cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction and 30-Day Readmission.

OBJECTIVE Several studies identify heart failure (HF) as a potential risk for hospital readmission; however, studies on predictability of heart failure readmission is limited. The objective of this work was to investigate whether a specific type of heart failure (HFpEF or HFrEF) has a higher association to the rate of 30-day hospital readmission and compare their predictability with the two risk scores: HOSPITAL score and LACE index. DESIGN Retrospective study from single academic center. METHODS Sample size included adult patients from an academic hospital in a two-year period (2015 - 2017). Exclusion criteria included death, transfer to another hospital, and unadvised leave from hospital. Baseline characteristics, diagnosis-related group, and ICD diagnosis codes were obtained. Variables affecting HOSPITAL score and LACE index and types of heart failure present were also extracted. Qualitative variables were compared using Pearson chi2 or Fisher's exact test (reported as frequency) and quantitative variables using non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test (reported as mean ± standard deviation). Variables from univariate analysis with P values of 0.05 or less were further analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Odds ratio was used to measure potential risk. RESULTS The sample size of adult patients in the study period was 1,916. All eligible cohort of patients who were readmitted were analyzed. Cumulative score indicators of HOSPITAL Score, LACE index (including the Charlson Comorbidity Index) predicted 30-day readmissions with P values of <0.001. The P value of HFpEF was found to be significant in the readmitted group (P < 0.001) compared to HFrEF (P = 0.141). Multivariate logistic regression further demonstrated the association of HFpEF with higher risk of readmission with odds ratio of 1.77 (95% CI: 1.25 - 2.50) and P value of 0.001. CONCLUSIONS Our data from an academic tertiary care center supports HFpEF as an independent risk factor for readmission. Multidisciplinary management of HFpEF may be an important target for interventions to reduce hospital readmissions.
A Rotated and Laterally Displaced Patellar Dislocation.

Abstract Background Patellar dislocations are a common orthopedic emergency with several variants. The rarer variants include rotational dislocations. These often require open reduction in the operating room. Case Report We report on a case of a combined rotational and lateral patellar dislocation in a young female. We suspected and made the diagnosis of a rotational dislocation after initial unsuccessful attempts at reduction under sedation. With the assistance of our orthopedic colleagues, we were able to perform a reduction of this patient's patella under sedation in the emergency department. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Awareness of uncommon patellar dislocations is an important area of knowledge for the emergency physician. A thorough understanding of indications and contraindications to closed reduction is important for efficient and safe management and disposition. Collaboration with orthopedic surgery colleagues is another important step in the evaluation of these patients.
Predictors and consequences of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during open thyroidectomy: An American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database analysis.

Abstract Background Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is a serious complication of thyroidectomy. The purpose of this study is to determine the predictors and consequences of RLN injury during thyroidectomy. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted using the ACS-NSQIP 2016–2017 main and thyroidectomy targeted procedure databases. Data was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression resulting in risk-adjusted odds ratios of RLN injury and morbidity/mortality. Results Age ≥65, black race, neoplastic indication, total or subtotal thyroidectomy, concurrent neck surgery, operation time > median, hypoalbuminemia, and anemia were associated with RLN injury. Use of intraoperative nerve monitoring was associated with decreased RLN injuries. RLN injury is a risk factor for overall morbidity, hypocalcemia, hematoma, pulmonary morbidity, readmission, reoperation, and length of stay > median. Conclusion Several predictors of RLN injury during thyroidectomy are identified, while use of intraoperative nerve monitoring was associated with a decreased risk of RLN injury. RLN injury is associated increased postoperative complications.
Abstract P082: Elevated Circulating Endothelial-Derived Microvesicles Are Associated With Obesity-Related Endothelial Dysfunction

Background: Obesity reduces the number of years lived free of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and increases the number of years lived with CVD, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality risk a...
Methylmercury Production and Degradation under Light and Dark Conditions in the Water Column of the Hells Canyon Reservoirs, USA.

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a highly toxic form of mercury that can bioaccumulate in fish tissue. Methylmercury is produced by anaerobic bacteria, many of which are also capable of MeHg degradation. In addition, demethylation in surface waters can occur via abiotic sunlight-mediated processes. The goal of the present study was to understand the relative importance of microbial Hg methylation/demethylation and abiotic photodemethylation that govern the mass of MeHg within an aquatic system. The study location was the Hells Canyon complex of 3 reservoirs on the Idaho-Oregon border, USA, that has fish consumption advisories as a result of elevated MeHg concentrations. Our study utilized stable isotope addition experiments to trace MeHg formation and degradation within the water column of the reservoirs to understand the relative importance of these processes on the mass of MeHg using the Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program. The results showed that rates of MeHg production and degradation within the water column were relatively low ( 0.5 m below the surface. These results can be used to identify the relative importance of MeHg processes that can help guide reservoir management decisions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1829-1839. © 2021 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
How data-driven, privately ordered sustainability governance shapes US food supply chains: The case of field to market

