cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The action of ouabain on the chronotropic effects of sympathetic nerve stimulation and isoproterenol.

Abstract The effect of ouabain on the increase in heart rate induced by sympathetic nerve stimulation and by isoproterenol was studied in the cat. Ouabain was administered (10 μg/kg), intravenously every 35 min until arrhythmia appeared. Up to the administration of the fourth dose of ouabain the positive chronotropic response to pre- and postganglionic stimulation became variable and labile; in some animals the response was enhanced while in others it was diminished. As additional doses of ouabain were administered, the response to postganglionic stimulation tended to become depressed while that to preganglionic stimulation continued to be variable and unpredictable. The positive chronotropic response to isoproterenol although increased in some instances, was significantly depressed throughout most of the experiment. The action of ouabain on the positive chronotropic effects of sympathetic nerve stimulation is complex and is the resultant of its action which inhibits and enhances neural effects of heart rate combined with that which depresses receptor reactivity to the transmitter. This multiplicity of ef the sympathetic nervous innervation of the heart and this in turn may result in abnormalities in rhythm and conduction.
Natural transmission of Demodex bovis Stiles to dairy calves.

Abstract Hides from cattle exposed to their infested dams for known periods and from sibling cattle were examined to determine when transmission of Demodex bovis occurred in an experimental dairy herd. Five of the 7 (71.4%) calves exposed to infested dams for 2 days, all 5 calves exposed for 3 days, and 1 calf exposed for 0.5 day became infested. Sibling cattle from 6 dams were examined; each had at least 1 calf that became infested. One dam produced twins, both of which became infested. These observations indicate that calves can acquire mites from an infested dam in 0.5 day and that sibling cattle from an infested dam do not always become infested.
Bicarbonate-buffered Lidocaine-epinephirine-hyaluronidase for Eyelid Anesthesia

A double-masked, randomized clinical trial was conducted to determine if subcutaneous eyelid injections of a bicarbonate-buffered lidocaine-epinephrine-hyaluronidase mixture were less painful than unbuffered injections. Twenty-one patients received both buffered (pH = 7.4) and unbuffered (pH = 4.6) injections. After each injection, patients recorded pain on a scale of 0, "no pain," to 10, "severe pain." Mean pain score for buffered injections was 2.0 versus 4.1 for unbuffered injections (P = 0.0003). Seventeen (81%) of 21 patients ranked the buffered injection less painful. Use of a bicarbonate-buffered lidocaine-epinephrine-hyaluronidase mixture is effective in making ophthalmic anesthesia less painful.
Last Word on Viewpoint: Are there valid concerns for completing a marathon at 39 weeks of pregnancy?

amber miller completed the 2011 Chicago marathon at 39 weeks of pregnancy and received some widespread media attention for doing so ([4][1]). Some media said that her completion of the full 26.2-mile distance at near term was a great feat, and some said it was reckless with potentially harmful
Comparative Distortion in Three-Unit Fixed Prostheses Joined by Laser Welding, Conventional Soldering, or Casting in One Piece

This study was conducted to evaluate objectively the relative distortion in three-unit bridges joined by laser welding, soldering, or one-piece casting techniques, Each procedure was replicated five times. Laser welding and one-piece castings of three units were found to be significantly superior to soldering. The laser welding was most reliable.
Solubility Behavior of Granular Corn Starches in Methyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) as Measured by High Performance Size Exclusion Chromatography

The extent of corn starch dispersibility and the relative molecular solubility of amylose and amylopectin in methyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were determined. Granular corn starches with 90% solubilized, while waxy starch was only 47% solubilized. When starches were treated for 18–89 h in 90oC DMSO, solubility stopped increasing after 67 h. High amylose starch (70%) was mostly solubilized, but 53% amylose, waxy and regular starches could only be fully solubilized after exposure to shear. Amylopectin molecules appeared more susceptible to shear induced depolymerization than amylose. The percent amylopectin in the high amylose starches reflected that as determined by iodine binding analysis and the manufacturer; while the percent amylopectin in regular starch was too low (manufacturers: 75%, HPSEC: 65%). Undispersed components were mostly amylopectin. Since amylose is fully solubilized, however, the HPSEC can be used to quickly determine percent amylose in starch.
CDK inhibitor p21 is prosurvival in adriamycin-induced podocyte injury, in vitro and in vivo

In response to injury, the highly specialized and terminally differentiated glomerular visceral epithelial cell, or podocyte, may undergo several cell fates, including dedifferentiation and prolife...
Neutrino oscillations in inhomogeneous matter

An equation is derived for the evolution of the density matrix for neutrinos propagating, and mixing, in inhomogeneous matter. A measure of the decrease in the efficiency of the Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein (MSW) transformation of {nu}{sub {ital e}} to {nu}{sub {ital x}} is defined, and is proved to increase steadily as the neutrino traverses a lumpy medium. It is estimated that, at the least, 1% density variations in the solar core on a scale of 1000 km would be required in order to disrupt the MSW predictions for the solar-neutrino problem. In the case of the supernova core, 0.01% variations on the scale of the c.m. system would be sufficient to alter drastically the results of scenarios which have been proposed.
Antibody markers identify a common progenitor to sympathetic neurons and chromaffin cells in vivo and reveal the timing of commitment to neuronal differentiation in the sympathoadrenal lineage

