cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of diltiazem on experimental coronary artery thrombosis in dogs

The effect of the calcium channel blocker diltiazem on arterial thrombosis was determined in anesthetized dogs subjected to continuous anodal stimulation of the intimal surface of the left circumflex
New Drug Review-Ezogabine (Potiga): Seizing the seizure

Ezogabine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June of 2011. This article reviews clinically significant aspects of this new drug including: the FDA-approved indications, mechanism of action, administration, drug interactions, adverse effects, clinical trial evidence, innovative properties and place in therapy.
Growth and Diets of Trout from Contrasting Environments in a Geothermally Heated Stream: The Firehole River of Yellowstone National Park

Abstract Differences in seasonal patterns of growth, length at age, and diet were evident between brown trout (Salmo trutta) residing in geothermally heated and unheated sections of the Firehole River. Maximum temperatures at the warmest station exceeded 28 C and averaged about 10.5 C higher than the unheated station throughout the year. Scale characteristics indicated that brown trout from the heated stations had two annual growth periods while those from the unheated station had one, relatively short, annual growth period. Brown trout from the heated stations were significantly longer at any particular age than those from the unheated station. Caddis flies were the numerically dominant food in the unheated water while trout at the heated station fed most extensively on dipterans, molluscs, and mayflies. Additionally, trout in the unheated water fed almost entirely on immature benthic insects while those at the heated station fed heavily on emerging insects and exhibited considerably greater numbers of o...
Problem behavior among older youth in foster care: examining gender

Youth in foster care are at-risk for maladjustment yet little is known about social resources that may buffer their involvement in problem behavior. Using a random sample of older foster care youth (N = 188), the present study examined the associations between clinical (externalizing Axis I diagnoses) and non-clinical (aggression, substance use) indicators of problem behavior, risk factors (placement instability, maltreatment history, psychiatric hospitalizations, stressful life events, and violence exposure), and protective factors (warmth and acceptance (W&A) from biological parents, foster parents, and peers) for males and females. Males were higher on aggression and Axis I diagnoses but were similar to females on substance use. Several risk factors were significantly correlated with youths' problem behavior, whereas only peer W&A was associated with females' substance use. Moderating hypotheses were partially supported, particularly for females. DISCUSSION highlights the importance of context in relation to risk and problem behavior among youth in foster care.
The Loss of Regenerated Host Axons in Nerve Allografts after Stopping Immunosuppression with Cyclosporin A Is Related to Immune Effects on Allogeneic Schwann Cells

Abstract After immunosuppressive therapy with Cyclosporin A (Cy-A) is stopped, nerve allograft rejection occurs. In addition to the loss of allogeneic perineurial, vascular, and Schwann cells, host axons that regenerate into the allograft disappear despite the fact that the axons are not foreign tissue. The present experiment was performed to correlate immune events and allogeneic cell and host axonal loss in nerve allografts after terminating Cy-A treatment. Nerve grafts (4 cm long) were taken from American Cancer Institute (ACI) rats and joined to the peroneal nerves of Fischer (FR) or ACI rats that received a daily dose of Cy-A (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). After one week, Cy-A therapy was stopped and the grafts were examined 2-6 weeks postoperatively by light and electron microscopy. No immune reaction nor destruction of perineurial, vascular, or Schwann cells was found in 2- or 3-week-old allografts (i.e., ACI to FR grafts). These grafts underwent Wallerian degeneration and were invaded proxireally by regenerating host axons, some of which were thinly myelinated. At 4 weeks, the perineurium of each allograft became infiltrated by mononuclear cells and was destroyed. Many of the endoneurial blood vessels of these grafts were occluded and their endothelial cells were degenerating or missing. Despite the immune reaction, allogeneic Schwann cells remained and continued to myelinate or ensheath host axons that had now grown up to 3 cm into the grafts. However, at 6 weeks, allogeneic Schwann cells were absent from all grafts, and no host axons were found. Neither a destructive cellular infiltration nor loss of graft cells and host axons was observed in nerve syngrafts (i.e., ACI to ACI grafts). Indeed, at 6 weeks, numerous myelinated and nonmyelinated nerve fibers were found throughout the length of nerve syngrafts. Our results demonstrated that there is a sequential rejection of cell types in nerve allografts. We conclude that the loss of regenerated host axons in nerve allografts after stopping immunosuppression is related to immune effects on allogeneic Schwann cells.
Effects of projected cortical epileptiform discharges on field potentials in the cat cuneate nucleus

Abstract The effects of cortical epileptiform discharges on cuneate nucleus were investigated by studying cuneate field potentials evoked by corticofugal input. Cortical events triggered a negative-positive field potential sequence on the cuneate surface analogous to that evoked by forepaw nerve stimulation. Interaction of nerve-evoked potentials in the corticofugally induced positivity resulted in an amplitude decrease of the nerve potential, especially of its positive wave. Laminar analysis of the corticofugally evoked field potential suggested that its surface positive wave consisted of two components generated at different depths in cuneate; these two components were discussed as possible field potential signs of presynaptic and postsynaptic inhibition in cuneate. The influence of corticofugal discharges on transmission of sensory information through the cuneate nucleus was determined to be inhibitory, for nerve-evoked field potentials in the cuneate output pathway (medial lemniscus) were depressed during cortical epileptiform events.
Interpreting the High-Frequency Quasi-periodic Oscillation Power Spectra of Accreting Black Holes

