cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anti-Infective Therapies in Cystic Fibrosis

A major feature of cystic fibrosis lung disease is chronic infection. This is thought to contribute to an exaggerated inflammatory response resulting in chronic cough productive of purulent sputum and progressive loss of lung function. There are also episodic times of worsening of symptoms and acute loss of lung function identified as CF pulmonary exacerbations. A major contributor to improved survival over the last few decades is believed to be the increased use of antibiotics targeting pathogens found in sputum cultures. This includes the use of systemic and inhaled antibiotics against these pathogens to treat pulmonary exacerbations and suppression of chronic infection. Despite recent exciting advances in the treatment of CF lung disease, the treatment of infection with anti-infectives remains an essential part of the standard treatment regimen, and there are additional questions yet to be answered.
Efficiency for heteroscedastic regression with responses missing at random

Abstract Heteroscedastic regression models are commonly used when the error variance differs across observations, i.e. when the error distribution depends on covariate values. We consider such models with responses possibly missing at random and show that functionals of the conditional distribution of the response given the covariates can be estimated efficiently using complete case analysis. We provide a formula for the efficient influence function in the general semiparametric heteroscedastic regression model and discuss special cases and examples.
Where Is the Moral Indignation Over Corporate Crime

Neo-liberalists promise a just and measured response from the state to corporate crime without resort to the force of a “criminal” justice. The argument is that there is more than enough justice done in administrative and civil regulatory regimes. In this contribution, I argue that this promise of justice done is betrayed. Evidence of this betrayal is found in the absence of any genuine moral indignation over corporate wrongdoing. Asking questions such as why there is so little moral disapprobation over corporate crime, and how is corporate moral integrity laundered, lead to a simple but important conclusion. These multi-stakeholder games serve and support a regulatory equilibration. This equilibration maintains the status quo of a system tilted in favor of corporations of scale and power, and fails to prompt the emotions necessary to support a strong sense of the wrong in corporate criminal wrongdoing.
Efficiency of electronic signout for ED-to-inpatient admission at a non-teaching hospital

Admission handoff is a high-risk component of patient care. Previous studies have shown that a standardized physician electronic signout (“eSignout”) may improve ED-to-inpatient handoff safety and efficiency in teaching hospitals. This model has not yet been studied in non-teaching hospitals. The objectives of the study were to determine the efficiency of an eSignout platform at a community affiliate hospital by comparing ED length of stay (LOS) for a 5-month period before and after implementation and to compare the quality assurance (QA) events among admitted patients for the same time period. A retrospective, interventional study was conducted with the main outcome measures including ED LOS with calculation of 95% CI, mean comparison (t test), and number of QA events before and after implementation of the eSignout model. Prior to eSignout implementation, 1045 patients were admitted [mean ED LOS 330.0 min (95% CI 318.6–341.4)]. Following implementation, 1106 patients were admitted [mean ED LOS 338.9 min (95% CI 327.4–350.4, p = 0.2853)]. Nine pre-implementation QA events and six post-implementation events were identified. Use of a physician eSignout in a non-teaching hospital had no statistically significant effect on ED LOS for the admitted patients. The effect of an electronic interdepartmental handoff tool for patient safety and clinical operations in the non-teaching setting is unclear.
Time Reversal using Bianisotropic Metasurfaces

Design of two complimentary metasurfaces composed of bianisotropic structures to code and decode the evanescent fields from the sources into propagating waves for analog detection of sources placed at subwavelength separation using time reversal.
Isolation and Characterization of Myelin Protein from Adult Quaking Mice and its Similarity to Myelin Protein of Young Normal Mice

Quaking is a genetically determined neurological disorder of mice in which the homozygotes are characterized by marked tremors and seizures. Sidman, Dickie and Appel (16) demonstrated histologically that the CNS showed incomplete myelination without marked changes in the axons. Ultrastructural studies (4, 18) have shown that the myelin sheaths are thin and uncompacted, that there is uneven growth of lateral loops, and that nodes of Ranvier are poorly developed (Fig. 1). These observations regarding the CNS of the mature Quaking mouse are very similar to those seen in the normal mouse during the early period of myelinogenesis (8–12 days).
Gustatory Responses of Ghost Crab Ocypode quadrata to Seawater Extracts and Chemical Fractions of Natural Stimuli

The efficacy of seawater-extracted fresh and decomposing blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) claw muscle homogenates as stimulants of feeding behavior by the ghost crab (Ocypode quadrata) was tested with cheliped flexion as a bioassay. Stimulatory components of extracts were heat-stable and <1 kDa. Fresh seawater extracts of muscle tissue homogenate elicited the most responses and decreased in efficacy with decomposition. Ultrafiltrates <1 kDa also became less stimulating with increasing decay of the homogenate. When ultrafiltrates were extracted with ethyl ether, the aqueous phase elicited the most responses. To some degree, active components were soluble in ether. Ion-exchange chromatography of the aqueous phase yielded eluates containing neutral and acidic compounds, which, following a peak in activity, became less stimulatory over time. In contrast, eluates containing amphoteric and basic compounds remained highly effective throughout bacterial degradation. However, their activity was significantly suppressed when they were mixed with neutral and acidic compounds isolated from the same samples. Mixture suppression may function as a mechanism ensuring the consumption of high-quality foods. The ability of O. quadrata to respond to both fresh and decomposing tissues contributes to this species' flexibility in foraging strategies and its success as an inhabitant of sandy beaches.
Pegvaliase: a novel treatment option for adults with phenylketonuria.

