of analgesic tablets. Quantitative analysis can generally be completed in under ten minutes. Minimum quantitative level, linear dynamic range and precision of the method have been defined and the feasibility of determining free salicylic acid in analgesics has also been established.
Demonstration of 74 GHz Parametric Optical Sampled Analog-to-Digital Conversion

We demonstrate a broadband analog parametric optical sampling gate-driven analog-todigital conversion applicable to high speed signals. A record-fast analog signal of 74 GHz was characterized at 5.4 ENOB for the first time.
WHICH PATIENTS? WHICH DEVICES? MHEALTH MONITORING WITH WEARABLE AND IMPLANTABLE DEVICES IN HEART FAILURE: META ANALYSES OF RANDOMIZED TRIALS

Mobile health (mHealth) is the transmission of physiologic data and symptoms of patients at home to providers and has been suggested to improve outcomes among HF patients. The current analysis aims to determine the outcomes of telemonitoring and to identify specific cohorts of patients and the types
Journeys of a Microlepidopterist—from South Korea to Arizona

The sun is setting in the west, and it’s getting dark. I just finished hanging a white sheet on a rope between two trees, as well as ultraviolet (UV) and mercury vapor lights. Now, I am seated on a folding chair and sipping a can of beer, looking at the sheet to see if any insects fly to my lights. Finally, insects are slowly coming to the lights and preparing to land on or crawl around the sheet. This is their party time today. If the weather, including factors such as wind, humidity, and temperature, is perfect for insects flying, a plethora of insects will show up at different times throughout the night, all the way up to sunrise.
Against Geometrical Attacks Digital Watermarking Algorithm based on Multiwavelet

Wavelet transform does not have a rotation,scaling and translation and other geometric properties,so the geometric anti-attack ability of wavelet domain image watermarking is poor.Considering this point,this chapter extract the image features to resist geometric attacks.First of all,a scrambling encryption will be made in digital watermark image to increase the safety and robustness,then embedded watermark is brought to the sub-scrambling encryption after a multi-wavelet transform.Finally it is the extraction of feature vectors.Experiments proves that the algorithm is not only highly robust in the noise and compression of conventional image processing,but also a very good resistance to geometric transformations.
Blood Coagulation and the L. E. Cell Phenomenon

A factor derived from blood platelets has been shown to be necessary for the activation of the L. E. cell factor. This L. E. cell cofactor may be identical with the platelet thromboplastic factor. The relation of these findings to occurrence of the L. E. cell phenomenon in vivo and to the occurrence of a coagulation defect in systemic L. E. has been discussed.
Percutaneous Stone Removal Using a Combined Retrograde-Antegrade Access Technique

Nineteen patients had percutaneous nephrostomy tubes placed using a new combined retrograde-antegrade (RG-AG) technique. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy was planned in 16 patients. With the patient in a lithotomy position, a 7-Fr. end-hole ureteral catheter is advanced cystoscopically into the renal pelvis and fluoroscopically manipulated into a pre-selected calyx using a 5-Fr. cobra catheter and a 0.035-inch Bentson or torque wire. A wire basket is deployed in the appropriate calyx, but left housed within the guiding catheter. A Foley catheter is placed, and the patient is rotated into the prone position. A special blunt 18-guage splenic needle is then used to perform the puncture fluoroscopically. The needle is advanced through the renal parenchyma into the targeted calyx, and the obturator is removed. The previously-positioned ureteral catheter is withdrawn allowing the basket to form in the distal calyx. Next, a 22-guage Hawkins needle guide is inserted through the 18-guage needle and projected through the basket. The needle obturator is exchanged for a 0.018-inch J wire which is advanced out past the needle tip. The 22-guage needle is then retracted leaving the guide wire in place. The basket is withdrawn into the ureteral catheter and the wire is pulled out through the urinary tract securing RG-AG access. Tract dilation is performed in a standard fashion.
Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation in the Emergency Department or Observation Unit

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at an increased risk of thromboembolic stroke, and anticoagulation to reduce the risk of stroke and other thromboembolic events is a standard part of the management of this arrhythmia in the emergency department (ED) and observation unit (OU). The decision to start anticoagulation should be shared between patient, ED/OU physicians, and the patient’s primary physicians and should include a careful consideration of the patient’s risk of stroke and risk of bleeding. The novel or non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban have emerged as promising alternatives to warfarin, offering simplified dosing and, in some cases, clinical benefit over warfarin. The thoughtful and timely initiation of anticoagulation in the ED or OU can prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and increase adherence to this important preventive therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation.
Ontological, Cosmological and Design Arguments

By the religious ambiguity of the universe I do not mean that it has no definite character but that it is capable from our present human vantage point of being thought and experienced in both religious and naturalistic ways. This ambiguity has only become widely evident since the rise of modern science in the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. From the beginnings of human life to the spiritual ferment of the axial period, and through the more settled ‘ages of faith’, the reality of the transcendent was accepted as manifest fact, unquestioned except by an occasional boldly sceptical philosopher. The immanence of the divine was daily experienced in the organic unity of life, the regular procession of the seasons, the rage of storm and earthquake, the still beauty of a lake, the terror of eerie places, and its power was felt as benign or threatening in prosperity and calamity, health and sickness, fertility and sterility, victory and defeat. Or again, the one God who had spoken through the Torah or through Christ or through the Qur’an was a given reality whose presence was daily confirmed in personal prayer and public liturgy, manifest both in the usages of language and in the structure of society, celebrated in painting, sculpture, architecture and music, and lived out in the great public festivals.