cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ross Root Dilation in Adult Patients: Is Preoperative Aortic Insufficiency Associated With Increased Late Autograft Reoperation?

Background The Ross aortic valve replacement (AVR) offers excellent hemodynamic and clinical outcomes in most patients undergoing aortic root replacement. Because of ongoing debate regarding the durability of this procedure, long-term follow-up in a large adult Ross experience might be of interest. Methods Between 1994 and 2010, 230 adult patients underwent modified Ross root procedures. Mean age was 42.4 ± 12.1 years (range, 20 to 68 years), 62% were male. Fifty-six patients (24%) had undergone one or more prior aortic valve interventions. Concomitant procedures were performed in 126 patients (55%), including 90 ascending aortic procedures. Presenting pathology was aortic insufficiency in 114 (50%) and aortic stenosis in 116 (50%). Results Hospital mortality or within 30 days was 2 of 230 patients (0.9%). During follow-up (mean, 7.8 years), 12 more patients died. At 15 years, survival was 94%, and freedom from autograft and allograft reoperation was 91% and 98%, respectively. Reoperation was required for 23 patients. Eighteen patients required reoperation on the autograft root; 11 of 18 (61%) had preoperative aortic insufficiency as their predominate aortic valve lesion. Freedom from autograft reoperation was not significantly different for patients with preoperative aortic insufficiency (87%) compared with patients who had aortic stenosis (94%; p = 0.15). On multivariable analysis, no risk factors were significant for reoperation except for surgery before 2000 ( p p = 0.05). Conclusions Preoperative aortic regurgitation was not a significant risk factor for late autograft reoperation in adults. The Ross AVR provides excellent hemodynamics and survival for adults willing to accept a small risk of reoperation as opposed to a life-long risk of thromboemboli and anticoagulation therapy as exist with mechanical aortic prostheses. Reoperation risk for Ross AVR has decreased with Ross annulus sinotubular junction reinforcement replacement of a dilated ascending aorta and postoperative hypertension management.
APL: A profitability language

SYBRON Corporation is a diversified manufacturing company operating in twenty-one countries around the world. The complexity and geographical distribution of SYBRON operations have increased as the company has grown.In the last eight years, innovative APL systems combined with an extensive communications network have provided corporate and division executives with powerful new tools for management decision making.Timely information is an invaluable resource. At SYBRON, it is available in similar form from common databases at appropriate levels of management regardless of geographical constraints.The power to acquire, analyze and distribute information, however, is not an end in itself. It has positive impact on the corporate 'bottom line' only if it is continuously responsive to organizational goals and business objectives. SYBRON's organizational goal is to provide a favorable return on investment to our shareholders. APL systems are a valuable tool in achieving that objective.
The Impact of United States Law on Medicine as a Profession

The evolution of US law has had an enormous influence on medicine as a profession, and much of this legal evolution can be attributed to changes in the science and practice of medicine. This changing legal framework and its intersection with medicine has many facets. Three of the most important facets concern the evolution of the no duty-to-treat principle and the role of modern health care financing and civil rights law in altering this rule, the manner in which advances in medicine led courts and legislatures to change the standards against which professional medical liability is measured, and the basic loss of highly preferential treatment under US laws aimed at preventing anticompetitive conduct by businesses. However, despite the impact on the profession of an evolving legal system, concern over the integrity of medical professionalism continues to significantly influence both laws and lawmakers, including legislatures, regulatory agencies, and the courts.
Efficient FinFET Device Model Implementation for SPICE Simulation

With the steady growth of chip complexity and shrinking feature size, multiple challenges are emerging for transistor level circuit simulation. Compact SPICE models are a fundamental part of circuit verification, serving as a bridge between the semiconductor design and foundry. It is also an integral part of SPICE simulators, which directly affects tool performance and therefore design schedule. While the advanced 3-D technology nodes deliver superior level of scalability, simulation cost is rapidly increasing due to the computational complexity introduced by device model equations and the number of iterations required for numerical methods. In this paper, an efficient solution is proposed to reduce the computational cost associated with UC Berkeley BSIM-CMG device model evaluation, by applying robust Verilog compiler and computer algebra techniques to the device model equations. As a result of this implementation, simulation time reduction is up to 72% for complex blocks of the latest generation processor design.
Data quality: The Achilles heel of end-user computing

Abstract Data quality is an important factor in the success or failure of end-user developed information systems. However, experience shows that in some practical situations data of poor quality are the norm rather than the exception. The evidence in this study demonstrates that exploratory statistical techniques can significantly improve data quality during all phases of data acquisition. More importantly, however, these techniques are especially crucial to quality control and to the validation of data already collected.
The Photolysis of Polyvinylpyrrolidone in Oxygen-Free Aqueous Solutions

