cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of a novel enrichment strategy for an integrated medicinal chemistry and pharmacology course.

Abstract Introduction Study and application of integrated medicinal chemistry and pharmacology content affords opportunities for students to discuss and develop life-long learning skills. Methods Five thematic enrichment activities were developed (problem solving, metacognition, reading comprehension, case-based problem solving, and structure-based therapeutic evaluation), each containing a self-study and live session featuring unit-specific content. Voluntary, longitudinal sessions were administered to 139 s professional year pharmacy students at the end of each unit of the first course of an integrated pharmacology and medicinal chemistry sequence (academic quarter system). Students provided five-point Likert-item feedback at the beginning of the course, after the first activity, and at course conclusion. Survey questions were linked to self-assessment domains of metacognition, content relevance, confidence, and affective response to content. Results Survey responses indicated significant improvement in initial confidence (3.7 [1.1] to 4.2 [1.1]) and metacognition (3.2 [1] to 3.8 [1.1]) domains at course conclusion and significant, sustained improvement in affective domain following the first session (3.5 [1.1] to 4.1 [1.2] to 4.2 [1.2]). Perceived relevance of content did not change significantly (4.3 [1] to 4 [1.1] to 4.1 [1.2]). Conclusions Survey results were consistent with the notion that targeted learning interventions have a significant impact on content perception, which may be especially important for disciplines perceived by students as challenging. Introduction of learning topics with concurrent application may positively influence affective response to learning, which may beneficially impact latent student confidence and self-awareness.
Dictionaries, Corpora and Variation in the Court of Philip IV of Spain: The Case of propriedad~propiedad and Related Words

This paper forms part of a larger project concerning the preparation of documents in the court of Philip IV of Spain. The document examined constitutes letters patent issued in September 1658 to the Marquis of Heliche, granting him temporary governorship of the Palacio de Buen Retiro. While both drafts of these letters employ the form propriedad, the final version removes the second >r>: propiedad. My purpose here is modest: to investigate the vitality of these variant spellings in Spanish at this time. To do so, I have consulted relevant dictionaries and various linguistic corpora. The attempt to determine the relative vitality of these competing forms in seventeenth-century Spain will, of course, also allow us to draw some conclusions regarding the usefulness of the tools employed.
Polysilicon Fuse Electrical Voiding Mechanism AP/DFM: Advanced Patterning / Design for Manufacturability

Products in automotive applications demand polysilicon fuse One-time programmable (OTP) solutions with extremely low failure rates. Fundamental understanding of the programming mechanism and key design/programming factors are indispensable to achieving such a goal. This paper presents a real-time poly fuse voiding model supported by electrical waveforms, simulations and physical analysis data. Impacts of fuse design and programming condition changes are also examined.
On Principal Component Regression in a High-Dimensional Error-in-Variables Setting.

We analyze the classical method of principal component regression (PCR) in a high-dimensional error-in-variables setting. Here, the observed covariates are not only noisy and contain missing values, but the number of covariates can also exceed the sample size. Under suitable conditions, we establish that PCR identifies the unique linear model parameter with minimum $\ell_2$-norm, and derive non-asymptotic $\ell_2$-rates of convergence that show its consistency. Furthermore, we develop an algorithm for out-of-sample predictions in the presence of corrupted data that uses PCR as a key subroutine, and provide its non-asymptotic prediction performance guarantees. Notably, our results do not require the out-of-samples covariates to follow the same distribution as that of the in-sample covariates, but rather that they obey a simple linear algebraic constraint. We provide simulations that illustrate our theoretical results.
New York: Bloomsbury 512 pp., $32.00, ISBN 978-1632867773 Publication Date: October 2018

In Marooned: Jamestown, Shipwreck, and a New History of America’s Origin, Joseph Kelly argues that the narrative of America’s birth truly resides within the Jamestown experience. In pairing the pli...
Abstract IA-24: Towards robust image based models for cancer risk assessment

To enable targeted personalized screening, we need to advance cancer risk models. Despite significant research on this topic, statistical models used today in clinical practice routinely undeperform. In this talk, I explore the potential of AI-based models for breast cancer prediction based on mammographic images. These models have already shown significantt performance gains over their counterparts. However, to bring deep learning models to clinical practice, we need to further refine their accuracy, validate them across diverse populations, and demonstrate their potential to improve clinical workflows. To this end, we propose Mirai, a new risk algorithm designed to predict risk at multiple time points, leverage potentially missing risk-factor information, and produce predictions that are consistent across mammography machines. The architectture of the new model will be covered in detail in the talk. Mirai was trained on a large dataset from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in the US and was tested on held-out test sets from MGH, Karolinska in Sweden and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, obtaining C-indices of 0.76 (95% CI 0.74, 0.80), 0.81 (0.79, 0.82), 0.79 (0.79, 0.83), respectively. Mirai obtained significantly higher five-year ROC AUCs than the Tyrer-Cuzick model (p Citation Format: Regina Barzilay, Adam Yala. Towards robust image based models for cancer risk assessment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Diagnosis, and Imaging; 2021 Jan 13-14. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(5_Suppl):Abstract nr IA-24.
Differential At-Risk Pediatric Outcomes of Parental Sensitivity Based on Hearing Status.

