cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two-stage exchange arthroplasty for infected total knee arthroplasty: predictors of failure.

Background In North America, a two-stage exchange arthroplasty remains the preferred surgical treatment for chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Currently, there are no proper indicators that can guide orthopaedic surgeons in patient selection for two-stage exchange or the appropriate conditions in which to reimplant.
FACULTY DEVELOPMENT IN NEW YORK TWO‐YEAR COLLEGES

To discover the organizational components that nurture good teaching in New York state 2‐year colleges, the author undertook to replicate a study of Ohio 2‐year colleges. A review of the literature uncovered several variables for assessing the state of faculty development. The most important of these appears to be an institutional climate that encourages faculty development. To assess faculty development, a 6‐item survey was sent to all New York 2‐year colleges. Although the results are more encouraging than those of the Ohio study, New York community colleges could be doing more to support faculty development.
Measurements in 80- by 120-foot wind tunnel of hazard posed by lift-generated wakes

The large, low speed wind tunnel at NASA-Ames has been used to study the characteristics of lift-generated vortices involved in the definition of aircraft-separation criteria, in order to enhance airport capacity without compromising safety. Attention is given to the potential hazard caused by the vortex wake of several configurations of a subsonic transport. Measured downwash distributions in the wake of three different wake-generator configurations are obtained by means of a vortex-lattice method, in order to predict the lift and rolling moment on several models of wake-following aircraft.
The Paradox of Social Organization: Networks, Collective Efficacy, and Violent Crime in Urban Neighborhoods

Theories of neighborhood social organization and crime have not effectively explained the existence of socially organized, high-crime neighborhoods. We describe and test an alternative theory of urban violence that highlights the tension between two dimensions of social organization -- social networks (ties and exchange between neighborhood residents) and collective efficacy (mutual trust and solidarity combined with expectations for prosocial action) -- in the regulation of neighborhood crime. We argue that while social networks may contribute to neighborhood collective efficacy, they also provide a source of social capital for offenders, potentially diminishing the regulatory effectiveness of collective efficacy. This negotiated coexistence model is considered alongside two competing theories of neighborhood crime drawn from the systemic and cultural transmission perspectives. We test these theories using 1990 census data, the 1994-95 Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods Community Survey, and 1995-97 Chicago Homicide Data. Consistent with the negotiated coexistence approach, spatial lag models of violent victimization and the 1995-97 log homicide rate indicate that the regulatory effects of collective efficacy on violence are substantially reduced in neighborhoods characterized by high levels of network interaction and reciprocated exchange.
Broadband squeezing via degenerate parametric amplification.

We show that parametric amplification is capable of generating squeezed light over a wide band if materials with large ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{(2)}$ nonlinearities can be found, and that the squeezing bandwidth can be enhanced considerably by phase matching away from degeneracy. We compare our results with similar results recently found for four-wave mixing in an optical fiber.
Dynamics of coupled stomatal oscillators

Stomata are microscopic openings in the leaves of green plants which permit gas exchange. Stomata exhibit oscillatory opening and closing behavior under certain environmental conditions in addition to a daily (diurnal) cycle. In order to explore the effects of coupling between neighboring stomata we present a mathematical model of the dynamics of a system of N coupled stomatal oscillators. An individual stomate is modeled to either remain closed, oscillate periodically, or remain open, depending on the local water potential. Coupling between neighboring stomata is accomplished in the model by taking into account the flow of water in the leaf as well as by oscillator phase coupling.
Gulf Stream Simulations and the Dynamics of Ring and Meander Processes

Abstract We present here a regional, eddy resolving, numerical study of the dynamics of Gulf Stream Meander and Ring (GSMR) interaction processes. We initialize the Harvard quasi-geostrophic open-boundary model with realistic meander and ring locations as indicated by remotely sensed sea surface temperature (SST) data and predict the flow evolution for the period 23 November to 19 December 1984. The methodology of Feature-Model initialization is introduced to extend the surface information to the thermocline and deep levels in terms of climatological structures, which are then dynamically adjusted by the model. Six numerical simulators are carried out to explore the influence of initial and boundary conditions on the flow evolution. All of the major events observed in the SST data are simulated, including the birth of new warm and cold core rings. The results show the relevance of quasi-geostrophic dynamics for the GSMR region on these time scales in the thermocline. A set of parameter and sensitivity exp...
Smoothing spline and kernel estimation of a probit function

A smooth probability distribution function defined on the interval [0,1] was used to compare the smoothing spline and the kernel estimators. Even when the optimal value of the smoothing parameter was used the kernel estimator converged faster to the true value of the probit function than the smoothing cubic spline. The extent of bias in smoothing cubic spline estimation depends on the choice of the smoothing parameter. Mean squared error reduced as n was increased for both estimators. For the kernel estimator, however, mean squared error was increased with reduced bandwidth. By adjusting n and the bandwidth, mean squared error of a kernel estimate could be made as small as, if not smaller than, the corresponding smoothing cubic spline estimate. Mean squared error was also influenced by the type of variance function used. It was smaller for The smoothing cubic spline has the added advantage that it is twice differentiable on all of the interval [0,1].
Modification of CAPP systems for CAPP/scheduling integration

