cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sociodemographic Disparities in Long-Term Mortality Among Stroke Survivors in the United States.

Background and Purpose- It is unclear whether disparities in mortality among stroke survivors exist long term. Therefore, the purpose of the current study is to describe rates of longer term mortality among stroke survivors (ie, beyond 30 days) and to determine whether socioeconomic disparities exist. Methods- This analysis included 1329 black and white participants, aged ≥45 years, enrolled between 2003 and 2007 in the REGARDS study (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) who suffered a first stroke and survived at least 30 days after the event. Long-term mortality among stroke survivors was defined in person-years as time from 30 days after a first stroke to date of death or censoring. Mortality rate ratios (MRRs) were used to compare rates of poststroke mortality by demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Results- Among adults who survived ≥30 days poststroke, the age-adjusted rate of mortality was 82.3 per 1000 person-years (95% CI, 75.4-89.2). Long-term mortality among stroke survivors was higher in older individuals (MRR for 75+ versus 50k, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.9), and lower neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES; MRR for low versus high neighborhood SES, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7). There were no differences in age-adjusted rates of long-term poststroke mortality by race, rurality, or US region. Conclusions- Rates of long-term mortality among stroke survivors were higher among individuals with lower SES and among those residing in neighborhoods of lower SES. These results emphasize the need for improvements in long-term care poststroke, especially among individuals of lower SES.
Insights into the Microbiome of Breast Implants and Periprosthetic Tissue in Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

Though rare, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a CD30+ T-cell lymphoma associated with textured breast implants, has adversely impacted our perception of the safety of breast implants. Its etiology unknown, one hypothesis suggests an initiating inflammatory stimulus, possibly infectious, triggers BIA-ALCL. We analyzed microbiota of breast, skin, implant and capsule in BIA-ALCL patients (n = 7), and controls via culturing methods, 16S rRNA microbiome sequencing, and immunohistochemistry. Alpha and beta diversity metrics and relative abundance of Gram-negative bacteria were calculated, and phylogenetic trees constructed. Staphylococcus spp., the most commonly cultured microbes, were identified in both the BIA-ALCL and contralateral control breast. The diversity of bacterial microbiota did not differ significantly between BIA-ALCL and controls for any material analyzed. Further, there were no significant differences in the relative abundance of Gram-negative bacteria between BIA-ALCL and control specimens. Heat maps suggested substantial diversity in the composition of the bacterial microbiota of the skin, breast, implant and capsule between patients with no clear trend to distinguish BIA-ALCL from controls. While we identified no consistent differences between patients with BIA-ALCL-affected and contralateral control breasts, this study provides insights into the composition of the breast microbiota in this population.
On the Fly: Interactions Between Birds, Mosquitoes, and Environment That Have Molded West Nile Virus Genomic Structure Over Two Decades

West Nile virus (WNV) was first identified in North America almost 20 yr ago. In that time, WNV has crossed the continent and established enzootic transmission cycles, resulting in intermittent outbreaks of human disease that have largely been linked with climatic variables and waning avian seroprevalence. During the transcontinental dissemination of WNV, the original genotype has been displaced by two principal extant genotypes which contain an envelope mutation that has been associated with enhanced vector competence by Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) and Culex tarsalis Coquillett vectors. Analyses of retrospective avian host competence data generated using the founding NY99 genotype strain have demonstrated a steady reduction in viremias of house sparrows over time. Reciprocally, the current genotype strains WN02 and SW03 have demonstrated an inverse correlation between house sparrow viremia magnitude and the time since isolation. These data collectively indicate that WNV has evolved for increased avian viremia while house sparrows have evolved resistance to the virus such that the relative host competence has remained constant. Intrahost analyses of WNV evolution demonstrate that selection pressures are avian species-specific and purifying selection is greater in individual birds compared with individual mosquitoes, suggesting that the avian adaptive and/or innate immune response may impose a selection pressure on WNV. Phylogenomic, experimental evolutionary systems, and models that link viral evolution with climate, host, and vector competence studies will be needed to identify the relative effect of different selective and stochastic mechanisms on viral phenotypes and the capacity of newly evolved WNV genotypes for transmission in continuously changing landscapes.
Novel Human NKCC1 Mutations Cause Defects in Goblet Cell Mucus Secretion and Chronic Inflammation.