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the role of parental sensitivity in language and neurocognitive outcomes in children who are deaf and/or hard of hearing (DHH). Method Sixty-two par...
Learning-Based Workload Phase Classification and Prediction Using Performance Monitoring Counters

Predicting coarse-grain variations in workload behavior during execution is essential for dynamic resource optimization of processor systems. Researchers have proposed various methods to first classify workloads into phases and then learn their long-term phase behavior to predict and anticipate phase changes. Early studies on phase prediction proposed table-based phase predictors. More recently, simple learning-based techniques such as decision trees have been explored. However, more recent advances in machine learning have not been applied to phase prediction so far. Furthermore, existing phase predictors have been studied only in connection with specific phase classifiers even though there is a wide range of classification methods. Early work in phase classification proposed various clustering methods that required access to source code. Some later studies used performance monitoring counters, but they only evaluated classifiers for specific contexts such as thermal modeling.In this work, we perform a comprehensive study of source-oblivious phase classification and prediction methods using hardware counters. We adapt classification techniques that were used with different inputs in the past and compare them to state-of-the-art hardware counter based classifiers. We further evaluate the accuracy of various phase predictors when coupled with different phase classifiers and evaluate a range of advanced machine learning techniques, including SVMs and LSTMs for workload phase prediction. We apply classification and prediction approaches to SPEC workloads running on an Intel Core-i9 platform. Results show that a two-level kmeans clustering combined with SVM-based phase change prediction provides the best tradeoff between accuracy and long-term stability. Additionally, the SVM predictor reduces the average prediction error by 80% when compared to a table-based predictor.
Hypocapnic hypoxia silences the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN)

Rationale and objectives: In conscious mammals, hypoxia produces respiratory alkalosis which is assumed to silence central respiratory chemoreceptors (CRCs). We tested this theory by examining how ...
Electron paramagnetic resonance studies of manganese (II)-pyruvate kinase-substrate complexes.

Abstract Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of Mn(II) bound to pyruvate kinase and its substrate and inhibitor complexes are examined in solution. The binary complex of Mn(II) with the enzyme gives a spectrum which indicates that the electronic symmetry of the bound cation is only moderately distorted upon liganding to the protein. The spectrum of the binary enzyme-Mn(II) complex is unaltered upon formation of ternary complexes with either ADP or ATP. However, when ternary complexes are formed with either pyruvate or P-enolpyruvate, there are gross changes in the position and shape of the spectral lines which correlate with changes in the electronic symmetry of the bound Mn(II) and the electron spin relaxation time, respectively. The former changes are indicative of changes in the ligands of the bound metal ion and the latter of the accessibility of the binding site to the bulk solvent. Minor changes are observed in the spectrum of the pyruvate complex upon addition of ATP or enzymatic enolization cofactors such as arsenate or inorganic phosphate. Preliminary studies of Mn(II) complexes with chelating agents have revealed a striking similarity in spectra for the 2:1 complex of iminodiacetic acid and Mn(II) and the ternary complex of manganese-pyruvate kinase and pyruvate. Neither the spectrum of the binary complex nor that of the ternary complex with pyruvate is influenced by the presence or absence of activating monovalent cations such as K+. In contrast, spectra for the ternary complex of P-enolpyruvate are influenced by the species of monovalent cation in solution. In the presence of the nonactivating tetramethylammonium cation, the spectrum for the P-enolpyruvate ternary complex is a superposition of spectra for two distinct species. One species gives a very anisotropic spectrum which resembles that obtained in the presence of K+, whereas the other species gives a much more isotropic spectrum which matches the spectrum for the ternary complex of the inhibitor, α-(dihydroxyphosphinylmethyl) acrylic acid. Higher temperatures favor the species with the anisotropic spectrum. Ternary complexes with the inhibitor, P-glycolate, and the pseudosubstrate, Z-P-enol-3-fluoropyruvate, give spectra which show the presence of two separate species in the presence of tetramethylammonium cations in analogy to the substrate P-enolpyruvate. Another pseudosubstrate, Z-P-enol-α-ketobutyrate, gives only the anisotropic spectrum in the presence of either tetramethylammonium or K+ cations. The presence of only one form of the ternary complex in the presence of tetramethylammonium ion with this weak substrate is attributed to steric restrictions imposed by the methyl group. With the normal substrate, P-enolpyruvate, the fraction of the ternary complex which exists in the anisotropic form for a given monovalent ion appears to be correlated with the activating effect that ion, being greatest for K+ and Rb+, intermediate for Na+ and Li+, and least for tetramethylammonium ion.
The Story of Macomber: The Continuing Legacy of Realization