In the context of a relativistic hot spot model, we investigate different physical mechanisms to explain the behavior of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) from accreting black holes. The locations and amplitudes of the QPO peaks are determined by the calculations presented previously by Schnittman & Bertschinger: the black hole mass and angular momentum give the geodesic coordinate frequencies, while the disk inclination and the hot spot size, shape, and overbrightness give the amplitudes of the different peaks. In this paper additional features are added to the existing model to explain the broadening of the QPO peaks as well as the damping of higher frequency harmonics in the power spectrum. We present a number of analytic results that closely agree with more-detailed numerical calculations. Three primary pieces are developed: the addition of multiple hot spots with random phases, a finite width in the distribution of geodesic orbits, and the scattering of photons from the hot spot through a corona of hot electrons around the black hole. Finally, the complete model is used to fit the observed power spectra of both type A and type B QPOs seen in XTE J1550-564, giving confidence limits on each of the model parameters.
Knockout of the gene encoding the K2P channel KCNK7 does not alter volatile anesthetic sensitivity

The molecular site of action for volatile anesthetics remains unknown despite many years of study. Members of the K2P potassium channel family, whose currents are potentiated by volatile anesthetics have emerged as possible anesthetic targets. In fact, a mouse model in which the gene for TREK-1 (KCNK2) has been inactivated shows resistance to volatile anesthetics. In this study we tested whether inactivation of another member of this ion channel family, KCNK7, in a knockout mouse displayed altered sensitivity to the anesthetizing effect of volatile anesthetics. KCNK7 knockout mice were produced by standard gene inactivation methods. Heterozygous breeding pairs produced animals that were homozygous, heterozygous or wildtype for the inactivated gene. Knockout animals were tested for movement in response to noxious stimulus (tail clamp) under varying concentrations of isoflurane, sevoflurane and desflurane to define the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) preventing movement. Mice homozygous for inactivated KCNK7 were viable and indistinguishable in weight, general development and behavior from heterozygotes or wildtype littermates. Knockout mice (KCNK7 −/−) displayed no difference in MAC for the three volatile anesthetics compared to heterozygous (+/−) or wildtype (+/+) littermates. Because inactivation of KCNK7 does not alter MAC, KCNK7 may play only a minor role in normal CNS function or may have had its function compensated for by other inhibitory mechanisms. Additional studies with transgenic animals will help define the overall role of the K2P channels in normal neurophysiology and in volatile anesthetic mechanisms.
Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Behçet’s Disease

Behcet’s disease is a rare vasculitis diagnosed by the presence of recurrent oral ulcers and two of the following: genital ulcers, typical eye lesions, typical skin lesions, and positive pathergy test. It is most commonly seen in countries along the ancient silk road from Eastern Asia to the Mediterranean Basin. Young adults between the second and fourth decades of life are mainly affected, with abdominal pain being the most common symptom. The ileocecal region is most commonly affected, with ulcerations that may penetrate or perforate. Rarely, the esophagus and stomach may have ulcerations. Bowel wall thickening is the most common finding on computed tomography (CT) scan. Pathology shows a vasculitis mainly involving the small veins or, alternatively, nonspecific inflammation. Corticosteroids, with or without other immunosuppressive drugs, are used for severe eye disease. Their use in intestinal disease is largely empirical. Surgery may be required for perforation. Behcet’s disease runs a chronic, unpredictable course with exacerbations and remissions which decrease in frequency and severity over time. Death is mainly due to major vessel disease and neurological involvement.
Nicotine in breast fluid of nonlactating women

Using a combination of gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and selected ion recording techniques, we have identified nicotine and its major metabolite, continine, in the breast fluid of nonlactating women smokers. As little as 25 picograms could be measured by using the deuterated variants, [5',5'-2H]nicotine and [3,3-2H]cotinine, both as internal standards and as carriers in an inverse isotope dilution method.
Thyroid transcription factor (TTF) ‐1 regulates the expression of midkine (MK) during lung morphogenesis