Using specific antibody markers and double-label immunofluorescence microscopy, we have followed the fate of progenitor cells in the sympathoadrenal (SA) sublineage of the neural crest in developing rat embryos. Such progenitors are first recognizable in the primordial sympathetic ganglia at embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5), when they express tyrosine hydroxylase. At this stage, the progenitors also coexpress neuronal markers such as SCG 10 and neurofilament, together with a series of chromaffin cell markers called SA 1–5 (Carnhan and Patterson, 1991 a). The observation of such doubly labeled cells is consistent with the hypothesis that these cells represent a common progenitor to sympathetic neurons and adrenal chromaffin cells. Subsequent to E 11.5, expression of the chromaffin markers is extinguished in the sympathetic ganglia but retained by cells within the adrenal gland. Concomitant with the loss of the SA 1-5 immunoreactivity in sympathetic ganglia, a later sympathetic neuron-specific marker, B2, appears. In dissociated cell suspensions, some B2+ cells that coexpress SA 1 are seen. This implies a switch in the antigenic phenotype of developing sympathetic neurons, rather than a replacement of one cell population by another. The SA 1--B2 transition does not occur for the majority of cells within the adrenal primordium. In vitro, most B2+ cells fail to differentiate into chromaffin cells in response to glucocorticoid. Instead, they continue to extend neurites and then die. Taken together, these data imply that the SA 1--B2 transition correlates with a loss of competence to respond to an inducer of chromaffin differentiation. Thus, the development of SA derivatives is controlled both by environmental signals and by changes in the ability of differentiating cells to respond to such signals.
Aeolian input of bioavailable iron to the ocean

[1] Atmospheric deposition of mineral dust supplies much of the essential nutrient iron to the ocean. Presumably only the readily soluble fraction is available for biological uptake. Previous ocean models assumed this fraction was constant. Here the variable solubility of Fe in aerosols and precipitation is parameterized with a two-step mechanism, the development of a sulfate coating followed by the dissolution of iron (hydr)oxide on the dust aerosols. The predicted soluble Fe fraction increases with transport time from the source region and with the corresponding decrease in dust concentration. The soluble fraction is ∼1 percent near sources, but often 10–40 percent farther away producing a significant increase in soluble Fe deposition in remote ocean regions. Our results may require more rapid biological and physicochemical scavenging of Fe than used in current ocean models. We further suggest that increasing SO2 emission alone could have caused significant Fe fertilization in the modern northern hemisphere oceans.
Teams and Teamwork During a Cancer Diagnosis: Interdependency Within and Between Teams

This article discusses the care process among three groups (primary care, radiology, and surgery) aiding a 57-year-old woman during her screening mammography and diagnosis of breast cancer. This is the first in a series of articles exploring principles and topics relevant to teams guiding clinicians involved in cancer care. The challenges demonstrated in this case illustrate how clinicians work within and between groups to deliver this first phase of cancer care. The case helps demonstrate the differences between groups and teams. Focusing on the patient and the overall process of care coordination can help move groups toward becoming teams who deliver better care by identifying and managing goals, roles, and interdependent care tasks. Care providers and researchers can use the case to consider their own work and essential aspects of teamwork needed to improve care, patient outcomes, and the evidence that supports each.
Generalized quadratic Lyapunov functions for nonlinear/uncertain systems analysis

We consider the class of discrete-lime nonlinear uncertain systems described by the feedback connection of a linear time-invariant system and a "troublesome component", i.e., either a static nonlinearity or a time-varying parametric uncertainty. We propose a generalized quadratic Lyapunov function for stability analysis of such systems. In particular, the Lyapunov function is given by a quadratic form of a vector that depends on the state in a specific nonlinear manner. Introducing a quadratic-form model of the troublesome component in the spirit of integral quadratic constraints, we obtain sufficient conditions for the existence of such Lyapunov functions that proves global/regional stability. The conditions are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities that can be numerically verified in polynomial time.
Perspectives on transgenic livestock in agriculture and biomedicine: an update

It has been 30 years since the first transgenic mouse was generated and 26 years since the first example of transferring the technology to livestock was published. While there was tremendous optimism in those initial years, with most convinced that genetically modified animals would play a significant role in agricultural production, that has not come to be. So at first sight one could conclude that this technology has, to a large extent, failed. On the contrary, it is believed that it has succeeded beyond our original expectations, and we are now at what is perhaps the most exciting time in the development and implementation of these technologies. The original goals, however, have drastically changed and it is now biomedical applications that are playing a central role in pushing both technical and scientific developments. The combination of advances in somatic cell nuclear transfer, the development of induced pluripotent stem cells and the completion of the sequencing of most livestock genomes ensures a bright and exciting future for this field, not only in livestock but also in companion animal species.
A review of reduced kalman filters for clock ensembles