Since March 8, 1920, the day the decision was announced, Eisner v. Macomber has profoundly influenced the development of the income tax system. The key to its continuing importance lies in its constitutionally framed explication of realization, one of the most stable, and powerful, elements of an almost constantly changing income tax. By the time the Court (apparently) downgraded the realization requirement to mere administrative convenience, the case had already left its indelible mark on key elements of the income tax. Not only did it ensure that realization was deeply embedded in the system, but it also influenced several other important areas of taxation.The chapter first analyzes the immediate reactions to the Macomber case, including the political furor it caused about judicial review. It next explains how the decision, including the political and constitutional concerns it raised, helped shape tax law in the areas of corporate taxation, capital gains, and exchanges of property in the years that followed. The chapter then traces the story of realization, examining both its decline and persistence. It concludes that Eisner v. Macomber and its reverberations continue to affect the tax code not just in the major areas previously mentioned but also by offering support for consumption tax provisions within the income tax.
Implications of internal organization structure for firm boundaries

Knowledge issues are central to governance choice. Organization structure influences knowledge flows and costs of knowledge creation and exchange inside the firm. Yet the question of how a firm's internal structure affects its governance choice for new activities has received scant empirical attention. We examine the role of internal structure, specifically unit autonomy and lateral coordination, in a firm's governance decision for new, knowledge-intensive activities. The findings show that internal structure is a ‘shift parameter’ that affects governance choice by moderating the relationship between task complexity and degree of integration. The empirical setting is the U.S. banking industry and its adoption of Internet banking. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved visualization and quantification of 4D flow data using divergence-free wavelets

Background 4D flow MRI has the potential to provide global quantification of cardiac flow in a single acquisition [Hsiao, 2012]. However, 4D flow data are often compromised by low velocity-to-noise ratio, potentially caused by MRI acceleration or unfitting vencs. Since blood flow is approximately divergence-free, noise level can be reduced by removing divergence from noisy flow data [Song, 1993] [Busch, 2012]. On the other hand, strict enforcement of divergence-free condition distorts flow around edges as discrete approximation of flow near edges creates divergence. In this current work, we aim to provide an adjustable and fast operation of imposing multi-scale divergence-free conditions on flow data by using divergence-free wavelets. In addition, we utilize the sparsity of flow data in divergencefree wavelet domain [Deriaz, 2006] for further denoising by performing wavelet shrinkage [Donoho, 1995].
Partially mismatched related-donor bone marrow transplantation for pediatric patients with acute leukemia: younger donors and absence of peripheral blasts improve outcome.

PURPOSE: To extend access to bone marrow transplantation (BMT), we used partially mismatched related donors (PMRD) for pediatric patients with acute leukemia. In this report we sought to determine pretransplantation factors that might predict outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of 67 such patients, 43 had acute lymphocytic leukemia and 24 had acute myelogenous leukemia. At the time of transplantation, 41 patients were in relapse. Donors included 40 parents, 24 siblings, and three cousins. HLA disparity of two to three major antigens was detected in two thirds of the donor-recipient pairs. Conditioning therapy, including total-body irradiation and chemotherapy followed by graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis with partial T-cell depletion of the graft using T10B9 or OKT3, was combined with posttransplantation immunosuppression. RESULTS: Estimated probability (EP) of engraftment was 0.96 and was not affected by donor-antigen mismatch (AgMM; P = .732). EP of grades 2 to 4 acute GvHD was 0.24 and was not af...
Synthesis, Shedding, and Intercellular Transfer of Human Medulloblastoma Gangliosides: Abrogation by a New Inhibitor of Glucosylceramide Synthase

The biological activity of human medulloblastoma tumor gangliosides very likely involves the interaction of these molecules with host cells in the tumor microenvironment. To trace the hypothesized intercellular transfer of shed medulloblastoma gangliosides, we used an in vitro dual-chamber culture system in which the tumor cells, the shed gangliosides, and the target cells to which they might bind would not be perturbed during the transfer process. We observed that under these unmanipulated conditions, gangliosides were shed by the Daoy medulloblastoma cell line (approximately 300 pmol/10[8] cells/h), traversed the chamber membrane, and stably bound to the target fibroblasts at the very high density of 10(7) molecules per cell within 48 h. To determine if this substantial intercellular transfer of shed gangliosides, with its potential of modifying target cell function, could be blocked, we evaluated a new inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase, DL-threo-1-phenyl-2-hexadecanoylamino-3-pyrrolidino-1-propanol (PPPP). PPPP (1.0 microM) reduced (90%) Daoy cell ganglioside content strikingly, without causing toxicity or inhibiting cell proliferation. Subsequently, ganglioside shedding by the medulloblastoma cells was diminished significantly (to approximately 50 pmol/10[8]/h), and binding of radiolabeled shed medulloblastoma gangliosides to target fibroblasts was consequently almost completely abrogated. We conclude that the shedding and transfer of potentially biologically active human medulloblastoma gangliosides can be diminished effectively by PPPP.
Characterization of a Kerr-lens mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser with positive group-velocity dispersion