Midkine (MK) is a 13-kDa heparin-binding growth factor that is thought to mediate developmental processes, including vasculogenesis, cell migration, and proliferation in various organs. To determine whether MK plays a role during lung morphogenesis, immunostaining for MK was assessed in mouse lung from embryonic day (E) 13 to postnatal day (PN) 24. MK was detected in mesenchymal and respiratory epithelial cells of the peripheral mouse lung from E13.0 to E15.5. From E18.5 to PN1, MK was observed primarily in epithelial cells lining conducting airways and peripheral lung saccules. By PN10, expression was no longer observed in respiratory epithelial cells but was readily detected in small blood vessels in the alveolar region of the lung. Although most respiratory epithelial cells uniformly expressed MK before E13.0, MK was restricted to subsets of cells by E18.5, colocalizing with the Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP) marker in conducting airways and with pro-SPC, a marker specific for alveolar type II pneumocytes. By PN10, MK was not detected in respiratory epithelial cells of the conducting airways and was closely associated with capillary networks. The sites of intense MK staining in the respiratory epithelial cells correlated with sites of expression of thyroid transcription factor (TTF) -1, a transcription factor regulating formation and gene expression in the lung parenchyma. TTF-1 enhanced transcription of the mouse MK gene promoter, acting on TTF-1 regulatory elements located in the 5'-region of the gene. Furthermore, MK expression was not detected in lungs of TTF-1 null mice. TTF-1 regulates expression of MK in the lung. The temporal/spatial distribution of midkine is consistent with a potential role in paracrine signaling during lung morphogenesis.
Carbon and nitrogen dynamics in decomposing leaves of three coastal marine vascular plants of the subtropics

Abstract Leaves of red mangrove ( Rhizophora mangle L.), needle rush ( Juncus roemerianus Scheele) and turtlegrass ( Thalassia testudinum Banks ex Konig) from litterbags were sampled by removal of pieces of measured volume, rather than, or in addition to, using the entire contents of bags as unit samples. Dead mangrove and turtlegrass leaves decomposed rapidly, approaching the point of full breakdown to fine-particulate and dissolved state within 6 months after litterbag placement. By contrast, net loss of dry matter from rush leaves after 2 years was about 50% or less. Net immobilization of nitrogen (0.1–0.7 mg cm −3 leaf month −1 ) occurred in mangrove leaves decaying in the summer, as established by use of the standard-volume sampling method. Rush and mangrove leaves decreased sharply in mean mass-ratio of carbon to nitrogen during decomposition, from about 75–125:1 to about 30–40:1. Turtlegrass leaves were consistently low in mean ratio of carbon to nitrogen (15–18:1). The measured-volume sampling, in comparison to whole-bag results, revealed that early losses of pieces of leaf by fragmentation were negligible for mangrove leaves. However, for turtlegrass leaves, which do not immediately die and decompose upon detachment, loss of leaf portions was apparently a major contributor to total dry-matter output. Rush leaves exhibited erratic rates of loss of dry matter as assessed with the measured-volume technique; significant increases in density of dry matter were recorded, apparently due to increases in ash content and to active infiltration by cyanobacteria.
The psychology of leadership revisited: An overview

An overview of the concept of leadership as it appears in social psychology, psychoanalytic theory and group psychotherapy is presented. In the absence of a generally accepted global view of leadership, social psychology has produced limited-domain theories with relevance to group practitioners. Following Freud's early contribution on the subject, psychoanalytic investigators have neglected the subject of group psychology, and with it of leadership, until very recently. Within group psychotherapy some promising research and theorizing have emerged, but there is a need to distinguish between the roles of group leader and group therapist in both theory and practice.
Anger, sexuality, and the growth of the ego.

Abstract This paper examines the long-term issues of sexual dysfunction in terms of normal psychosexual development, Human sexual development and ego growth take simultaneous origin within the symbiotic relationship of the child and its first nurturant caretaker, usually the mother. Infantile sexuality, the pleasure of the total body, is equivalent to love and dependent upon sameness and continuity, tending toward fusion. Adult sexuality depends for its emotional impetus upon separateness and difference between lovers. Once established, adult sexual relationships drift inexorably toward the symbiotic unity implicit in loving. Genital sexuality may be sacrificed in the preference for more global satisfations reminiscent of the infantile sexual experience. Essential to the adult sexual relationship then is the capacity to bear and express conflict and anger as a means of breaking the symbiotic tie; a continuous restructuring of ego boundaries is necessary for the maintenance of a functioning sexual relation...
Vapor-Based Initiator Coatings for Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization†

A novel polymeric initiator coating for surface modification via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is reported. The synthetic approach involves the chemical vapor deposition of [2.2]paracyclophane-4-methyl 2-bromoisobutyrate and can be applied to a heterogeneous group of substrates including stainless steel, glass, silicon, poly(dimethylsiloxane), poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(tetrafluoroethylene), and polystyrene. Surface analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy confirmed the chemical structure of the reactive initiator coatings to be consistent with poly[(p-xylylene-4-methyl-2-bromoisobutyrate)-co-(p-xylylene)]. Appropriate reactivity of the bromoisobutyrate side groups was confirmed by surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization of a oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate. After solventless deposition of the CVD-based initiator coating, hydrogel films as thick as 300 nm could be conveniently prepared within a 24 h timeframe via ATRP. Moreover, the polymerization showed ATRP-specific reaction kinetics and catalyst concentration dependencies. In addition, spatially controlled deposition of the initiator coatings using vapor-assisted micro-structuring in replica structures resulted in fabrication of spatially confined hydrogel microstructures. Both protein adsorption and cell adhesion was significantly inhibited on areas that were modified by surface-initiated ATRP, when compared with unmodified PMMA substrates. The herein described initiator coatings provide a convenient access route to controlled radical polymerization on a wide range of different materials. While demonstrated only for a representative group of substrate materials including polymers, metals, and semiconductors, this method can be expected to be generically applicable - thereby eliminating the need for cumbersome modification protocols, which so far had to be established for each substrate material independently.
The Concentration of Cd, Cu, Fe. Ni, Pb, and Zn in Bituminous Coals from Mines with Differing Incidences of Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis

A detailed study of the analysis of Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn content in bituminous coals from Pennsylvania and Utah was made and a satisfactory procedure for their analysis is presented. The Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn content of coal from a Pennsylvania mine having a high incidence of Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis (CWP) was found to be higher than a sample of coal from a Utah mine of low disease incidence. The cadmium content was found to be the same in both coals. The present investigation also deals with some observations concerning interferences associated with coal analysis using atomic absorption spectrophotometric methods. The significance of data with regard to the change in metal levels found in coal miners' lungs is discussed.
Synthesis and characterization of trianionic pincer-type complexes of tantalum(V) including solid (X-ray) and solution (NMR) state assignment of an intraligand N–H—F hydrogen bonding interaction

Abstract Tanatalum(V) complexes ligated with a trianionic ONO3− pincer-type ligand were synthesized and characterized. Using the ONO trianionic pincer ligand precursor 2,2′-(azanediylbis(3-methyl-6,1-phenylene))bis(1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropan-2-ol) [CF3-ONO]H3 (1) and various sources of Ta(V), the following pincer complexes were synthesized: (I) anionic trichloride complex {[CF3-ONO]TaCl3}{HNEt3}·(HNEt3Cl)x (2), (II) diamido-amine complex [CF3-ONO]Ta(NMe2)2(HNMe2) (3-NHMe2) and its amine free version [CF3-ONO]Ta(NMe2)2 (3), (III) the neutral trichloride [CF3-ONHO]TaCl3 (4), (IV) the neutral dichloride [CF3-ONO]TaCl2(THF) (5), and (V) the dibenzyl complex [CF3-ONO]TaBn2 (6). Characterization methods include the complete assignment (where possible) for 1H, 13C, 19F, and 15N NMR spectra for complexes 2–6, and single crystal X-ray diffraction characterization for complexes 2, 3, and 4. Interesting aspects regarding the interplay of the ligand in its dianionic form versus its trianionic form, and an unusual H⋯F hydrogen bonding interaction within complex 4 were discovered from these synthetic pursuits.
Pressure drop across packed beds in the low Knudsen number regime

Abstract The solutions of Happel and Kuwabara describing flow through systems of multiple spheres have been compared with available pressure drop data to determine the applicability of cell models for analyzing flow in packed beds. The comparisons indicate that these solutions describe the flow with reasonable accuracy. Of the two solutions, the Kuwabara flow field has been found to give better agreement between predictions and experimental results. In order to describe flow in beds operating at low Knudsen numbers the Kuwabara solution has been extended by allowing for gas slippage at the collecting surfaces. The resulting solution is presented as a correction to the Basset-Millikan expression and accounts for the presence of neighboring spheres in low Knudsen number flows. Using this extended solution, the pressure drop across packed beds is predicted as a function of Knudsen number and packing density.
Dietary shifts of sympatric buteos during a prey decline

Diets of nesting Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) and Ferruginous Hawks (Buteo regalis) were sampled before and after a decline in the hawks' principal prey species. Diets of pairs that shared their foraging ranges with interspecifics were contrasted with those of pairs whose home ranges did not overlap with interspecifics. Current theory predicts that diets should diverge during prey shortages and that overlap should be especially reduced in ranges shared with interspecifics. Species composition of the two hawks' diets diverged during the prey shortage, but the divergence was most pronounced in hawks that did not share foraging ranges with interspecifics. In contrast to predictions, the two species converged on similar-sized prey during the prey shortage. Available data on differences in habitat composition and prey availability at the sample sites did not explain the deviations from the predicted response. Although our findings on diet shifts differ from those of most other studies, the implications are consistent with observations of others who have studied assemblages of mammal-feeding raptors. We conclude that diet composition of the hawks we studied was not directly affected by interspecific competition and that shifts in diet overlap during prey shortages do not necessarily imply that interspecific competition is occurring.
Assessment of a pharmacogenomic marker panel in a polypharmacy population identified from electronic medical records

Background: The ADME Core Panel assays 184 variants across 34 pharmacogenes, many of which are difficult to accurately genotype with standard multiplexing methods. Methods: We genotyped 326 frequently medicated individuals of European descent in Vanderbilt’s biorepository linked to de-identified electronic medical records, BioVU, on the ADME Core Panel to assess quality and performance of the assay. We compared quality control metrics and determined the extent of direct and indirect marker overlap between the ADME Core Panel and the Illumina Omni1-Quad. Results: We found the quality of the ADME Core Panel data to be high, with exceptions in select copy number variants and markers in certain genes (notably CYP2D6). Most of the common variants on the ADME panel are genotyped by the Omni1, but absent rare variants and copy number variants could not be accurately tagged by single markers. Conclusion: Our frequently medicated study population did not convincingly differ in allele frequency from reference popul...
Press Secretaries, Journalists, and Editors: Shaping Local Congressional News Coverage

