cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphism and recurrent myocardial infarction in patients with coronary artery disease

Factor XIII (FXIII) is necessary for cross linking of fibrin strands and generation of stable fibrin clot. FXIII Val34Leu is a common genetic single nucleotide polymorphism that has been associated with accelerated fibrin stabilization and reduced rate of fibrinolysis. The contribution of Val34Leu to long term risk of recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with coronary stenting has not been conclusively established. The objective of the study was to examine the effects of Val34Leu on fibrin generation, platelet aggregation, and long term clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease treated with dual antiplatelet therapy. Patients with angiographically documented coronary artery disease who were treated with aspirin and clopidogrel were enrolled (n = 211). Light transmittance aggregometry and plasma fibrin clot formation using thrombelastography (TEG) were determined. Genotyping of Val34Leu was performed using Taqman assay. Clinical events during follow up were recorded. Homozygous carriers of 34Leu variant had significantly shorter fibrin clot formation time as compared to wild type individuals (TEG K: 1.27 ± 0.3 vs. 1.68 ± 1.1 min, p = 0.011). The Val34Leu variant was associated with gene dose dependent increased risk of MI (log rank, p = 0.002) or occurrence of composite of MI and CV death (log rank, p = 0.005) with highest event rates observed in homozygous carriers of 34Leu. In summary, FXIII Val34Leu polymorphism was associated with increased rate of fibrin stabilization in homozygous carriers of the variant and may increase risk of recurrent MI and death in patients with angiographically established coronary artery disease treated with dual antiplatelet therapy.
Governmental Attention and Environmental Enforcement in China

In this paper, we investigate factors that lead companies in China to be more likely to penalized by the government for their environmental performance. Theoretically, we unpack the mechanisms by which governmental attention is directed, and what types of environmental situations spur governmental action. We focus on two key types of environmental problems including general environmental degradation and environmental crisis potential, and the extent to which they attract governmental attention to firms’ environmental performance. We also examine how firm-government relations and civil society activism shape governmental attention in light of these different types of local environmental conditions. We test our hypotheses on a unique dataset of environmental penalties given to Chinese firms between 2007 and 2011. We find that compared to general environmental degradation, firms in areas with higher environmental crisis potential are more likely to draw governmental attention. In addition, the effects of env...
Thoughts on the White Paper of 1991

The White Paper Higher Education: A New Framework, (May 1992), announced a set of new policies for British universities and polytechnics without offering either argument or evidence. The policies include the end of the binary system, the creation of new higher education funding councils, and a strong emphasis on new mechanisms for quality assessment and control. The White Paper projects rapid enrolment growth, but says nothing about the resources needed for the expansion or the significance for growth of Further Education or the European Community.
The critical role of IL-12 and the IL-12Rβ2 subunit in the generation of pathogenic autoreactive Th1 cells

Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system which is an animal model for the human autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis. EAE is mediated by CD4+ T cells and the T cells responsible for disease induction produce Th1 cytokines. IL-12 produced by monocytes and dendritic cells is the most critical factor which influences the development and differentiation of pathogenic autoreactive Th1 cells. Here, we review our recent studies on the critical contributions of IL-12 and the IL-12Rβ2 subunit to the generation of autoreactive effector cells which mediate EAE. In addition, we discuss the potential contribution of IL-18 to the upregulation of the IL-12/IL-12Rβ2 pathway and the contribution of the suppressor cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10, in downregulating this pathway. Collectively, our studies demonstrate that the IL-12/IL-12Rβ2 pathway is a critical intermediary in the process of Th1 differentiation which can be both positively or negatively regulated. This pathway remains an attractive immunotherapeutic target for blockade of function with inhibitory reagents or downregulation by Th2 cytokines.
A theoretical and numerical analysis of disorder operators in the chiral models

Abstract We analyze disorder operators in the chiral models in order to better understand the behavior of 't Hooft loops in four-dimensional gauge theories. We use both theoretical and numerical approaches.
Hpr (ScoC) and the phosphorelay couple cell cycle and sporulation in Bacillus subtilis

Bacillus subtilis sporulation is a developmental process that culminates in the formation of a highly resistant and persistent endospore. Inhibiting DNA synthesis prior to the completion of the final round of DNA replication blocks sporulation at an early stage. Conditions that prevent compartmentalization of gene expression, i.e. inhibition of asymmetric septum formation or chromosome partitioning, also block sporulation at an early stage. Multiple mechanisms including a RecA-dependent, a RecA-independent, and the soj-spo0J operon have been implicated in signal transduction, connecting DNA replication and chromosome partitioning to the onset of sporulation in B. subtilis. We suggest that a single mechanism involving Hpr (ScoC) and Sda couple cell cycle signaling to sporulation initiation. We show that transcription of phosphorelay sensory chain genes is adversely affected by post-exponential perturbation of the cell cycle. DNA replication arrest by chemical treatments, such as hydroxyphenylazouracil, hydroxyurea, nalidixic acid, and through genetic means using dnaA1ts and dnaB19ts temperature-sensitive mutants caused substantial down-regulation of spo0F and kinA expression and elevated the expression of spo0A and spo0H (sigH). Despite the elevation in spo0A expression, Spo0A∼P-dependent sinI expression was substantially down-regulated indicating that in vivo Spo0A∼P levels may be diminished. Similar alterations in gene expression patterns were observed in an ftsA279ts mutant background, indicating that cytokinesis and sporulation may also be coupled by a similar mechanism. Loss of function mutation in hpr (scoC) restored sporulation in a dnaA1ts mutant, blocked the DNA replication arrest induction of spo0A expression and restored expression of spo0F, kinA and sinI. Moreover, hpr expression was up-regulated in response to DNA replication arrest. The increase in hpr expression required Sda. These results suggest a role for Hpr (ScoC) in mediating the coupling of cell cycle events to the onset of sporulation.
Magneto-transport properties of compression molded CrO2-polymer composite