We report the operating characteristics of a Kerr-lens mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser as the intracavity dispersion is varied continuously from negative to positive values. These measurements include a delineation of the unstable region around zero dispersion that is predicted by a recent theoretical treatment of Kerr-lens mode locking. A detailed comparison with the theory is made.
Fission origin of the Moon: Cause and timing

A new scenario is offered for the origin of the moon. It is assumed that the earth formed initially with about the maximum amount of angular momentum consistent with dynamical stability. This state is approximated by the secularly unstable Maclaurin spheroids (highly flattened hamburger-shaped bodies). It is shown that the earth cannot depart from this state at a reasonable rate as long as its viscosity is in the range of liquid rock. Since core formation supplies about 1600 kJ/kg, the earth will not leave this state until core formation is complete. When cooling produces a rise in viscosity, the earth will necessarily evolve along a path which is approximated by the Riemann ellipsoids (which have rapid internal motion). The evolution is toward a Jacobi ellipsoid, but it is intercepted by the development of a third-harmonic (pear-shaped) instability, which is catastrophic and leads to fission. The process of fission itself may be fundamentally analogous to the breaking of a wave in water. We cannot exclude the possibility that some other planets evolved similarly.
On the information difference between standard retrieval models

Recent work introduced a probabilistic framework that measures search engine performance information-theoretically. This allows for novel meta-evaluation measures such as Information Difference, which measures the magnitude of the difference between search engines in their ranking of documents. for which we have relevance information. Using Information Difference we can compare the behavior of search engines-which documents the search engine prefers, as well as search engine performance-how likely the search engine is to satisfy a hypothetical user. In this work, we a) extend this probabilistic framework to precision-oriented contexts, b) show that Information Difference can be used to detect similar search engines at shallow ranks, and c) demonstrate the utility of the Information Difference methodology by showing that well-tuned search engines employing different retrieval models are more similar than a well-tuned and a poorly tuned implementation of the same retrieval model.
Dynamic Core Competences through Meta-Learning and Strategic Context

Traditional approaches to studying competitive advantage, while valuable, are not adequate to explain how firms can operate effectively in turbulent and often chaotic environments. A resource or skill-based view focusing on development and application of core competences is offered to supplement the traditional approaches. We present a model of the development and outcomes of dynamic core competences based on organizational meta-learning. A firm’s core competence(s) is defined as a set of problem-defining and problem-solving insights that fosters the development of idiosyncratic strategic growth alternatives. Dynamic core competences are based on the integration into systemic meta-learning of universal and tacit knowledge through information transfer, redefinition of heuristics and continuous improvement based on experimentation and the development of firm-specific skills based on dynamic routines. Dynamic core competences can be leveraged to create growth alternatives of global diversification, new appli...
Parasellar Aspergillus granuloma extending from the sphenoid sinus: Report of two cases

BACKGROUND Sphenoid sinus aspergillosis is a rare disease known to show an aggressive course with high mortality. Early diagnosis, though difficult, is required to prevent lethal fungal meningoencephalitis. CASE REPORT We describe two cases of parasellar Aspergillus granuloma extending from the sphenoid sinus clinically indistinguishable from intracranial neoplasms. In the first patient, the fungus colony was visualized by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a calcified concretion and total removal was curative. In the second patient, partial removal and subsequent antifungal therapy had minimal effect. CONCLUSIONS The prognosis of the patients with this disease depends on prompt surgical treatment before intradural invasion occurs, and CT and MRI are useful diagnostic maneuvers for detecting calcified Aspergillus colonies.
Regulation of Progenitor Cell Fusion by ABCB5 P-glycoprotein, a Novel Human ATP-binding Cassette Transporter

Cell fusion involving progenitor cells is a newly recognized phenomenon thought to contribute to tissue differentiation. The molecular mechanisms governing cell fusion are unknown. P-glycoprotein and related ATP-binding cassette transporters are expressed by progenitor cells, but their physiological role in these cell types has not been defined. Here, we have cloned ABCB5, a rhodamine efflux transporter and novel member of the human P-glycoprotein family, which marks CD133-expressing progenitor cells among human epidermal melanocytes and determines as a regulator of membrane potential the propensity of this subpopulation to undergo cell fusion. Our findings show that polyploid ABCB5+ cells are generated by cell fusion and that this process is specifically enhanced by ABCB5 P-glycoprotein blockade. Remarkably, multinucleated cell hybrids gave rise to mononucleated progeny, demonstrating that fusion contributes to culture growth and differentiation. Thus, our findings define a molecular mechanism for cell fusion involving progenitor cells and show that fusion and resultant growth and differentiation are not merely spontaneous events, but phenomena regulated by ABCB5 P-glycoprotein.
Competitive strategies and market segmentation for suppliers with substitutable products