Abstract Multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) establish metrics and collect farm-level data to measure sustainability in the food system. Rooted in the private sector, MSIs advance goals that were once the responsibility of the state. To make sense of this trend, we distinguish three ideal types of accountability systems in the United States agrifood system: community-based, state-led, and private-ordering systems. We explore the implications of data-driven private-ordering for the distribution of power and accountability along a food supply chain by analyzing Field to Market, a prominent US-based MSI. A central feature of Field to Market are metrics that commodity producers can use to assess their performance and which provide data for food manufacturers and retailers to support sustainability claims. Compared to state-led environmental sustainability efforts from the 1940s until the 1980s, which depended on farmers voluntarily adhering to regulations, metrics rely upon the generation and circulation of data that create a nascent, privately ordered bureaucracy. This change in governance has purported and undeclared consequences for food supply chains. Field to Market's metrics promise continuous improvements in agricultural sustainability and accountability in the food system, but they also help food manufacturers and retailers coordinate their supply chains, facilitate the commodification of farm management data, and reframe the meaning of sustainability.
2,3-Diphenyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-1,3-thiaza-4-one heterocycles inhibit growth and block completion of cytokinesis in kinetoplastid parasites.

Abstract Kinetoplastid parasites are model eukaryotes with a complex cell cycle that is highly regulated both spatially and temporally. In addition, diseases caused by these parasites continue to have a significant impact on human and animal health worldwide. While there have been advancements in chemotherapy for these diseases, there is a continual need for an arsenal of compounds that have robust anti-parasite activity with minimal impact on the human host. While investigating a series of 2,3-diphenyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-1,3-thiaza-4-one heterocycles with potential activity against these parasites, we found a pyridothiazinone that inhibits growth of the monoxenous parasite Crithidia fasciculata and two life cycle stages of Trypanosoma brucei. This inhibition is more pronounced in T. brucei and is associated with an unusual pre-abscission cell cycle arrest. Exploring the mode of action for these and related compounds in kinetoplastids may provide tools with which to explore cell cycle regulation in these important organisms.
Separate-Effects Tests for Studying Temperature-Gradient-Driven Cracking in UO2 Pellets

A variety of normal operation and accident scenarios can generate thermal stresses large enough to cause cracking in ceramic fuel pellets. Cracking in fuel pellets can lead to reduced heat removal,...
Did FinTech Lenders Facilitate PPP Fraud

In the distribution of the Paycheck Protection Program’s (PPP) $803 billion in funds, FinTech lenders began minimally but ramped up their market share to over 80% of originated loans by the end of the program. We examine metrics related to potential misreporting including non-registered businesses, multiple businesses at residential addresses, abnormally high implied compensation per employee, and large inconsistencies in jobs reported with another government program. We assess these four metrics with five additional measures and extensive supporting analysis. FinTech loans exhibit sharp and discontinuous increases in misreporting at maximum loan thresholds and round loan amounts. FinTech loans are more than 3.5 times as likely to be initiated by someone with a criminal background, strongly cluster in industry-county pairs to a degree that is infeasible based on U.S. Census data on establishment counts, and frequently exhibit similar loan features within lender-county pairs. Certain FinTech lenders seem to specialize in questionable loans with more than 40% of their loans experiencing at least one misreporting indicator. Few of these loans have been prosecuted by authorities or repaid. FinTech lenders with the highest misreporting in the first two rounds of the program in 2020 increase both their market share and their misreporting substantially in the third round in 2021. While FinTech lenders likely expand PPP access, this may come at the cost of facilitating fraudulent credit.
Keratosis Pilaris Atrophicans

Keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei (KPAF), also commonly known as ulerythema ophryogenes, is a rare disorder characterized by erythematous small keratotic papules that resolve with atrophy and resultant focal alopecia. This uncommon condition always involves the face, especially the eyebrows. Similarities exist, both genetically and clinically, to other scarring alopecias with follicular hyperkeratosis including atrophoderma vermiculatum and keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans. Some have characterized these clinical entities under a single term known as keratosis pilaris atrophicans [1]. Currently treatment options produce generally unimpressive clinical outcomes.
Finite Graph Algorithms

This chapter introduces a variety of classical finite graph algorithms, such as are taught in upper level computer science classes, together with an analysis of their complexity. It starts with the formal definition and classification of graphs. Then it discussed implementation details and a C++ graph class example. Breadth-first and depth-first traversals are discussed and an application to counting the connected components of a graph is provided. Then Dijkstra’s algorithm is introduced, followed by Kruskal’s and Prim’s. The problems of topological sorting and maximum flow are discussed. Finally, special tours such as Hamiltonian are discussed, as well as their feasibility.
The Political and Legal Causes of Regulatory Delay in the United States: Four Case Studies of Air Pollution Permitting in the U.S. and Germany