This paper reviews the author's previous work on free-running timescales based on Kalman filters that act upon clock comparisons. The natural Kalman clock ensemble algorithm tends to optimize long-term timescale stability at the expense of short-term stability. By subjecting each postmeasurement error covariance matrix to a non-transparent reduction operation, one obtains corrected clocks with improved short-term stability and little sacrifice of long-term stability. A new result on covariance matrix reduction is also stated.
The role of wind direction in eolian transport on a narrow sandy beach

Comparison of eolian transport during five high-velocity wind events over a 29 day period on a narrow estuarine beach in Delaware Bay, New Jersey, USA, reveals the temporal variability of transport, due to changes in direction of wind approach. Mean wind speed measured 6 m above the dune crest for the five events ranged from 8·5 to 15·9 ms−1. Mean wind direction was oblique to the shoreline (63° from shore-normal) during one event but was within 14° of shore-normal during the other events. Eolian transport is greatest during low tide and rising tide, when the beach source area is widest and when drying of surface sediments occurs. The quantity of sediment caught in a vertical trap for the five events varied from a total of 0·07 to 113·73 kgm−1. Differences in temperature, relative humidity and moisture and salt content of surficial sediments were slight. Mean grain sizes ranged from 0·33 to 0·58 mm, causing slight differences in threshold shear velocity, but shear velocities exceeded the threshold required for transport during all events. Beach width, measured normal to the shoreline, varied from 15·5 to 18·0 m; beach slope differed by 0·5°. The oblique wind during one event created a source width nearly double the width during other days. Beach slope, measured in the direction of the wind, was less than half as steep as the slope measured normal to the shoreline. The amount of sand trapped during the oblique wind was over 20 times greater than any other event, even those with higher shear velocities. The ability of the beach surface to supply grains to the air stream is limited on narrow beaches, but increased source width, due to oblique wind approach, can partially overcome limitations of surface conditions on the beach.
Civil War Destruction and the Prospects for Economic Growth

This article examines the effects of civil wars on economies. The “war renewal” school of thought maintains that wars can produce beneficial effects as they improve efficiency in the economy, especially by reducing the power of special interests, bring technological innovation, and advance human capital. The “war ruin” school of thought sees mostly detrimental effects resulting from war. We seek to address two critical questions. First, which perspective on wars and economic growth is more accurate? Second, to what extent do policy choices at both the domestic and international levels exert influence on economic growth? We develop several hypotheses to assess these arguments, and utilizing a 2SLS model, test them on data for all nations for the period 1960–2002. We find that generally wars exercise negative economic effects and that economic fundamentals, as well as the response by the international community to civil wars, exert powerful effects on economic growth.
The Role of MT Neuron Receptive Field Surrounds in Computing Object Shape from Velocity Fields

The goal of this work was to investigate the role of primate MT neurons in solving the structure from motion (SFM) problem. Three types of receptive field (RF) surrounds found in area MT neurons (K.Tanaka et al., 1986; Allman et al., 1985) correspond, as our analysis suggests, to the 0th, 1st and 2nd order fuzzy space-differential operators. The large surround/center radius ratio (≥ 7) allows both differentiation of smooth velocity fields and discontinuity detection at boundaries of objects. The model is in agreement with recent psychophysical data on surface interpolation involvement in SFM. We suggest that area MT partially segregates information about object shape from information about spatial relations necessary for navigation and manipulation.
Results of treatment of 145 fractures of the third metacarpal/metatarsal condyles in 135 horses (1986-1994).

Summary The objectives of this study were to correlate condylar fracture characteristics and type of treatment with subsequent capacity for athletic ability, and to determine the characteristics of healing that affect prognosis after fracture fixation. Medical records, post operative radiographic studies and race records were examined for 135 horses sustaining 145 fractures. Sixty-five percent of horses overall started in a race post injury (SPI) in a mean time of 9.7 months with a mean of 13.7 races post injury. Having raced pre-injury did not confer an advantage to starting post injury, though nonstarters pre-injury tended to take longer to return. For horses starting pre- and post injury, 66% improved or maintained their race class level after injury, whereas 64.2% decreased their race earnings post injury. Eighty-five percent of the fractures received internal fixation, of which 70% were complete fractures. Eighty-seven percent of horses with incomplete-nondisplaced fractures treated conservatively raced post injury. The percent SPI for incomplete-nondisplaced, complete-nondisplaced and complete-displaced fractures treated with internal fixation were 74%, 58%, and 60%, respectively. Males (72%) raced post injury more frequently than fillies (53%), and may represent a truer probability of SPI. Spiral fractures tended to take longer until their first start (mean 13.3 months). Fifty-two percent of horses with articular fragments were able to race post injury. Horses were more likely to start if 2–4 month radiographic healing revealed no evidence of the fracture except the presence of lag screws. Based on this series of cases, the majority of horses, with proper treatment, were able to return to racing regardless of fracture characteristic. Prognosis appeared to be affected by the severity of the injury to the joint, the presence of articular comminution and the quality of surgical repair.
Pathologic Quiz Case: A 17-Year-Old Renal Transplant Patient With Persistent Fever, Pancytopenia, and Axillary Lymphadenopathy