Abstract This research studies the competition between two coexisting suppliers in a two-echelon supply chain. The suppliers have different inventory cost structures (holding cost and setup cost). Each supplier offers one type of the two substitutable products to multiple buyers. Buyers’ preferences between the substitutable products differ. Each buyer has a particular order profile (order frequency and quantity). A buyer chooses between the suppliers based on the prices offered by both suppliers and his/her own preference. A Hotelling-type model is used to describe buyers’ preferences for the products. We are able to describe the conditions for buyers to switch between the suppliers, and therefore spot the buyer groups that may or may not switch when the suppliers compete. Pricing strategies for different buyer groups are suggested to the competitive suppliers accordingly. Furthermore, equilibrium prices, market segments, and overall profits for the suppliers are revealed based on Game Theory. An algorithm is also proposed to forecast buyers’ reactions to suppliers’ pricing strategies given the buyers’ order profiles and preferences between the substitutable products.
ONE-DIMENSIONAL ELECTRON TUNNELING IN SEMICONDUCTOR INCLUDING INELASTIC SCATTERING

We propose two approaches to study the electron tunneling including inelastic scattering. Our calculation shows some interesting inelastic-scattering-assisted resonances in tunneling.
Are intensive agricultural practices environmentally and ethically sound

Soil is fragile and nonrenewable but the most basic of natural resources. It has a capacity to tolerate continuous use but only with proper management. Improper soil management and indiscriminate use of chemicals have contributed to some severe global environmental issues, e.g., volatilization losses and contamination of natural waters by sediments and agricultural fertilizers and pesticides. The increasing substitution of energy for labor and other cultural inputs in agriculture is another issue. Fertilizers and chemicals account for about 25% of the production energy investment in agriculture. An additional 60% is accounted for by machinery, gasoline, electricity, and power-related inputs. Fertilizer additions to cropland are not utilized fully and significant amounts, depending on conditions, are either lost in surface runoff or leached into the ground water. The annual discharge of dissolved solids from agricultural lands to the waterways in the USA is substantial. The increasing use of herbicides in agriculture is a threat to the quality of surface and ground water, although this threat is dependent upon both the chemistry of the compound and the ecosystem in which it is used. Especially within the Third World, development of an environmental ethic and environmental laws have not kept pace with the increase in pesticide use. Above all is the severe and global problem of soil degradation currently occurring at the rate of five to seven million hectares per year. The policy and moral aspects of these issues are discussed.
The adaptive BioCD: interferometric immunoassay on a spinning disk

The speed of interferometric detection is at least 1000 times faster than the fluorometric detection used in the vast majority of clinical diagnostic systems. This opens the possibility to perform thousands of assays in the time it takes fluorescence to perform only one. Molecules immobilized on a spinning disk, like a CD, present the fastest and simplest means of interrogating thousands of micron-scale interferometer elements per second. However, the challenge of interferometry on a spinning disk is to maintain stable phase in the presence of mechanical vibration. In this paper, we demonstrate the first use of adaptive optics in an adaptive optical homodyne mixer to perform interferometry on a multi-analyte BioCD. The BioCD is a 4" diameter glass disk printed with a spoke pattern of protein. When the disk spins, the periodic protein pattern is transferred into a high-speed optical phase modulation by spinning the disk at 3000 rpm in the path of a probe laser. A nonlinear optical film mixes the signal beam with a stable reference beam in a two-wave mixing configuration that adaptively phase-locks the two beams to create stable phase in spite of mechanical vibration. Specific binding of antibody to printed antigen is detected as an increased homodyne signal. Multi-analyte detection on Anti Mouse and Anti Rabbit IgG is performed in which Mouse IgG and Rabbit IgG act as the non-specific reagent to each other. Detection is made on circular tracks. The technique has the potential of fast screening for large numbers of protein interactions.
Explaining racial differences in prostate cancer in the United States: Sociology or biology?

Black men in the United States have the highest incidence and mortality from prostate cancer in the world. Even after adjusting for stage at diagnosis, black men have higher mortality rates than white men. Multiple reasons have been postulated to explain these findings including access to care, attitudes about care, socioeconomic and education differences, differences in type and aggressiveness of treatment, dietary, and genetic differences. While each reason may contribute to the higher incidence or higher mortality, likely combinations of reasons will best explain all the findings. Racial differences in socioeconomic status have been well established and we review the significance of these findings in relationship to prostate cancer. Also, with recent advances in the understanding of genetic variation in the human genome, in general, and in the genes involved in pathways relevant to prostate cancer biology, in particular, a number of genes with alleles which differ in frequency between black and white men have been proposed as a genetic cause or contributor to the increased prostate cancer risk in black men. However, the clinical significance of these genetic differences is not fully known. Finally, we conclude with some thoughts as to how to integrate the findings from sociological as well as biological studies and touch upon methods to reduce the disparate burden of prostate cancer among blacks in the United States.
Effect of ascorbic acid or thiamine on acetaldehyde, disulfiram-ethanol- or disulfiram-acetaldehyde-induced mortality.