We report detailed electrical and magnetotransport properties of compression molded CrO 2 -Polyimide polymer composites. The electrical transport data of the composites in the temperature range of 15-300 K were analyzed using a two-channel conductivity model based on spin dependent tunneling and multi-step hopping. The low temperature conductance is essentially dominated by spin dependent tunneling. The contribution from the multi-hopping conductivity increases with temperature increase. The presence of significant magnetoresistance in this composite is attributed partially to the opening of new conduction channels at the CrO 2 -polymer interface.
Photophysical behavior of ensembles of single semiconductor quantum dots

In this contribution we explored the impact of irradiation intensity on the fluorescence of single quantum dots and ensembles of single quantum dots over time scales much greater than the blinking of the individual quantum dots. We also investigated how blinking and photo enhancement are influenced by photo-oxidation when the intensity of the irradiating laser was increased. Analysis of the emission photographs shows the presence of large time scale individual and ensemble blinking behavior. Analysis of the data indicates that photoinduced fluorescence enhancement occurs even when the inter-dot spacing of the quantum dots precludes the formation of a Coulomb blockade. Additionally, irradiation of ensembles of CdSe/ZnS SQDs at higher source intensities lead to a more accelerated suppression of quantum dots emission via photo-oxidation than for ensembles of closely packed quantum dots.
Therapeutic approach guided by genetic alteration: use of MTOR inhibitor in renal medullary carcinoma with loss of PTEN expression

Renal Medullary Cancer (RMC) is a rare and aggressive type of renal cell cancer that presents predominantly in patients with sickle cell hemoglobinopathies, and is typically metastatic at the time of presentation. Although platinum based chemotherapeutic regimens have recently emerged as the best option for producing a clinically significant response as reported in various case series, the response is far from satisfactory, as most RMC patients still succumb to their disease within a year of diagnosis. There is currently no standard of care for treatment of this disease. We report, to our knowledge, the first case of RMC where in molecular characterization of the tumor was used to guide therapy. In our patient, molecular analysis identified a decreased expression of Ribonucleotide Reductase M1(RRM1) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). Based on these results of PTEN deficiency, we started our patient on everolimus (an MTOR inhibitor) maintenance after treating him with an induction chemotherapy regimen of Paclitaxel-Cisplatin-Gemcitabine (PCG). His tumor responded to induction therapy and he went into complete remission and remained in remission for 7 months. He is now alive about 14 months from his diagnosis and is asymptomatic with minimal disease. The rarity of RMC makes it very difficult to do any meaningful clinical trials in this group of patients. The overall prognosis for RMC remains very poor and knowledge about driver mutations may help in guiding therapy to improve survival in this select group of patients, where there is dearth of available therapies.
Concurrency in extendible hashing

Abstract Hashing has long been recognized as a fast method for accessing records by key in large relatively static databases. However, when the amount of data is likely to grow significantly, traditional hashing suffers from performance degradation and may eventually require rehashing all the records into a larger space. Recently, a number of techniques for dynamic hashing have appeared. In this paper, we present a solution to allow for concurrency in one of these dynamic hashing data structures, namely extendible hashfiles. The solution is based on locking protocols and minor modifications in the data structure.
Dynamic assessment of hexose monophosphate shunt activity in the intact rabbit lens by proton NMR spectroscopy

Summary A proton nuclear magnetic resonance technique is demonstrated for ascertaining the real-time contribution of the hexose monophosphate shunt to glucose metabolism in the intact incubated rabbit lens. This measurement requires incubation of the tissue in medium supplemented with [1- 13 C]glucose, and depends on the presence of the 13 C label in the methyl position of lactate which creates satellite resonances by way of 13 C- 1 H spin-spin scalar coupling. The assumptions required to make the measurement are presented. For lenses maintained under control conditions, a basal level corresponding to 5% hexose monophosphate shunt activity was determined. An eight-fold increase in activity was observed under conditions known to stimulate the shunt.
Politicians' Personal Lives and the Media