17-year-old adolescent boy with end-stage renal disease due to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis underwent a second kidney transplant because of the chronic rejection and loss of the first allograft that he had received 11 years previously. The patient was on several immunosuppressive drugs including FK506 and prednisone. Laboratory studies perioperatively demonstrated pancytopenia, and on the second postoperative day, the patient began to display temperature spikes that reached as high as 398C. The postoperative graft function was excellent. On physical examination, the patient was found to have left axillary lymphadenopathy, which was later confirmed by computerized tomography scanning. Computerized tomography scanning did not demonstrate any other abnormalities. Results of aggressive workups for infectious disease, including blood and urine cultures, cytomegalovirus analysis, and polymerase chain reactions for parvovirus B-19, herpesviruses 6, 7, and 8, and hepatitis serologic studies, were negative. The patient continued to experience temperature spikes despite the discontinuation of some of the immunosuppressive drugs that initially were thought to be the cause of his persistent fever. A biopsy of the axillary lymph node was performed. The excised lymph node measured 2 cm in its greatest dimension and showed a grossly unremarkable cut surface. A microscopic examination of the hematoxylin-eosin‐stained sections demonstrated confluent nodular areas containing proliferation of the vessels of various sizes and
Parameter estimation and error reduction for OFDM-based WLANs

We consider parameter estimation and error reduction for orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) based high-speed wireless local area networks (WLANs). We devise or select algorithms that can provide benefit to the overall system performance and can be efficiently implemented in real-time. In particular, first, we give a channel model which is especially useful for assessing the channel parameter estimation methods devised for OFDM-based WLANs. Second, we provide a sequential method for the estimation of carrier frequency offset (CFO), symbol timing, and channel response by exploiting the structure of the packet preamble specified by the IEEE 802.11a standard. Finally, to correct the residue CFO induced phase error using the pilot tones, we consider maximum-likelihood phase tracking and least-squares phase fitting approaches; to improve the channel estimation accuracy using the decoded data, we present a semiblind channel estimation method; to mitigate the sampling clock induced time delay error, we provide a sampling clock synchronization approach that obviates the need of an automatic frequency control clock recovery circuit. The overall system performance of using our algorithms is demonstrated via several numerical examples.
Comments on "On the synthetic aperture radar imaging of ocean surface waves"

A. v. Ivanov ( 1 ) presents theoretical and experimental evi- dence for the often-stated view that azimuthal focus Settings for optimum imaging of ocean waves by synthetic aperture radar depend on the azimuthal component of the wave's phase speed, His results do not agree with those of Jain (2), 131, since he predicts focus to depend on one-half the phase speed, while Jain finds dependence on the full phase speed. It has been sug- gested, however, by Hasselmann (4 1 and Alpers et al. (5 1 that these azimuthal focus settings do not depend on the phase speed of the wave at all. Rather they result from the line-of- sight orbital acceleration of the surface. Below I will show that Ivanov's theoretical result is incorrect and occurs only from a misapplication of the two-scale model. Up to (4) of the Ivanov paper, the development is rather standard. Having here obtained a relationship -between image intensity and the spatial spectral density of the ripples
Effects of post-fire logging on forest surface air temperatures in the Siskiyou Mountains, Oregon, USA

Summary Following stand-replacing wildfire, post-fire (salvage) logging of fire-killed trees is a widely implemented management practice in many forest types. A common hypothesis is that removal of fire-killed trees increases surface temperatures due to loss of shade and increased solar radiation, thereby influencing vegetation establishment and possibly stand development. Six years after a wildfire in a Mediterranean-climate mixed-conifer forest in southwest Oregon, USA, we measured the effects of post-fire logging (>90 per cent dead tree (snag) removal) on growing season surface air temperatures. Compared with unlogged severely burned forest, post-fire logging did not lead to increased maximum daily surface air temperature. However, dead tree removal was associated with lower nightly minimum temperatures (~1°C) and earlier daytime heating, leading to a 1–2°C difference during the warming portion of the day. Effects varied predictably by aspect. The patterns reported here represent a similar but muted pattern as previously reported for microclimatic changes following clear-cutting of green trees. Effects of microsites such as tree bases on fine-scale temperature regimes require further investigation.
Chemical-Mechanical Polishing and Rapid Thermal Annealing of SiC: Raman Spectroscopy and ESCA (XPS) Studies