Ascorbic acid or thiamine was administered, i.p., to male mice 1 1/2 hours prior to i.p. administration of acetaldehyde. Ascorbic acid reduced acetaldehyde mortality at doses between 16 mmole/kg to 18 mmole/kg. Thiamine reduced acetaldehyde-induced mortality at lower acetaldehyde doses (16 mmole/kg) but not at higher doses (17 and 18 mmole/kg) that induced 100% mortality. Simultaneous coadministration of acetaldehyde and ascorbic acid caused a reduction in mortality. The effect of ascorbic acid or thiamine pretreatment on disulfiram-ethanol-induced mortality was investigated. A single dose of thiamine (0.24 mmole/kg) given 1 1/2 hours prior to administration of ethanol (11 mmole/kg to 88 mmole/kg) in disulfiram-treated mice reduced disulfiram-ethanol-induced mortality but a single dose of ascorbic acid (2 mmole/kg) pretreatment had no effect. Increasing the ascorbic acid pretreatment dosage schedule to three days resulted in a reduction of disulfiram-ethanol mortality. These results indicate that thiamine HCl was more potent than ascorbic acid in reducing the mortality induced by acetaldehyde or disulfiram-ethanol. The effect of disulfiram on ascorbic acid or thiamine activity toward reduction of acetaldehyde-induced mortality was investigated. The same three-day pretreatment condition for disulfiram and ascorbic acid or thiamine was used in mice as in the above disulfiram-ethanol study. In the third day, acetaldehyde was given to the mice. Either vitamin was ineffective in reducing the mortality induced by disulfiram-acetaldehyde.
Influence of oxygen on the structure and devitrification pathways in Zr66.7Ni33.3 and Zr66.7Cu33.3 amorphous systems

Abstract Experimental and theoretical approaches were combined to investigate the role of O on the as-quenched structure and phase selection process during devitrification of melt-spun Zr66.7Ni33.3 and Zr66.7Cu33.3 metallic glasses. Oxygen was observed to degrade glass formation for both systems at relatively high contents approaching 15,000 ppm mass, but at lower amounts amorphous structures were obtained. In the case of Zr66.7Ni33.3 alloys, O contents ranging from below 250 ppm mass up to nominally 5000 ppm mass yielded qualitatively similar as-quenched amorphous structures, as determined from high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction. However, O did promote a dramatic change in the devitrification pathways of the Zr66.7Ni33.3 glasses. Whereas ribbons with no intentionally added O transformed directly to the c16 (Al2Cu-type) Zr2Ni structure, their counterparts with nominally 2000 and 5000 ppm mass O instead transformed from their amorphous structure to a metastable Ti2Ni-type “Big Cube” structure before ultimately forming the c16 structure with further heating. For the Zr66.7Cu33.3 glasses, the c11b (MoSi2-type) phase formed regardless of the O content up to the nominally 5000 ppm mass level probed in this study. First-principle calculations were performed to help understand these differences. It was found that the strong bonding between Zr's d-electrons and O's p-electrons contributes to increasing the stability of both systems as more O is added. In addition, the stronger bonding between Zr d-electrons and Ni d-electrons over that of Zr d-electrons and Cu d-electrons helps explain the easier formation of Zr64Ni32O16 BC phase observed in the experiments.
A survey of treatment practices in diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Abstract Objective To evaluate provider practices for identification and treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Methods A questionnaire was distributed to healthcare providers attending educational programs in New England. Results The survey was completed by 357 providers. Although generally ineffective in neuropathic pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were prescribed by 31% of providers. Only 57% providers used a quantitative pain scale to evaluate pain. The effectiveness of medications was assessed at least frequently by 70% of providers and at every visit by 22% providers. Conclusion The results reiterate the need for routinely monitoring patients with painful DPN and using appropriate pain scales.
Helicase Delivery and Activation by DnaA and TrfA Proteins during the Initiation of Replication of the Broad Host Range Plasmid RK2

Abstract Specific binding of the plasmid-encoded protein, TrfA, and the Escherichia coli DnaA protein to the origin region (oriV) is required for the initiation of replication of the broad host range plasmid RK2. It has been shown that the DnaA protein which binds to DnaA boxes upstream of the TrfA-binding sites (iterons) cannot by itself form an open complex, but it enhances the formation of the open complex by TrfA (Konieczny, I., Doran, K. S., Helinski, D. R., Blasina, A. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 20173). In this study an in vitroreplication system is reconstituted from purified TrfA protein andE. coli proteins. With this system, a specific interaction between the DnaA and DnaB proteins is required for delivery of the helicase to the RK2 origin region. Although the DnaA protein directs the DnaB-DnaC complex to the plasmid replication origin, it cannot by itself activate the helicase. Both DnaA and TrfA proteins are required for DnaB-induced template unwinding. We propose that specific changes in the nucleoprotein structure mediated by TrfA result in a repositioning of the DnaB helicase within the open origin region and an activation of the DnaB protein for template unwinding.
Model-based validation for dealing with operator mistakes