Abstract The photolysis of polyvinylpyrrolidone in oxygen-free aqueous solutions has been investigated as a function of polymer concentration, chain length, light intensity, and temperature. Ultraviolet spectra at various degrees of degradation have been measured. The experimental data can be satisfactorily accounted for by a Norrish type II cleavage of main chain links for ketones in conjunction with a small component of type I chain scission yielding polymer radicals. Recombination of double-bond-ended chains with polymer radicals takes place.
Supergene geochemistry and crystal morphology of gold in a semiarid weathering environment: application to gold exploration

Abstract Oxidation of sulfide- and carbonate-rich vein gold deposits under semiarid conditions can be represented as a three-stage process, each creating supergene environments conducive to dissolution and reprecipitation of gold-silver alloys. The three-stage weathering process of sulfide-carbonate gold veins is depth-dependent, and develops from the relatively young, lowermost weathering horizon just below the water table, through an intermediate weathering horizon in the oxidation zone above the water table, and culminating in the oxide-rich upper saprolite and oxisol. Neoformed gold crystals in the weathering profile have distinct composition and morphologic characteristics from the hypogene gold crystals associated with the sulfide- and carbonate-rich ores. Two distinct types of secondary gold are present in the weathering profile: (1) gold crystals associated with sulfates and arsenates; and (2) gold crystals associated with iron and aluminum oxides/hydroxides, or with kaolinite. The distinct crystal morphologies and mineralogical associations of primary and secondary gold are useful in prospecting for gold deposits in weathered terrains.
Cross-Talk Between Pulmonary Injury, Oxidant Stress, and Gap Junctional Communication

Abstract Gap junction channels interconnect several different types of cells in the lung, ranging from the alveolar epithelium to the pulmonary vasculature, each of which expresses a unique subset of gap junction proteins (connexins). Major lung functions regulated by gap junctional communication include coordination of ciliary beat frequency and inflammation. Gap junctions help enable the alveolus to regulate surfactant secretion as an integrated system, in which type I cells act as mechanical sensors that transmit calcium transients to type II cells. Thus, disruption of epithelial gap junctional communication, particularly during acute lung injury, can interfere with these processes and increase the severity of injury. Consistent with this, connexin expression is altered during lung injury, and connexin-deficiency has a negative impact on the injury response and lung-growth control. It has recently been shown that alcohol abuse is a significant risk factor associated with acute respiratory distress synd...
A rat model of resting tremor

Abstract A method for quantifying resting tremors in a rat model of limb dyskinesias has been developed. The model involved permanent cannulation of the caudate nucleus for the introduction of carbachol. Tremors resulting from carbachol injection were quantified with a small transducer and an electronic data collection system. This system allows the construction of dose-response curves for tremor inhibition by potential antiparkinsonism drugs. Data collection is less expensive and less time consuming than similar models of dyskinesias in cats or monkeys.
Bupropion slow-release response in depression: diagnosis and biochemistry

Abstract Background: Bupropion has been previously shown to be particularly beneficial in bipolar and atypical depression. Previous research has supported a possible association of response to plasma levels and to changes in plasma homovanillic acid (HVA). These findings were here extended to bupropion slow-release (SR), a formulation with slower release kinetics. Methods: Forty-one patients with major depressive disorder (DSM-III-R) completed 8 weeks of a fixed dose of 300 mg/day in two doses/day. Clinical outcome measures were the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Biological parameters included plasma HVA and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), as well as a final measurement of plasma bupropion and its metabolites. Results: Response to bupropion SR differed among the three groups: results for change in HDRS and in BDI were greater in the bipolar and atypical than in the "typical" depressed patients. Mean change in HDRS was, respectively, of 15.6, 17.1, and 7.6 ( F = 5.57, p F = 3.32, p r = .47, p = .02, n = 23); plasma HVA and MHPG increased significantly ( t = 2.31, p = .03; t = 2.15, p = .04, n = 17). Bipolar depressed patients' improvement in HDRS was related to increases in MHPG ( r = .87, p = .01) and in HVA ( r = .70, p = .08). Conclusions: This fixed-dose study indicates that there may be specific benefits for bupropion SR in atypical and bipolar depression, and that these benefits may be related also to plasma levels and biochemical changes in catecholamines. Due to the small sample size, replication is of key importance.
Biased interacting self-avoiding walks on the four-simplex lattice

We have studied self-avoiding walks with both bias (stiffness or antistiffness) and step-step interaction (repulsive or attractive) on the four-simplex lattice, a deterministic fractal structure. Exact renormalization equations for partial partition sums are obtained by the standard method. We discuss the complete phase diagram in the three-dimensional space of fugacity per step, per bend, and per nearest-neighbor interaction. The phase transition surface between low- and high-density states is separated into first- and second-order parts by a continuous line of tricritical points. The group structure generated by the recursions allows us to find detailed information about the singular behavior of the walk density, in addition to critical and tricritical exponents. For stiff walks (large bias energy), we discuss the crossover to flexible (unbiased) behavior in the long-chain limit. The location of this crossover is found to depend upon whether chain parameters are critical or noncritical.
The chronic disease data bank-the ARAMIS experience