Objective: In May 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration approved pegvaliase-pqpz (Palynziq*), the first enzyme substitution therapy for the treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU). This article prov...
Mental Illness, Addiction, and Incarceration: Breaking the Cycle

The criminalization and mass incarceration of communities of color is a by-product of structural racism and has a complicated and intertwined set of relationships with mental illness, substance use, and homelessness. This chapter describes (1) the history of institutionalization, deinstitutionalization, and the context of transinstitutionalization; (2) the evidence for the disproportionate arrest and incarceration of racial minorities, and how they relate to the legacy of slavery and chronic oppression (i.e., incarceration is slavery codified); (3) the “War on Drugs,” its racist origins, and how it contributed to mass incarceration of racial minorities with substance use disorders; (4) the role of the prison system in the problem of transinstitutionalization; and (5) strategies for comprehensive criminal justice reform as it relates to advocating for evidence-based treatment of psychiatric and substance use disorders, rather than incarceration.
Quantification of DEET and neonicotinoid pesticide biomarkers in human urine by online solid-phase extraction high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Neonicotinoid insecticides are widely used replacements for organophosphate and carbamate insecticides, but the extent of human exposure is largely unknown. On the other hand, based on urinary concentrations of DEET metabolites, human exposure to N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) appears to be widespread. We developed a fast online solid-phase extraction high-performance liquid chromatography-isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method to measure in 200 μL of human urine the concentrations of six neonicotinoid biomarkers (acetamiprid, N-desmethyl-acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, 5-hydroxy-imidacloprid, thiacloprid), and two DEET biomarkers (3-diethyl-carbamoyl benzoic acid, 3-ethyl-carbamoyl benzoic acid). Limits of detection ranged from 0.01 to 0.1 μg/L, depending on the biomarker. Accuracy ranged from 91 to 116% and precision ranged from 3.7 to 10 %RSD. The presented method can be used to increase our understanding of exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides and DEET, and to evaluate the potential health effects from such exposures.
An Introduction to Early Gay and Lesbian Campus Organizing

In this chapter, I provide an introduction to early gay and lesbian campus organizing at Midwestern universities. Jack Baker, the first openly gay person elected student body president, is a focus of this chapter, as is the ethos and philosophies of the early Gay Liberation Front movements and members of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Early lineage specification defines alveolar epithelial ontogeny in the murine lung.

During the stepwise specification and differentiation of tissue-specific multipotent progenitors, lineage-specific transcriptional networks are activated or repressed to orchestrate cell specification. The gas-exchange niche in the lung contains two major epithelial cell types, alveolar type 1 (AT1) and AT2 cells, and the timing of lineage specification of these cells is critical for the correct formation of this niche and postnatal survival. Integrating cell-specific lineage tracing studies, spatially specific mRNA transcript and protein expression, and single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis, we demonstrate that specification of alveolar epithelial cell fate begins concomitantly with the proximal–distal specification of epithelial progenitors and branching morphogenesis earlier than previously appreciated. By using a newly developed dual-lineage tracing system, we show that bipotent alveolar cells that give rise to AT1 and AT2 cells are a minor contributor to the alveolar epithelial population. Furthermore, single-cell assessment of the transcriptome identifies specified AT1 and AT2 progenitors rather than bipotent cells during sacculation. These data reveal a paradigm of organ formation whereby lineage specification occurs during the nascent stages of development coincident with broad tissue-patterning processes, including axial patterning of the endoderm and branching morphogenesis.
Knowledge, Motivations, and Practices Regarding Indoor Tanning Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in the San Francisco Bay Area.

This study assesses knowledge, motivations, and practices regarding indoor tanning among men who have sex with men in the San Francisco Bay Area using data from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance survey.
Utilizing vertebral body autograft for anterior cervical corpectomy/fusion.