Online services are rapidly becoming the supporting infrastructure for numerous users' work and leisure, placing higher demands on their availability and correct functioning. Increasingly, these services are comprised of complex conglomerates of distributed hardware and software components. Added to this complexity, these services evolve quite frequently accumulating considerable heterogeneity within them, while allowing little time for their in-depth understanding by service personnel. Thus, it is not surprising that mistakes by service operators are common, and have been deemed to be the primary cause of service downtime.
Human biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of novel PET probes targeting the deoxyribonucleoside salvage pathway

Purpose Deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) is a rate-limiting enzyme in deoxyribonucleoside salvage, a metabolic pathway involved in the production and maintenance of a balanced pool of deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) for DNA synthesis. dCK phosphorylates and therefore activates nucleoside analogs such as cytarabine, gemcitabine, decitabine, cladribine, and clofarabine that are used routinely in cancer therapy. Imaging probes that target dCK might allow stratifying patients into likely responders and nonresponders with dCK-dependent prodrugs. Here we present the biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of three fluorinated dCK substrates, 18F-FAC, L-18F-FAC, and L-18F-FMAC, developed for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of dCK activity in vivo.
Examining the Scientific Validity of Rape Trauma Syndrome

Rape trauma syndrome (RTS) was first described by Burgess and Holmstrom (1974) who argued that there was little information that described the physical and psychological effects of rape, associated therapy and provisions for protection of the victim from further psychological harm. Since then, there have been several critiques of RTS and empirical evidence exists that RTS is not generally accepted by the relevant scientific community. Despite this, RTS is still used in courts. As such, in this article, we comprehensively evaluated RTS and determined that it is vague and imprecise, its evidential status is questionable, it is inconsistent with the most common sequelae of trauma, it ignores important mediating variables and it may not be culturally sensitive. In light of these critiques, we recommend no further use of this model in courts or in clinical practice.
Unique degradation of human fibrinogen by proteases from western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) venom.

Abstract Thrombin-coagulability of both human fibrinogen and plasma was rapidly lost upon incubation with western diamondback rattlesnake ( Crotalus atrox ) venom. The dose-and time-dependent effect was due to direct proteolytic degradation of fibrinogen ( M r 340,000) by venom enzymes. Using purified fibrinogen as the substrate it was demonstrated that the venom degraded the Aα chain first and then the Bβ chain. The degradation pattern of fibrinogen in plasma was different to that of purified fibrinogen, since only the Bβ chain was cleaved. A fibrinogen derivative isolated from venom-treated plasma had impaired thrombin-coagulability, M r 325,000 ± 10,000, its Aα and γ chains appeared intact and only the Bβ chain was degraded to a species of M r 52,000 ± 1,500. The venom contained three proteolytic enzyme fractions as revealed by gel filtration chromatography. All abolished coagulability of purified fibrinogen, however, only one enzyme fraction rendered plasma incoagulable. The proteolytic enzyme with anticoagulant activity against plasma degraded only the Bβ chain of purified fibrinogen, generating a derivative of M r 325,000, which was identical to that obtained upon incubation of the crude venom with plasma. The polypeptide chain structure of the derivative indicates that the intact Bβ chain of fibrinogen plays an important role in the formation of fibrin clots.
Impact of Traffic Signal Timing on Sidewalk-Level Particulate Matter Concentrations

Improving the efficiency of urban traffic operations along arterials is a priority for many agencies because congestion affects the movement of people and goods in many cities. Advanced traffic management systems are being implemented to optimize traffic signal timing in congested corridors. Pedestrians and transit users are even more exposed to vehicle emissions than are drivers. However, pedestrian exposure to traffic emissions is typically not a consideration when traffic signal timing decisions are made. The relationship between exposure to air pollution and traffic signal timing has not yet been fully explored or modeled. This paper quantifies the factors that contribute to concentrations of sidewalk-level particulate matter (1.0 to 2.5 μm in diameter) at a busy intersection along an urban arterial in Portland, Oregon. The study is the first research effort to combine real-world, detailed traffic signal timing data (at 5-s intervals) and air pollutant concentration data. Several types of variables ar...
Density-functional electronic structure of PuCoGa5

Density-functional electronic-structure calculations for PuCoGa{sub 5} are performed to address the possibility of magnetic interactions in this high-temperature superconductor. Within an itinerant 5f-electron picture, cohesion and crystallographic parameters compares favorably with experiment, whereas only when spin and orbital interactions are accounted for the calculated electronic density of states agrees with photoemission spectra. This fact suggests that spin and orbital correlations are important for a correct description of the PuCoGa{sub 5} electronic structure and may play a role in an unconventional mechanism for superconductivity.
A Comparison of fault-tolerant memories in SRAM-based FPGAs

This paper compares the effectiveness and cost of different fault-tolerant techniques for FPGA memories (BRAMs, LUTRAMs, and SRLs). TMR, parity with duplication, compliment duplicate (CD) with duplication, single-error correction/double-error detection (SEC/DED), and SEC/DED with duplication are the techniques used in this study to protect FPGA memories. Memory scrubbing is also added to each of these techniques. The effectiveness of each technique is measured by the number of sensitive bits in each design as well as the number of critical failures. A critical failure is defined as an upset whose effects can only be repaired through device reconfiguration. Cost is measured in terms of FPGA slices and BRAMs. This study finds that for BRAMs and LUTRAMs scrubbing with TMR provides the best protection. For SRLs scrubbing is unnecessary, and TMR provides the best protection. This study also provides a variety of reliability-area trade-off points with fault-tolerant techniques other than TMR.
A case of mitochondrial myopathy and cleft palate.