The effects of Chem-Mechanical Polishing (CMP) and Rapid Thermal Annealing (RTA) on n-type 4H:SiC samples doped with nitrogen were investigated using Raman scattering and X-ray Phtoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS a.k.a. ESCA) measurements. A comparison of the Raman spectra from Mechanically Polished (MP) SiC annealed at 600°C and 800°C displays a frequency shift in the coupled plasmon LO-phonon mode. Since the coupled mode frequency is a direct measure of the free carrier concentration, this observation may suggest the removal of polishing induced carrier traps with increasing annealing temperature. The CMP samples did not show this frequency shift, thereby indicating that such polishing traps were not created in that process. The Si-peak observed in the XPS spectra of the unannealed CMP sample indicates primarily a Si-C bonding, while that for the MP sample is more complex, indicating other bonds beside Si-C. Drastic changes in O, C, Si surface content were observed for annealing between 1000°C and 1100°C. The peaks in the XPS spectra associated with the chemical environment for C, O, and N are complex and may be explained as silicon oxycarbide type structures near the surface or possibly around the interface of the SiC substrate with a thin surface oxide layer.
A Reformulated Three-Layer Sea Ice Model

A model is presented that provides an efficient approximation to sea ice thermodynamics for climate studies. Semtner’s three-layer framework is used, but the brine content of the upper ice is represented with a variable heat capacity as is done in more physically based models. A noniterative fully implicit time-stepping scheme is used for calculation of ice temperature. The results of the new model are compared to those of Semtner’s original model.
Sulfosulfuron effects on growth and photosynthesis of 15 range grasses

We conducted greenhouse experiments to compare photosynthetic and growth responses of 2 invasive annual grasses (downy brome = Bromus tectorum L. and medusahead = Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) [Nevski]), 6 caespitose grasses, and 7 rhizomatous grasses to the herbicide sulfosulfuron (1-(2-ethylsulfonylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-ylsulfonyl)-3-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)urea). Our objectives were to identify general patterns of species responsiveness and test the hypothesis that sulfosulfuron induced reduction in photosynthetic activity and shoot growth would be more pronounced in small relative to larger plants. Small plants in a spring experiment and large plants in a summer experiment were treated with sulfosulfuron (70 g ai ha -1 ). Wildryes and bromes were consistently injured; whereas, 5 of the 7 wheatgrasses were not susceptible to sulfosulfuron. Rhizomatous grasses generally experienced greater damage from sulfosulfuron than caespitose grasses. These results suggest that sulfosulfuron would provide a useful rangeland management tool to control unwanted invasive annual grasses without significantly hindering growth and physiology of desirable rangeland grasses.
Takeovers And Incentives For Earnings Management: An Empirical Analysis

This study tests the hypothesis that managers of firms that are targets of takeovers systematically increase reported earnings in the quarters immediately preceding and following initiation of the takeover attempt. Using both a modified version of the Jones method and the DeAngelo method, discretionary accounting accruals are examined for a sample of 100 firms that were targets of tender offers between 1985 and 1989, inclusive, and for a control group of nontargets. Results for the quarter ended prior to initiation support the hypothesis. Additional tests performed on the sub-samples of hostile and friendly takeover targets indicate that the results obtained for the sample as a whole are primarily due to the hostile takeover targets. No evidence of earnings management is found in the quarter ended subsequent to initiation.
Educating the health workforce in China: a commentary

Abstract Background The health of the Chinese people witnessed spectacular gains in the past half century. Life expectancy improved from 60 years in 1964 to 75 years in 2014. Infant and maternal mortality decreased substantially from 48 per 1000 children born in 1980 to 11 per 1000 children born in 2014, achieving benchmarks beyond those of Millennium Development Goals. The aim of this analysis is to examine three areas in China's development of its health workforce: improvements of the balance in the skill-mix amongst nurses and doctors, modernisation of medical education through reform of instructional content and purpose, and standardisation of post-graduate and continuing clinical education. Findings China has the largest production system of health professionals in the world. In 2012, China had 1·3 billion (18%) of 7 billion people in the world, 1·9 million (22%) of about 8·4 million doctors worldwide, and 1·9 million (11%) of 17·7 million nurses worldwide. However, the consequent doctor-nu rse ratio of 1:1 is highly imbalanced. Very rapid expansion of medical school student enrolment without corresponding expansion of faculty and infrastructure has compromised the quality of competence of graduating health professionals. Postgraduate education in China is currently ad hoc, fragmented, and suffering from the absence of quality standardisation. Currently, each institution is able to determine the content, duration, and quality of training of young physicians. There is inconsistency in the quality of physicians and specialists across all medical service institutions and between primary, secondary, and tertiary hospitals. Interpretation Although many people marvel at China's economic miracle, it has undergone slower progress in development of various social sectors such as health care. Continued progress and reform will require reform of undergraduate and postgraduate education, which are essential for cultivating health professionals who are trusted by patients to treat and prevent the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. Funding None.
Abstract 11585: Lipid Nanoparticle Encapsulated SiRNA Against CCR2 Ameliorates Autoimmune Myocarditis and Impacts Myeloid Progenitor Trafficking

Background: Myocarditis is characterized by the infiltration of inflammatory cells which damage cardiac myocytes. Monocytes are the most prominent population of accumulating leukocytes. Here we inv...
A comparison of the polypropylene plate Ahmed glaucoma valve to the silicone plate Ahmed glaucoma flexible valve.