Background There are numerous ways to reconstruct cervical vertebral bodies and achieve arthrodesis following anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACF). However, device and donor site complications abound. Here, we describe a novel technique for performing ACF using the vertebral body itself as a structural autograft. Methods The anterior cervical spine was accessed and discectomies were performed rostral and caudal to the corpectomy. Five millimeter troughs were drilled on the lateral borders of the vertebral body, and it was removed en bloc. The autograft was rotated 90°, and an anterior cervical plate was selected to span the length of the graft, allowing for fixation to the adjacent vertebral bodies. The plate was secured to the graft, the graft was placed in the bony defect, and the plate was secured to the adjacent levels. Results This corpectomy reconstructive technique was successfully applied in a 57-year-old female with cervical myelopathy due to a C5-C6 disc herniation with caudal migration. The C6 vertebral body was used as a structural autograft. Postoperatively, the patient experienced satisfactory improvement in her myelopathy, and the construct appeared stable 8 months later. Conclusion This corpectomy reconstructive technique takes advantage of the favorable osteogenic properties of autograft, while avoiding donor site morbidity as well as the cost and complications of other devices, such as cages. Further cases are required to verify the safety, efficacy, and biomechanical stability of this technique.
Chapter 7 – Pharmacokinetics I: Permeation and Metabolism

This chapter discusses how the body is a balanced in vivo system of inflow (absorption) and outflow (clearance) of drug and how prospective drug molecules require a minimal set of physicochemical properties (referred to as “drug-like” defined by LogP, H2O solubility, pKa and molecular weight) to be able to cross biological membranes to gain entry into the body. Passive diffusion and transport processes control absorption while metabolism and excretion govern removal of drugs from the body; many of these can be estimated in in vitro assays. In addition, assays to assess the stability of molecule to destruction by hepatic enzymes, the ability of a molecule to inhibit hepatic enzyme function (this can be predictive of drug–drug interactions), and the propensity of a molecule to produce induction of live enzymes can also be assayed to optimize pharmacokinetic profiles. Finally, a discussion of oral bioavailability as a dual process of absorption followed by metabolism (first pass effect) is considered.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the fetal brain in monochorionic diamniotic twin gestation: correlation of cerebral injury with ultrasound staging and survival outcomes.

The current staging system of twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is based on the ultrasound criteria and does not consider the cerebral injury. To assess the incidence of cerebral damage on fetal MRI and correlate abnormal cerebral diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) findings with survival outcome and the ultrasound staging of TTTS. We conducted a retrospective review of MRI/DWI of fetal brains and the electronic medical records in monochorionic diamniotic twin gestations. Axial DWI of each fetal brain was performed on 1.5-tesla (T) clinical magnet with b values of 0 s/mm2 and 700 s/mm2. We correlated MRI/DWI abnormalities with the Quintero staging system and survival outcomes of the fetuses. Thirty-four pregnancies (68 fetuses) with 42 fetal cerebral abnormalities were identified by MRI/DWI alone. Of these 42 fetal cerebral abnormalities, 33 fetal brain lesions were visible only on DWI (n=25 donor, n=8 recipients; n=30 unilateral, n=3 bilateral; n=26 diffuse, n=7 focal). Quintero staging in these 34 pregnancies was as follows: 9 Stage I, 7 Stage II, 13 Stage III, 4 Stage IV, 1 Stage V. There was no significant correlation between the presence of cerebral infarction or hemorrhage using MRI/DWI and ultrasound staging (P=0.138). The overall survival rate was 63.2% (43/68). There was a significant correlation between the presence of cerebral infarction or hemorrhage on MRI/DWI and delivery status (P=0.009). Abnormal cerebral imaging findings on MRI/DWI from hypoxic–ischemic injury or hemorrhage can be seen at the beginning of the second trimester and do not correlate with the current ultrasound staging system; however, they do correlate with decreased survival. Fetal cerebral abnormalities could be incorporated into the TTTS staging system as an independent risk factor.
Epilepsie und Intelligenzminderung

Hintergrund Das Konzept Lebensqualitat (LQ) bzw. gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualitat hat sich seit Anfang der 1990iger Jahre in verschiedenen Bereichen der Medizin und Versorgungsforschung etabliert, so auch in der Epileptologie. Es existieren inzwischen einige, gut validierte Fragebogen zur Erfassung der LQ von Menschen mit Epilepsie, die eingesetzt werden, um z. B. die Wirksamkeit von neuen Medikamenten, epilepsiechirurgischen Eingriffen oder anderer Interventionen zu evaluieren. Bei Menschen mit Intelligenzminderung (ID) sind jedoch solche Fragebogen nicht oder nur bedingt einsetzbar.
Tranexamic Acid in Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Topical Review and Value Analysis.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has become a commonly used perioperative intervention in total joint arthroplasty, shoulder and knee arthroscopy, and spinal procedures in order to minimize blood loss, hemato...
Acústica subacuática: Un breve panorama histórico a través de la Segunda Guerra Mundial

espanolEste articulo presentan algunos de los aspectos mas sobresalientes de la investigacion y desarrollo de la acustica subacuatica, asi como reconoce el merito de miembros de la Sociedad Americana de Acustica (Acoustics Society of America, ASA), quienes contribuyeron con su trabajo durante el periodo de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Los resultados de tal trabajo se convirtieron en logros cientificos y de ingenieria que aparecen en literatura sobre acustica. EnglishThis paper presents some of the highlights about research and development of sub-aquatic acoustics, as well as it gives recognition to the members of the Acoustical Society of America (ASA), who contributed with their work along the Second World War. The results of such work have turned into scientific and engineering achievements, which are published in literature about acoustics.
Unintentional firearm mortality in African-American youths, 2010-2019.