Abstract Objective: To present a child born with both mitochondrial myopathy and cleft palate, outlining medical complications of this dual diagnosis—the first reported case in English literature. Methods: A preterm Caucasian boy presented to the cleft palate clinic at birth for evaluation of a secondary cleft palate. Multiple anomalies were also identified, including rib fusions, ventricular septal dyskinesis, and mild hypotonia. Initial chromosome studies were unremarkable. Results: After a multidisciplinary preoperative clearance at 11 months old, the infant underwent palatoplasty and muscle biopsy for evaluation of hypotonia. Upon extubation, he became apneic and unresponsive to anticholinesterase reversals. He was reintubated. The next morning, he was extubated uneventfully and was discharged home on postoperative day 2 (POD2). On POD7, he returned with signs of bronchitis, thereby prompting immediate reevaluation and treatment by his primary pediatrician. On POD13, he presented to an outlying emerge...
EFFECT OF HEMATIN ON THE RECOVERY OF BACILLUS ANTHRACIS AND RELATED ORGANISMS.

Abstract : The results indicate that freshly prepared alkaline hematin solution is inhibitory for many gram-positive organisms, including B. anthracis; therefore, its use in a selective medium for the isolation of B. anthracis is questionable. However, freshly prepared alkaline hematin has been found useful in a selective medium for Pasteurella pestis (Knisely, Swaney, and Friedlander, J. Bacteriol. 88:491, 1964). Further work on a selective medium for B. anthracis is in progress.
A strong universality of the excluded contacts in self-avoiding chains

Abstract A “strong universality” is proposed for the excluded intersegmental contacts in self-avoiding chains: for all dimensions 4 > d > 1 the contacts' probability scales as Cj −2 , where j is the loops's length. C is related to the critical exponent λ Supporting Monte Carlo results are presented.
Universal banking and firm risk-taking

Abstract This paper analyzes the welfare implications of banks taking equity stakes in firms under conditions of imperfect information and moral hazard. Two cases of bank control over investment decisions are analyzed. In the first, the bank does not control the investment decisions of the firm. Here, the investment efficiency is higher and bank risk is lower for an optimal positive level of bank equity holdings. However, in the case when the bank has veto power over investment proposals by the firm, there is a trade off between increased investment efficiency and increased bank risk.
Plane-stress crack-tip fields for pressure-sensitive dilatant materials

Abstract In this paper we present plane-stress crack-tip stress and strain fields for pressure-sensitive dilatant materials. A hydrostatic stress-dependent yield criterion and the normality flow rule are used to account for pressure-sensitive yielding and plastic dilatancy. The material hardening response is specified by a power-law relation. The plane-stress mode I singular fields are found in a separable form similar to the HRR fields (Hutchinson, J. Mech. Phys. Solids 16 , 13–31 and 337–347, 1968; Rice and Rosengren, J. Mech. Phys. Solids 16 , 1–12, 1968). The angular variations of the fields depend on the material hardening exponent and the pressure sensitivity parameter. Our low-hardening solutions for different degrees of pressure sensitivity agree well with the corresponding perfectly plastic solutions. An important aspect of the effects of pressure-sensitive yielding and plastic dilatancy on crack-tip fields is the lowering of the opening stress and the hydrostatic stress directly ahead of the crack tip. This effect, similar to that under plane-strain conditions (Li and Pan, to appear in J. Appl. Mech . 1989), has implications in the material toughening observed in some ceramic and polymeric composites.
Embolic Stroke Following Thrombolytic Therapy for Myocardial Infarction in a Patient With Preexisting Ventricular Thrombi

Background Dislodging of preexisting cardiac thrombi has been a reported but unconfirmed cause of embolic strokes after thrombolytic therapy for myocardial infarction. Case Description An 82-year-old woman was admitted with congestive heart failure. Initial echocardiogram demonstrated ventricular thrombi. Three days later she experienced an inferior wall myocardial infarction, and intravenous streptokinase was administered. Six hours later she abruptly developed a global aphasia with a dense right hemiparesis. Repeat echocardiogram did not show any thrombus. Conclusions Thrombolytic therapy may have caused embolization of ventricular thrombi. Cardiac conditions that predispose to embolic strokes are not established contraindications to thrombolytic therapy. The potential for thrombolytic therapy to produce embolization in patients with preexisting cardiac mural thrombi should be evaluated.
Surfing waves of data in San Diego: sophisticated analyses provide a broad view of human genetic diversity

A report on the 64th annual American Society of Human Genetics meeting held in San Diego, USA, 18-22 October, 2014.