Abstract This paper presents a new approac—through the modification of an existing CAPP system, i.e. CMPP—for achieving CAPP/scheduling integration. An operation-machine index is developed as a relative measure for selecting the best machine from all the alternatives in the processs planning stage to satisfy two scheduling criteria: mean flow time and number of jobs tardy. The software program for implementing the integrated system has been written in C. A sample part is used to illustrate that both the mean flow time and the number of jobs tardy can be reduced with the use of the integrated system.
Letter by Myers and Kalangos Regarding Article, “Fluttering Thrombus in Patent Foramen Ovale With Paradoxical and Cerebral Embolism”

We read with great interest the article by Bonanni et al1 containing images of a patient with a fluttering thrombus in a patent foramen ovale. This entity has more frequently been called impending paradoxical embolism,2,3 because the thrombus is found trapped within the atrial septum on its way to a paradoxical systemic embolism.4 …
The role of prostaglandins in interleukin-1 induced gastroparesis

Abstract Interleukin-1 is a small molecular weight peptide that is thought to mediate much of the acute phase response to infection, including fever and anorexia and gastric stasis. In the present study, we examined the effects of recombinant human IL-1 alpha (rhIL-la) on food intake and gastric emptying, and the role of prostaglandins (PG) in IL-1 induced gastroparesis. We report that pretreatment with ibuprofen significantly improved food intake and gastric emptying in IL-1 injected rats, but did not return them to control levels. We conclude that PGs mediate, at least in part, IL-1 induced gastroparesis. The role of gastroparesis in IL-1 induced anorexia remains to be determined.
Delay of reinforcement effects: timing of reinforcement or narrow goal-box confinement.

Summary.-The present experiment investigated whether narrow goal-box confinement in studies of delay of reinforcement in [he runway may have had aversive or punishing effects. Analysis showed no difference in performance berween groups of rats who were either confined in a narrow goal-box or a large compartment while receiving their delay of reinforcement. The results suggest that narrow goal-box confinement does not have aversive characrerisucs. Several runway studes (Peterson, 1956; Wlke & Kintsch, 1959; Wist, 1962; Cole & McGovern, 1973) have shown that rats receiving a delay of reinforcement in a narrow goal-box run slower in the runway than those given immediate reward. A contaminating variable of narrow goal-box confinement may have confounded the results of the latter studies. Perhaps immediate reinforcement rather than delayed reinforcement produces faster running speeds in rats in the runway due to the immediate reinforced condition receiving less narrow goal-box confinement than the delayed reinforcement condition and not because of more imrnehate reinforcement. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether narrow goal-box confinement contributed anything to the previous delay of reinforcement effects. The present study attempted to dscover whether narrow goal-box confinement had aversive or punishing effects. If so, animals that received delay of reinforcement in previous studies may have run slower than the animals that received immediate reward not solely because of the timing of presenting the reward following a run but partly because of the punishing effects of narrow goal-box confinement. In the present study, one group received delay of reinforcement in a narrow goal-box, hence possibly experiencing punishment. Another group was confined in a wide box prior to receiving their re~nforcement in a narrow goal-box, hence possibly avoiding punishment. If the results show the group receiving delay of reinforcement in a narrow goal-box run slower than rats confined in a large box prior to receiving their reinforcement in a nar
Nicotine increases the VEGF/PEDF ratio in retinal pigment epithelium: a possible mechanism for CNV in passive smokers with AMD.

Purpose Cigarette smoking is the strongest environmental risk factor for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Inappropriate expression of proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and antiangiogenic pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) may cause choroidal neovascularization (CNV), a key event in wet AMD, resulting in vision loss. Nicotine (NT), a potent angiogenic agent abundant in second-hand smoke, may play a major role in the pathogenesis of wet AMD. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAchR) in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and determine the effects of NT on RPE-derived VEGF and PEDF expression in the context of passive smoking. Methods Human RPE cells were treated with NT (10(-8) M), with or without the nAchR-nonspecific antagonist hexamethonium (HXM) (10(-5) M) for 72 hours. RPE sheets were microdissected from rats exposed to NT in drinking water (100 μg/mL), with or without HXM (40 mg/kg/d, intraperitoneally), for 72 hours. Cell death was determined by cell count and proliferation by Western blot for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). nAchR expression was examined by real-time PCR and Western blot. ERK activation was evaluated by Western blot analysis. VEGF and PEDF expression was assessed by ELISA, Western blot, and real-time PCR. Results Cultured RPE cells constitutively expressed the nAchR α3, α10, and β1 subunits, with β1 being the most prevalent. The nAchR α4, α5, α7, and β2 subunits were detected in RPE sheets from rats, among which α4 is the predominant subtype. NT, which did not result in either cell death or proliferation, induced β1 nAchR, upregulated VEGF, and downregulated PEDF expression through nAChR in ARPE-19 cells. Transcriptional activation of the nAchR α4 subunit and nAChR-mediated upregulation of VEGF and PEDF were observed in RPE from rats exposed to NT. Conclusions NT increased the VEGF-to-PEDF ratio in the RPE through nAchR in vitro and in vivo. This alteration in the ratio may play a key role in the progression to wet AMD in passive smokers.
Membrane-Based Synthesis of Nanomaterials