Background & Aims Infections resulting from intestinal yeast and bacteria affect a large number of patients with deficits in absorptive or secretory epithelial transport mechanisms. The basolateral Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter (NKCC1) has been implicated in intestinal epithelial fluid secretion. Two patients with deleterious heterozygous (NKCC1-DFX, DFX for Asp-Phe-stop codon) or homozygous (Kilquist) mutations in SLC12A2 (NKCC1) suffered from gastrointestinal deficits. Because of chronic infections, the colon and the small intestine of the NKCC1-DFX patient were resected surgically. Methods To investigate how NKCC1 affects the integrity and function of the gut epithelia, we used a mouse model recapitulating the NKCC1-DFX patient mutation. Electron microscopy and immunostaining were used to analyze the integrity of the colonic mucus layers and immune cell infiltration. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed on the distal colon sections to measure bacteria translocation to the mucosa and submucosa. Citrobacter rodentium was used to measure mouse ability to clear enteric infection. A multiplex cytokine assay was used to analyze mouse inflammatory response to infection. Results We show that NKCC1-DFX expression causes defective goblet cell mucus granule exocytosis, leading to secretion of intact granules into the lumen of the large intestine. In addition, NKCC1-DFX colon submucosal glands secrete mucus that remained attached to the epithelium. Importantly, expression of the mutant NKCC1 or complete loss of NKCC1 function leads to aggravated inflammatory response to C rodentium infection. Compared with wild-type, NKCC1-DFX mice showed decreased expression of claudin-2, a tight junction protein involved in paracellular Na+ and water transport and enteric infection clearance. Conclusions Our data indicate that NKCC1-DFX impairs gut barrier function by affecting mucus secretion and immune properties.
Place in the World or Place on the Screen? Investigating the Effects of Augmented Reality Head -Up Display User Interfaces on Drivers’ Spatial Knowledge Acquisition and Glance Behavior

When navigating via car, developing robust mental representations (spatial knowledge) of the environment is crucial in situations where technology fails, or we need to find locations not included in a navigation system’s database. In this work, we present a study that examines how screen-relative and world-relative augmented reality (AR) head-up display interfaces affect drivers’ glance behavior and spatial knowledge acquisition. Results showed that both AR interfaces have similar impact on the levels of spatial knowledge acquired. However, eye-tracking analyses showed fundamental differences in the way participants visually interacted with different AR interfaces; with conformal-graphics demanding more visual attention from drivers.
An Immunocompetent Model of Pancreatic Cancer Resection and Recurrence.

Even after surgical resection, most patients with localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) succumb to disease recurrence. Current animal models do not recapitulate this pattern of disease recurrence. Our goal was to develop a clinically relevant, immunocompetent model of PDAC resection to study recurrence and evaluate therapy. Pancreatic cancer cells derived from tumors arising in KPC (LSL-KrasG12D/+; LSL-Trp53R172H/+; Pdx-1-Cre) mice were co-injected with stromal cells (pancreatic stellate cells) into the pancreas of immunocompetent mice to simulate the stroma-rich tumors seen in human PDAC. After allowing tumors to form, we resected these localized tumors and followed the mice for tumor recurrence. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were isolated, and systemic chemotherapy or immunotherapy was administered following tumor resection. Tumors formed by co-injection of KPC cells and stromal cells demonstrated a dense desmoplastic reaction similar to that seen in human disease. Resection at days 15 and 21 after implantation revealed uniform tumor volumes of 92 ± 19 mm3 on day 15 and 444 ± 54 mm3 on day 21. Histology of resected tumors showed negative margins. Resembling human PDAC, mice that underwent resection showed improved median survival (58 vs 47 days) but most animals developed intra-abdominal recurrence on follow-up. Adjuvant chemotherapy (median survival 69 vs 58 days), but not immunotherapy (median survival 69 vs 65 days) tended towards improved survival as seen in human disease. Circulating tumor cells were reliably identified from mice with and without resection, suggesting utility of this model in studying tumor metastases and recurrence. We describe an immunocompetent animal model that recapitulates human disease in morphology and recurrence patterns. We show that it can be used to evaluate therapy in clinical scenarios associated with surgical resection and may help characterize factors responsible for disease recurrence.
N6-Adenosine Methylation of Socs1 mRNA Is Required to Sustain the Negative Feedback Control of Macrophage Activation.

Summary Bacterial infection triggers a cytokine storm that needs to be resolved to maintain the host’s wellbeing. Here, we report that ablation of m6A methyltransferase subunit METTL14 in myeloid cells exacerbates macrophage responses to acute bacterial infection in mice, leading to high mortality due to sustained production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. METTL14 depletion blunts Socs1 m6A methylation and reduces YTHDF1 binding to the m6A sites, which diminishes SOCS1 induction leading to the overactivation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling. Forced expression of SOCS1 in macrophages depleted of METTL14 or YTHDF1 rescues the hyper-responsive phenotype of these macrophages in vitro and in vivo. We further show that LPS treatment induces Socs1 m6A methylation and sustains SOCS1 induction by promoting Fto mRNA degradation, and forced FTO expression in macrophages mimics the phenotype of METTL14-depleted macrophages. We conclude that m6A methylation-mediated SOCS1 induction is required to maintain the negative feedback control of macrophage activation in response to bacterial infection.
Adoption of climate-resilient potato varieties under partial population exposure and its determinants: Case of smallholder farmers in Meru County, Kenya

Production of Potato (Solanum tuberosum. L) has been declining over the years in Sub-Saharan Africa due to climate change resulting into low food supply and low income among smallholder farmers. De...
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Triggers Neurogenesis in the Hypothalamus of Adult Zebrafish