Abstract Background/ Purpose There is a dearth of studies that have examined unintentional firearm-related mortality in African–American (AA) youths. The purpose of this article is to assess the epidemiology of unintentional firearm mortality in AA youth, examine the risk factors associated with unintentional AA youth firearm mortality, and explore the evidence for preventing unintentional firearm-mortality in AA youths. Methods In this cross-sectional study, the Web-Based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was used. Data were analyzed from the years 2010–2019 using descriptive statistics. Results Between the years 2010 and 2019, the AA youth unintentional firearm mortality rate increased by 48% while the rate for White youths declined by 29%. The decade from 2010 to 2019 saw almost 400 AA youths lose their lives to unintentional firearm trauma. AA male children averaged 87% of all AA unintentional firearm deaths during this time. The years of potential life lost due to unintentional firearm mortality ranged between 21,200 and 24,300 years. The risk factors for unintentional firearm mortality in AA youths include living in states with high rates of firearm ownership, living in a home with firearms, being an older adolescent, and being of lower socioeconomic status. Of all the strategies to prevent unintentional firearm mortality in youths, the most effective include strong (felony penalty) Child Access Prevention laws, the absence of Stand-Your-Ground laws, and physicians engaging in anticipatory guidance with patients regarding safe storage of firearms. Conclusions Despite the limited scale of unintentional firearm mortality in AA youths, primary prevention dictates that public health professionals intervene to keep this public health problem from becoming an epidemic and a larger contributor to health disparities.
Tricuspid Regurgitation: When and How to Treat

Clinically significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is increasingly prevalent in the aging population. TR is a progressive disease associated with worse outcomes, and therefore should be treated appropriately and in a timely manner. This review will summarize the indications for treatment of TR, and the invasive modalities currently available or under development for the management of TR. Despite its association with increased morbidity and mortality, surgery for isolated TR is uncommon due to increased operative risk. Various transcatheter tricuspid valve (TV) therapies have been developed as an alternative to surgery to address this unmet clinical need. Transcatheter TV repair devices improve leaflet coaptation either directly by bringing the leaflets together (coaptation devices) or indirectly by repairing the dilated tricuspid annulus (annuloplasty devices), whereas orthotopic transcatheter TV replacement involves implantation of a prosthesis in the tricuspid position. Recent first-in-man and phase 1/2 clinical investigations have demonstrated high procedural success rates with reasonable safety and efficacy. Transcatheter TV therapies may offer a less invasive and potentially safer alternative to surgery for the management of severe symptomatic TR. Ongoing studies will shed light on long-term outcomes and device durability, and inform patient selection and optimal timing of intervention.
What matters? A case study of elementary english language learners in STEM education

The rapidly growing needs of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce have attracted educators and policymakers to reinforce STEM education from elementary to postseco...
Skin Resident Memory T Cells May Play Critical Role in Delayed-Type Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions

Delayed-type drug hypersensitivity reactions (dtDHR) are immune-mediated reactions with skin and visceral manifestations ranging from mild to severe. Clinical care is negatively impacted by a limited understanding of disease pathogenesis. Though T cells are believed to orchestrate disease, the type of T cell and the location and mechanism of T cell activation remain unknown. Resident memory T cells (TRM) are a unique T cell population potentially well situated to act as key mediators in disease pathogenesis, but significant obstacles to defining, identifying, and testing TRM in dtDHR preclude definitive conclusions at this time. Deeper mechanistic interrogation to address these unanswered questions is necessary, as involvement of TRM in disease has significant implications for prediction, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.
Glutaminase of Escherichia coli. II. Studies on the exchange of oxygen between water and substrates.

Abstract Studies on the exchange of oxygen catalyzed by Escherichia coli glutaminase between water and substrates are reported. The rates of the virtual hydrolysis of glutamic acid, i.e. the exchange of 18O between water and the γ-carboxyl oxygen atoms, allow determination of the Km and kcat values for this substrate. These values are 2.9 mm and 5080 sec-1, respectively, at 25° and pH 5.0. The kcat, which is shown to be the number of complete catalytic cycles of the enzyme per sec, is the highest of any known substrate of this enzyme, and among the highest for an enzyme-catalyzed reaction of a carboxylic derivative. Glutaminase does not catalyze exchange between the γ-carbonyl oxygen atoms of glutamine and water.
Real-time network-aware optimal rate control for video communication networks using an augmented state feedback controller