The news media plays a key role in American democracy, often serving as the primary means by which voters learn about their elected representatives. However, the news media varies in its coverage of representatives, presenting voters with more frequent and favorable information about some House members than others, which may in turn influence voters' decisions at the polls. Although many scholars have examined the determinants of congressional news coverage, few have focused on the role of the actors who perhaps exert the most direct effect on such coverage: congressional press secretaries, journalists, and editors. In this study, I explore the influence of these actors on the tone and frequency of local congressional news coverage. I rely on data from two sources: (a) a content analysis of newspaper coverage of 100 representatives during the month prior to the 2006 election and (b) in-depth interviews with 51 congressional press secretaries and 22 journalists. These sets of data illustrate the important ...
EFFECT OF 8-AZAGUANINE ON THE SPECIFICITY OF ANTIGENS SYNTHESIZED BY E. COLI B/R2.

ROBLIN et al. synthesized azapurine analogues of naturally occurring purines and showed their ability to inhibit the growth of E. coli and S. aureus1. Since then many investigators have utilized analogues of purines and pyrimidines in studies of cell metabolism and protein biosynthesis2–7. The purpose for our initiating an investigation of the effects of purine analogues on growing cells was to explore the possibility of using such analogues to induce metabolic errors in the biosynthesis of protein antigens that would result in immunologically altered proteins. It was anticipated that this work would also contribute to our knowledge of protein biosynthesis because immunochemical methods are particularly well suited for differentiating even closely related substances on the basis of their immunological specificities.
Clinical Course and Outcome of Cocaine-Induced Pneumomediastinum

Abstract Background and Objectives Cocaine inhalation has been linked to the development of pneumomediastinum. The aim of this review was to identify the clinical course and outcome of spontaneous pneumomediastinum caused by cocaine use. Material and Methods We performed a literature search in English language using PubMed. We included all case reports and case series of spontaneous pneumomediastinum caused by cocaine use. Twenty-three case reports and 7 case series describing 40 patients were identified. In addition, 2 young adults who were admitted to our teaching hospital with cocaine- induced pneumomediastinum were included in this review. Results Among 42 patients, 93% were presented with chest pain and 64% had subcutaneous emphysema. Symptoms subsided after a median of 24 hours, and radiological abnormalities abated after 2 to 30 days, with a median of 4.5 days. Pneumothorax was present in 19% of patients, and only 1 required chest tube placement. Patients were discharged with full recovery after 1 to 6 days, with a median of 2 days. Conclusions Cocaine-induced pneumomediastinum is a benign condition. A short observation period with outpatient follow-up is appropriate in the majority of patients. Invasive procedures have a low yield and should be based on a high degree of clinical suspicion for esophageal rupture or bronchial tree laceration.
Swimming pools as heat sinks for air conditioners: Model design and experimental validation for natural thermal behavior of the pool

Swimming pools as thermal sinks for air conditioners could save approximately 40% on peak cooling power and 30% of overall cooling energy, compared to standard residential air conditioning. Heat dissipation from pools in semi-arid climates with large diurnal temperature shifts is such that pool heating and space cooling may occur concurrently; in which case heat rejected from cooling equipment could directly displace pool heating energy, while also improving space cooling efficiency. The performance of such a system relies on the natural temperature regulation of swimming pools governed by evaporative and convective heat exchange with the air, radiative heat exchange with the sky, and conductive heat exchange with the ground. This paper describes and validates a model that uses meteorological data to accurately predict the hourly temperature of a swimming pool to within 1.1 °C maximum error over the period of observation. A thorough review of literature guided our choice of the most appropriate set of equations to describe the natural mass and energy exchange between a swimming pool and the environment. Monitoring of a pool in Davis, CA, was used to confirm the resulting simulations. Comparison of predicted and observed pool temperature for all hours over a 56 day experimental period shows an R-squared relatedness of 0.967.
IMAGING OF HEPATIC TRANSPLANTATION

Liver transplantation is indicated for patients with severe acute or chronic liver failure for which no other therapy is available. Acute liver failure has several causes including viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E); hepatitis induced by drugs (acetaminophen, isoniazid, or other medications); ingestion of hepatotoxins (mushrooms, carbon tetrachloride); or miscellaneous causes (Wilson's disease, idiopathic causes). Chronic liver failure can also result from several causes. Patients with disorders included in the following list have been shown to have excellent results following liver transplantation: chronic active hepatitis due to autoimmune hepatitis or chronic hepatitis C virus infection; alcoholic liver disease; metabolic diseases (α 1 -antitrypsin deficiency, hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease); cholestatic liver disorders (primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, biliary atresia); miscellaneous disorders (Budd-Chiari syndrome, polycystic liver disease, liver disease secondary to jejunoileal bypass); or cryptogenic cirrhosis. Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for patients with fulminant hepatitis who have evidence of profound synthetic failure and hepatic encephalopathy. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma are also potential candidates for liver transplantation. These patients must have disease confined to their liver and be able to undergo adjunctive therapy postoperatively. Absolute contraindications for liver transplantation include AIDS, extrahepatic malignant tumors, and active intravenous drug use or alcohol abuse.
Classical interpretation of the Ramanujan conjecture for Siegel cusp forms of genus n