Recently, it has been shown in adult mammals that the hypothalamus can generate new cells in response to metabolic changes, and tanycytes, putative descendants of radial glia, can give rise to neurons. Previously we have shown in vitro that neurospheres generated from the hypothalamus of adult zebrafish show increased neurogenesis in response to exogenously applied hormones. To determine whether adult zebrafish have a hormone-responsive tanycyte-like population in the hypothalamus, we characterized proliferative domains within this region. Here we show that the parvocellular nucleus of the preoptic region (POA) labels with neurogenic/tanycyte markers vimentin, GFAP/Zrf1, and Sox2, but these cells are generally non-proliferative. In contrast, Sox2+ proliferative cells in the ventral POA did not express vimentin and GFAP/Zrf1. A subset of the Sox2+ cells co-localized with Fezf2:GFP, a transcription factor important for neuroendocrine cell specification. Exogenous treatments of GnRH and testosterone were assayed in vivo. While the testosterone-treated animals showed no significant changes in proliferation, the GnRH-treated animals showed significant increases in the number of BrdU-labeled cells and Sox2+ cells. Thus, cells in the proliferative domains of the zebrafish POA do not express radial glia (tanycyte) markers vimentin and GFAP/Zrf1, and yet, are responsive to exogenously applied GnRH treatment.
Designing clinically translatable artificial intelligence systems for high-dimensional medical imaging

The National Institutes of Health in 2018 identified key focus areas for the future of artificial intelligence in medical imaging, creating a foundational roadmap for research in image acquisition, algorithms, data standardization and translatable clinical decision support systems. Among the key issues raised in the report, data availability, the need for novel computing architectures and explainable artificial intelligence algorithms are still relevant, despite the tremendous progress made over the past few years alone. Furthermore, translational goals of data sharing, validation of performance for regulatory approval, generalizability and mitigation of unintended bias must be accounted for early in the development process. In this Perspective, we explore challenges unique to high-dimensional clinical imaging data, in addition to highlighting some of the technical and ethical considerations involved in developing machine learning systems that better represent the high-dimensional nature of many imaging modalities. Furthermore, we argue that methods that attempt to address explainability, uncertainty and bias should be treated as core components of any clinical machine learning system. Substantial advances have been made in the past decade in developing high-performance machine learning models for medical applications, but translating them into practical clinical decision-making processes remains challenging. This Perspective provides insights into a range of challenges specific to high-dimensional, multimodal medical imaging.
What Is the Role of Nutrition Therapy in the Management of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Patient

Once a death sentence, many patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are now surviving into their forties and almost half of the current CF population in the USA are over the age of 18 years. Nutritional interventions that are aimed towards maintaining normal weight and prevention of nutritional deficiencies are critical in the management of CF and directly impact pulmonary function and survival. CF is a multisystem disease and several complications can interfere with the ability to ingest food or digest and absorb nutrients. This review investigates various gastrointestinal and endocrine complications that impact nutritional status in CF. Specific nutritional therapies are highlighted ranging from nutritional counseling to enteral and parenteral nutrition with emphasis on pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy and the challenges associated with their use.
A Lightweight Protocol between Digital Libraries and Visualization Systems

A lightweight protocol, VIDI, is proposed to enhance the interoperability of digital libraries (DLs) and visualization systems (VIS). VIDI is related to the Open Digital Library project, which encourages a component-based approach to the construction of digital libraries, implemented by extending the Open Archives Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting. VIDI adds in the concept of a registry of transformers to convert between common metadata and visualization formats. Design and implementation discussions of VIDI explain its feasibility, flexibility, and generality.
Employment effects of trade in intermediate and final goods: An empirical assessment

The steady growth of international trade in intermediate goods and services has made the relationship between trade and the international division of labour more complex. For 39 countries, the author decomposes the employment effects of international trade into five components, namely, the labour content of – or employment generated by – (1) exports; (2) imports; (3) the import content of exports; (4) the export content of imports; and (5) the third-country import content of imports. He shows that in 2009, trade in intermediate goods accounted for some 88 million jobs – 14 per cent of all jobs generated by international trade – while the import content of exports accounted for 44 million jobs.
Brain and Learning

Think back to when you were a young child or even when you were the parent of a young child, the time when a very young person begins to seek meanings for almost everything that pops up in the surrounding environment in and out of the home. As young children broaden their experience, they ask ever-increasing numbers of questions about the world they see and experience. Initially, these questions focus on the simplest things, and then over time they gradually begin to expand and broaden to complex matters, events, and issues that even challenge the most well reasoned understanding of adults. These questions help children shape their formative view of the world. This quest for knowledge becomes the most fundamental aspect of the educator’s mission in cultivating and nourishing the young person’s intellectual curiosity
Substrate-integrated waveguides in glass interposers with through-package-vias