A real-time adaptive rate control algorithm for video transmission is presented. The proposed algorithm aims to determine the optimal rate at which the video should be sent through the network in order to minimize the expected distortion while meeting the delay requirements. The packet loss rate is assumed to be a function of the transmission rate. The nodes of the network over which video packets are transmitted determine this function, possibly based on the congestion level of the network. Since this function is unknown an augmented state feedback regulator is introduced to control the packet loss rate by adjusting the transmission rate of the video. The expected distortion is calculated by dynamic programming at the source based on the desired packet-loss and transmission rate pair and then the optimal transmission rate is chosen among feasible transmission rates. Simulation results are presented to establish the significant improvement in performance.
Twentieth century agricultural drainage creates more erosive rivers

Rivers in watersheds dominated by agriculture throughout the US are impaired by excess sediment, a significant portion of which comes from non-field, near-channel sources. Both land-use and climate have been implicated in altering river flows and thereby increasing stream-channel erosion and sediment loading. In the wetland-rich landscapes of the upper Mississippi basin, 20th century crop conversions have led to an intensification of artificial drainage, which is now a critical component of modern agriculture. At the same time, much of the region has experienced increased annual rainfall. Uncertainty in separating these drivers of streamflow fuels debate between agricultural and environmental interests on responsibility and solutions for excess riverine sediment. To disentangle the effects of climate and land-use, we compared changes in precipitation, crop conversions, and extent of drained depressional area in 21 Minnesota watersheds over the past 70 years. Watersheds with large land-use changes had increases in seasonal and annual water yields of >50% since 1940. On average, changes in precipitation and crop evapotranspiration explained less than one-half of the increase, with the remainder highly correlated with artificial drainage and loss of depressional areas. Rivers with increased flow have experienced channel widening of 10–40% highlighting a source of sediment seldom addressed by agricultural best management practices. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence-based approach to cutaneous hyperandrogenism in women

Hirsutism, acne, and androgenetic alopecia are classically considered signs of cutaneous hyperandrogenism (CHA). These common skin findings have significant impacts on the quality of patients' lives and pose the diagnostic challenge of excluding underlying disorders. Many with CHA have normal serum androgen levels. Hirsutism is more strongly associated with hyperandrogenism than are acne or androgenetic alopecia. Variable association of CHA with hyperandrogenemia results from the complexity of the underlying pathophysiology, including factors local to the pilosebaceous unit. CHA often occurs in the setting of polycystic ovary syndrome, the most common disorder of hyperandrogenism, but can also present in uncommon conditions, including nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia and androgen-producing tumors. A thorough history and full skin examination are important to guide appropriate diagnostic evaluation. Oral contraceptive pills with or without antiandrogens can provide therapeutic benefit for hirsutism and acne. Medical options for androgenetic alopecia remain limited. Multidisciplinary approaches may be needed given endocrine, metabolic, reproductive, and psychiatric disorders associated with CHA. More high-quality studies into the mechanisms of CHA and the benefits of antiandrogenic therapies are needed. We provide an evidence-based review of key diagnostic and therapeutic considerations in the treatment of women with CHA.
Sequence Variants of Uncertain Significance: What to Do When Genetic Test Results Are Not Definitive

Clinical genetic testing for cancer predisposition syndromes often identifies DNA changes whose effects cannot be interpreted easily. These changes, often referred to as variants of uncertain significance (VUS), are not useful for clinical management. In contrast with clearly pathogenic mutations, VUS do not firmly diagnose a specific syndrome at the molecular level and cannot be used to identify with certainty which relatives are mutation carriers and which relatives are free of the syndrome. This article discusses the approach to evaluating VUS and how clinicians can play a key role in advancing the field to benefit all patients.
The Model‐Theoretic Argument against Quantifying over Everything

A variant of Hilary Putnam's model-theoretic argument against metaphysical realism appears to show that our quantifiers do not determinately range over absolutely everything. This paper argues that some recent attempts to respond to the quantificational skeptic are unsuccessful and offers an alternative response: the key to answering the skeptic is not to refute her argument but to realize that the argument's setup prevents it from being convincing to those it is directed at.
Clustering and classifying channel morphology in Eastern Oklahoma ecoregions using dissimilarity coefficients

Ecoregions are generally homogenous areas that comprise similar associations of geology, climate, soils, land use, and potential natural vegetation. However, a certain amount of physical variability exists in ecoregions which makes them spatially diverse in their characteristics. Euclidean Sum of Squares was used to calculate the amount of stream reach dissimilarity within and between three prominent eastern Oklahoma ecoregions: Boston Mountains, Ozark Highlands, and Ouachita Mountains. Dissimilarity proximity coefficients were used to cluster stream reaches and create exemplars for each cluster. Streams were classified using the Rosgen classification to evaluate whether dissimilarity values could be applied to the classification. Metrics used to calculate stream reach dissimilarity were median particle size, bankfull width, width–depth ratio, gradient, and sinuosity. Maximum stream reach dissimilarity between two sites within the same ecoregion is highest in the Ouachita Mountains (18.59) and followed by...
Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor polymorphisms in HLA-identical kidney transplant recipients: lack of 2DL2 and 2DS2 may be associated with poor graft function