Stanyer, J. (2013). Intimate politics: Publicity, privacy and the personal lives of politicians in media-saturated democracies. Cambridge, England: Polity Press. 255 pp., $22.95 (Pbk). By the time ...
Terrorist Signalling and the Value of Intelligence

This article presents a model of terrorist attacks as signals where the government is uncertain as to whether it is facing a group that is politically motivated or militant. Pooling equilibriums result with two types of ex post regret: P-regret, where the government concedes to political types that would not subsequently attack; and M-regret, where the government does not concede to militant types that subsequently attack at greater levels. Avoidance of such regret defines a measure of the value of intelligence. Counter-terrorism policy can then be characterized in terms of whether a government should focus on increased intelligence versus increased security (hardening targets). The recommended use of asset freezing is also evaluated in terms of the resources required by terrorists to achieve the various equilibriums. Finally, this article supports the empirical finding of intertemporal substitution of resources by terrorists, concerned with the level of government response to their attacks.
USE OF INTRALIGAND CH COUPLING CONSTANTS TO ASSESS BINDING IN ORGANOMETALLIC COMPOUNDS. INSIGHT INTO ELECTRONIC AND STERIC PROPERTIES OF MONODENTATE P -DONOR LIGANDS

In a series of methylcobaloximes (LCo(DH)2CH3, where DH = monoanion of dimethylglyoxime), the influence of P-donor ligands (L) on 1JCH values of the Co−CH3 moiety correlated well with the pKa of L except when L was bulky (Cy3P and i-Pr3P). In contrast, no single steric parameter of those known for the trivalent P donors examined could be used to describe the variance of 1JCH. The results indicate that the dominant property of L influencing this 1JCH is electron donation. Although poor, the best correlation with a steric parameter was found with calculated cone angles (CCA) determined by experimental methods on methanol-coordinated cobaloximes. Since the single parameter fits with pKa indicated a steric effect, multiparameter regressions were performed using various combinations of electronic and steric terms. Terms reflecting only σ-donor ability (e.g., pKa) gave better correlations than terms reflecting combinations of σ-donor and π-acceptor properties (e.g., Σχ). CCA values also resulted in better multi...
Epistemological conflict: modern and non-modern frameworks for sustainability

A basic epistemological conflict is found to exist between modern and non-modern practitioners of sustainable development. These categories distinguish the ways professionals interpret or frame reality. The hypothesis developed is that this inconsistency, at least partially, explains the limited success that energy-efficiency research has realized in the prediction and control of climate change catalysed by the built environment. An analysis employs both historical and empirical methods to understand how the North American air-conditioning industry has framed, and subsequently regulated, the inseparable problems of human comfort and energy consumption. Historically, the dominant framework long-inhabited by moderns has constructed a unit-efficiency model of evaluation that is concerned with universal standardization and normal design. In the empirical analysis of the selected case, an emergent framework inhabited by non-moderns constructed a unit-efficacy model of evaluation concerned with local implementa...
Lack of catecholamine involvement in the increased luteinizing hormone release due to blockade of κ-opioid receptors in the medial basal hypothalamus during midpregnancy in the rat

Abstract Blockade of κ-opioid receptors in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) with nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) stimulates luteinizing hormone (LH) release during midpregnancy in the rat [48]. The objective of this study was to determine whether norepinephrine (NE) or dopamine (DA) mediates the LH response to blockade of MBH κ-opioid receptors on days 13–17 of pregnancy in the rat. Two experiments were conducted. In the first, push-pull perfusion in conjunction with HPLC was used to monitor in vivo NE release in the MBH occuring in response to (a) artificial CSF followed by CSF containing nor-BNI (40 μg/h), (b) desipramine (DMI, a NE reuptake blocker, 10 μM) in CSF followed by DMI, and (c) DMI followed by DMI + nor-BNI. Blood samples were taken at 12 min intervals concurrent with push-pull perfusate samples. Plasma LH levels were determined by RIA. Nor-BNI significantly increased LH release compared to CSF alone, but perfusate NE was undetectable in either perfusion period. However, perfusion with CSF containing 100 mM K + in these rats markedly increased perfusate NE levels, indicating noradrenergic nerve terminals were present at the perfusion sites in the MBH. Addition of DMI to the CSF significantly increased perfusate NE levels, but produced no changhe in LH release. Nor-BNI + DMI perfusion increased LH secretion similar to nor-BNI alone, but produced no additional increase in MBH perfusate NE levels compared to perfusion with DMI alone. In the second experiment, push-pull perfusion in the MBH with nor-BNI was done in rats pretreated either with the NE synthesis inhibitor FLA-63 (25 mg/kg, s.c.), the α-adrenergic receptor blocker phentolamine (5 mg/kg, i.v.), the DA receptor antagonist d-butaclamol (1 mg/kg, s.c.), or vehicle. None of these drug treatments affected the increased LH release occuring during MBH perfusion with nor-BNI. The present results demonstrate that neither NE nor DA mediates the increased LH release occuring in response to blockade of κ-opioid receptors in the MBH during midpregnancy in the rat.
Twenty-year surgical experience with congenital supravalvar aortic stenosis.