This paper presents, for the first time, substrate-integrated waveguides (SIWs) in ultra-thin glass with through-package-vias (TPVs). An SIW operating at 20 GHz was designed in bare glass substrates to support the dominant TE10 mode and to avoid exciting TE 20 mode. The simulated propagation constant confirmed the proper design for one-mode excitation, while the distributions of electromagnetic fields and surface current were examined and they exhibited similar patterns to those in dielectric-filled rectangular waveguides. Furthermore, the simulated S-parameter shows that the insertion loss at 20 GHz is 0.67 dB/cm, and 100% relative bandwidth was achieved. Finally, the impacts of TPV taper and the variability of the glass thickness and TPV pitch on the electrical performance of the SIW in glass interposers with TPVs were studied and presented.
Back to the Parent: Holding Company Liability for Subsidiary Banks — A Discussion of the Net Worth Maintenance Agreement, the Source of Strength Doctrine, and the Prompt Corrective Action Provision

Given the statutory goal of parental accountability, this Article focuses on a narrow issue: Whether parental guarantees are the most effective regulatory tool for shielding the federal deposit insurance fund from losses when insured banking subsidiaries that are members of a multibank holding company system are insolvent. This Article posits that a needed complement to parental guarantees is temporary substantive consolidation of a holding company's affiliated banks. This would require the parent company to combine the assets of its banking siblings to facilitate the reorganization of a financially troubled subsidiary. Temporary enterprise consolidation is a necessary regulatory tool because it provides an early form of intracorporate funding from any healthy banking subsidiary that has contributed to the weakened capital status of the financially troubled banking subsidiary.Part II of this Article discusses inherent structural problems of the multibank holding company system. It shows how these unique situations become problematic when a banking subsidiary threatens failure. Part III discusses the traditional prereform parental guarantees - the FRB's source of strength condition and the OTS's net worth maintenance agreement. It concludes that both of these regulatory tools, which are essentially identical, have become disfavored by the regulatory agencies and the courts as enforcement methods. The source of strength condition is arguably beyond the statutory authority of the FRB. The implied net worth maintenance obligation often is unenforceable because it is overbroad and vague. Part IV briefly examines several of the inadequacies of the newest parental guarantee - the prompt corrective action provision. Part V serves as background for the use of temporary consolidation in the banking industry by discussing the FDIC's methods of resolving failed financial institutions; it explains how interaffiliate lending and captive funding may generate large loan losses and thereby increase the costs of failures within a multibank system. Part VI recommends an alternative to the prompt corrective action provision: temporary consolidation of troubled or undercapitalized banking subsidiaries within a bank holding company system. This alternative addresses the public policy objective of protecting subsidiary banks and the insurance fund within the framework of the corporate law doctrine of limited liability.
Inverse Modeling of the Ocean and Atmosphere

Preamble 1. Variational assimilation 2. Interpretation 3. Implementation 4. The varieties of linear and nonlinear estimation 5. The ocean and the atmosphere 6. Ill-posed forecasting problems References Appendix A. Computing exercises Appendix B. Euler-Lagrange equations for a numerical weather prediction model Index.
Cloud motion estimation for short term solar irradiation prediction

Variability of solar energy is the most significant issue for integrating solar energy into the power Grid. There are pressing demands to develop methods to accurately estimate cloud motion that directly affects the stability of solar power output.We propose a solar prediction system that can detect cloud movements from the TSI (total sky imager) images, and then estimate the future cloud position over solar panels and subsequent solar irradiance fluctuations incurred by cloud transients. The experiment studies show that our proposed approach significantly improves the quality of cloud motion estimation within a time window (up to a few minutes) that is sufficient for grid operators to take actions to mitigate the solar power volatility.
CIAM: A data-driven approach for selecting and prioritizing security controls

This paper describes CIAM, an approach that provides cyber security engineers with an initial prioritization of security controls. The approach incorporates data related to security incidents, vulnerabilities exploited, business impact, and security control costs.
Anhydrobiosis in nematodes: Biosynthesis of trehalose

The pathway for the synthesis of trehalose in Aphelenchus avenae was demonstrated. As in other systems, the enzymes involved in the synthesis of trehalose of A. avenae were found to be trehalose phosphate synthetase (TPS) and trehalosephosphate phosphatase (TPP). Some of the characteristics of trehalose phosphate synthetase were studied. It was found that the rate limiting step in the reaction is catalyzed by TPS. Partially purified TPS was specific for UDPG as the glucosyl donor, and showed a pH optimum of 8.0. The partially purified enzyme has a Km of 0.6 mM and a Vmax of 2.2 × 10−3 μmoles/mg protein min for glucose-6-phosphate, and a Km of 2.4 mM and Vmax of 2.5 × 10−3 μmoles/mg protein minfor UDPG.
A Microscopic View of Helix Propagation: N and C-terminal Helix Growth in Alanine Helices