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) on natural killer cells mediate killing by recognizing class I presentation of peptides by infected or oncogenic cells. KIR differences in stem cell transplants have been implicated in increased graft vs host disease. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched-related kidney recipients have the best graft survival as compared to one haplotype-matched recipients. These HLA-identical transplant pairs may be ideal for studying minor HLA antigens and KIR polymorphic differences and their relation to graft function. We have studied KIR polymorphism in recipients and donor pairs of HLA-matched sibling kidney transplants to demonstrate differences in genotype as related to long-term graft function and/or chronic rejection. We employed a KIR genotyping kit (Dynal, Brown Deer, WI), that uses sequence-specific priming by PCR to identify 19 alleles for genotypes in 12 donor/recipient (D/R) pairs at least 1 year posttransplant. There were two pairs that had different alleles in the recipient that were not found in the donor. One pair had different alleles found in the donor that were not present in the recipient. Two pairs had difference in alleles in both the donor and recipient. Seven of the 12 pairs had the same KIR genotype. Eight of the 12 pairs (both donor and recipient) exhibited a haplotype with 2DL2+ and 2DS2+. Four of the 12 exhibited a haplotype 2DL2- and 2DS2-. Three out of four of these recipients had increased creatinine levels and at least one graded rejection episode. One of these three has lost their graft. In conclusion, the genotyping of HLA-matched sibling kidney transplant D/R pairs demonstrates that there may be an association of higher risk for poor graft function when both genotypes lack 2DL2 and 2DS2.
Modeling of Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in Twin-Roll Casting of Aluminum Alloys.

A two-dimensional finite element based mathematical model of coupled turbulent fluid flow, heat transfer, and solidification in horizontal twin-roll thin strip casting was developed. Basic formulations for simulating the coupled thermal and flow fields are described in this paper. A k-e turbulence model was used to calculate the turbulent viscosity in the melt pool. A variable viscosity model was used to model the mushy region. Inlet velocity, strip/roll heat transfer coefficient, alloy composition, and melt superheat were the main process variables considered. The effect of the above process variables on the sump depth, mean strip exit temperature, roll surface temperature, and temperature gradients inside the roll, was analyzed. Twin-roll thin strip casting of aluminum alloys, is an ef- ficient way of obtaining hot-rolled strips directly from the molten metal. In this process, the molten metal is fed from a refractory feed tip into the gap between the steel rolls. The material undergoes a considerable amount of hot rolling be- fore it leaves the rolls. The heat is extracted from the melt by the water-cooled rolls. The process involves solidification of liquid metal and rolling of solidified metal before it leaves the kissing point, which is the point of least roll separation, of the two rollers. Solidification of molten metal starts at the point of first metal-roll contact and is over before the kissing point. The process has many advantages over the conventional casting technique. The primary advantages are of reduced number of steps of operation and very high cooling rates. A very high cooling rate provides microcrystalline structure with improved mechanical properties. But the process also suffers from many types of defects in the cast strip, which is pronounced at higher casting speeds and inlet temperatures. Increasing the casting speed leads to an increase in the mean exit strip temperature and thus rolling force decreases. 1) The major defects encountered are the centerline segregation, heat line formation, sticking, and surface cracks due to the induced thermo-mechanical stresses. Extent or the severity of these defects is very sensitive to the process conditions. Proper op- timization of these process conditions can lead to minimiza- tion of these defects. Hence, a detailed analysis of fluid flow and heat transfer is necessary to find the effect of these vari- ous process parameters on the extent of these defects. Various mathematical models 2-7) have been suggested in the literature to predict the fluid flow, heat transfer, and so- lidification in twin-roll casters. Most of the papers deal with fluid flow modeling in vertical twin-roll casters, but only a few papers 6, 7) deal with the fluid flow modeling in horizon- tal twin-roll casters. Miyazawa and Szekely 2) were the first
A good relationship with the boss pays off

The article discusses research pertaining to the impact of superior-subordinate relationship on performance appraisals. The study revealed that employees in high-quality, trusting relationships with managers generally received higher ratings. The ratings were not influenced by the length of time the employee worked for the manager. Employees who were in more distant, low-quality relationships received high ratings only when the relationship was long term. It was also discovered that ratings on more subjective criteria, such as dependability and trustworthiness, were more heavily influenced by the quality and duration of the relationship.
Beta 1- and beta 3-class integrins mediate fibronectin binding activity at the surface of developing mouse peri-implantation blastocysts. Regulation by ligand-induced mobilization of stored receptor