Background Congenital supravalvar aortic stenosis (SVAS) is an arteriopathy associated with Williams-Beuren syndrome and other elastin gene deletions. Our objectives were to review outcomes of congenital SVAS repair and to compare prosthetic patch repair techniques to all-autologous slide aortoplasty. Methods Congenital SVAS repairs from 1988 to 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Peak instantaneous gradients were estimated by Doppler interrogation. Variables were compared by either Student's t test or Fisher's exact test. Risk factors were analyzed by χ 2 test. Survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results Of 25 primary SVAS repairs, there were 10 all-autologous slide aortoplasties and 15 prosthetic patch aortoplasties. The prosthetic patch group included the Doty technique (n = 9), patch-augmented slide aortoplasty (n = 3), modified Brom technique (n = 1), interposition graft (n = 1), and two-sinus patch with transverse arch augmentation (n = 1). There was 1 early and 1 late death. Cumulative survival for all patients was 96% at 5 and 10 years. Event-free survival did not differ between groups ( p = 0.481). There were 2 late reoperations (both were prosthetic patch patients with bicuspid aortic valve: 1 with recurrent aortic valve stenosis and 1 with aortic insufficiency). Bicuspid aortic valve was the only risk factor for reoperation ( p = 0.003). Three patients weighing less than 10 kg with diffuse disease underwent attempted slide aortoplasty: 2 required patch augmentation and 1 had a recurrent gradient in less than 1 year postoperatively. Conclusions Outcomes after SVAS repair were good by any technique. No advantage to all-autologous slide aortoplasty was apparent at current follow-up. Based on our experience, slide aortoplasty is not recommended for small patients with diffuse disease.
Analogue computers for feedback control systems

FEEDBACK CONTROL DESIGN is passing into a third stage of development as the systems become more complicated, less subject to linear treatment, and more susceptible to noise problems. Before 1934, empirical methods were usually satisfactory since regulators required relatively little accuracy. Thereafter, with war requirements for accurate positioning devices, it was necessary to design servomechanisms carefully so that linear theory could be applied. But the present tendency in feedback control systems is to include the effects of saturation resulting from large-signal input, the irregularities of amplifying elements, and to utilize relay systems and nonlinear elements to obtain a better solution to the control problem. To study such systems, analogue computers are useful; this article reviews some of these systems.
A review of the dose-response induction of DNA adducts by aflatoxin B1 and its implications to quantitative cancer-risk assessment

The induction of DNA adducts by aflatoxin B1 in the liver has been extensively reviewed in a quantitative cancer-risk assessment of aflatoxins (CDHS, 1990). Rat is the most sensitive species for aflatoxin tumorigenesis and liver is the most sensitive site. In vitro DNA-adduct studies were mostly on adduct identification and specificity of binding. In vivo studies provided dose-response relationship of aflatoxin B1, binding to DNA and DNA-adduct formation. Most in vivo studies were conducted in rats. The dose-response curves of DNA-adduct induction after ingestion or injection treatments in this species were reviewed. A linear dose-response relationship was observed in both injection and ingestion studies at low doses. For cancer-risk assessment, this observation is consistent with the assumption of the linear dose-response risk-assessment model for genotoxic agents, and justifies the use of this model for quantitative cancer-risk assessment for aflatoxins.
Bypass to plantar and tarsal arteries: An acceptable approach to limb salvage

Objective This study was undertaken to evaluate our experience with distal arterial bypass to the plantar artery branches and the lateral tarsal artery for ischemic limb salvage. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of data prospectively entered into our vascular surgery database from January 1990 to January 2003 for all consecutive patients undergoing bypass grafting to the plantar artery branches or the lateral tarsal artery. Median follow-up was 9 months (range, 1-112 months). Demographic data, indications for surgery, outcomes, and patency were recorded, and statistical analysis was performed to assess significance. Results Ninety-eight bypass procedures to either the medial plantar artery, lateral plantar artery, or lateral tarsal artery were performed in 90 patients. Eighty-one patients (83%) were men. Mean age was 67.5 ± 11.6 years. Indications for operation were tissue loss in 93 patients (95%), rest pain in 3 patients (3%), and failing graft in 2 patients (2%). Eighteen patients (18%) had previously undergone vascular reconstruction, and 5 patients (5%) had undergone previous bypass to the dorsalis pedis artery. Seventy-one grafts (72%) had inflow from the popliteal artery, 25 grafts had inflow from a femoral artery or graft (26%), and 2 grafts had inflow from a tibial artery (2%). Conduits used were greater saphenous vein in 67 patients (69%), arm vein in 20 patients (20%), composite vein in 10 patients (10%), and polytetrafluoroethylene conduit in 1 patient (1%). There were 77 bypasses (79%) to plantar artery branches, and 21 bypasses (21%) to the lateral tarsal artery. Thirty-day mortality was 1% (1 of 98 procedures). Early graft failure within 30 days occurred in 11 patients (11%). In the subset of patients with a previous arterial reconstruction, there were 2 early graft failures within 30 days (11%). Both occurred in patients who had undergone previous bypass to the dorsalis pedis artery. Primary patency, secondary patency, limb salvage, and patient survival were 67%, 70%, 75%, and 91%, respectively, at 12 months, and 41%, 50%, 69%, and 63%, respectively, at 5 years, as determined from Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Greater saphenous vein grafts performed better than all other conduits, with a secondary patency rate of 82% versus 47% at 1 year ( P = .009). Conclusion Inframalleolar bypass to plantar artery branches and the lateral tarsal artery, even in patients with a previously failed revascularization, can be undertaken with acceptable patency and limb salvage rates. Early graft failure, however, is higher, whereas patency and limb salvage rates are lower, compared with bypass to the dorsalis pedis artery. The use of saphenous vein as a conduit results in the best patency for plantar or lateral tarsal bypass procedures.
Topological Strings and QCD in Two Dimensions