Molecular dynamics simulations with umbrella sampling are used to perform free energy simulations of C-terminal and N-terminal helix propagation in small helices of Ace-(Ala)n-NMe, with n= (4,5,10,15), in water. From the resulting free energy surfaces, computed as a function of the terminal psi dihedral angle, the roles of length and end effects in helix propagation are explored. An energetic analysis of the helices, both formed and partially formed, is used to develop a molecular rationalization for the observed trends in helix stability. We find that the microscopic helix propagation parameters vary significantly depending on the end and length of the helix in which the terminal hydrogen bond is forming. A model which considers propagation of the helices from either end as statistically independent yields Zimm-Bragg s parameters in the range of 0.5 to 1.5, depending on helical length. Analysis of the mechanism of helix propagation suggests that 3(10)-helix plays a role in helix formation but its population should be low in the helical state of these model peptides.
Nitrogen and Hydrogen Induced Trap Passivation at the SiO2/4H-SiC Interface

Post-oxidation anneals that introduce nitrogen at the SiO2/4H-SiC interface have been most effective in reducing the large interface trap density near the 4H-SiC conduction band-edge for (0001) Si face 4H-SiC. Herein, we report the effect of nitridation on interfaces created on the (11 20) a-face and the (0001) C-face of 4H-SiC. Significant reductions in trap density (from >1013 cm-2 eV-1 to ~ 1012 cm-2 eV-1 at EC-E ~0.1 eV) were observed for these different interfaces, indicating the presence of substantial nitrogen susceptible defects for all crystal faces. Annealing nitridated interfaces in hydrogen results in a further reduction of trap density (from ~1012 cm-2 eV-1 to ~5 x 1011 cm-2 eV-1 at EC-E ~0.1 eV). Using sequential anneals in NO and H2, maximum field effect mobilities of ~55 cm-2 V-1s-1 and ~100 cm-2 V-1s-1 have been obtained for lateral MOSFETs fabricated on the (0001) and (11 20) faces, respectively. These electronic measurements have been correlated to the interface chemical composition.
Effects of diurnal phase and pimozide on cholecystokinin-elicited hypoactivity in the Hamster

Abstract Locomotor activity in golden Syrian hamsters was measured following IP injections of cholecystokinin (CCK; 25 μg/kg) and pimozide (0.5 mg/kg), the dopamine receptor antagonist. In addition, animals were tested during either the dark or light phase of the diurnal cycle in either dark or light running wheel environments. Results indicated that CCK-elicited hypoactivity was blocked by pimozide and that the effect of CCK was evident only among animals tested during the light phase of the daily cycle. Ambient lighting conditions in the test environment did not modify the drug effects. Independently of any drug effect, locomotor activity was affected by diurnal phase and ambient lighting in the test environment. Animals were more active when tested during the dark phase than during the light phase and locomotor activity was higher under dark than under light ambient conditions. It is concluded that diurnal phase modulates CCK's effect on hamster locomotion and that CCK's effect on locomotion is mediated, in part, by dopaminergic mechanisms.
PKA-GluA1 Coupling via AKAP5 Controls AMPA Receptor Phosphorylation and Cell-Surface Targeting during Bidirectional Homeostatic Plasticity

Bidirectional synaptic plasticity occurs locally at individual synapses during long-term potentiation (LTP) or long-term depression (LTD), or globally during homeostatic scaling. LTP, LTD, and homeostatic scaling alter synaptic strength through changes in postsynaptic AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs), suggesting the existence of overlapping molecular mechanisms. Phosphorylation controls AMPAR trafficking during LTP/LTD. We addressed the role of AMPAR phosphorylation during homeostatic scaling. We observed bidirectional changes of the levels of phosphorylated GluA1 S845 during scaling, resulting from a loss of protein kinase A (PKA) from synapses during scaling down and enhanced activity of PKA in synapses during scaling up. Increased phosphorylation of S845 drove scaling up, while a knockin mutation of S845, or knockdown of the scaffold AKAP5, blocked scaling up. Finally, we show that AMPARs scale differentially based on their phosphorylation status at S845. These results show that rearrangement in PKA signaling controls AMPAR phosphorylation and surface targeting during homeostatic plasticity.
Use of upright positioning with epidural analgesia: findings from an observational study.

Purpose To present research findings and related nursing implications from an observational study designed to evaluate the use of upright positioning during second stage labor with patients who had received low-dose epidural analgesia. Study design and methods This descriptive study evaluated outcomes from a sample of 74 healthy women having their first childbirth. They had all received epidural analgesia during the first and second stages of labor. Data were also collected by nurses on the use of birthing beds, and the extent of physical and emotional support the women needed while following the upright positioning study protocol. Results All women were able to maintain upright positions throughout the second stage of labor following epidural analgesia administration. No adverse neonatal outcomes or maternal problems (such as excessive vaginal bleeding) were documented. Clinical implications Although women were capable of assuming upright positions during second stage, the study results indicated that constant physical and emotional support was necessary for most women. Future research on methods to prepare women for multiple position options after administration of low-dose epidural analgesia should be undertaken. In addition, nurses should evaluate the benefits of upright positioning in terms of facilitating progress of labor.
Multi-Functionalization of Polymers by Strain-Promoted Cycloadditions