Implanting mouse blastocysts adhere through their abembryonic surfaces to the endometrial extracellular matrix. Because blastocysts cultured on fibronectin in vitro dissociate to form trophoblast outgrowths, it is unclear whether this adhesion is initially mediated by fibronectin receptors on the apical or basolateral surface of the trophectoderm. Intact blastocysts were examined in a ligand binding assay utilizing the fibronectin cell binding domain attached to fluorescent microspheres. Fibronectin binding activity on the apical surface of the trophectoderm was confined to the abembryonic pole of the blastocyst, where trophoblast differentiation initiates, and was regulated temporally in accordance with blastocyst outgrowth. Soluble fibronectin (IC50 = 0.2 microM) or Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro, but not laminin, competitively inhibited fibronectin binding activity. Addition of antibodies against the alpha v, alpha 5, beta 1, or beta 3 integrin subunits also inhibited binding activity. Blastocysts cultured in the absence of an adhesive substratum exhibited fibronectin binding activity only after exposure to immobilized or soluble ligand. Potentiation of binding activity by ligand was unaffected by cycloheximide but was sensitive to brefeldin A inhibition of protein trafficking. These findings suggest that the interaction of fibronectin with the trophectoderm induces a translocation event that up-regulates fibronectin binding beta 1- and beta 3-class integrins on the apical surface.
Adolescent Conflict as a Developmental Process in the Prospective Pathway from Exposure to Interparental Violence to Dating Violence

Within a developmental psychopathology framework, the current study examined adolescent conflict (age 16) with families, best friends, and dating partners as mediators in the prospective pathway from exposure to interparental violence (EIPV) in early childhood (0–64 months) to dating violence perpetration and victimization in early adulthood (age 23). Adolescent conflict was predicted to partially mediate EIPV and dating violence with significant direct paths from EIPV to dating violence, given the extant literature on the salience of early childhood EIPV for later maladjustment. Participants (N = 182; 99 males, 83 females; 67 % Caucasian, 11 % African-American, 18 % other, 4 % unreported) were drawn from a larger prospective study of high-risk mothers (aged 12–34 years) that followed their children from birth through adulthood. EIPV and adolescent conflict were rated from interviews with mothers and participants, and dating violence (physical perpetration and victimization) was assessed with the Conflict Tactics Scale. Path analyses showed that EIPV in early childhood (a) directly predicted dating violence perpetration in early adulthood and (b) predicted conflict with best friends, which in turn predicted dating violence perpetration. Although mediation of best friend conflict was not evident, indirect effects of EIPV to dating violence were found through externalizing behaviors in adolescence and life stress in early adulthood. Findings highlight that conflict with best friends is affected by EIPV and predicts dating violence, suggesting that it may be a promising target for relationship-based interventions for youth with EIPV histories. Furthermore, deleterious early experiences and contemporaneous risk factors are salient predictors of dating violence.
Sheeting and dyking emplacement of the Gunnison annular complex, SW Colorado

Abstract Emplacement of the Proterozoic Gunnison annular complex, Colorado, involved brittle failure and both subhorizontal sheeting and steeply-dipping dyking. The annular complex consists of a central diorite body (1730 Ma), surrounded by a ring of metamorphosed supracrustal rocks, in turn ringed by tonalite and granodiorite (1721 Ma). The older central diorite was emplaced as sills parallel to bedding, prior to regional deformation of the Gunnison volcanic arc, ∼1730–1710 m.y. ago. This central body was deformed during regional shortening, into an upright bowl with inward-dipping walls. The surrounding country rocks were folded and locally transposed against the central body, forming an arcuate foliation, conforming roughly to the shape of the body. This foliation and bedding acted as mechanical planes of weakness, which localized the syn-deformational emplacement of the outer ring intrusions, as multiple magma sheets parallel to steeply dipping bedding and foliation. Portions of the outer rings were also injected along concentric, inward-dipping, shear fractures generated under high magma pressure, a process similar to cone sheet emplacement in volcanic ring-dyke complexes. Multiple mechanisms were therefore involved in the emplacement of this sheeted annular plutonic complex, which otherwise superficially resembles a subvolcanic ring-dyke complex.
Global Communication and Television Across Europe

McPhail, T. L. (2006). Global communication: Theories, stakeholders, and trends (2nd ed.). Malden, MA: Blackwell. 357 pages. Dragomir, M., Reljic, D., Thompson, M., & Grunwald, A. (2005). Televisio...
Spectral analysis of maximum entropy multitrack modulation codes

The problem of calculating the power spectral density of a constrained maxentropic vector sequence {a/sup n/}, a/sup n/=[a/sub i//sup n/]/sub 0/spl les/i/spl les/N-1/, is considered. The constraints of the constituent sequences {a/sub i//sup n/} are defined by the sofic systems S/sub i/ presented by the directed graphs G/sub i/, 0/spl les/i/spl les/N-1, but the vector sequence itself is constrained additionally, and given by a function /spl phi/ of constituent graphs (G=/spl phi/(G/sub 0/, /spl middot//spl middot//spl middot/, G/sub N-1/)). This class of vector constraints is met in parallel multitrack recording. The general case of a simultaneous recording on N tracks is considered, assuming that the common vector constraint is track-invariant.
Sex pheromone specificity inHeliothis