The authors provide an overview of the American Rheumatism Association Medical Information System (ARAMIS), a national database and database management system containing parallel longitudinal clinical data sets from 17 rheumatic disease centers. 22 000 patients and 183000 observation time points are represented. The database contains measures of five dimensions-death, disability, discomfort, iatrogenic, and economic-and subdivisions of each dimension that provide a measure of the impact of the disease. The database management system is the MEDLOG time oriented database statistical software system. It runs on MOS-DOS-compatible microcomputers MEDLOG's file limits and abilities are described, and future directions for ARAMIS and MEDLOG are briefly covered. >
Measurement of Internal Carotid Artery Blood Volume Pulsations by Noncontact Ocular Photoelectric Plethysmography

The goal of this investigation is to develop a noninvasive technique to assess the patency of the internal carotid artery. A noncontact photoelectric plethysmograph was designed to measure intraocular blood volume pulsations. This technique is appropriate for an evaluation of carotid stenosis since the ophthalmic artery is a branch of the internal carotid. With this noncontact instrument a beam of light is passed from a photoelectric system through the pupil. Light is reflected from the retinal and choroidal vasculature and is detected by a photodetector. This instrument has been used successfully in a series of experiments with pigmented and albino rabbits. The results demonstrate that the instrument measures the light reflected from the intraocular vasculature by the following observations: 1) an occlusion of the ca-rotid artery causes a disappearance of the ocular pulse; and 2) the amplitude of the ocular pulse is smaller in the pigmented rabbit when compared with the albino rabbit. Ocular movement artifacts and low reflected signal amplitude (due to light absorption by the retinal pigment) may necessitate the use of signal analysis techniques in patient studies.
Comparison of different MODIS data product collections over an agricultural area

Standard data products from NASA’s moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) were available at launch (collection 3) and have undergone two revisions (collections 4 and 5) during the continuing Terra and Aqua missions. In 2000, a research project was conducted in large fields of corn and soybean to evaluate MODIS leaf area index (LAI) and land cover type (MOD15 and MOD12 data products, respectively) as input to crop yield models. Our objective was to compare collections 3, 4 and 5 with the ground data to determine data product improvement. Classification of land cover type for collections 3, 4 and 5 were similar to the USDA-NASS Cropland Data Layer. The collection 5 MOD15 LAI was considerably improved over earlier collections when the quality assurance flags indicated good LAI retrievals. Land surface reflectances (MOD09) of MODIS band 2 (near-infrared, 250-m) were used as inputs to an inversion of the scattering by arbitrarily inclined leaves (SAIL) model. Compared to the collection 5 MOD15 p...
The order-disorder transition in ion-irradiated pyrochlore

Abstract A radiation-induced order–disorder transformation occurs in many A 2 B 2 O 7 pyrochlore structure-types by disordering of the A- and B-site cations, as well as anion vacancies. The ionic conductivity increases up to two orders of magnitude due to this order–disorder transformation. This irradiation-induced order–disorder transition has been examined in detail using ion beam irradiations and in situ transmission electron microscopy. Under ion irradiation, the ordered pyrochlore superstructure transforms to an anion-disordered pyrochlore prior to a final transformation to a cation-disordered defect-fluorite structure-type. The anion-disordered pyrochlore structure displays a partial ordering of the A- and B-site cations and complete disordering on the anion array—as evidenced by the disappearance of characteristic diffraction maxima resulting from ordering of the oxygen sublattice. These results suggest that anion disorder precedes cation disordering in the pyrochlore structure.
The human thymus during aging.

The human thymusis required for establishment of a normal T cell repertoire in fetal development, as children born without a thymus (DiGeorge Syndrome) lack thymus-derived (T) and T cell immunity. While the function of the thymus in children for production of new T cells is clear, it has not been obvious that the adult thymus can produce significant numbers of new T cells. Until recently, no assays were available to directly evaluate postnatal thymic function. This paper reviews work on human thymic aging at Duke University School of Medicine and discusses the relevance of this work to devising new strategies for T cell immune reconstitution in man.
Eating and aging: Trends in dietary intake among older Americans from 1977–2010

Objective We examined trends from 1977–2010 in calorie, macronutrient, and food group intake among US adults 55 and older.
Michael-addition reactions of levoglucosenone

Abstract The Michael-addition reactions of levoglucosenone with diethyl malonate, ethyl cyanoacetate, 2-nitropropane, and 2-methylcyclohexanone have been examined, using a variety of catalysts. This reaction may be conveniently used to prepare, in reasonable yields, 4-substituted levoglucosenone derivatives having the d - erythro configuration. Better yields of the diethyl malonate adduct were obtained on using bis(2,4-pentanedionate)-Ni(II) as the catalyst.
Using the gasoline tax to reduce the US Federal government's budget deficit