We report here a synthetic route to oxime, azide, and nitrone-bearing copolymers via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer copolymerization of 4-vinylbenzaldehyde and 1-(chloromethyl)-4-vinylbenzene with styrene. The azide and nitrone moieties could be employed in strain-promoted 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions with various functionalized dibenzocyclooctynols (DIBO) for metal-free postfunctionalization of the polymers. In situ oxidation of the oximes with hypervalent iodine gave nitrile oxides, which could also be employed as 1,3-dipoles for facile cycloadditions with DIBO derivatives. Kinetic measurements demonstrated that the pendant nitrile oxides reacted approximately 20 times faster compared to similar cycloadditions with azides. A block copolymer, containing azide and oxime groups in segregated blocks, served as a scaffold for attachment of hydrophobic and hydrophilic moieties by sequential strain-promoted alkyne–azide and strain-promoted alkyne–nitrile oxide cycloadditions. This sequential bi...
Simulations as Active Assessment?: Typologizing by Purpose and Source.

Assessment through simulation is something that political science pedagogy has yet to explore in a robust manner. This article advances analysis of social science simulation and assessment by laying out a typology of active-learning activities that isolates and examines their potential for assessment. In short, we argue that there are essentially two ideal types of games: organic and illustrative. The first calls on students to reveal behavior by making their own decisions while the second calls upon students to use knowledge gained through class content to guide their decisions. To this we add that, while we often use simulations for formative reasons (to help students understand and learn), we don't often consider that the summative or assessment function is also widely available to us. Across the disciplines, we know that business schools, language programs, and the military all actively use simulation and gaming not simply for formative purposes but also for assessment. Given this typology, this artic...
Vitamin D and Cancer Incidence—Letter

We were interested to read Skaaby and colleagues' article ([1][1]) concerning the “prospective association between vitamin D…..and specific types of cancer.” Although the study cohort numbers are impressive and sufficient for randomization of studied data outcomes, many cancer-specific risk
H ∞ control with regional stability constraints

Abstract The problem of static state feedback H ∞ control with various regional stability constraints for the closed-loop system is considered. A general framework for solving this problem is established using the Lagrange multiplier method in conjunction with generalised Lyapunov theory and Riccati-equation-based H ∞ optimization characterization. Necessary conditions are given for the existence of the desired optimal feedback gains. Furthermore, as the simplest regional stability case, the stability-degree problem is studied with two different approaches, one an indirect overbounding method that extends the standard H ∞ problem formulation with an α shift and another that uses the direct optimization of the H ∞ performance measure with stability degree as a constraint under the general framework. The conservativeness of the former approach and the generality of the latter approach are clearly demonstrated. Finally, the theory is illustrated with examples and the computational issues are discussed. It is shown that the successive approximation technique of Liu and of Liu and Yedavalli can be used to partially solve the problem.
Tensile Analysis of an Edge Notch in a Unidirectional Composite

The failure of a notched, unidirectional, boron-epoxy composite sub jected to simple tension along the fibers and perpendicular to the notch is studied. Tension tests are performed and the composite is analyzed using a finite-element crack program. The finite-element model takes into account the effects of layering and heterogeneity in the crack-tip region. Stress- intensity factors are obtained from the crack program and compared with the corresponding one for an isotropic material. Notch insensitivity and the failure mode are discussed and the fracture toughness of the test material is determined.
Computers in precollege education (Panel Discussion): What do teachers want or need?

What are the major problems involving computers in precollege education?This question will be discussed by a panel of precollege teachers who are seriously interested in instructional uses of computers. They will present their wants and needs. Topics to be covered include software, hardware, courseware, inservice training, administrative support, and loneliness. The panel will discuss both teaching about computers and teaching using computers. There will be time for input from the audience.
Separation of vibrating and static SAR object signatures via an orthogonal subspace transformation

When vibrating objects are present in a Synthetic Aperture Radar image they induce a modulation in the pulse-to-pulse Doppler collected. At higher frequencies (up to a sampling limit dictated by half the PRF) the modulation is low amplitude due to physical limits of vibrating structures and swamped by the Doppler from static objects (clutter). This paper presents an orthogonal subspace transform that separates the modulation of a vibrating object from the static clutter. After the transformation the major frequencies of the vibration are estimated with asymptotically (as the number of pulses increases) decreasing variance and bias. Although the e¤ects and SAR image artifacts from vibrating objects are widely known their utility has been limited to high signal-to-noise, low frequency vibrating objects. The method presented here lowers the minimum required signal-to-noise ratio of the vibrating object over other methods. Additionally vibrations over the full (azimuth- sampled) frequency range from one over the aperture time to the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) are equally measured with respect to the noise level at each speci&#133;c frequency. After separation of the vibrating and static object signal sub-spaces any of the many spectral estimation methods can be applied to estimate the vibration spectrum.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Purification of tellurium to 6N using a multistage vacuum distillation method