We compare the process to obtain air pollution emission permits for automobile assembly plants in the U.S. and Germany. The project consists of four case studies in which comparisons are made with respect to the costs of obtaining air pollution permits for assembly plant "paint shops"--the part of the factory where new cars and trucks are painted. The plants are owned by the same company, use nearly identical paint application technologies and paints, and use virtually the same air pollution control technologies. Moreover, both countries are federalist in structure, with the national government setting general standards, and the states issuing and enforcing individual permits. These similarities allow us to compare the permitting processes in U.S. and Germany, and to isolate the salient political and legal differences and economic consequences. In both the United States and Germany, state air pollution agencies implement federal standards that effectively require the assembly plants to install similar pollution abatement technologies to control emissions resulting from increases in production or changes in paint composition. Nevertheless, the two countries' regulatory processes are rather different. Air pollution control laws, regulations, and plant-level permits in the U.S. are somewhat more stringent, detailed, and prescriptive than in Germany. Moreover, U.S. law provides substantially greater opportunity for public participation in agency permitting decisions, and at one U.S. plant, public participation significantly affected the regulatory outcome. For these and other reasons, the permitting processes at the U.S. plants were much slower and more conflictual than at the German plants, resulting in much longer delays in making production changes and installing new pollution controls.
False positive cervical cytology: An important reason for colposcopy

Over an 18 month period, 352 patients with a report of abnormal cervical cytology ranging from mild dysplasia to invasive carcinoma were evaluated with colposcopy and, if indicated, directed biopsies. From the group, there were 26 women in which a lesion consistent with the cytologic diagnosis was not found in each of these cases, an error in the interpretation of the Papanicolaou smear, resulting in a false positive report, was suspected. The cytology was reviewed and the results were compared to the original reports. Twelve cases were reinterpreted as negative for cervical neoplasia. A similar review of the histology failed to reveal a previously missed lesion. Cervical conization in four patients and repeat cytology and colposcopy in 22 patients confirmed the false positive interpretations of the original cervical cytology. The importance of colposcopy as a means of recognizing false positive cytology and avoiding an unnecessary cervical conization is emphasized.
Volume measures for linkage disequilibrium

Background Defining measures of linkage disequilibrium (LD) that have good small sample properties and are applicable to multiallelic markers poses some challenges. The potential of volume measures in this context has been noted before, but their use has been hampered by computational challenges.
Potential Functional and Dysfunctional Effects of Continuous Monitoring (Retracted)

ABSTRACT: The trend toward continuous monitoring of automated business transactions by the internal audit function is growing as organizations seek to improve internal control. In this study, we demonstrate that continuous monitoring and the time horizon over which performance-contingent incentives are based can interact, thereby yielding potential functional and dysfunctional effects on managerial decisions. Seventy-two experienced corporate managers completed a between-participants experiment that randomized monitoring frequency (periodic or continuous) and incentive horizon (short-term or long-term). We found that earnings management of real activities significantly decreased as the frequency of monitoring increased in the presence of a short-term incentive horizon—a functional effect. However, with a long-term incentive horizon, the participants’ willingness to change the current level of investment in a risky but viable project significantly dropped as the frequency of monitoring increased, even thou...
Equal But Not Always Fair: Value-laden Sharing in Preschool-aged Children

Prior work has shown that preschoolers divide resources fairly and expect others to do the same. The majority of research, however, has focused on how children make distributions with respect to number. Here we explore whether preschoolers attend to the value of the objects being shared. We presented four-year-olds and five-year-olds with two puppets and four stickers of different values to split between them. Our central question was whether children would share more valuable stickers with their preferred puppets. In Experiments 1–2, value was induced by making one sticker rarer than the others. In Experiments 3–4, value was measured subjectively (by asking the child which sticker s/he personally preferred). Across all experiments, children made fair numerical splits, but showed favoritism according to value. This work supports the hypothesis that young children coordinate number and value to show both fairness and favoritism when making resource distributions.
Colonialism and Agrarian Transformation in Bolivia: Cochamba, 1550–1900

Colonialism and Agrarian Transformation in Bolivia: Cochamba, 1550-1900. Brooke Larson Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1988. 375 pp. $72.50 (cloth), $26.95 (paper). ISBN 0-691-07738-X, ISBN 0-691-10241-4.
Quantitation and comparison of phenobarbital levels in the plasma, saliva, and cerebrospinal fluid of the rat, and the demonstration of an alteration of drug passage by ethanol.