Abstract The analysis presented in this paper examines the US impact of raising the excise tax on gasoline on the US economy. The analytical approach used in the analysis consists of a computable general equilibrium model composed of fourteen producing sectors, fourteen consuming sectors, six household categories classified by income and the government. The effects of a 50 cents per gallon increase in the excise tax on gasoline on prices and quantities include a lower output by the producing sectors (by about $35·0 billion), a reduction in the consumption of goods and services (by about $28·6 billion), and a reduction in welfare (by about $51·7 billion). The govenment would realize an increase in revenue of about $17·3 billion. When subjected to a sensitivity analysis, the results are reasonably robust with regard to the assumption of the values of the substitution elasticities.
The microstructural basis of creep of γ1 in dental amalgam

A previous study has shown that the addition of small amounts of tin to gamma 1 leads to the formation of a SnHg intergranular precipitate. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of this precipitate on the creep of gamma 1. Two groups of samples were investigated. Group I included a series of gamma 1 samples with 0, 1, 2, and 3 wt% Sn fabricated by a sintering technique at 55 degrees C and 125 mN/m2 for 72 h. Group II contained the same samples as in Group I that were further annealed at 60 degrees C for 2000 h. Annealing was carried out to allow gamma 1 grain growth and equilibrium distribution of Sn at grain boundaries. Creep tests were conducted according to the American Dental Association Specification 1. The microstructures of all samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The creep of gamma 1 was found to be controlled by the intergranular precipitate when the Sn concentration was above 1%. For a specific concentration of Sn, i.e. the intergranular precipitate, creep was dependent on the distribution of Sn and not on the gamma 1 grain size. The more nearly continuous precipitates found in annealed samples favoured higher creep.
Toward a Psychological Taxonomy of Work.

Abstract A new approach to the construction of a psychological taxonomy of work is presented. Based on the Theory of Work Adjustment, occupational aptitude patterns and occupational reinforcer-pattern clusters are cross-classified to develop psychologically homogeneous groups of occupations (Taxons). Information from other different and independently developed classification systems is imbedded in the taxon matrix. The validity of the approach is supported by the consistency and complementarity of the descriptive information in a given taxon derived from these different sources.
On the life and death of a collocation: A corpus-based diachronic study of dar miedo/hacer miedo -type structures in Spanish

This paper seeks to shed light on the diachronic evolution of collocations by examining structures formed in Modern Spanish with dar “give” plus state nouns (e.g. dar miedo “frighten”, literally, “give fear”). Using the Corpus del espanol, I offer a quantitative and qualitative analysis of eighteen representative dar miedo-type collocations from the 1200s to the 1900s. The results show that although the basic properties of dar miedo-type structures have remained remarkably stable over the centuries, during the Middle Ages the verb hacer “make” was used here almost as often as dar — a competition apparently inherited from Latin. While different nouns show different patterns of loss of hacer, echoing the lexical diffusion of certain grammatical changes, the 1500s saw a very sharp decline in “make” cases across the board, leading to its complete disappearance from this context by the 1800s. The loss of hacer led to a radical simplification of the collocational properties of state nouns in Spanish vis-a-vis Latin and other Modern Romance varieties. This process resulted both from language-internal factors mostly related to the lexical semantics of dar and hacer and from three key sociolinguistic processes in 16th-century Spanish: koineization, change of norm and increased standardization.
Coupling of High Power Lasers to Small, Hot Targets at the National Ignition Facility

Summary form only given. An experimental campaign to study radiation drive in small-scale halfraums has been carried out using the first four beams of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at the Lawerence Livermore National Laboratory (Livermore, CA). The targets fill with plasma so quickly that, late in time, most of the laser energy is deposited at the laser entrance hole. Experiments have shown the effect of laser beam conditioning, laser power, and target size on hohlraum performance. The experimental results on X-radiation drive, laser backscatter, hard X-rays, hard X-ray imaging, and X-ray burnthrough are discussed
High temperature simulation of petroleum formation—III. Effect of organic starting material structure on hydrocarbon formation

The importance of the structure of organic matter used as a precursor in petroleum formation has been investigated by high temperature simulation reactions. The products of pyrolysis reactions of lignin, cellulose, protein and lipids have been compared on the basis of the yield and composition of the gaseous and liquid products. Each organic matter type was also investigated with a carbonate, water, and ammonia reaction. Lignin and cellulose are poor sources of liquid hydrocarbons, but cellulose in the presence of carbonate gives a high yield of gaseous hydrocarbons. Protein pyrolysis gives a high oil yield with an alkane distribution similar to petroleum. The presence of carbonate increases the yield of all liquid compound classes. The gas yield from protein is also raised by the presence of carbonate. The lipids produced the highest oil yield of the substances tested but the n-alkanes show an odd carbon length predominance unlike the distribution found in petroleum. The results indicate that fatty acids must undergo alteration during kerogen formation sufficient to remove the odd carbon chain length bias and that the alkyl groups of protein may be an important source material for alkane formation.
The determinants of substance abuse in the workplace

Abstract Factors that increase the cost of dismissal lower the probability of employee misconduct; in particular, employees are less likely to use drugs on the job when their industry pays a wage premium. Workers in high unemployment areas are also less likely to use drugs or alcohol at work. Employee demographic, social, and psychological variables are identified to lower the probability of workplace substance abuse.
Interaction of polyamines with fragments and whole molecules of yeast phenylalanine-specific transfer RNA.