Tellurium (Te) is purified using a multistage vacuum distillation technique. Specially designed quartz ampoules coupled to a 10 -6 torr vacuum system are used for one, two, and three stage distillations. The unique quartz design allows removal of residual materials between stages without handling purified material or exposing it to atmospheric conditions. Average deposition of purified material is 0.93 g/min at a distillation temperature of 525°C. The average overall yield per stage is 84% for single stage distillation, 80% for two stages, and 76% for three stages. Glow discharge mass spectrometry testing (GDMS) is used to analyze samples of purified tellurium. GDMS results show 6N purity (99.nuclear mat9999%) is achieved after the three stage distillation process when starting with 4N+ pure material.
Integrating Epothilones into the Treatment of Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer: Clinical Perspectives on Incorporating Recent Data in the Practice Setting

The introduction of modern chemotherapy agents, including the taxanes, has improved the prognosis of women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Ultimately, however, inevitable intrinsic or acquired resistance to chemotherapy limits treatment options. The epothilones, a novel class of microtubule-stabilizing agents that have incomplete cross-resistance with taxanes and are less susceptible to common mechanisms of resistance, have demonstrated activity in breast cancer. Ixabepilone, the best studied epothilone to date, has been approved for use as a single agent or in combination with capecitabine in anthracycline- and taxanepretreated or refractory MBC. Ixabepilone is relatively well tolerated, with the most common side effects being peripheral neuropathy and neutropenia. Other epothilones such as KOS-862, patupilone, ZK-EPO, BMS-310705, and KOS-1584 are being evaluated as therapy for patients with breast cancer, with promising preliminary data. Ongoing research aims to define and optimize the efficacy of the epothilones in an attempt to improve the quality of life and overall survival of individuals with breast cancer.
The Potential For Cost Savings In Medicare's Future

ABSTRACT: The papers in this special Health Affairs collection offer a fresh and very important look at Medicare's future. Taken as a whole, they suggest that financing problems in Medicare will be...
Measuring potential dermal transfer of surface pesticide residue generated from indoor fogger use: An interim report

Abstract The transfer of pesticide residues from a carpeted floor to human subjects wearing dosimeter clothing was measured. Subject motions were standardized using aerobic dance routines (Jazzercise R ). This method allows reproducible exposure assessment and the derivation of transfer coefficients reflecting transfer of surface residues to exposed subjects.
Introduction to Creating Inclusive Learning Environments for Struggling Readers

The costs of illiteracy on an individual level can be devastating. Illiteracy is responsible for high levels of poverty and incarceration. Individuals who do not learn to read well are at higher ri...
Impact of parental smoking on diabetes, hypertension and the metabolic syndrome in adult men and women in the San Antonio Heart Study

Aims/hypothesis In the San Antonio Heart Study (SAHS) we investigated the effects of exposure to parental smoking on diabetes, hypertension and the metabolic syndrome in adult offspring aged 25–64 years.
Small-scale lacustrine drifts in Lake Champlain, Vermont

Abstract High resolution CHIRP (Compressed High Intensity Radar Pulse) seismic profiles reveal the presence of two lacustrine sediment drifts located in Lake Champlain's Juniper Deep. Both drifts are positive features composed of highly laminated sediments. Drift B sits on a basement high while Drift A is built on a trough-filling acoustically-transparent sediment unit inferred to be a mass-transport event. These drifts are oriented approximately north–south and are parallel to a steep ridge along the eastern shore of the basin. Drift A, located at the bottom of a structural trough, is classified as a confined, elongate drift that transitions northward to become a system of upslope asymmetric mudwaves. Drift B is perched atop a structural high to the west of Drift A and is classified as a detached elongate drift. Bottom current depositional control was investigated using Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) located across Drift A. Sediment cores were taken at the crest and at the edges of the Drift A and were dated. Drift source, deposition, and evolution show that these drifts are formed by a water column shear with the highest deposition occurring along its crest and western flank and began developing circa 8700–8800 year BP.
A prospective cohort study of pelvic support changes among nulliparous, multiparous, and pre- and post-menopausal women.