I present a new class of topological string theories, and discuss them in two dimensions as candidates for the string description of large-N QCD. The starting point is a new class of topological sigma models, whose path integral is localized to the moduli space of harmonic maps from the worldsheet to the target. The Lagrangian is of fourth order in worldsheet derivatives. After gauging worldsheet diffeomorphisms in this “harmonic topological sigma model,” we obtain a topological string theory dominated by minimal-area maps. The bosonic part of this “topological rigid string” Lagrangian coincides with the Lagrangian proposed by Polyakov for the QCD string in higher dimensions.
Innovative insulation techniques examined in the space power experiments aboard rockets program

Space Power Experiments Aboard Rockets (SPEAR) is an SDIO funded program managed by the Defense Nuclear Agency to produce design guidelines for future space power systems and components. SPEAR I and SPEAR II are rocket borne space experiments designed to measure the ionospheric plasma interactions with exposed highly biased conductors. Data are then examined to determine the feasibility of using the low earth orbit (LEO) environment itself as electrical insulation. Laboratory experiments, theoretical development, large scale space chamber tests, and rocket borne experiments are all integrated into efforts to fully examine numerous issues such as electrical breakdown, current drain, outgassing, voltage conditioning, and charge collection. Results of the SPEAR I project are included as well as the current research on SPEAR II with techniques to use 'space insulation'; vacuum insulation in low density plasma environments.
Frequency dependence of single-event upset in advanced commercial PowerPC microprocessors

Single-event upset (SEU) from heavy ions is measured for advanced commercial microprocessors in a dynamic mode with clock frequencies up to 1 GHz. Frequency and core voltage dependence of SEUs in registers and D-Cache are discussed. The results of our studies suggest the SEU in registers and D-Cache tend to increase with frequency. This might have important implications for the overall SEU trend as technology moves toward higher frequencies.
Clinical presentation and outcome of perioperative myocardial infarction in the very elderly following hip fracture surgery

BACKGROUND: Patterns of clinical symptoms and outcomes of perioperative myocardial infarction (PMI) in elderly patients after hip fracture repair surgery are not well defined. METHODS: A retrospective 1:2 case-control study in a cohort of 1212 elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery from 1988 to 2002 in Olmsted County, Minnesota. RESULTS: The mean age was 85.3 ± 7.4 years; 76% female. PMI occurred in 167 (13.8%) patients within 7 days, of which 153 (92%) occurred in first 48 hours; 75% of patients were asymptomatic. Among patients with PMI, in-hospital mortality was 14.4%, 30-day mortality was 29 (17.4%), and 1-year mortality was 66 (39.5%). PMI was associated with a higher inpatient mortality rate (odds ratio [OR], 15.1; confidence interval [CI], 4.6–48.8), 30-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 4.3; CI, 2.1–8.9), and 1-year mortality (HR, 1.9; CI, 1.4–2.7). CONCLUSION: Elderly patients, after hip fracture surgery, have a higher incidence of PMI and mortality than what guidelines indicate. The majority of elderly patients with PMI did not experience ischemic symptoms and required cardiac biomarkers for diagnosis. The results of our study support the measurement of troponin in postoperative elderly patients for the diagnosis of PMI, in order to implement in-hospital preventive strategies to reduce PMI-associated mortality. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
PATIENT AND PHYSICIAN-ASSESSED SHOULDER FUNCTION AFTER ARTHROPLASTY