We obtain a classical interpretation of the representation theoretic statement of the Generalized Ramanujan Conjecture for Siegel cusp forms of genus n in terms of estimates on Hecke eigenvalues.
Pursuit of Heterospecific Targets by Territorial Amberwing Dragonflies (Perithemis tenera Say): A Case of Mistaken Identity

Although they are defending mating territories, territory residents of a wide variety of insect species have been observed to pursue heterospecifics in addition to the conspecifics that intrude on their territories. One species that has such heterospecific pursuits is the Eastern amberwing dragonfly (Perithemis tenera Say) (Anisoptera: Libellulidae). In this study, we tested five alternative hypotheses for the function of heterospecific pursuits in amberwings: competition for resources, prevention of interference while mating, predator deterrence, foraging, and mistaken identity. Resident males pursued both male and female conspecifics, as well as a species of horse fly (Tabanus spp.) and butterfly (Ancyloxypha numitor). Other intruding odonates, including Epitheca princeps, Erythemis simplicicollis, Libellula luctuosa, Pachydiplax longipennis, and Plathemis lydia, were relatively ignored. Because the horse fly and butterfly were similar to amberwings in body size, color, and flight height, and because they are not predators or prey of amberwings, we concluded that the pursuit of these heterospecifics was due to mistaken identity. The characteristics of the horsefly and butterfly likely correspond to the cues that the male amberwings use to identify conspecifics, and the relative rarity of intrusions by these two species (as well as by female amberwings) probably made it more costly to discriminate and pursue only conspecifics than to make some mistaken pursuits.
Clinical and Microbiological End Points in the Treatment of Pneumonia

The US Food and Drug Administration is reviewing its criteria for evaluating new antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial pneumonia. Although there are descriptions of hundreds of comparative studies of various antimicrobials, there is surprisingly little scientific literature on how the evaluations should be done. This brief contribution outlines areas for further consideration as new drugs are evaluated.
Crown Lengthening in Mandibular Molars:A 5‐Year Retrospective Radiographic Analysis

Background: Crown lengthening procedures are a significant part of the periodontist's armamentarium. In order to recreate the clinical space lost to caries or trauma necessary for prosthetic restoration, osseous surgery is often required. If the procedure is not carefully planned, it may result in furcation involvement of multirooted teeth. Methods: Twenty-six subjects with 26 mandibular molar teeth requiring crown lengthening procedures prior to prosthetic crown placement were evaluated. Nineteen subjects with 24 prosthetic crowns on lower molars which had not undergone crown lengthening were included as control teeth. Bite-wing radiographs prior to surgery (for the test group) or placement of the crown (control group) and 5 years after completion of the prosthesis were compared and analyzed. Results: Of the 26 test teeth, 10 teeth (38.5%) were found to have radiographic evidence of furcation involvement, whereas none of the control teeth developed furcation invasions. Conclusion: A critical distance fro...
Elemental Fingerprints used to Identify Essential Habitats: Nantucket Bay Scallop

ABSTRACT Elemental fingerprinting of adult and juvenile Nantucket bay scallop shells, Argopecten irradians (Lamarck 1819) revealed distinct element/Ca ratios that can be used to distinguish provenance of bay scallops in Nantucket Harbor. Within this small harbor (∼ 10 km2), we identified 3 distinct habitat zones defined by the abundance of scallops at a location: zone 1 (barren), zone 2 (low abundance), and zone 3 (high abundance). Element/Ca ratios were associated with proximity to the harbor mouth, with elemental differences attributed to variation in salinity and pH. Using binary logistic regression, we identified the source zones based on shell elemental ratios (i.e., various elemental concentrations divided by [Ca]). We also identified boundary salinity and pH conditions that support large abundance of A. irradians within Nantucket Harbor. This information is crucial to seeding projects and the management of the Nantucket Harbor A. irradians population.
Porosity Preservation in the Upper Smackover (Jurassic) Carbonate Grainstone, Walker Creek Field, Arkansas: Response of Paleophreatic Lenses to Burial Processes: REPLY