This paper reviews a relatively new method for preparing nanomaterials: membrane-based synthesis. This method entails the synthesis of the desired material within the pores of a nanoporous membrane. Because the membranes employed contain cylindrical pores of uniform diameter, monodisperse nanocylinders of the desired material, whose dimensions can be carefully controlled, are obtained. These nanocylinders may be either hollow (a tubule) or solid (a fibril or nanowire). We call this approach the “template” method because the pores in the nanoporous membranes are used as templates for forming the desired material. This template method is a very general approach; it has been used to prepare nanotubules and fibrils of polymers, metals, semiconductors, carbons, and other materials.
The Role of CBP/p300 Interactions and Pit-1 Dimerization in the Pathophysiological Mechanism of Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency

Context: Combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) in humans is caused by mutations of pituitary-specific transcription factors such as Pit-1. Although many patients with CPHD have an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a Pit-1 DNA-binding mutation, there are a number of reports of mutant Pit-1 molecules that either by prediction or through experimentation bind normally to DNA. Objective: The objective of this study was to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of mutant Pit-1 molecules with intact DNA binding. Design: DNA-binding and functional studies were used to assess five Pit-1 mutations: F135C, R143Q, A158P, K216E, and R271W. Results: In gel-shift studies using well-characterized DNA-binding elements from the GH and prolactin genes, the K126E mutant displayed markedly enhanced Pit-1 dimer binding to either element, whereas the R271W mutant bound with high avidity, but only as a monomer. In contrast, the R143Q mutant was unable to bind these elements, and the F135C and A158P mutants disp...
Effect of the strength of an AC electric field compared to DC on the sintering rate and related grain size of zirconia (3Y-TZP)

Abstract The influence of the strength of an initial 60 Hz AC field E o =1–50 V/cm on the sintering rate and corresponding grain size of yttria-stabilized zirconia (3Y-TZP) was determined and compared with an equivalent DC field. For both field types the sintering rate increased and the grain size decreased with field strength up to a critical value, beyond which no further effect occurred. The AC field however had a greater effect than the DC field over the entire field strength range. The major factor responsible for the enhanced sintering rate with both field types was concluded to be retardation of grain growth by the field. The retardation was in turn attributed to a reduction in the grain boundary energy by the interaction of the field with the space charge. Analysis of the results employing the absolute reaction rate theory gave magnitudes of the space charge potential and corresponding grain boundary energy in accord with reported values, but were larger with AC field than with DC. Factors which could contribute to the greater effect of an AC field compared to DC are suggested.
The Changing Face of Public Adoption Practice

ABSTRACT A study analyzing the workload of California's public adoption workers revealed how much adoption practice in the public sector has changed in recent years. Using focused discussion groups, this study found that compared to practice of an earlier time, (1) children available for placement come from more problematic families and are more difficult to place; (2) some decisions traditionally with the domain of adoptions are now being made by other social workers; and (3) increased oversight by the judicial system has had several unanticipated consequences, including adoption work taking on a “paralegal” quality and judges making traditional casework decisions.
Noise in algorithm refinement methods

Hybrid or algorithm refinement (AR) schemes have focused mainly on the mean behavior of system states. However, variances in these behaviors, such as spontaneous fluctuations, are important for modeling certain phenomena. This paper discusses the effects of statistical fluctuations on hybrid computational methods that combine a particle algorithm with a partial differential equation solver.
The branching ratios of 7Be and 65Zn

Abstract The branching ratios of the electron-capture transitions in the decay of 7 Be and 65 Zn were measured to be 0.1042 ± 0.0018 and 0.493 ± 0.0008 at the 68 per cent confidence level, respectively. They were obtained by measuring the neutron yields from the reactions 7 Li (p, n) 7 Be and 65 Cu (p, n) 65 Zn and the gammay-ray activities of the residual nuclei. Neutron emission was determined with a calibrated vanadium bath surrounding the target, and the gamma-ray activity measured with a sodium iodide detector calibrated against standard radioactivity sources. Results are compared with previously published data.
Sociologics of the economy: the social logic, composition and structuration of economic behavior