Background: We found no information in the literature regarding the relationship between patient and physician-derived outcome assessments with a shoulder questionnaire. In this study, we examined a group of patients who were assessed with patient and physician-administered questionnaires following shoulder arthroplasty. Methods: From August 2003 to February 2004, sixty-seven consecutive patients who had been followed for a minimum of six months after shoulder arthroplasty were evaluated with a self-administered and an identical physician-directed shoulder questionnaire that assessed clinical and functional outcomes at the time of routine follow-up. An assessment of the agreement between physicians and patients as well as the factors that affected agreement was performed. Results: The intraclass correlation indicated almost perfect physician-patient agreement (>0.80) on items related to overall pain, pain at night, pain with activity, stability, and active elevation and substantial agreement (intraclass correlation, 0.66 and 0.69) between the physician and patient assessments of pain without activity and strength. While the differences were small, on the average physician ratings for pain were lower (indicating less pain) than patient ratings for pain, physicians rated stability and strength as being closer to normal, and they reported less active elevation. There was substantial agreement between the physician and patient assessments of outcome with the modified Neer system (intraclass correlation = 0.75), with 87% agreement if excellent and satisfactory outcomes were combined. Conclusions: A patient-derived questionnaire can provide a high level of agreement with surgeon assessments of outcome following shoulder surgery. Patient-administered methods should continue to be evaluated as a means of assessment of these patients.
Negative ion yield and sputter yield variations for Cs+ bombardment of Si with O2 gas flooding

We have investigated whether negative secondary ion yields from Cs + sputtered silicon might be improved by simultaneous O 2 gas flooding, which lowers the sputter yield of the silicon, and thus, might increase the cesium content at the surface. The composition at the sputtered surface is derived from quantitative measurements of the ratios of O/Si and Cs/Si in the total emitted flux using the recently developed oxygen 18 method [1] and sputter yield measurements, respectively (with X Si + X Cs + X o = 1). The silicon sputter yield, Y, is lowered by adsorbed oxygen by as much as a factor of 2.7 and is found to scale almost linearly with the silicon atom fraction X Si at the surface, resulting in the cesium atom fraction X Cs at the surface remaining nearly constant during oxygen flooding. We find that oxidation of the cesiated silicon surface influences differently the useful ion yields (ions detected/atom sputtered) of various elements. The yields of B - and Cs - are enhanced by factors of 3 and 34, respectively, the yield of O - remains roughly constant, and yields of other elements (As - , Cl - , P - , Sb - , Si - ) are lowered by a factor of 2 or 3.
Interactions between self-assembled polyelectrolyte shells and tumor cells

Layer-by-layer self-assembled polyelectrolyte shells are a new class of micro/nanocapsules with unique physicochemical properties for potential applications in drug/gene delivery. The objective of this study was to investigate the interactions of polyelectrolyte shells ( approximately 1 mum in diameter) with MCF-7 breast cancer cells and identify key parameters that affect such interactions. Tailoring of surface properties of polyelectrolyte shells was achieved by choosing different outermost layer materials, including cationic polymers, anionic polymers, and lipid bilayers. Different surface compositions led to a wide range of electrostatic potentials from -46 to +47 mV in phophate-buffered saline buffer. Confocal microscopy studies showed that the polyelectrolyte shells were internalized into the cell cytoplasm, but not into the nuclei. Correlation of cell uptake with shell surface compositions was complicated by the adsorption of serum proteins on the surface of polyelectrolyte shells, particularly polycation-coated shells. To prevent protein adsorption, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafted poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) copolymers (1:1, 1:5, 1:10 graft ratios) were synthesized and introduced on the shell surface. Shells coated with PEI-PEG copolymers effectively reduced protein adsorption whereas PEI-PEG copolymers with lower graft ratios achieved higher cell uptake efficiency after 24 h of incubation with MCF-7 cells.
Fast, accurate, on-wafer extraction of parasitic resistances and inductances in GaAs MESFETs and HEMTs

A novel method of extracting the parasitic resistance and inductance values for MESFETs, and high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) is presented. The technique requires the use of only RF two-port measurement data, is extremely accurate, straightforward to implement and works equally well for both MESFETs and HEMTs. The technique makes use of cold-chip measurements in conjunction with a unique analysis that has proved to be both fast and robust. The method does not require that channel resistance or diode resistance be evaluated or that excessive values of gate current be used in the measurements. >
Measurement of physiological stress

In this tutorial paper, the methods presently used for measuring the degree of stress and relaxation in human physiology are discussed. Measurements include heart rate variability, respiration, blood levels of substance such as cortisol and catecholamine levels, EEG effects and the change in peripheral blood flow. Examples of methods presently used in the author's laboratory are described.
EFFECT OF SPICES AND SALT ON FERMENTATION OF LEBANON BOLOGNA‐TYPE SAUSAGE

Spices and different concentrations of NaCl added to sausage mixtures are shown to affect the course of fermentation during manufacture of Lebanon bologna. A mixture of nine spices used in Lebanon bologna formulation enhanced fermentation of these sausages. Sterile or non-sterile spices enhanced fermentation to the same extent. Similar stimulatory effects of spice were observed when sausages were prepared by natural flora fermentation or by addition of starter culture (a mixture of Pediococcus cerevisiae and Lactobacillus plantarum). Increasing concentrations of NaCl from 1 to 7% resulted in an inhibition of fermentation with an attendant decrease in lactic acid production. Use of less than 2% NaCl resulted in poor texture in the sausage. Sausages containing 7% NaCl showed very little fermentation in the absence of spices and showed enhanced fermentation when spices were added. From the standpoint of fermentation, texture, color and palatability, sausages containing 2 and 3% NaCl were the best. Generally, formation of cured meat pigment, using either nitrite or nitrate, and texture of the sausages were related to the degree of fermentation attained during processing.
A Rare Case of Central Nervous System Tuberculosis