A section of the ARCO Bodcaw No. 1 core from the Upper Smackover (Jurassic) of southern Arkansas was studied in detail in an effort to understand the control of porosity. Petrographic, isotopic, atomic absorption, and cathodoluminescence data on whole rocks and components were generated on 24 samples from a 115-foot length of core. The core is composed almost entirely of accretionary and cryptocrystalline grains and cement. Porosity is unrelated to grain type, size. or sorting on a sample-to-sample basis. The porous intervals are interpreted to have been stablized to calcite under fresh-water phreatic conditions. The porous intervals approach "fresh water" values of -5.0 per thousand delta 18 O, 1.5 mol percent Mg, and 300 ppm Sr and are further characterized by luminescent oolites and relatively slight solution compaction effects. The nonporous intervals represent relict vadose and subphreatic environments which stabilized after burial. The nonporous intervals approach "burial" values of -2.8 per thousand delta 18 O, 2.5 mol percent Mg, and 600 ppm Sr and are further characterized by nonluminescent grains and intense solution compaction. Data indicate that oolites were initially composed of a metastable mineralogy, cryptocrystalline grains were composed of a more stable mineralogy, and algal grains were composed of a mixture of mineralogies. Oolites in the vadose and subphreatic environments were not fully stabilized under fresh water conditions, but vadose grains carried with them a light delta 13 C soil gas signal after burial. These grains were fully stabilized under post-fresh-water, burial conditions. Observed porosity distribution is readily explained in terms of solution compaction and cementation. Grains with metastable mineralogy in relict vadose and subphreatic intervals were heavily solution-compacted at relatively shallow depths before being converted to stable calcite. Intense solution compaction destroyed pore space in these intervals. Dolomite cementation seems linked with the compaction process. The stablized mineralogy of the phreatic lens, together with associated meteoric cements, resisted solution compaction and thereby preserved pore space.
Cosmopolitan dispersion in a parthenogenetic insect (Nicoletia phytophila; Zygentoma): Human facilitated or much older?

Abstract Thelytokous parthenogenesis has a distinct advantage for colonization in that single female dispersants can establish new populations. Most sexual nicoletiid (Zygentoma) species tend to have restricted geographical areas. On the contrary, populations of parthenogenetic females of Nicoletia phytophila Gervais, 1844 are cosmopolitan. It has been hypothesized that their global dispersion was caused by recent indirect human action, such as transportation of garden soil. DNA sequences of the 16S rRNA in N. phytophila populations from Mexico, Cuba, Grenadine Islands, and Puerto Rico revealed that on the contrary, they were considerably different, which is more consistent with a divergence origin millions of years ago.
Electronic Properties of Surface Layers of Silver Chloride

Photoconductivity and luminescence produced by 0.2 μs X-ray pulses, and thermally stimulated currents were measured between 80 and 260 °K. The electron schubweg is controlled by traps, some of which (in excess of 1015 cm−3) are deep and are destroyed by oxygen. The probability for radiative recombination is small compared to that for trapping. The mobility in oxygen doped crystals is the same in the surface as in the bulk. Anomalies in the temperature dependence of the mobility are attributed to trapping and re-emission. Die durch Rontgenstrahlimpulse von 0,2 μs Dauer erregte Photoleitfahigkeit und Lumineszenz sowie thermisch angeregte Strome wurden in Oberflachenschichten von reinen und Sauerstoff enthaltenden AgCl-Kristallen gemessen (80 bis 260 °K). Der Elektronen-Schubweg ist durch Haftstellen (traps) bestimmt, von denen ein Teil ( > 1015 cm−3) sehr tief liegt und durch Sauerstoff zerstort wird. Die Wahrscheinlichkeit fur eine Rekombination ist kleiner als die fur das Einfangen in einer Haftstelle. In Sauerstoff enthaltenden Kristallen hat die Elektronenbeweglichkeit an der Oberflache und im Inneren den gleichen Wert. Unregelmasigkeiten in der Temperaturabhangigkeit der Beweglichkeit konnen durch Einfangen in Haftstellen und Re-Emission erklart werden.
Workplace Discrimination and the Perception of Disability

This article documents the employment discrimination experienced by Americans “regarded as” disabled (but not medically verified as such), using the Integrated Mission System of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Claimants who were perceived as disabled, as contrasted with those with documented disabilities, were more likely to file charges of discrimination based on the issues of discharge or hiring. Decisions by the EEOC in favor of claimants perceived to have disabilities disproportionately exceeded those in favor of claimants with documented disabilities. This finding lends support to the assertion that unconscious/implicit bias is persistent in the workplace.
KCTF evolution of trans-neptunian binaries: Connecting formation to observation

Recent observational surveys of trans-neptunian binary (TNB) systems have dramatically increased the number of known mutual orbits. Our Kozai Cycle Tidal Friction (KCTF) simulations of synthetic trans-neptunian binaries show that tidal dissipation in these systems can completely reshape their original orbits. Specifically, solar torques should have dramatically accelerated the semimajor axis decay and circularization timescales of primordial (or recently excited) TNBs. As a result, our initially random distribution of TNBs in our simulations evolved to have a large population of tight circular orbits. This tight circular population appears for a range of TNO physical properties, though a strong gravitational quadrupole can prevent some from fully circularizing. We introduce a stability parameter to predict the effectiveness of KCTF on a TNB orbit, and show that a number of known TNBs must have a large gravitational quadrupole to be stable.
Renal Flare as a Predictor of Incident and Progressive CKD in Patients with Lupus Nephritis