PURPOSE To compare surgical outcomes following implantation of the polypropylene plate Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) (S-2) and the newer silicone plate AGV (FP-7) with minimum 12 months follow-up in patients with intractable glaucoma. DESIGN Retrospective chart review of 25 eyes of 22 patients who underwent FP-7 and 26 eyes of 22 patients who underwent S-2 AGV implantation by a single surgeon. Main outcome measures included surgical outcomes in terms of intraocular pressure (IOP) control, hypertensive phase, and postoperative complications. RESULTS There were no significant differences in diagnoses, pre-and postoperative IOP, pre- and postoperative visual acuities at all time points, and in the number of pre- and postoperative medications between the groups. Significant IOP reductions occurred after FP-7 implantation (29.6 +/- 13.1 to 12.1 +/- 3.4, p < 0.001) and S-2 implantation (31.4 +/- 11.7 to 16.1 +/- 5.7, p < 0.001). The FP-7 group had a statistically lower IOP compared to the S-2 group at 6 (p<0.05), 9 (p<0.01), and 12 months (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in the hypertensive phase between the two groups (p=0.41). CONCLUSIONS FP-7 model silicone plate AGV resulted in lower IOP compared to the older S-2 polypropylene plate AGV at 1 year. This may suggest that the plate material may influence clinical outcome.
Effect of oxidation state and coordination with Hg(II) on the electronic spectra of an anthraquinone–rhodamine sensor

ABSTRACTIn this study, a computational examination of the electronic transitions and through-space energy transfer processes lends insight into the experimental electronic spectra of a redox-sensitive rhodamine–anthraquinone dyad. Electronic transitions were calculated using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) based on models optimised from single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) ion positions. DFT calculations were performed on gas-phase models using the Vienna Ab Initio Software Package (VASP) with the functional developed by Perdew, Burke, and Ernzerhof (PBE) on a basis set of plane waves. Using the DFT results, select transitions were evaluated based on a dipole–dipole coupling mechanism to find the Forster resonance energy transfer coupling, the square of which is approximately proportional to the rate of energy transfer between the donor and the acceptor. Electronic transitions during the relaxation of charge carriers are also investigated using nonadiabatic molecular dynam...
Stitching Osage Governance into the Future

The writers of the 2006 Osage Constitution had to work against processes of settler colonialism which attempt to deny Indigenous peoples a political future. The Constitution provides a foundation, but much work still remains in order to build a strong Osage Nation that can truly serve its people. This paper uses the metaphor of Osage ribbon work to envision such a future for Osage governance, moving away from the binaries that underwrite colonialism. Ribbon work reminds us that it is possible to create new and powerful forms out of an ongoing colonial process. In picking up the fabric both torn apart and created through the colonial process and stitching it into new patterns, Osage people must form the tangled ribbons of colonialism into unique structures that can serve Osage needs, artfully weaving the 2006 Constitution into something that can act, not as a pure alternative to modernity, but as something truly possible in this moment of colonial entanglement. In viewing the future potential of Osage gove...
Tele-service system of design and analysis of spiral bevel gear based on the mode of ASP

Firstly, the main contents of design, manufacturing and analysis system of spiral bevel gears are introduced in this paper. After that, the systematic structure of tele-service system of design and analysis of spiral bevel gears based on the application service provision (ASP) is discussed. Its model of frame is studied and its functional module and working pattern are introduced. Key techniques involved in the system and concrete realization of the system are discussed, and works ought to be done in the future have been prospected. By the use of this system users will make very big enhancement on the design, manufacture and analytical efficiency of spiral bevel gears.
Risk assessment of the developmental neurotoxicity of lead.

Lead has long been recognized as a developmental neurotoxicant. Although no reasonable doubt exists about this qualitative characterization, quantitative aspects of the developmental neurotoxicity of lead have been more difficult to resolve. This paper focuses on two key issues in a risk assessment of lead: the blood lead level of concern, i.e., the lowest level of exposure associated with neurotoxic effects in children, and the magnitude and implications of such effects. The distinction between a threshold and a level of concern is also discussed, along with the issue of whether a threshold exists for lead-induced health effects.
An EOQ model for perishable goods with age-dependent demand rate

Abstract We study the inventory management decisions of a retailer selling a single perishable good in a deterministic setting. We take into account consumers’ assessment of quality over the lifetime of the products, and assume that the demand rate is a linearly decreasing function of the age of the products. We analytically obtain the optimal cycle length of the retailer. Using our model, we obtain traditional non-perishable Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)-like lower and upper bounds on the cycle length and the profit, and show that they lead to near-optimal results for our typical examples, which are grocery items. We show that a perishable good acts similarly to a non-perishable good with unit holding cost equal to the ratio of contribution margin to lifetime. We also approximate the contribution margin the perishable good needs to have to maintain profitability parity with non-perishable goods.
Fingerprick Versus Oral Swab: Acceptability of Blood-Based Testing Increases If Other STIs Can Be Detected