Abstract In this study, the ability and extent of three biological fluids — plasma, saliva, and cerebrospinal fluid — to compartmentalize intravenously administered phenobarbital was examined and correlated. The three fluid compartments show markedly different levels of phenobarbital, though this probably does not reflect qualitative differences in the barriers that separate them, but rather in the nature of the compartments themselves. In addition to the quantitation and correlation of drug levels in the various compartments, intravenous administration of 400 mg/kg ethanol following the intravenous administration of 20 mg/kg phenobarbital was shown to alter the passage of phenobarbital into the different fluid compartments, causing a significant increase in the phenobarbital level of cerebrospinal fluid as compared to controls receiving no ethanol. Though the effect seen in the cerebrospinal fluid is significant, while the effect in saliva is not (though the trend was present), it is felt that the action of ethanol to alter drug passage is a non-specific effect on the vasculature. This finding of altered drug passage may help explain the observed synergistic interaction of ethanol and various sedative drugs.
Trust in Distributed Teams: Support through Continuous Coordination

In this article we report on our investigation of trust in distributed development teams and the role that software tools can play in supporting teams. Our investigation shows that the continuous coordination paradigm tools Palantir, Ariadne, World View, and Workspace Activity Viewer help distributed teams develop trust by sharing information across boundaries through visualizations and in other ways. Our analysis provides insights into the role existing tools can play in developing trust and how future tools can promote trust.
Measurement of the An isotropic Refractive Indices of Polybenzylglutamate Liquid Crystals. Molecular Factors and Dispersion

Abstract The ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices have been measured for lyotropic liquid crystal solutions of poly-γ-benzyl-L-glutamate. The onset of the liquid crystal formation is noted as an abrupt jump in the sample birefringence in the biphasic region. The concentration dependence is otherwise unremarkable. The polymer is found to add a small, anisotropic increment to the refractivity of the supporting solvent. Both n o and n e can thus be measured in an ordinary Abbe refractometer for the low refractive solvents common to these liquid crystal solutions. The optical birefringence does not depend significantly on polymer molecular weight. Data is also included for the wavelength dependence (dispersion) of n o, n e, and Δn.
The effect of antimicrobial agents on leukocyte chemotaxis.

The effects of several chemotherapeutic agents on the chemotaxis of human leukocytes were studied in an in vitro system using a Sykes-Moore chamber and a double-filter technique. Chemotactic factor was generated by the interaction of normal human serum and zymosan. At concentrations comparable to and below therapeutic blood levels, tetracycline HCI, erythromycin base and clindamycin HCI were all inhibitory, causing marked suppression of leukocyte chemotaxis and slight reduction of random migration. Penicillin G-Na, dapsone, and sulfapyridine did not alter white cell motility at the concentrations of drug tested. It is postulated that the capacity of some of these agents to inhibit leukocyte chemotaxis may account, in part, for their efficacy in inflammatory skin diseases such as acne vulgaris.
Interleukin-12, interleukin-23, and psoriasis: Current prospects

The clinical phenotype of psoriasis results from infiltration of T cells in the skin and elaboration of inflammatory cytokines. Interleukin (IL)-12 and, more recently, IL-23 have been implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriatic lesions. New therapies, including a monoclonal antibody against a subunit shared by IL-12 and IL-23, have been developed to treat psoriasis. Our purpose was to review the literature on IL-12 and IL-23 as a basis for understanding the use of anti-IL-12/IL-23 therapy for psoriasis. A review of English-language articles was performed using PubMed to identify articles pertaining to IL-12, IL-23, and psoriasis. IL-12 and IL-23 share a common subunit (p40) and have a distinct subunit (p35 and p19, respectively). Transgenic mice that overexpress IL-12 p40 develop inflammatory skin lesions. Both IL-12 knockout mice, which are deficient in IL-12, and human beings with a genetic IL-12 deficiency show increased susceptibility to intracellular pathogens and defective delayed-type hypersensitivity responses. These genetic deficiency states suggest the potential for adverse side effects from clinical administration of anti IL-12 p40 therapy. IL-12 p40 antibody was well tolerated in a phase I clinical trial with few adverse events and substantial improvements in psoriasis in most individuals. There was dose-dependent efficacy and substantial improvement in a larger cohort of patients in a phase II clinical trial. Larger and longer trials of anti IL-12/IL-23 therapies are needed to assess their clinical use and potential for infection and other adverse events.
A new measure of the direction and timing of information flow between markets

Abstract This paper examines the direction and timing of the flow of information between CBOE call options and the underlying NYSE stocks using a new methodology that avoids potential biases that can be introduced by using fixed-length time intervals. For the stocks in the sample, stock quotes tend to lead option quotes, but the length of the lead, ranging from a few seconds to six minutes, is shorter than previously thought. Options also occasionally lead stocks, but there is no evidence that the option lead exceeds three minutes.
Hippocampal neuron number is unchanged 1 year after fractionated whole-brain irradiation at middle age.