Abstract Objective(s) To evaluate whether vaginal delivery affects maternal pelvic support beyond the puerperium by comparing pelvic support changes between nulliparas and multiparas, and whether menopause predisposes women to develop prolapse that protrudes beyond the hymen by comparing its occurrence between pre- and post-menopausal subjects. Study design Women who presented to our gynecology clinic for routine care and returned for follow-up after 36 ± 3 months were evaluated for pelvic support changes using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification, which measured changes in 1-cm increments. Exclusion criteria were women who were seen in the urogynecology clinic or had hysterectomy, vaginal repair, continence procedure, childbirth during the study period, or radiation therapy. Results The proportion that experienced a 1-cm (21/101 vs. 27/164, p = 0.374) and at least a 2-cm (5/101 vs. 9/164, p = 0.849) descent of the leading edge of prolapse was similar between our 101 nulliparous and 164 multiparous subjects. At the initial examination, nine multiparas and one nullipara had prolapse outside the hymen (9/164 vs. 1/101, p = 0.056). The proportion that developed pelvic support defect, which protruded beyond the hymen, was similar between the two groups (1/100 vs. 5/155, p = 0.243). Eighty-five of our 265 subjects were post-menopausal while 180 were pre-menopausal. The proportions that developed a 1-cm (18/85 vs. 30/180, p = 0.374) and at least a 2-cm (7/85 vs. 7/180, p = 0.140) descent of the leading edge of prolapse were similar between the two groups. Eight post-menopausal and two pre-menopausal women had prolapse outside the hymen at the initial examination (8/85 vs. 2/180, p = 0.002). More post-menopausal subjects developed support defect, which protruded beyond the hymen, than their pre-menopausal counterparts (5/77 vs. 1/178, p = 0.010). Logistic regression showed that menopause (p = 0.019) is an independent risk factor for developing prolapse which protruded outside the hymen, while parity (p = 0.168) and interaction between menopause and parity (p = 0.606) are not significantly associated with its occurrence. Conclusion(s) Vaginal birth has little effect on the pelvic support changes beyond the puerperium while menopause predisposes women to prolapse their pelvic organ outside the hymen.
Geochemical, Microbiological, and Geophysical Assessments of Anaerobic Immobilization of Heavy Metals

Abstract Bioremediation methods that precipitate contaminants in situ as solid (mineral) phases can provide cost-effective options for removing dissolved metals in contaminated groundwater. The current field-scale experiments demonstrate that indigenous bacteria can be stimulated to remove metals by injection of electron-donating substrates and nutrients into a contaminated aquifer. Groundwater at the investigation site is aerobic and contains high levels of lead, cadmium, zinc, copper, and sulfuric acid (pH = 3.1) derived from a car-battery recycling plant. During the experiments, lead, cadmium, zinc, and copper were almost completely removed by precipitation of solid sulfide phases, as pH increased from 3 to ∼ 5 and Eh dropped from +400 mV to −150 mV. X-ray and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses of filtered material from the treated groundwater indicated the presence of newly formed nanocrystalline metal sulfides. Genetic sequencing indicated that the principal species of sulfate-reducing b...
A system of semantic primitives

In a linguistic theory, the semantic representation of a sentence is meant to be a formal characterization of the information conveyed by the sentence. This information can be thought of as a set of claims abeut various individuals, properties, events, and/or states of affairs, and about the relationships among them. A satisfactory semantic theory must not only account for the information conveyed by a sentence; it must also account for how the sentence conveys that information, expressing both the syntactic and semantic generalizations of the language. A semantic theory is explanatory when linguistically significant generalizations are inherent in the choice of formalism, when the theory claims the language would be more complex any other way. Such a theory claims that the language learner does not have to learn these generalizations; rather they are determined by his innate capability to learn a human language and to conceptualize the world.
ARISTOCRACIA Y MONARQUÍA EN LOS REINOS DE CASTILLA Y LEÓN: EL CASO DE LA FAMILIA LARA

Between the twelfth century and the fourteenth, there was a fundamental change in the basis of the Lara family s power. At the outset, their influence derived primarily from personal access to, and control over, the monarch; throughout the twelfth century, the family s wealth rested heavily on possession of the royal offices known as tenencias, which were the principal fruit of courtly influence. But from the middle of the thirteenth century, the aftershocks of the reconquests of Seville and Cordoba, and the expansion of royal administration, meant that symbiosis was increasingly supplanted by a confrontational political climate marked by an acceleration of patrimonial accumulation by aristocratic lineages such as the Laras. The new structure of aristocratic power would long outlast the Lara family itself, surviving well into the modem age and finding expression in a culture in which, more than in any other western European society, the authority and values of nobility were dominant.
TISSUE‐SPECIFIC PENTOSE‐PHOSPHATE OXIDATIVE ACTIVITY IN ANGUS AND WAGYU STEERS AFTER EXTENDED FEEDING1

Angus (n = 10) and American Wagyu crossbred (n = 10) steers were fed for 552 days to gain 0.9 kg/day. Samples of liver, longissimus muscle, sternomandibularis muscle, mesenteric, kidney, and subcutaneous (s.c.), intermuscular, and intramuscular (i.m.) adipose tissues were obtained immediately post exsanguination to determine glucose-6-phosphate dehydroge-nase (G-6-PDH) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6-PGDH) activities. Subcutaneous adipose tissue had the highest (P 0.05) were found between cattle types for these enzymatic activities. However, there was a trend for Wagyu to have higher lipogenic activity for fat depots than Angus steers. Narrow sense heritability estimates were -0.02 and 0.13 for G-6-PDH and 6-PGDH, respectively. This indicates that there was no additive genetic variation, and that most of the phenotypic variation in these enzymes is due to environmental variation.