Self-testing has untapped potential as a strategy to improve access to HIV testing and to increase testing frequency. User acceptability of self-administered oral swab HIV tests is consistently high in both hypothetical and actual-use studies. We explored preferences for oral versus fingerprick HIV self-tests among men who have sex with men with a high risk profile. Participants indicated greater likelihood of using an oral swab over a blood-based test, notwithstanding lower price or quicker results from the latter. However, the likelihood of using an HIV fingerprick test substantially increased if it also offered information on other sexually transmitted infections.
Progression of Brain Network Alterations in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy

Background and Purpose— We recently showed that cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is associated with functionally relevant brain network impairments, in particular affecting posterior white matter connections. Here we examined how these brain network impairments progress over time. Methods— Thirty-three patients with probable CAA underwent multimodal brain magnetic resonance imaging at 2 time points (mean follow-up time: 1.3±0.4 years). Brain networks of the hemisphere free of intracerebral hemorrhages were reconstructed using fiber tractography and graph theory. The global efficiency of the network and mean fractional anisotropies of posterior–posterior, frontal–frontal, and posterior–frontal network connections were calculated. Patients with moderate versus severe CAA were defined based on microbleed count, dichotomized at the median (median=35). Results— Global efficiency of the intracerebral hemorrhage–free hemispheric network declined from baseline to follow-up (−0.008±0.003; P =0.029). The decline in global efficiency was most pronounced for patients with severe CAA (group×time interaction P =0.03). The decline in global network efficiency was associated with worse executive functioning (β=0.46; P =0.03). Examination of subgroups of network connections revealed a decline in fractional anisotropies of posterior–posterior connections at both levels of CAA severity (−0.006±0.002; P =0.017; group×time interaction P =0.16). The fractional anisotropies of posterior–frontal and frontal–frontal connections declined in patients with severe but not moderate CAA (group×time interaction P =0.007 and P =0.005). Associations were independent of change in white matter hyperintensity volume. Conclusions— Brain network impairment in patients with CAA worsens measurably over just 1.3-year follow-up and seem to progress from posterior to frontal connections with increasing disease severity.
Reply to Smith: Electrorheological technology reduces the chocolate viscosity and fat level.

We thank Smith (1) for his interest in our work (2) and appreciate having the opportunity to respond. Smith (1) states that we “claim that low-calorie fats are not allowed in chocolate.” Our paper (2) has no such claim. In fact, we only mention that the products by Proctor & Gamble and Nabisco, with their cocoa butter substitute, are not allowed in Canada and Europe (3). This statement is derived from ref. 3 and further verified (4). As for alternative fats, the European Union allows up to 5% of the total fat, but in the United States 100% cocoa butter must be used for the product to be called “chocolate” (5). Smith (1 … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: rtao{at}temple.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Pin1-Targeted Therapy for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Objective Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a debilitating autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs in the body, but therapeutic options are still very limited and often come with adverse effects. Increasing evidence has underlined an important role of the Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR-7)/TLR-9/interleukin-1 receptor–associated kinase 1 (IRAK-1)/interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF-7) pathway in the development and progression of SLE. Notably, the prolyl isomerase Pin1 is an essential regulator of IRAK-1 in TLR-7/TLR-9 signaling, but its role in SLE is unknown. We undertook this study to determine whether Pin1 is activated and plays any role in the development and treatment of SLE. Methods Activation of Pin1 and TLR-7/TLR-9/IRAK-1/IRF-7 signaling was determined in various cell types among peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy controls and SLE patients. The effects of Pin1 and TLR signaling on SLE development were determined using validated Pin1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA), Pin1 genetic knockout, and the small-molecule Pin1 inhibitor all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) in immune cells and in several strains of lupus-prone mice. Results We found abnormal activation of Pin1 and its downstream targets IRAK-1 and IRF-7 in SLE patients. Furthermore, inhibition of Pin1 using either validated Pin1 shRNA or ATRA blocked TLR-7–induced activation of IRAK-1 and IRF-7 in SLE patient–derived immune cells. Moreover, in multiple lupus-prone animals, both Pin1 knockout and ATRA strikingly attenuated the expression of autoimmunity, including skin lesions, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, glomerulonephritis, proteinuria, and production of anti–double-stranded DNA antibodies and CD4−CD8− T cells, and also prolonged overall survival in MRL/lpr and B6.lpr mice. Conclusion Pin1 plays a critical role in the development of SLE, and Pin1-targeted therapy offers a promising new strategy for treating SLE.
Linear models to perform treaty verification tasks for enhanced information security