Purpose To determine whether hippocampal neurons are lost 12 months after middle-aged rats received a fractionated course of whole-brain irradiation (WBI) that is expected to be biologically equivalent to the regimens used clinically in the treatment of brain tumors. Methods and Materials Twelve-month-old Fischer 344 X Brown Norway male rats were divided into WBI and control (CON) groups (n = 6 per group). Anesthetized WBI rats received 45 Gy of 137Cs γ rays delivered as 9 5-Gy fractions twice per week for 4.5 weeks. Control rats were anesthetized but not irradiated. Twelve months after WBI completion, all rats were anesthetized and perfused with paraformaldehyde, and hippocampal sections were immunostained with the neuron-specific antibody NeuN. Using unbiased stereology, total neuron number and the volume of the neuronal and neuropil layers were determined in the dentate gyrus, CA3, and CA1 subregions of hippocampus. Results No differences in tissue integrity or neuron distribution were observed between the WBI and CON groups. Moreover, quantitative analysis demonstrated that neither total neuron number nor the volume of neuronal or neuropil layers differed between the two groups for any subregion. Conclusions Impairment on a hippocampal-dependent learning and memory test occurs 1 year after fractionated WBI at middle age. The same WBI regimen, however, does not lead to a loss of neurons or a reduction in the volume of hippocampus.
Locating and quantifying PCB sources in Chicago: receptor modeling and field sampling.

Potential source contribution function (PSCF) modeling using polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations measured in the Chicago area resolved three PCB source sectors. They were (i) the directio...
Dental arch shape and tooth wear variability.

The rapid rate of tooth wear frequently reported among certain contemporary aboriginal populations has often been attributed to dietary form and abrasives. Several investigators have reported a close correlation between food bulk and the wear planes formed over the dental arches, i.e., steep oblique wear vs. flat horizontal planes. In this investigation we demonstrate that arch shape is an additional and a significant factor influencing the distribution of wear facets and exposed dentin over occlusal surfaces. We examined 64 dental stone casts of Aboriginals from Yuendumu, Central Australia, born between 1900 and 1940. These casts offer a record of the variety of tooth wear and arch forms and their interrelationships. This group of individuals, some subsisting on abrasive and some on soft diets, have dentition which exhibit various wear rates and wear patterns probably due to the diversity of arch shape, size, and occlusal relationships. Hypsiloid or U-shaped maxillas had a more buccally directed wear in contrast to the parabolic or hyperbolic forms, which exhibit a heavier lingual loading. Varying occlusal conditions also contribute to differing wear patterns over the arches. Individuals with alternate intercuspation, for example, have a more horizontally directed wear. These and other conditions of shape, size, and occlusion emphasize the importance of morphological factors in the production of tooth wear rates and patterns in addition to dietary abrasives.
On the decay of unparticles

We show that when the unparticle sector is coupled to the Standard Model, unparticle excitations can decay to Standard Model particles. This radically modifies the signals of unparticle production. We present a method for the calculation of the decay lifetimes of unparticles. In a particular model, we show that depending on their lifetime, unparticles can manifest themselves through monojets, delayed events or prompt decays.
The perceptual coherence of moving visual patterns.

Abstract Two experiments evaluated the detectability of coherent motion as a function of the coherence and relative direction of motion of the background in which it occurred. The stimulus patterns consisted of sequential frames of randomly positioned dots that could be displaced relative to each other; their coherence was defined by the correlation between positions of dots in successive frames. When all of the correlated components were displaced in the same direction, the detectability of coherent motion of any given component was approximately independent of the coherence of the remainder of the pattern, and the perceived coherence of the whole pattern was proportional to its statistical coherence. Such performance is characteristics of a linear system. When two superimposed lattices were displaced in opposite directions, however, they were competitive in that increasing coherence of one direction decreased the detectability of coherent motion in the opposite direction. The latter results as well as those of other experiments indicate that the visual system is nonlinear. In general, the perceived coherence reflects the coherence of the stimulus patterns.
Alterations in the osmoregulation of the pulmonate gastropod Biomphalaria glabrata due to copper

Abstract Specimens of Biomphalaria glabrata were exposed to 0.06 ppm of copper in the form of CuSO 4 , and the resulting changes in the wet and dry weights of the soft tissues and in the osmolality of the hemolymph were measured. The wet weights of snails exposed to copper increased as a function of time, while those of the controls decreased. The dry weights of both the experimental and control snails decreased equally. Finally, the ratio of wet weight to dry weight of the experimental snails was significantly higher than that of the controls after 24 and 48 hr of exposure to copper. In addition, the osmolality of the hemolymph of snails exposed to copper was significantly lower than that of the controls after 12, 24, and 36 hr of exposure. These data have led to the conclusion that exposure of B. glabrata to copper results in an osmotic influx of water into its tissues and thereby causes death.
Zeolites: Large molecules welcome.

Choosing a porous solid for catalysis usually involves a trade-off between reactivity and mass-transport properties. Polycrystalline zeolite aggregates with adjustable mesoscopic pores make both available in one material.
Active control of wing rock of a delta wing at post-stall using tangential leading edge blowing

Post-stall roll control utilizing tangential leading edge blowing is demonstrated in a wind tunnel on a delta wing model that exhibited wing rock. The dampening effect of symmetric blowing alone on wing rock is found to be effective up to a certain maximum amount of blowing. A moderate amount of symmetric blowing was shown to be effective in linearizing the asymmetric blowing static rolling moment responses.
The stigmatization of leprosy in India and its impact on future approaches to elimination and control.