L'article propose un nouvel outil sociologique pour l'analyse de l'economie. Cet outil conceptualise le comportement economique comme forme specifique d'action sociale et l'economie comme composante de la societe. Pour des raisons pratiques, cet outil est appele sociologics, mettant ainsi en evidence le caractere social inherent a la nature, la structure et les dynamiques de l'economie. Une fois defini cet outil d'analyse, l'article fait l'inventaire des principaux facteurs sociologiques qui regissent la presence et la preeminence de variables sociales dans le comportement economique. Ces facteurs sont identifies comme social-structurels, sociopsychologiques et socioculturels et l'on peut y adjoindre une categorie de facteurs d'ordre cognitif-technique
Low-momentum interactions with Brown-Rho-Ericson scalings, and the density dependence of the nuclear symmetry energy

We have calculated the nuclear symmetry energy ${E}_{\mathrm{sym}}(\ensuremath{\rho})$ up to densities of $4\ensuremath{-}5{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}$ with the effects from the Brown-Rho (BR) and Ericson scalings with the in-medium mesons included. Using the ${V}_{\mathrm{low} k}$ low-momentum interaction with and without such scalings, the equations of state (EOSs) of symmetric and asymmetric nuclear matter have been calculated using a ring-diagram formalism where the particle-particle-hole-hole ring diagrams are included to all orders. The EOSs for symmetric nuclear matter and neutron matter obtained with linear BR scaling are both overly stiff compared with the empirical constraints of Danielewicz et al. [Science 298, 1592 (2002)]. In contrast, satisfactory results are obtained by either using the nonlinear Ericson scaling or by adding a Skyrme-type three-nucleon force (TNF) to the unscaled ${V}_{\mathrm{low} k}$ interaction. Our results for ${E}_{\mathrm{sym}}(\ensuremath{\rho})$ obtained with the nonlinear Ericson scaling are in good agreement with the empirical values of Tsang et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 122701 (2009)] and Li et al. [Phys. Rev. C 72, 064611 (2005)], while those with the TNF are slightly below these values. For densities below the nuclear saturation density ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}$, the results of the above calculations are nearly equivalent to each other and all are in satisfactory agreement with the empirical values.
Placement of Sutures Used in Corneal Incisions

In monkey eyes, 10-0 monofilament nylon suture for corneal wound closure was placed deep to the level of Descemet's membrane or through corneal tissue. The material produced a minimal inflammatory reaction and held the corneal wound in good anatomical position, effecting closure in depth.
Physics: Science under the Nazis

Robert P. Crease applauds the story of three great physicists who struggled to maintain their integrity during the Third Reich.
The mechanisms of differential control in the sympathetic system studied by hypothalamic stimulation

Abstract In an attempt to study the mechanisms of differential action observed in the autonomic nervous system, response patterns evoked in two sympathetic nerves by stimulation of the hypothalamus were investigated. Recordings were made from inferior cardiac and vertebral nerves (mainly vasoconstrictors of the forearm muscles), both originating from stellate ganglia, in chloralose anesthetized cats. Repetitive stimulation of various hypothalamic regions produced 4 types of responses often in single preparations: (1) a response in which differential action between cardiac and vertebral nerves was characterized by an increase in vertebral nerve activity and a decrease in cardiac nerve discharges; (2) a response in which the activities of these two nerves were opposite to that described above; (3) a generalized response of the two nerves; both vertebral and cardiac nerve activity being greatly augmented. This response was accompanied by a great increase in forearm blood flow and could be classified as a part of “defense reaction”; and (4) another type of generalized response in which augmented activity of both nerves was accompanied by a decrease in muscle blood flow. Stimulation of the same hypothalamic area with a single or a short train of pulses evoked in sympathetic neurons an excitation of a short duration, followed by a long-lasting “silent period”. The magnitude and duration of these two phases of responses of cardiac and vertebral nerves differed, depending on the site of stimulation. Stimulation of certain hypothalamic points could affect discharges of the left and the right cardiac nerves differently in some animals. The mechanism of differential control in the sympathetic system and some conditions which alter this pattern was discussed.
Knowledge of Federal Regulations for Mental Health Research Involving Prisoners

Background: Given their vulnerability to coercion and exploitation, prisoners who participate in research are protected by Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) regulations designed to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Knowledge of these regulations is essential for researchers who conduct and institutional review boards (IRBs) that oversee mental health research in correctional settings. Methods: We explored depth of knowledge of OHRP regulations by surveying a nationwide sample of (1) mental health researchers who have conducted research in correctional settings, (2) mental health researchers who have conducted research in noncorrectional settings, (3) IRB members who have overseen mental health research in correctional settings, (4) IRB members who have overseen mental health research in in noncorrectional settings, and (5) IRB prisoner representatives. Participants responded to a 10-item knowledge questionnaire based on OHRP regulations. Results: There were 1,256 participants who provided usab...
Reading machines for the blind:The technical problems and the methods adopted for their solution