Intracranial abscess is an extremely rare form of central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis (TB). We describe a case of central nervous system tuberculous abscess in absence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. A 82-year-old Middle Eastern male from Yemen was initially brought to the emergency room due to altered mental status and acute renal failure. Cross-sectional imaging revealed multiple ring enhancing lesions located in the left cerebellum and in bilateral frontal lobe as well as in the inferior parietal lobe on the left. The patient was placed on an empiric antibiotic regimen. Preliminary testing for infectious causes was negative. Chest radiography and CT of chest showed no positive findings. He was not on any immunosuppressive medications and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test was negative. A subsequent MRI one month later showed profound worsening of the lesions with increasing vasogenic edema and newly found mass effect impinging on the fourth ventricle. Brain biopsy showed focal exudative cerebellitis and inflamed granulation tissue consistent with formation of abscesses. The diagnosis of CNS TB was finally confirmed by positive acid-fast bacilli (AFB) cultures. The patient was started on standard tuberculosis therapy but expired due to renal failure and cardiac arrest.
DGS based SIR filters for wireless communication on anisotropic substrate

Low pass (LP) and band pass (BP) filters using stepped impedance resonator (SIR) utilizing band-reject behavior of defected ground structure (DGS) for wireless applications are proposed. These new configurations of DGS filters are fabricated on both isotropic and anisotropic substrates. Improvement in cut-off characteristics for both LP filter and BP filter, and fractional bandwidth improvement of BP filter using anisotropic substrate over isotropic substrate are reported. A size reduction of up to 67.7% using the DGS configuration over the conventional three-pole SIR- BPF is achieved.
Structure of the inhibitory region of troponin by site directed spin labeling electron paramagnetic resonance

Site-directed spin labeling EPR (SDSL-EPR) was used to determine the structure of the inhibitory region of TnI in the intact cardiac troponin ternary complex. Maeda and collaborators have modeled the inhibitory region of TnI (skeletal 96-112: the structural motif that communicates the Ca(2+) signal to actin) as a kinked alpha-helix [Vassylyev, D., Takeda, S., Wakatsuki, S., Maeda, K. & Maeda, Y. (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95, 4847-4852), whereas Trewhella and collaborators have proposed the same region to be a flexible beta-hairpin [Tung, C. S., Wall, M. E., Gallagher, S. C. & Trewhella, J. (2000) Protein Sci. 9, 1312-1326]. To distinguish between the two models, residues 129-145 of cardiac TnI were mutated sequentially to cysteines and labeled with the extrinsic spin probe, MTSSL. Sequence-dependent solvent accessibility was measured as a change in power saturation of the spin probe in the presence of the relaxation agent. In the ternary complex, the 129-137 region followed a pattern characteristic of a regular 3.6 residues/turn alpha-helix. The following region, residues 138-145, showed no regular pattern in solvent accessibility. Measurements of 4 intradomain distances within the inhibitory sequence, using dipolar EPR, were consistent with an alpha-helical structure. The difference in side-chain mobility between the ternary (C.I.T) and binary (C.I) complexes revealed a region of interaction of TnT located at the N-terminal end of the inhibitory sequence, residues 130-135. The above findings for the troponin complex in solution do not support either of the computational models of the binary complex; however, they are in very good agreement with a preliminary report of the x-ray structure of the cardiac ternary complex [Takeda, S. Yamashita, A., Maeda, K. & Maeda, Y. (2002) Biophys. J. 82, 832].
Experiments on the Weis-Fogh mechanism of lift generation by insects in hovering flight. Part 1. Dynamics of the ‘fling’

From a series of experiments using simplified mechanical models we suggest certain minor modifications to the Weis-Fogh (1973)–Lighthill (1973) explanation of the so-called ‘clap and fling’ mechanism for the generation of large lift coefficients by insects in hovering flight. Of particular importance is the production and motion of a leading edge, separation vortex that accounts for virtually all of the circulation generated during the initial phase of the ‘fling’ process. The magnitude of this circulation is substantially larger than that calculated using inviscid theory. During the motion that subsequently separates the wings, the vorticity over each of them is convected and combined to become a tip vortex of uniform circulation spanning the space between them. This combined vortex moves downwards as a part of a ring, of large impulse, that is then continuously fed from quasi-steady separation bubbles that move with the wings as they continue to open at a large angle of attack. Such effects are able to account for the large lift forces generated by the insect.
Overcoming carbon nanotube variations through co-optimized technology and circuit design