Summary Background and objectives Renal flares are common in lupus nephritis. The impact of flares on the development of CKD in lupus nephritis was examined. Design, setting, participants, & measurements A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the Ohio Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Study was conducted to determine if renal flares predispose to new CKD or progression of preexisting CKD. Patients in the Ohio SLE Study were followed from 2001 to 2009, with a median follow-up of 6 years. For this analysis, patients with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis and at least 3 years of follow-up were included ( n =56). Frequency and duration of renal flares were compared between patients who never developed CKD ( n =29) and patients who developed new CKD ( n =12) and between patients with preexisting but stable CKD ( n =7) and patients who progressed ( n =8). Groups were also combined into good (no CKD and stable CKD) or poor (new CKD and progressive CKD) for analysis. Results The new CKD group had more renal flares per year compared with the no CKD group (median=0.56 flares/yr [range=0–2] versus median=0 flares/yr [range=0–1.4]; P P P 35 years (odds ratio, 69; 95% confidence interval, 6.3 to 753.6; P Conclusion In patients with lupus nephritis, the relative duration of renal flare is an independent predictor of incident and progressive CKD.
Ubiquitous power flow control in meshed grids

A new method of power flow control in a meshed network has been presented earlier, to enable power dispatch along a defined path without impacting flows on branches adjacent to the path. This paper explores the type of power converter topology that could optimally provide the desired control function. This includes well known FACTS devices such as Back-to-Back Converters (BTB) and Unified Power Flow Controllers (UPFC), as well as newer devices such as Controllable Network Transformers (CNT), and Distributed Series Impedance (DSI) devices. Equipment ratings are calculated for the BTB, UPFC, CNT and CNT-DSI hybrid solutions. Scalability to grid voltages and power levels is also discussed. Power flow capability, implementing the proposed solution with ideal voltage sources, is shown via simulation for the IEEE 39 bus system. Finally, functionality is simulated in a meshed, four-bus system using switching devices. Proposed functionality would allow more efficient market operation, incentivize transmission investment and ensure physical delivery of contracted energy, thus enabling real-time markets for lowcarbon (green) sources.
Recent advances in anionic synthesis of functionalized polymers

Abstract There has been growing interest and research on new synthetic methods for the preparation of well-defined polymers with in-chain and chain-end functional groups. These functional groups in polymers can participate in (a) reversible ionic association; (b) chain extension, branching or crosslinking reactions with polyfunctional reagents; (c) coupling and linking with reactive groups on other oligomer or polymer chains; and (d) initiation of polymerization of other monomers. It is noteworthy that the use of end-functionalized polybutadienes formed by reaction of poly(butadienyl)lithium with 4,4′-bis(diethylamino)-benzophenone has been reported to provide marked improvements in the wear and traction properties of tires. In order to exploit the unique potential of functionalized polymers, it is important to consider the scope and limitations of current functionalization methodology using anionic polymerization. Anionic polymerization approaches the goal of synthesizing polymers with predictable, well-...
Excess Risk of Venous Thromboembolism Associated with Androgen Deprivation Therapy.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a cornerstone of the therapeutic management of many patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Its cardiovascular safety has recently [1_TD$DIFF]gathered attention. Observational studies have almost consistently demonstrated associations of ADT use with the risk of arterial cardiovascular disease (CVD), often through large populationor nation-based cohorts, with a meta-analytic 38% increased univariate relative risk comparing men with PCa on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists with men with PCa not treated with ADT [1]. Causality of this association cannot be assumed, given the potential for confounding, butmost would agree that there is likely a link between ADT and excess cardiac events [2]. In this month’s issue of European Urology, Klil-Drori et al reported an analysis of another cardiovascular outcome of clinical importance in patients with PCa: venous thromboembolism (VTE). Composed of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, VTE is related to cancer in 20–30% of incident events, with a fourto sevenfold increased risk of VTE in cancer versus noncancer patients. The clinical relevance of VTE in cancer patients is underscored by its associated mortality, morbidity, and poor prognosis. Pulmonary embolism is a leading cause of mortality among cancer patients [3]. Because of the high rate of recurrence, long duration of anticoagulation is usually prescribed with subsequent high risk of major bleeding (up to 16 events per 100 patient-years) [4]. Furthermore, the development of a VTE event in cancer patients is associated with poorer survival, although it is unknown to what extent this can be attributed to the thrombotic event itself or if it is simply a marker of greater malignant activity.
North Pacific decadal variability in the CMIP5 last millennium simulations

The Pacific ocean–atmosphere system exerts an important influence on the climate of Asia and North America, but the limited length of the observational record prevents a complete understanding of its bidecadal and multidecadal time scales. Paleoclimate reconstructions provide one source of information on longer time scales, although they differ in their estimation of the behavior of the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) prior to the instrumental period. Forced general circulation model simulations offer complementary long-term perspectives on both the history and dynamics of this important mode of variability. Here, we analyze the PDO in the ensemble of CMIP5/PMIP3 last millennium (past1000 + historical) simulations. We evaluate the modeled spatial, temporal, and spectral characteristics of this mode, as well as teleconnections between North Pacific variability and global climate. All models produce a mode of North Pacific variability over the last millennium with spatial patterns and spectral power density similar to observations. CCSM, FGOALS, and IPSL best reproduce observed spatial patterns, spectral characteristics, and teleconnections to terrestrial regions used in paleoclimate proxy reconstructions. In these simulations, the PDO shows no consistent response to solar or volcanic forcing.