Abstract Binding of the polyamines spermidine (∼-+3) and spermine (∼-+4) to yeast tRNA phe has been investigated by equilibrium dialysis under the same conditions used to study Mn 2+ -tRNA phe interactions (Schreier & Schimmel, 1974). The polyamines bind to tRNA phe in a co-operative and a non-co-operative phase, which is analogous to the behavior found with Mn 2+ . In the co-operative phase, the empirical index of co-operativity is somewhat greater for the polyamines, however. Binding constants for both the co-operative and non-co-operative phases are similar for Mn 2+ and spermidine, and are strongest for spermine. Estimates of the total number of ligand binding sites indicate that these numbers are inversely proportional to the charge on the ligand for all three ligands. The interaction of polyamines with four large fragments of tRNA phe shows no evidence for co-operativity. These results, together with recent kinetic studies, collectively suggest that polyamine binding to the co-operative sites is associated with tertiary structure formation and that polyamine and divalent metal ion interactions with tRNA occur by phenomenologically similar mechanisms, in spite of their structural diversity.
Bayesian Statistics and Utilization of Evaluation Research Findings Coherence, Inference, and Decision

The purpose of this article is to present the basic ideas of Bayesian statistics and consider their relevancefor the topic of utilization ofevaluation research. It is argued that whether utilization is viewed in terms of modifying thinking concerning social programs or in terms of affecting specific decisions, the Bayesian approach, with its requirement of coherence in inference and decision making, can be useful in analyzing data and expressing results, in guiding appropriate utilization, and in conceptualizing aspects of the utilization process.
Interactions of Venoms and Venom Components with Blood Platelets

AbstractMany venoms demonstrate their main toxicity on systems other than blood. Despite this, many venoms also have effects on blood and blood components such as platelets. Crude venoms of snakes, scorpions and spiders have been shown to have indirect (through stimulation of coagulation or epinephrine release, e.g., Echis carinatus and Gentruroides sculpturatus venoms, respectively) and/or direct effects on platelets. For coagulation-dependent effects on platelets, thrombin- or prothrombin-like action (Agkistrodon rhodostoma or contortrix, Bothrops atrox, Crotalus species) may not affect platelets, while those acting at earlier steps may yield normal thrombin and thus activate platelets (Vipera russelli, Echis carinatus). Crude venom effects can be stimulatory (promote or cause aggregation) or inhibitory, with either predominating as a function of dose. Such variability, if observed, often indicates the presence of opposing activities in crude venom, but may also indicate biphasic activity of a single co...
Dialogue, Pluralism, and Change: The Intertextual Constitution of Bakhtin, Kristeva, and Derrida

In this article I show how the concept of intertextuality as developed by Mikhail Bakhtin, Julia Kristeva and Jacques Derrida can be applied to the political theory of constitutionalism. Such an approach carries with it the valuable democratic idea that all texts in society, including the political constitution, are in a dynamic relationship and reflect social pluralism. By analyzing and comparing intertextual theories, I develop the idea of the constitution as an open and emancipatory interpretative and textual category. I show how intertextual theorizing contributes significantly to the democratization of a modern liberal constitutional order, offering distinct strategies for progressive political and social transformation.
Greater deciduous shrub abundance extends tundra peak season and increases modeled net CO2 uptake

Satellite studies of the terrestrial Arctic report increased summer greening and longer overall growing and peak seasons since the 1980s, which increases productivity and the period of carbon uptake. These trends are attributed to increasing air temperatures and reduced snow cover duration in spring and fall. Concurrently, deciduous shrubs are becoming increasingly abundant in tundra landscapes, which may also impact canopy phenology and productivity. Our aim was to determine the influence of greater deciduous shrub abundance on tundra canopy phenology and subsequent impacts on net ecosystem carbon exchange (NEE) during the growing and peak seasons in the arctic foothills region of Alaska. We compared deciduous shrub-dominated and evergreen/graminoid-dominated community-level canopy phenology throughout the growing season using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). We used a tundra plant-community-specific leaf area index (LAI) model to estimate LAI throughout the green season and a tundra-specific NEE model to estimate the impact of greater deciduous shrub abundance and associated shifts in both leaf area and canopy phenology on tundra carbon flux. We found that deciduous shrub canopies reached the onset of peak greenness 13 days earlier and the onset of senescence 3 days earlier compared to evergreen/graminoid canopies, resulting in a 10-day extension of the peak season. The combined effect of the longer peak season and greater leaf area of deciduous shrub canopies almost tripled the modeled net carbon uptake of deciduous shrub communities compared to evergreen/graminoid communities, while the longer peak season alone resulted in 84% greater carbon uptake in deciduous shrub communities. These results suggest that greater deciduous shrub abundance increases carbon uptake not only due to greater leaf area, but also due to an extension of the period of peak greenness, which extends the period of maximum carbon uptake.
Transient left ventricular filling abnormalities (diastolic stunning) after acute myocardial infarction