Traditionally, India holds the unenviable position of the origin of leprosy. The disease is thought to have then spread, via trade and war, to China, Egypt, and the Middle East, and later to Europe and the Americas. From antiquity to modernity, Indian society treated leprosy singularly with respect to custom and law, a response shaped by both scientific knowledge and cultural attitudes. India's future challenges in leprosy control include multiple systems of medicine, stigma, and educational knowledge gaps. By looking through the historical window of leprosy in India, we propose that continued success in elimination and control requires a holistic approach addressing these issues (Image 1).
Tritiation of dopaminergic ligands (-)-lisuride and (+/-)-nomifensine

Dopamine receptor ligands (-)-lisuride (1) and (+/-)-nomifensine (2) have been labeled with tritium at high specific activity, becoming useful tools to study the dopamine receptor family.
Complexity: Some general observations

An attempt is made in this article to develop a general framework for dealing with the various issues associated with the notion of complexity. It is argued that complexity, in the epistemological and methodological sense, is associated with systems defined on objects of interest rather than the objects themselves. Basic types of systems are outlined in the article. It is shown that systems complexity has different meanings for different types of systems while, at the same time, it possesses some general features that are invariant of systems types. Two general kinds of complexity of a system are proposed, which are connected with the amounts of information required to describe the system and to resolve uncertainty associated with it. A general simplification problem, which is applicable to systems of any type, is formulated, and some fundamental simplification strategies are overviewed.
Influence of Secondary Structure on the Fragmentation of Protonated Peptides

The influence of acid−base interactions on the gas-phase dissociation of a series of protonated peptides was investigated. Peptides containing both acidic residues [aspartic (D), glutamic (E), and cysteic acid (C*)] and basic residues [arginine (R)] were dissociated by different activation methods that allow different time frames for dissociation. The synthetic peptides investigated differ systematically in the number and position of arginine residue(s) and include RLDIFSDFR, RLEIFSEFR, RLDIFSDF, LDIFSDFR, LEIFSEFR, LDIFSDF, RLCIFSCFR, RLAIFSCFR, RLCIFSAFR, RLC*IFSC*FR, RLAIFSC*FR, and RLC*IFSAFR (where C* denotes cysteic acid). It was observed that the number of ionizing protons relative to the number of basic residues in peptides containing acidic residues is a contributing factor in the fragmentation behavior. Nonselective cleavages along the peptide backbone occur when the number of ionizing protons exceeds the number of arginine residues, while dominant cleavages adjacent to the acidic residues predo...
Stimulation of mycorrhizal activity in Vigna unguiculata through low level fertilization of an oxisol subjected to imposed erosion

Abstract A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the combined effects of lime, nitrogen and phosphorus on mycorrhizal activity in an oxisol subjected to imposed erosion using Vigna unquiculata (L.) Walp cv. ‘California Blackeye No. 5’ (cowpea) as a test plant. Cowpea was grown in the soil in the presence or absence of the vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus aqgregatum (Schenck & Smith emend. Koske) with or without a basal nutrient (basal) consisting of K, Mg, S, Zn, Cu and B; and with basal nutrients plus lime, N and P (complete). The extent of mycorrhizal colonization of roots as well as mycorrhizal effectiveness measured in terms of leaf disc P content increased significantly when the eroded soil was amended with a combination of all of the nutrients and inoculated with Glomus aggregatum. Vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation and nutrient amendment was also accompanied by significant increase in shoot P, Cu, Zn and N content, and nodule, shoot and root dry matter yield. The ...
Solar compass chip

A solar compass chip (SCC) is a photosensitive chip with MEMS-based optics (pinhole aperture array) integrated on the chip itself. The MEMS-based optics enables the chip to image the sun. Image processing of the sun image is performed externally to the SCC (typically a processor connected to the SCC). The sun is observed for a period of time, say half an hour, and the angles to the sun are calculated. During that period of time, the sun will slew across the sky due to the sidereal rate. A circle on the surface of a sphere can be fitted to the arc on the sky that the sun traverses. The center of this circle is the rotation axis of the Earth. Besides performing the function of a compass, the SCC can be combined with a clock to establish a three-axis inertial-based coordinate system, or if the vertical is known, to determine the geographic position. A number of commercial applications in the automotive, agricultural, and maritime areas are identified.
TGFβ1 Overexpression by Keratinocytes Alters Skin Dendritic Cell Homeostasis and Enhances Contact Hypersensitivity