CNT variations substantially degrade CNFET benefits. Our framework for joint exploration and optimization of CNT processing and CNFET circuit design is required to overcome this significant challenge. We present multiple CNT processing routes, which optimize multiple processing parameters together with design techniques, to achieve highly energy-efficient CNFET circuits with minimal impact of variations. Such multiple routes are essential for a successful CNFET technology to avoid potential obstacles. Our framework can be adapted for advanced nodes with proper device models, and also for a wide variety of processing techniques (e.g., CNT sorting [16]).
The Oregon Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment Registry: A Preliminary Study of Emergency Medical Services Utilization

Abstract Background The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form translates patient treatment preferences into medical orders. The Oregon POLST Registry provides emergency personnel 24-h access to POLST forms. Objective To determine if Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) can use the Oregon POLST Registry to honor patient preferences. Methods Two telephone surveys were developed: one for the EMT who made a call to the Registry and one for the patient or the surrogate. The EMT survey was designed to determine if the POLST form accessed through the Registry changed the care of the patient. The patient/surrogate survey was designed to determine if the care provided matched the preferences on the POLST. When feasible, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) record was reviewed to determine whether or not treatment was provided. Results During the study period there were 34 EMS calls with matches to patients' POLST forms, and 23 interviews were completed with EMS callers, for a response rate of 68%. In seven cases (30%) the patient was in cardiopulmonary arrest; one patient had a respiratory arrest with a pulse. Eight respondents (35%) reported that the patient was conscious and apparently able to make decisions about preferences. For 10 cases (44%) the POLST orders changed treatment, and in six instances (26%) they affected the decision to transport the patient. For the 10/11 patients or surrogates interviewed, the care reportedly matched their wishes. Conclusion This small study suggests that an electronic registry of POLST forms can be used by EMTs to enhance their ability to locate and honor patient preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments.
Binge Drinking and Vascular Function: A Sober Look at the Data∗

Grain alcohol is a simple molecule (ethanol) but a complex drug [(1)][1]. Alcohol has divergent cardiovascular effects depending on the amount consumed. In moderation, alcohol is associated with reduced risk for coronary heart disease, most likely because it increases high-density lipoprotein
Interaction Induced Spectral Properties of Small Molecule Dense Fluids by Raman Scattering

Various aspects of interaction induced, i.e. ii, processes have been observed for many years. We have been involved in spontaneous Raman probes of ii systems for a decade and a half. In this discussion, we choose to use ii notation as opposed to ci (collision induced) notation as no one truly knows what a “collision” means in dense fluids. We will see that defining an ii process may also be somewhat tricky, at least in some cases.
Treatment of congenital telangiectatic vascular malformations with the pulsed-dye laser (585 nm).

The two most common vascular abnormalities of childhood are port-wine stains and hemangiomas. Port-wine stains are congenital capillary malformations, whereas hemangiomas are benign tumors of vascular endothelium. The natural history of each of these lesions is distinct. Port-wine stains begin as discrete pink/red macules and grow proportionately with the child. As they mature they darken, and vascular ectasia and blebbing, as well as soft tissue and bony overgrowth of the affected area, can develop. Hemangiomas undergo a very predictable natural history, progressing through a rapid growth phase out of proportion to the child9s growth, followed by a regressive phase and eventual involution in 90% of cases.
Abstract 137: Endovascular Intervention versus Standard Medical Therapy for Patients Presenting with Large Acute Ischemic Strokes - A Large Single Center Experience

Objective. Endovascular interventions for acute ischemic stroke have been widely adopted on the basis of single-arm registries that reported high recanalization rates with limited complications. We...
John Freeman's Working Paper Responding to the Advisory Fee Analysis in AEI Working Paper #127, June 2006, 'Competition and Shareholder Fees in the Mutual Fund Industry: Evidence and Implications for Policy' by John C. Coates, IV, and R. Glenn Hubbard

Professors John C. Coates, IV, and R. Glenn Hubbard have prepared a study entitled, Competition and Shareholder Fees in the Mutual Fund Industry: Evidence and Implications for Policy. I will refer to it henceforth as "Coates-Hubbard." The working paper was published in June of 2006 under the auspices of the American Enterprise Institute. Coates-Hubbard joins with the Investment Company Institute in claiming that fees for mutual fund advisory services are not excessive and that findings to the contrary are based on faulty scholarship. In truth, as is explained below, it is the Coates-Hubbard scholarship that is defective, featuring conclusions that are unsupported and unsupportable.
Grain growth in U-7Mo alloy: A combined first-principles and phase field study

Abstract Grain size is an important factor in controlling the swelling behavior in irradiated U–Mo dispersion fuels. Increasing the grain size in U–Mo fuel particles by heat treatment is believed to delay the fuel swelling at high fission density. In this work, a multiscale simulation approach combining first-principles calculation and phase field modeling is used to investigate the grain growth behavior in U–7Mo alloy. The density functional theory based first-principles calculations were used to predict the material properties of U–7Mo alloy. The obtained grain boundary energies were then adopted as an input parameter for mesoscale phase field simulations. The effects of annealing temperature, annealing time and initial grain structures of fuel particles on the grain growth in U–7Mo alloy were examined. The predicted grain growth rate compares well with the empirical correlation derived from experiments.