Abstract Linear mathematical models were applied to binary-discrimination tasks relevant to arms control verification measurements in which a host party wishes to convince a monitoring party that an item is or is not treaty accountable. These models process data in list-mode format and can compensate for the presence of variability in the source, such as uncertain object orientation and location. The Hotelling observer applies an optimal set of weights to binned detector data, yielding a test statistic that is thresholded to make a decision. The channelized Hotelling observer applies a channelizing matrix to the vectorized data, resulting in a lower dimensional vector available to the monitor to make decisions. We demonstrate how incorporating additional terms in this channelizing-matrix optimization offers benefits for treaty verification. We present two methods to increase shared information and trust between the host and monitor. The first method penalizes individual channel performance in order to maximize the information available to the monitor while maintaining optimal performance. Second, we present a method that penalizes predefined sensitive information while maintaining the capability to discriminate between binary choices. Data used in this study was generated using Monte Carlo simulations for fission neutrons, accomplished with the GEANT4 toolkit. Custom models for plutonium inspection objects were measured in simulation by a radiation imaging system. Model performance was evaluated and presented using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.
An individual-level network model for a hypothetical outbreak of Japanese encephalitis in the USA

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a vector-borne disease transmitted by mosquitoes and maintained in birds and pigs. To examine the possible epidemiology of JE in the United States, we use an individual-level network model that explicitly considers the feral pig population and implicitly considers mosquitoes and birds in specific areas of Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. To model the virus transmission among feral pigs within a small geographic area (<60 sq mi areas), two network topologies are considered: Fully connected and Erdos–Renyi networks. Long-distance connections (interstate) are created with limited probability and based on fall and spring bird migration patterns. Patterns of simulated outbreaks support the use of the Erdos–Renyi network because maximum incidence occurs during the fall migration period which is similar to the peak incidence of the closely related West Nile virus, another virus in the Japanese encephalitis group (Flaviviridae) that is transmitted by both birds and mosquitoes. Simulation analysis suggested two important mitigation strategies: for low mosquito vectorial capacity, insecticidal spraying of infected areas reduces transmission and limits the outbreak to a single geographic area. Alternatively, in high mosquito vectorial capacity areas, birds rather than mosquitoes need to be removed/controlled.
Cyclosporin Influences NK Cell Expansion, Activating and Inhibitory Receptor Expression and Cytokine Synthesis.

Mouse models demonstrate that natural killer (NK) cells play an important role after allogeneic BMT by mediating GVL effects. Human haploidentical transplantation extends these observations since KIR receptor mismatch between donor and recipient is associated with improved DFS for AML patients. In contrast to the above observations, most patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation receive GVHD prophylaxis with immune suppressive drugs, such as cyclosporin A (CsA). Little is known about the effects of CsA on NK cells and to investigate this, mature peripheral blood NK cells were cultured in IL-2 (1,000 U/ml) with either CsA (1 μg/ml or 10 μg/ml) or vehicle (EtOH) for 7 days. Under these conditions, CsA resulted in a significant inhibition in NK cell (CD3 − CD56 + ) expansion (p
CP1 Opens IKs Channels by Substituting PIP2

The voltage-gated potassium channel KCNQ1 co-assembles with the auxiliary subunit KCNE1 to form the IKs channel in the heart. The IKs current, a slow delayed rectifier K+ current, plays a key role in repolarization of cardiac action potentials. Mutations in the KCNQ1 gene are associated with long QT (LQT) syndrome, atrial fibrillation and short QT syndrome, which lead to cardiac arrhythmias. It was shown that KCNQ1 and IKs channels require PIP2 (Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate) for activation. This lipid acts as a cofactor of the channel for the movements of the voltage sensor domain to trigger the pore gate domain to open. Using the previously identified PIP2 binding site in a homology structural model of KCNQ1 as the target, an in-silico screening of chemical compounds in the Available Chemical Database (ACD, Molecular Design, Ltd.) and a subsequent experminetal testing on the IKs channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes identified CP1 as a novel IKs opener. CP1 increases IKs currents by two-fold and alters voltage dependence and kinetics of activation and deactivation of IKs channels. The potentiation effect of CP1 on IKs currents has an EC50 of 7.4 µM. Consistent with targeting the PIP2 binding site,CP1 rescues the IKs current with the coexpression of CiVSP, which depletes PIP2 and inhibits the currents. The KCNQ1/IKs specific blocker, Chromanol 293B inhibits the enhanced current due to CP1 application, suggesting that CP1 substitutes for PIP2in activating IKs channels. In preliminary experimetns with Guinea-pig ventricular myocytes, CP1 caused similar changes in chromanol sensitive IKs while also shortening action potential duration. CP1 as an opener of the IKs channels may provide a novel therapy to treat congential and acquired LQT syndromes.
Overcoming the Roadblocks to Cardiac Cell Therapy Using Tissue Engineering

Abstract Transplantations of various stem cells or their progeny have repeatedly improved cardiac performance in animal models of myocardial injury; however, the benefits observed in clinical trials have been generally less consistent. Some of the recognized challenges are poor engraftment of implanted cells and, in the case of human cardiomyocytes, functional immaturity and lack of electrical integration, leading to limited contribution to the heart’s contractile activity and increased arrhythmogenic risks. Advances in tissue and genetic engineering techniques are expected to improve the survival and integration of transplanted cells, and to support structural, functional, and bioenergetic recovery of the recipient hearts. Specifically, application of a prefabricated cardiac tissue patch to prevent dilation and to improve pumping efficiency of the infarcted heart offers a promising strategy for making stem cell therapy a clinical reality.