Overexpression of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1) in mouse epidermis causes cutaneous inflammation and keratinocyte hyperproliferation. Here we examined acute effects of TGFβ1 overproduction by keratinocytes on skin dendritic cells (DCs). TGFβ1 induction for 2 and 4 days increased the numbers and CD86 expression of B220 + plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) and CD207 + CD103 + , CD207 − CD103 − CD11b + , and CD207 − CD103 − CD11b − dermal DCs (dDCs) in skin-draining lymph nodes (SDLNs). The dermis of TGFβ1-overexpressing mice had significantly more pDCs, CD207 + CD103 + dDCs, and CD207 − CD11b + dDCs in the absence of increased dermal proliferation. Application of dye, tetramethyl rhodamine iso-thiocyanate (TRITC), in dibutylpthalate (DBP) solution after TGFβ1 induction increased the numbers of TRITC + CD207 − dDCs in SDLNs, and augmented TRITC/DBP-induced Langerhans cell (LC) migration 72hours post TRITC treatment. Consistent with this, LC migration was increased in vitro by TGFβ1 overexpression in skin explants and by exogenous TGFβ1 in culture media. Transient TGFβ1 induction during DNFB sensitization increased contact hypersensitivity responses by 1.5-fold. Thus, elevated epidermal TGFβ1 alone is sufficient to alter homeostasis of multiple cutaneous DC subsets, and enhance DC migration and immune responses to contact sensitizers. These results highlight a role for keratinocyte-derived TGFβ1 in DC trafficking and in the initiation of skin inflammation.
Control of protein synthesis in an anomuran crustacean.

Abstract The Z organs contain a factor controlling synthesis and with teh onset of the D stage, preparatory to moult, protein synthesis decreases in the hepatopancreas and increase in muscle.
Thinned spectrum ultrawideband waveforms using stepped-frequency polyphase codes

An ultrawideband (UWB) radar can interfere with external RF sources because of the mutual occupancy of the same frequency band. A stepped-frequency polyphase code (SFPC) waveform is proposed as a generic UWB waveform whose interference with the external RF sources is significantly reduced. The subpulses of the individual stepped-frequency (SF) pulses are phase coded using small phase perturbations. This results in a waveform which places nulls at the frequency locations of the external RF sources. Because the phase perturbations are small, a mismatched filter which uses the unperturbed pulses (no phase modulation) as a reference signal results in a simple receiver design and a small mismatch loss on receive. Furthermore, the proposed methodology also has application to narrowband or wideband radars.
The acute phase response and the hematopoietic system: the role of cytokines☆

1. The acute phase response 2 2. Role of inflammation-associated cytokines in regulation of acute phase protein synthesis ........ 3 3. Changes in the hematopoietic system during the acute phase response 4 4. Regulation of normal hematopoiesis 4 Thrombocytosis 6 5.1. The role of IL-6 in megakaryocytopoiesis 6 5.2. Effect of IL-I on platelet production 7 5.3. Effect of IL-11 on platelet production 7 5.4. Effects of TNF and TGF/I on platelet production 7 Anemia of chronic inflammation 8 6. I. Erythropoietin production 8 6.2. Suppression of erythropoiesis 8 6.3. Response to erythropoietin 9 6.4. Iron and related molecules 10 Granulocytosis IO 7.1. Granulopoiesis 11. 7.2. Induction of hematopoietic growth factors 11 Effect on hematopoietic stem cells 12 9. Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Acknowledgments 14 Reviewer 14 Note added in proof 14 References 14 Biographies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 l Corresponding author.
Mechanically Docked Metallodendrimers about Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

We report experimental support for “mechanical docking” of an optically active rigid molecule, ruthenium metallodendrimer (decamer), to single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with some diameter selectivity. Binding of these rigid metallodendrimers onto dispersed single-walled carbon nanotubes has been studied by Raman and UV−vis−near-infrared (NIR) absorption spectroscopy. Atomic force and scanning electron micrographs indicate strong binding of these molecules specifically to the ends of nanotubes and are consistent with the spectroscopic evidence for diameter selectivity presented here. Near-IR absorption and radial breathing mode Raman spectra of these “end-functionalized” SWNTs show preferential diameter-selective separation, along with a red shift of the optical transitions. A concentration-dependent red shift is observed for the NIR absorption for decamer-bound nanotubes. This indicates a strong interaction between selective SWNTs and the decamer, forming a mechanically docked supramolecular complex...
Effect of baffles on sloshing modulated fluid force and torque fluctuations on the dewar driven by gravity gradient acceleration in microgravity

The dynamical behavior of fluids affected by the asymmetric gravity gradient acceleration is studied. In particular the effect of surface tension on partially liquid filled rotating fluids applicable to a full-scale Gravity Probe-B Spacecraft dewar tank with and without a baffle have been investigated. Results of slosh wave excitation along the liquid-vapor interface induced by gravity gradient acceleration indicate that the gravity gradient acceleration is equivalent to the combined effect of a twisting force and torsional moment acting on the spacecraft. As viscous force (between liquid and solid interface), and surface tension force (between liquid-vapor-solid interface) greatly contribute to the damping effect of slosh wave excitation, a rotating dewar with baffle provides more areas of liquid-solid and liquid-vapor-solid interfaces than that of a rotating dewar without baffle. Results show that the damping effect provided by the baffle reduces the amplitude of slosh wave excitation, lowers the fluid force, torque, and the moment arm of fluid torque fluctuations than that without baffle, and also lowers the degree of asymmetry in the liquid-vapor distribution.
Cardiac Rehabilitation in the Time of Health-Care Reform