Abstract A variety of experimental studies suggest that diastolic left ventricular (LV) function changes after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but limited data exist on these changes in humans. To assess diastolic filling after AMI, 60 patients underwent Doppler echocardiographic examination within 24 hours of AMI. Of 54 patients who also underwent catheterization, 45 (83%) were successfully reperfused. A subgroup of 17 patients underwent a follow-up Doppler examination at 7 days after infarction, whereas 15 patients with stable exertional angina served as control subjects. There was no significant difference in age, gender, incidence of systemic hypertension or diabetes mellitus, heart rate, mean arterial pressure or severity of coronary artery disease between the infarct and control groups. The infarct group had a lower velocity time integral total (9.9 ± 0.4 cm vs 12.0 ± 0.9 cm, p
Changes in the organization of the actin cytoskeleton during preimplantation development of the pig embryo

The organization of the actin cytoskeleton was studied in unfertilized porcine oocytes and preimplantation stage embryos from Day I through Day 8 of development. Fixed and detergent-extracted oocytes and embryos were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy after staining with either rhodamine.phalloidin to localize filamentous actin or with affinity-purified anti-actin antibodies to localize the total immunodetectable actin. Whereas unfertilized oocytes contain immunoreactive cytoplasmic actin, rhodamine-phalloidin binding is not detected until fertilization when a prominent cortical staining pattern becomes apparent. In early cleavage stage embryos, filamentous actin is concentrated in the cell cortex of blastomeres especially at sites of cell-cell contact.Compacting morulae exhibita marked accumulationof actinat the marginsof blastomereswhere numerous interdigitating cell processes are located. The predominantly pericellular distribution of actin becomes a distinguishing feature of trophectodermal cells in the expanding blasto cyst at Day 6 of development; these cells form a prominent actin-limited zone circumscribing the inner cell mass. In Day 8 blasto cysts, three cell types are present that are readily distinguishable based upon their actin displays among other cytological features. Trophectodernial cells exhibit continuous actin-rich lateral borders and stress fibers along their basal surface. Inner cell mass cells contain a discontinuous actin boundary and prominent foci of actin along their blastocoelic surface. Lining the blastocoel are patches of endodermal cells in which the actin is exclusively cortical. The data are discussed with respect to differences between species and the chronology of actin rearrangements during preimplantation development of the porcine embryo.
Expression and localization of epithelial stem cell and differentiation markers in equine skin, eye and hoof

*Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, 382 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, USA†Department of Animal Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, 3800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USACorrespondence: Hannah L. Galantino-Homer, Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, 382 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA19348, USA. E-mail: hghomer@vet.upenn.edu
Brain lesion detectability studies with a high resolution PET operating in no-septa and partial-septa configurations

We investigated the effect of partial-septa on the noise equivalent sensitivity and lesion detectability for a high resolution PET camera. For this purpose we used the MDAPET camera to detect small lesions in brain images obtained from the scan of the Hoffman brain phantom. The three-dimensional (3-D) positron emission tomography (PET) acquisition in comparison to two-dimensional (2-D) PET acquisition improves the sensitivity of the system at the cost of higher scatter and accidental coincidence contributions. A partial-septa allowing 3D-acquisition may provide a better alternative. For this work, three small lesion phantoms with diameters of 3, 5 and 8.6 mm were embedded into the Hoffman brain phantom. The activity concentration ratio of the lesions to the surrounding brain gray matter was ranging from 1.5 to 10. For this study, the eight detectors modules of the prototype MDAPET scanner were modified axially to extend from 38.5 mm to 131 mm in order to simulate more closely the performance of a clinical size camera. Data for the hot lesion phantoms and the normal Hoffman brain phantom were taken separately. Then, the two sets of the sinograms data were selectively combined to generate the sinograms data for the desired SUVs. Visual inspection of the lesion images show that we could clearly see the 8.6 mm lesion, with or without septa, at even the lowest activity ratio that we measured. The 5 mm and 3 min lesions were observable at activity ratio of 2.2 and 5.4, respectively. We found that even though the use of septa could increase the noise equivalent count rate and lower the image noise, it does not necessary translate into improvement of the lesion detectability. For partial-septa configurations the white matter regions of brain have less count and the brain images visually looked better; however, images from no-septa data had slightly higher contrast.
Low-threshold InGaAs/GaAs strained-layer surface emitting lasers with two 45 degrees angle etched total reflection mirrors

Summary form only given. An InGaAs/GaAs strained-layer IPSEL (in-plane surface emitting laser) structure with two 45 degrees dry-etched mirrors and a highly reflecting bottom quarter-wavelength stack is reported. It has a record low continuous-wave (CW) threshold current at 10 mA. The laser structure consists of a conventional double-heterostructure single-quantum-well (80-AA In/sub 0.2/Ga/sub 0.8/As/100-AA GaAs) laser structure on top of a quarter-wave stack (25 pairs of 695-AA GaAs/830-AA AlAs), which serves as a distributed Bragg reflector ( approximately 99%) after 45 degrees angle etching. >
“Oh Dear! How the Factory Girls Do Rig Up!”: Lowell's Self-Fashioning Workingwomen

The “mill girls” of Lowell relished their opportunities for reading, writing, and dressing in stylish clothes. In their magazine the Lowell Offering (1840–45), the workingwomen used their growing reputations for literariness and fashionability to scrutinize the differences between themselves and the ladylike models they were expected to emulate.
Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) use gestures to identify the location of hidden food.