In order to assess current efforts devoted to reading machine design, it is first necessary to develop a set of requirements for an ideal device. Direct translation aids are then seen to lack several of these desirable features, and more general, linguistically based techniques are then examined. Structural properties of English are found to be obtainable from the orthographic representation, and these abstract relations can then be used to infer structural correlates in the output speech waveform. Current knowledge is centered largely at the word level, but several correlates of higher order units have been studied and rules for their behavior have been implemented in working systems. Finally, direct assessment of speech synthesized by rule has shown that even currently available techniques can yield speech acceptable to blind users.
Expression of chicken gizzard RLC complements the cytokinesis and developmental defects of Dictyostelium RLC null cells

Dictyostelium RLC null cells have defects in cytokinesis and development that can be rescued by expression of either the wild type Dictyostelium RLC or an RLC mutant that cannot be phosphorylated by MLCK (S13A) (Ostrow et al., 1994). The wild type and S13A mutant LCs rescued the cells equally well, despite the fact that RLC phosphorylation increases purified Dictyostelium myosin's activity 5-fold. In this report, we assess the ability of foreign RLCs to rescue the RLC null phenotype. The RLC from smooth muscle myosin, whose activity is tightly controlled by phosphorylation, rescued the null cell phenotype. The purified hybrid myosin had an activity and motility comparable to phosphorylated Dictyostelium myosin. In contrast, cells expressing skeletal muscle RLC were deficient in cytokinesis and development, despite having an activity and motility similar to that of myosin with the unphosphorylatable S13A mutant RLC. Neither foreign LC was phosphorylated when expressed in Dictyostelium. These results suggest that the level of actin-activated ATPase activity and motility is not the sole determinant of proper myosin function in vivo. Other heavy chain/light chain interactions, which occur only with the native RLC and smooth muscle RLC, appear to be necessary for optimal function.
System Design of a Quadrupedal Galloping Machine

In this paper we present the system design of a machine that we have constructed to study a quadrupedal gallop gait. The gallop gait is the preferred high-speed gait of most cursorial quadrupeds. To gallop, an animal must generate ballistic trajectories with characteristic strong impacts, coordinate leg movements with asymmetric footfall phasing, and effectively use compliant members, all the while maintaining dynamic stability. In this paper we seek to further understand the primary biological features necessary for galloping by building and testing a robotic quadruped similar in size to a large goat or antelope. These features include high-speed actuation, energy storage, on-line learning control, and high-performance attitude sensing. Because body dynamics are primarily influenced by the impulses delivered by the legs, the successful design and control of single leg energetics is a major focus of this work. The leg stores energy during flight by adding tension to a spring acting across an articulated k...
Molecular response to cytotoxic injury: role of inflammation, MAP kinases, and endoplasmic reticulum stress response☆

Nephrotoxicants have varied direct and indirect effects on the vasculature, tubules, and interstitium of the kidney. In most cases the molecular components of the toxic insult are poorly understood. In this review some common themes of injury, repair, and adaptive protective responses that represent characteristic responses of the cells and kidney tissue that transcend the specifics of a particular toxin are presented. Particular attention is paid to the vascular and inflammatory aspects of nephrotoxicity as well as the activation of the MAP kinase families and the endoplasmic reticulum stress response by the tubular epithelial cell.
Effect of immediate hemoglobin A1c results on treatment decisions in office practice.

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the effect of an immediately available hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) result on glycemic control and physician decisions about pharmacologic therapy in an office practice. Methods In a 1-year retrospective review of medical records, HbA1c results were analyzed in 115 patients beyond the age of 65 years, who had type 2 diabetes and were referred for the first time to a private endocrinology practice between April 1, 1997, and March 31, 1998. These patients were classified into two groups: group A (N = 93, insured by standard Medicare) had immediate HbA1c results (during the patient encounter) and group B (N = 22, insured by Medicare health maintenance organization [HMO]) had commercial laboratory HbA1c results available within 2 to 3 days. We reviewed the changes in the HbA1c level during the 12-month period and the presence or absence of a change in therapy at each visit. HbA1c levels were measured by ion-exchange low-pressure liquid chromatography in group A and by one of three capitated commercial laboratories (depending on HMO contracts) in group B. Results At the end of the 12 months, the mean HbA1c decrease was 1.03 ± 0.33% in group A and 0.33 ± 0.83% in group B. During the first visit, 52% of the patients in group A had pharmacologic treatment interventions, whereas only 27% in group B had such interventions. Conclusion Rapid availability of the HbA1c results during the clinical encounter improves the ability of the physician to make appropriate therapeutic decisions and results in improved glycemic control. (Endocr Pract. 2001;7:85-88)
Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with left atrial appendage closure devices.