Cardiac rehabilitation has evolved into a medically efficacious, cost-effective intervention for patients with ischemic heart disease. Most aspects of this therapy are well developed, and guidelines for programs exist. As the health-care delivery system undergoes scrutiny and evolution, it would be prudent for the practitioners of cardiac rehabilitation to evaluate the methods they use to deliver their services. Program administrators should reconsider traditional approaches that are largely based on reimbursement criteria. Goal-directed, patient-centered service delivery will allow individualization of care. A model for such an approach to cardiac rehabilitation is presented.
Neuro-glial hamartoma of the suprasellar cistern

A unique case of a suprasellar hamartoma in a 29-year-old woman is presented. The lesion was discovered in the context of a work-up for amenorrhea that had lasted 1 year and was resistant to clomiphene and medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 1.2-cm anterior suprasellar lesion with no apparent connection to the hypothalamus or hypophysis. She underwent surgical resection of the mass. Pathologic examination revealed randomly arranged mature neurons, glial tissue, and myelinated fibers. There was no evidence of gonadotropin-releasing hormone producing neurons on immunohistochemical studies. Postoperative MRI showed complete resection of the lesion, and 1 year later mensus resumed off medication.
Studying O-linked protein glycosylations in human plasma.

Recent investigations have implicated aberrant glycosylations in various malignancies, including epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The protocol here identifies O-linked carbohydrate patterns in EOC plasma glycoproteins through chemical cleavage and purification of these glycans. Dialyzed plasma is subjected to reductive β-elimination with alkaline borohydride to release O-linked oligosaccharides from glycoproteins. Enrichment of released glycans, as well as removal of peptide and other contaminants, is followed by carbohydrate pattern analysis with MALDI-FT-ICR-MS.
Fate of Decomposed Fungal Cell Wall Material in Organic Horizons of Old-Growth Douglas-fir Forest Soils

Organic horizons of old-growth Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] forests are colonized by ectomycorrhizal fungi, which can form large patches or mats. Respiration, N mineralization, chitinase activity, and amino sugar C and N turnover are higher in soils colonized by ectomycorrhizal mats. To test if microbial activity in mat soil is driven by decomposition of fungal biomass, we incubated mat and non-mat soil with ¹³C¹⁵N-labeled, chitin-enriched fungal cell wall material. Cell wall material was readily decomposed during 22-d incubations in both soils, and cell-wall-derived ¹³C and ¹⁵N were traced into mineralized pools, extractable organic pools, microbial biomass, and microbial phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs). Basal microbial activity was higher in mat soils. Although total respiration was higher in mat soils with cell walls added, more cell wall C was mineralized in non-mat than mat soils; this was inferred to reflect greater preferential respiration of cell wall C over soil organic matter (SOM). Mineralization of N from cell wall material was low, with no difference between soils, and positive priming of N mineralization from SOM occurred after 3 wk. Both the proportion of cell wall N assimilated and N growth yield efficiency (GYE) were higher than for cell wall C. The relative abundance of fungi was higher in cell-wall-amended soils, and cell-wall-derived ¹³C was found in fungal and Gram-negative bacterial PLFAs. Cell wall C assimilation and C GYE were higher in mat soils, which could be linked to greater mineralization of SOM or to differential activity of select microbial taxonomic groups. Chitin-rich fungal cell wall material was utilized as both a microbial N and C source; N was predominantly assimilated and C was predominantly metabolized. It is possible that fungal necromass may contribute to N stabilization in these soils.
Housing Affordability and Health: Evidence From New York City

It is generally understood that households make tradeoffs between housing costs and other living expenses. In this article, we examine the relationship between health-related outcomes and housing-induced financial burdens for renters in one of the most expensive cities in the world, New York, New York. Drawing from the Housing Vacancy Survey for 2011, a representative survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau of more than 16,000 households in New York City, we estimate the effect of housing cost burden on the overall health of renters and the extent to which they have postponed various types of medical services for financial reasons. Results show that higher out-of-pocket rent burdens are associated with worse self-reported health conditions and a higher likelihood to postpone medical services for financial reasons. This relationship is particularly strong for those households with severe rent burdens. In addition, housing cost burden is equally or more important than other physical housing characteristi...
T-cell survival and the role of cytokines

Typical T cells are long-lived resting cells. Despite their quiescent appearance, there is increasing evidence that T cells are subjected to continuous stimulation through contact with various stimuli, notably by self peptide/MHC complexes and cytokines. These stimuli keep T cells alive and also cause intermittent entry into cell cycle.
DISADOPTION OF MILK COWS BY FARMERS IN ILLINOIS: 1930–1978*

I am concerned with the opposite of diffusion, i.e., the patterns and processes that describe the contraction or disappearance of phenomena. Using change over time in the proportion of farms that do not have milk cows as a medium of investigation, I present evidence that the logistic curve provides a good temporal, non-spatial model of the data and that a periphery-to-core contraction model is significant in describing the spatial pattern.