Heterospecific cues, such as gaze direction and body position, may be an important source of information that an animal can use to infer the location of resources like food. The use of heterospecific cues has been largely investigated using primates, dogs, and other mammals; less is known about whether birds can also use heterospecific gestures. We tested six Clark’s nutcrackers in a two-way object-choice task using touch, point, and gaze cues to investigate whether these birds can use human gestures to find food. Most of the birds were able to use a touch gesture during the first trial of testing and were able to learn to use point and gaze (eyes and head alternation) cues after a limited number of trials. This study is the first to test a non-social corvid on the object-choice task. The performance of non-social nutcrackers is similar to that of more social and related corvids, suggesting that species with different evolutionary histories can utilize gestural information.
Risk of geographic atrophy in the comparison of age-related macular degeneration treatments trials.

Purpose To describe risk factors for geographic atrophy (GA) in the Comparison of Age-related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials (CATT). Design Cohort within a randomized clinical trial. Participants We analyzed 1024 CATT patients with no GA visible on color fundus photographs (CFPs) and/or fluorescein angiograms (FAs) at enrollment. Methods Eyes were assigned to ranibizumab (0.5 mg) or bevacizumab (1.25 mg) treatment and to a 2-year monthly or pro re nata (PRN) injection regimen, or monthly injections for 1 year and PRN for 1 year. Demographic, genetic, and baseline ocular characteristics and lesion features of CFP/FA and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were evaluated as risk factors for GA through 2 years of follow-up. Time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs). Main Outcome Measures Development of GA. Results By 2 years, GA developed in 187 of 1024 patients (18.3%). Baseline risk factors for GA development included baseline visual acuity (VA) ≤20/200 (aHR, 2.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43–4.93), retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP; aHR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.16–2.47), GA in the fellow eye (aHR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.40–3.08), and intraretinal fluid at the foveal center (aHR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.34–3.31). Baseline factors associated with lower risk for GA development included blocked fluorescence (aHR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.29–0.82), OCT measurements of subretinal fluid thickness of >25 μ (aHR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.35–0.78), subretinal tissue complex thickness of >275 compared with ≤75 μ (aHR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.19–0.50), and vitreomacular attachment (aHR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.31–0.97). Ranibizumab compared with bevacizumab had a higher risk (aHR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.06–1.93), and monthly dosing had a higher risk (aHR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.17–2.16) than PRN dosing. There were no strong associations between development of GA and the presence of risk alleles for CFH , ARMS 2 , HTRA1 , C3 , or TLR3 . Conclusions Approximately one fifth of CATT patients developed GA within 2 years of treatment. Independent baseline risk factors included poor VA, RAP, foveal intraretinal fluid, monthly dosing, and treatment with ranibizumab. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy may have a role in the development of GA.
Iron(II) Trifluoromethanesulfonate

[59163-91-6] C2F6FeO6S2 (MW 353.99) InChI = 1S/2CHF3O3S.Fe/c2*2-1(3,4)8(5,6)7;/h2*(H,5,6,7);/q;;+2/p-2 InChIKey = PGJLOGNVZGRMGX-UHFFFAOYSA-L (Lewis acid; catalyst for a variety of oxidation reactions) Physical Data: mp > 300 °C. Solubility: soluble in H2O, methanol, and MeCN. Form Supplied in: off-white powder, commercially available. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: hygroscopic. Store in a tightly sealed container under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen or argon. Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Preparative Method: can be prepared from trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and iron(II) chloride under reflux conditions.1
Using exercise testing to prognosticate patients with heart failure. Which parameter should we measure

Peak oxygen consumption, as measured by direct gas exchange analysis during exercise testing, is well established as a powerful and independent predictor of risk for death among patients with chronic, but stable, heart failure. Although there is still some debate about whether peak oxygen consumption should be indexed against a predicted value and what the best cut-off point may be, most authorities agree that peak oxygen consumption is such a powerful predictor of outcome that it routinely should be incorporated into the evaluation of all ambulatory heart transplant candidates. A few recent studies have demonstrated that a hyperventilatory response to exercise, as measured by the VE/VCO2 slope, also may be a powerful and independent predictor of death; however, more large studies, with large numbers of end-points, will be needed before this measure can deservedly take a place alongside peak oxygen consumption as a primary component of the heart failure staging process.
Initiation of HAART during acute simian immunodeficiency virus infection rapidly controls virus replication in the CNS by enhancing immune activity and preserving protective immune responses