In this issue of HeartRhythm, Heeger et al present an interesting observational study of the feasibility of left atrial catheter ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with previous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion devices. As the authors point out, given the proximity of the mechanical device and ablation targets around the left pulmonary veins, ablation may conceivably be less successful and/or unsafe. The data they present are important (particularly because it includes a cautionary tale), well in keeping with this group’s history of excellent clinical research. Describing what we do from day to day is important, as the delivery of care is ever more complex and the combinations of therapies more intricate. Observational research provides a monitoring strategy for unintended consequences, which occur even after robust preclinical and clinical product development. This study involves 8 patients (mean age 69 8 years) with previous implantation of LAA occlusion devices (Watchman in 7 patients and Amplatzer in 1 patient) for standard indications: a high HAS-BLED score in 4 patients and previous severe anticoagulation associated bleeding (not further described) in 4 patients. All LAA occlusion procedures were performed by the Hamburg investigators and were successful, without implant complications. Standard postprocedure guideline-directed management of anticoagulation was prescribed. At a mean duration of 201 days after LAA occlusion (range 41–756 days), catheter ablation for the treatment of symptomatic drug refractory AF was performed; this represented a repeat procedure for 2 patients. A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) was performed in all patients, documenting optimal positioning of the occlusion device before the ablation procedure. Periprocedural anticoagulation was prescribed according to the institution’s usual care (bridging warfarin, reduced-dose target specific oral anticoagulant treatment after ablation, and heparin dosed to activated clotting time (ACT) 4 250 seconds during left
Identification of a Genetic Locus Responsible for Antimicrobial Peptide Resistance in Clostridium difficile

Clostridium difficile causes chronic intestinal disease, yet little is understood about how the bacterium interacts with and survives in the host. To colonize the intestine and cause persistent disease, the bacterium must circumvent killing by host innate immune factors, such as cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs). In this study, we investigated the effect of model CAMPs on growth and found that C. difficile is not only sensitive to these compounds but also responds to low levels of CAMPs by expressing genes that lead to CAMP resistance. By plating the bacterium on medium containing the CAMP nisin, we isolated a mutant capable of growing in three times the inhibitory concentration of CAMPs. This mutant also showed increased resistance to the CAMPs gallidermin and polymyxin B, demonstrating tolerance to different types of antimicrobial peptides. We identified the mutated gene responsible for the resistance phenotype as CD1352. This gene encodes a putative orphan histidine kinase that lies adjacent to a predicted ABC transporter operon (CD1349 to CD1351). Transcriptional analysis of the ABC transporter genes revealed that this operon was upregulated in the presence of nisin in wild-type cells and was more highly expressed in the CD1352 mutant. The insertional disruption of the CD1349 gene resulted in significant decreases in resistance to the CAMPs nisin and gallidermin but not polymyxin B. Because of their role in cationic antimicrobial peptide resistance, we propose the designation cprABC for genes CD1349 to CD1351 and cprK for the CD1352 gene. These results provide the first evidence of a C. difficile gene associated with antimicrobial peptide resistance.
Large-scale three-dimensional inversion of EarthScope MT data using the integral equation method

In this paper we apply 3D inversion to MT data collected in the Northwestern United States as a part of the EarthScope project. By the end of 2009 MT data had been collected from 262 stations located throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and most of Montana and Wyoming. We used data from 139 MT stations in this analysis. We developed fully parallelized rigorous 3D MT inversion software based on the integral equation method with variable background conductivity. We also implemented a receiver footprint approach which considerably reduced the computational resources needed to invert the large volumes of data covering vast areas. The data set used in the inversion was obtained through the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS). The inversion domain was divided into 2.7 M cells. The inverted electrical conductivity distribution agrees reasonably well with geological features of the region.
Vetting the Advocacy Agenda: Network Centrality and the Paradox of Weapons Norms

While a number of significant campaigns since the early 1990s have resulted in bans of particular weapons, at least as many equivalent systems have gone unscrutinized and uncondemned by transnational campaigners. How can this variation be explained? Focusing on the issue area of arms control advocacy, this article argues that an important influence on the advocacy agenda within transnational networks is the decision-making process not of norm entrepreneurs nor of states but of highly connected organizations within a given network. The argument is illustrated through a comparison between existing norms against landmines and blinding laser weapons, and the absence of serious current consideration of such norms against depleted uranium and autonomous weapons. Thus, the process of organizational issue selection within nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and international organizations (IOs) most central to particular advocacy networks, rather than the existence of transnational networks around an issue per se, should be a closer focus of attention for scholars interested in norm creation in world politics.
Treatment of Wegener's Granulomatosis with Immune Globulin: CNS Involvement in an Adolescent Female:

Objective To describe the use of intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) to treat Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) in an adolescent female with an abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and electroencephalogram (EEG), as well as central nervous system involvement manifesting as generalized seizures. Case summary A 15-year-old white girl diagnosed with WG and receiving prednisone and cyclophosphamide was admitted with new-onset tonic-clonic seizures. The patient received phenobarbital and phenytoin to control seizures and was receiving cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids for WG. She developed cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis and was started on a four-day therapeutic course of IVIG following the discontinuation of cyclophosphamide. After 16 days of hospitalization, repeat EEG and MRI were within normal limits, and laboratory and clinical improvement was evident in at least nine of the affected organ systems including pulmonary, hematologic, renal, ocular, cutaneous, musculoskeletal, central nervous system, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary. The patient was discharged with clinical involvement of WG documented in two organ systems, hematologic and renal. Discussion WG is a form of vasculitis believed to develop due to an autoimmune disorder. The diagnosis is based on radiographic and histopathologic findings, as well as the presence of elevated antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and a suggestive clinical presentation. The presentation is widely variable and is most commonly associated with upper-airway involvement such as sinusitis, cough, pulmonary infiltrates, and cavitary nodules. Renal involvement signifies generalized disease. Conventional treatment for WG includes cyclophosphamide and prednisone. Little information is available describing therapeutic alternatives. Cytotoxicity related to immunosuppressant regimens limits continuous treatment and may necessitate the use of alternative agents. Conclusions This case describes the use of IVIG in an adolescent patient presenting with WG as a generalized, active disease with neurologic complications. IVIG may be useful in generalized, active WG complicated by intolerance to cyclophosphamide and seizures, but further study is necessary to define its role.
Large-scale, exhaustive lattice-based structural auditing of SNOMED CT

One criterion for the well-formedness of ontologies is that their hierarchical structure form a lattice. Formal Concept Analysis (FCA) has been used as a technique for assessing the quality of ontologies, but is not scalable to large ontologies such as SNOMED CT. We developed a methodology called Lattice-based Structural Auditing (LaSA), for auditing biomedical ontologies, implemented through automated SPARQL queries, in order to exhaustively identify all non-lattice pairs in SNOMED CT. The percentage of non-lattice pairs ranges from 0 to 1.66 among the 19 SNOMED CT hierarchies. Preliminary manual inspection of a limited portion of the 518K non-lattice pairs, among over 34 million candidate pairs, revealed inconsistent use of precoordination in SNOMED CT, but also a number of false positives. Our results are consistent with those based on FCA, with the advantage that the LaSA computational pipeline is scalable and applicable to ontological systems consisting mostly of taxonomic links. This work is based on collaboration with Olivier Bodenreider from the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, USA.
Multicompartment leaky integrate and fire neuron modeling with multiexponentials

Introduction Dendritic processing is paramount in the mammalian olfactory bulb where mitral cells modulate each other via granule cell interneurons that synapse on the mitral cells' lateral dendrites. This motivated us to construct computationally lean multicompartment leaky integrate and fire (LIF) neurons such that each compartment's membrane potential is described by six exponentials. This enables the model to avoid differential equations and calculate the membrane potential only upon receiving synaptic events and, like the LIF point neuron, employs simple rules for propagating and attenuating dendritic action potentials.
The Development of Superconductivity Research in Oxides

Starting with the first observation of superconductivity in an oxide, the history of its development is traced. Basically, and consecutively, three kinds of oxide superconductors have been found: Compounds with normal transition-metal conduction bands, oxides with cations exhibiting charge disproportionation, and finally the cuprates with large coulomb on-site repulsion, U. This discussion will lead over to a characterization of the highest-T c materials, both concerning their physical properties and application perspectives.
Does “6-Clicks” Day 1 Postoperative Mobility Score Predict Discharge Disposition After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasties?

Abstract Background The use of inpatient rehabilitation services after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is an important driver of episode-of-care costs. We determined the utility of a new standardized instrument collected during the immediate postoperative period, the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) "6-Clicks" Mobility score, in predicting discharge disposition after TJA and its accuracy in estimating prolonged hospital stay, readmissions, and emergency department (ED) visits. Methods Using our institutional database, we retrospectively reviewed 744 patients undergoing primary total hip (40%) or knee (60%) arthroplasty for osteoarthritis during 2014. The AM-PAC Mobility score was prospectively collected by physical therapists within 24 hours of surgery. We constructed 2 multivariable logistic regression models for each study outcome: (1) a base model containing age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and procedure type and (2) the AM-PAC model including the aforementioned variables and this score. The predictive performance of these models was assessed and compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve. Results The AM-PAC model provided better prediction of discharge disposition (AUC = 0.777) than the base model (AUC = 0.716; 22% relative improvement). Although the AM-PAC model performed 32% and 27% better than the base model in estimating prolonged hospital stay and ED visits, the model's predictive performance was poor (prolonged stay: AUC = 0.639; ED visit: AUC = 0.658). The AM-PAC model also showed poor discrimination of readmissions (AUC = 0.657), and there was no relative improvement in predictive performance compared to that of the base model. Conclusion The AM-PAC "6-Clicks" Mobility score is a valid, simple tool for predicting discharge disposition after TJA.
Lack of training in sleep and sleep disorders.