The CNS remains vulnerable to HIV-induced damage despite highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Using a rigorous simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) macaque model of HAART that combines three classes of antiretroviral drugs (a protease inhibitor, a reverse transcriptase inhibitor, and an integrase inhibitor), we examined immune responses and virus replication in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) following HAART initiation during acute infection (4 days postinoculation (p.i.)). HAART-treated macaques did not experience the level of acute CD4+ and CD8+ T cell and NK cell count suppression in the peripheral blood normally observed during acute infection. Initiation of HAART produced a rapid four-log decline in viral load in plasma and a slower two-log decline of viral RNA in the CSF over the subsequent 17 days of infection. Despite a dramatic reduction of viral RNA levels in the brain at 21 days p.i., viral DNA levels were not different between the two groups. Expression of most cytokine mRNA in brain of HAART-treated macaques did not significantly differ from untreated controls. Expression of the IFN responsive gene MxA was significantly reduced in the brain of HAART-treated macaques, suggesting control of hyperactive immune responses. Control of virus replication likely was enhanced by significant increases in CD4+ and CD8+ T cell trafficking in the brain of infected animals on HAART therapy and the concomitant increase in levels of IFNγ. Collectively, these data indicate preserved innate and adaptive immune activity in the brain following HAART initiation during acute SIV infection in this macaque model, suggesting profound benefits following acute treatment of SIV.
Should we select for genetic moral enhancement? A thought experiment using the MoralKinder (MK+) haplotype

By using preimplantation haplotype diagnosis, prospective parents are able to select embryos to implant through in vitro fertilization. If we knew that the naturally-occurring (but theoretical) MoralKinder (MK+) haplotype would predispose individuals to a higher level of morality than average, is it permissible or obligatory to select for the MK+ haplotype? I.e., is it moral to select for morality? This paper explores the various potential issues that could arise from genetic moral enhancement.
Reliability study of Au-In transient liquid phase bonding for SiC power semiconductor packaging

Transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding is a promising advanced die-attach technique for wide-bandgap power semiconductor and high-temperature packaging. TLP bonding advances modern soldering techniques by raising the melting point to over 500 °C without detrimental high-lead materials. The bond also has greater reliability and rigidity due in part to a bonding temperature of 200 °C that drastically lowers the peak bond stresses. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity is fractionally increased 67 % while the bond thickness is substantially reduced, lowering the thermal resistance by an order of magnitude or more. It is observed that Au-In TLP bonds exude excellent electrical reliability against thermal cycling degradation if designed properly as experimentally confirmed in this work.
Effect of fast duration on disposition of an intraduodenal glucose load in the conscious dog

The effects of prior fast duration (18 h, n = 8; 42 h, n = 8) on the glycemic and tissue-specific responses to an intraduodenal glucose load were studied in chronically catheterized conscious dogs....
Expression of CD44 in kidney after acute ischemic injury in rats

De novo CD44 and ligand expression at wound margins accompanies cellular proliferation and migration that effect repair of injured mucosal and vascular endothelial tissues. To determine whether CD44 could play a role in recovery from acute ischemic renal injury, we characterized its renal expression and those of two of its ligands, hyaluronic acid and osteopontin. Although no expression is detectable in nonischemic kidneys, several mRNAs for CD44 are present within 1 day after injury. CD44 mRNA is expressed in proximal tubules undergoing repair. CD44 peptide is present in basal and lateral cell membranes. Hyaluronic acid is normally expressed in the interstitium of the renal papilla only. By 1 day postischemia, hyaluronic acid can be detected, in addition, in the interstitium surrounding regenerating tubules. Osteopontin, not normally expressed in the renal proximal tubule, is expressed in regenerating tubules by 3 days after induction of acute ischemic injury. Immunoreactive osteopontin peptide continues to be localized in those tubules still undergoing repair for as long as 7 days after the injury. Our data are consistent with a role for CD44-ligand interactions in the regenerating proximal tubule participating in the process of recovery after ischemic injury.
Haemophilus influenzae Type b

Invasive disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is recognized as a leading infectious disease health problem, primarily for young children (Table 1). An estimated 20,000 persons develop invasive Hib disease each year in the United States, and it has also been estimated that during the first 5 years of life the cumulative incidence of disease is one episode in every 200 children.(84) Hib is the most important cause of bacterial meningitis in the United States; in addition, it causes a wide variety of other severe infections characterized by invasion of the bloodstream with involvement of organ systems other than the CNS. Despite the availability of effective antimicrobials, Hib remains a substantial cause of mortality and morbidity.
A Most Interesting Man of Science: The Life and Research of Richard Rozzell Fay.

On May 25, 2013, a special symposium was held at the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, FL to honor the outstanding careers of Drs. Richard R. Fay and Arthur N. Popper, a “dynamic duo” of scientists who were pioneers in the field of contemporary fish hearing and bioacoustics. The present article details the research, academic life, and “other side” of Richard Rozzell Fay, a most interesting man of science who is known to all as a kind, gentle, wise, and introspective scientist.