Medical students could learn more about sleep and sleep disturbances by having these topics integrated into the medical school curriculum. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Interaction of Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells with Cobalt–Chromium Alloy Surfaces Coated with Paclitaxel Deposited Self-Assembled Monolayers

The use of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) as a polymer-free platform to deliver an antiproliferative drug, paclitaxel (PAT), from a stent material cobalt–chromium (CoCr) alloy has been previously...
Trapped Vortex on a Flat Plate: Equilibrium and Stability

As observed in natural iers, stabilized vortices on the surface of an airfoil or wing could provide lift enhancement. In this paper, potential ow theory is employed to model a ow with an attached vortex-sink pair to the top surface of a at plate. In stead of computing lift from the simpli ed steady state potential ow, which ignores the unsteady e ects, we apply this model for equilibrium and stability analysis of steady ow by assuming that the potential ow eld is representative of reality. A parametric study is performed in order to study the equilibrium positions on the e ect of changing vortex-sink strengths, at-plate angle of attacks so that we are able to identify the e ect of the experimentally observed spanwise ow. It is then observed that the spanwise ow has an e ect of moving the natural equilibrium location forward to the leading edge as well as downward close to the at plate surface, which enables the natural LEV easy to be trapped and stabilized near the leading edge region while providing signi cant lift enhancement. However, further stability analysis shows that the equilibrium position for the vortex-sink is naturally unstable, which indicates spanwise ow at the vortex is not the solution to stabilize the vortex itself. To more accurately simulate the process of LEV formation, we also introduce a multi-vortices model and compared the LEV shedding process to that of a single vortex model. It is found that the LEV in multi-vortices model seemed to be more stable because of the continuous introduction of vorticity into the ow eld. This indicates that in future active control application the LEV might be stabilized by feeding vorticity into the system.
Bifurcation Analysis in Weakly-Coupled Inductive Power Transfer Systems

This work reveals and analyzes an unfamiliar bifurcation in weakly-coupled inductive wireless power transfer systems (IWPT) employing diode rectifier. This paper firstly provides a local analysis calculating the required RF source power, based on the rectifier ac-dc conversion gain and the two-port analysis of the coupled coils. The local analysis is supported by measured results on silicon. Successively, we demonstrate that if the secondary coil and the diode rectifier have a high quality factor, the rectifier diode varactor can create a turning-point bifurcation in the solution curve of the output dc voltage versus the RF source power. With the bifurcation, the local analysis becomes invalid and a higher source power is required. Bifurcation analysis based on large-signal capacitor modeling and conversion matrix analysis are provided, substantiating the results. The introduced bifurcation analysis is verified by three IWPT examples on PCB. A proposed design with an auxiliary nonlinear varactor is proposed to mitigate the bifurcation with improved performance.
IgM test results and analysis of 141 suspected measles cases.

[Objective]To discuss the significance of measles IgM in analysis of epidemiological characteristics of measles.[Methods]The serum samples of 141 suspected measles cases in Rudong County of Jiangsu Province during 2006 -2009 were detected for measles IgM by ELISA. The results were analyzed statistically byχ2 test.[Results]Of 141 serum samples,109 were measles IgM positive,the positive rate was 77. 30% . 11 ～ 20 years age group had the highest positive rate of 90. 32% ,followed by 30 ～ 40 years age group( 84. 78% ) . Regarding the occupation structure of the measles cases,the positive rate of farmers reached 45. 68% . Patients without immunization history or with unclear immunization history occupied 69. 14% .[Conclusion]The measles epidemic has the tendency of spreading more easy in old age groups in this county,the peasants are the group with high-risk of measles. Strengthening the management of measles vaccination,especially the management in rural area,follow-up supplementary immunization of adults and emergency vaccination,plays an important role in control the spread of measles.
Publicity Effect of AIDS Prevention Knowledge Among Rural Leftover Residents and Migrant Workers

Objective To evaluate and compare the publicity effect of AIDS prevention knowledge between rural migrant workers and leftover residents for future pertinent publicity measures.Methods Stage sampling was adopted to survey rural leftover residents in 4 counties of Sichuan province before and after the publicity.Results Before and after the publicity,the awareness rates of knowing AIDS in leftover residents and rural migrant workers were respectively 86.9% vs.99.9% and 91.9% vs.99.9%.Correspondingly,awareness rates of harm of AIDS were respectively 77.4% vs.97.4% and 87.1% vs.99.2%;the awareness rates of AIDS prevention knowledge were 40.5% vs.77.6% and 69.1% vs.85.4%;the awareness rates of AIDS test were 32.6% vs.86.7% and 46.3% vs.88.4%.The differences of rates before and after publicity showed statistical differences(all P 0.01).Conclusion The publicity of AIDS prevention knowledge is significantly effect.Health education measures should be tailored according to different populations.