Electric grid traps baited withHeliothis subflexa (Guenee),H. virescens (F.), orH. zea (Boddie) females captured conspecific males with few exceptions.Heliothis subflexa females reduced the attraction ofH. virescens andH. zea males when used as bait simultaneously with females of either of these two species. Backcrosses were made withH. virescens males and female hybrids from a cross betweenH. subflexa females andH. virescens males. The backcross (BC) females andH. virescens females attracted approximately equal numbers ofH. virescens males in field traps. BC males released in field cages were attracted toH. virescens females and to the synthetic pheromone ofH. virescens. When laboratory-reared maleH. virescens, BC males,H. subflexa males, and F1 hybrid males were exposed to the synthetic pheromone ofH. virescens in Plexiglas wind tunnels,H. virescens males and BC males responded to the pheromone, butH. subflexa and F1 hybrid males did not. The peak activity of bothH. subflexa andH. zea males occurred approx. 4 hr after sunset. MaleH. zea were active throughout most of the night; maleH. virescens were most active approx. 6 hr after sunset.
Engineering Rules-Based Orthogonal and Variable-Steps Pipe Routing Algorithm for Aero-Engines

Pipe routing is to design the routes for pipes in 3D space, meeting various constraints and engineering rules. This paper proposes the engineering rules-based orthogonal and variable-steps pipe routing algorithm. Firstly, the cylindrical coordinate system was adopted to describe the layout space and obstacles. In view of two endpoints of the pipe and obstacles in between, the local searching space was built. Then, the searching algorithm was given according to engineering rules, which was involved with the orthogonal searching directions and their order, the searching variable-steps. Moreover, the specific flow of this algorithm was described. The algorithm requires less memory space and has a fast search speed. The case study shows it is feasible and effective.
Slowly moving stimuli induce characteristic periodic activity waves in an excitable membrane model of visual motion processing

Abstract A two-dimensional sheet of locally connected neural elements may be used to model motion detection in visual cortex. External inputs applied to such a system give rise to activity waves, which propagate with a speed determined by the membrane parameters. Membrane inputs which are moving at a speed less than this intrinsic propagation rate give rise to periodic activity waves, which outrun the stimulus. The spacing between these waves is compressed in front of the stimulus, and expanded behind it, in a Doppler-like fashion. The wave frequency may be used to characterize the speed of the stimulus.
N-Heterocyclic Carbene Bound Nickel(I) Complexes and Their Roles in Catalysis

The new paramagnetic complexes NiI(IMes)2X (IMes = 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) were prepared from the reaction of Ni(IMes)2 with aryl halides. Products that would arise from oxidative addition were not observed. In contrast, NiII(tmiy)2(X)(Ar) complexes were formed from the oxidative addition of aryl halides to Ni bound by a sterically less hindered NHC ligand, tmiy (tetramethylimidazol-2-ylidene). The paramagnetic NiI(IMes)2X complexes were compared to known Ni(0) and Ni(II) catalysts for Kumada and Suzuki coupling reactions. Stoichiometric reactions between the NiI(IMes)2X complexes with aryl halides and transmetalating agents were also evaluated.
Painless approximation of dual frames, with applications to shift-invariant systems

We analyze the relation between infinite-dimensional frame theory and finite-dimensional models for frames as they are used for numerical algorithms. Special emphasis in this paper is on perfect reconstruction oversampled filter banks, also known as shift-invariant frames. For certain finite- dimensional models it is shown that the corresponding finite dual frame provides indeed an approximation of the dual frame of the original infinite-dimensional dual frame. For filter banks on l2 (Z) we derive error estimates for the approximation of the synthesis filter bank when the analysis filter bank satisfies certain decay conditions. We show how one has to design the finite-dimensional model to preserve important structural properties of filter banks, such as polyphase representation. Finally an efficient regularization method is presented to solve the ill-posed problem arising when approximating the dual frame on L2(R) via truncated Gram matrix.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Phosphorylation of the α subunit of the sodium channel by protein kinase C

1. Theα subunit of the purified voltage-sensitive sodium channel from rat brain is rapidly phosphorylated to the extent of 3–4 mol phosphate/mol by purified protein kinase C. 2. Theα subunit of the native sodium channel in synaptosomal membranes is also phosphorylated by added protein kinase C as assessed by specific immunoprecipitation and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of labeled membranes. 3. Our results suggest coordinate regulation of sodium channel phosphorylation state by cAMP-dependent and calcium/phospholipid-dependent protein kinases.
Corpus callosum atrophy and neuropsychological outcome following carbon monoxide poisoning

This study assessed the effects of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning on the corpus callosum (CC). Sixty-two CO-poisoned patients had MRI scans and a battery of neuropsychological tests within 24 h (day of exposure) of CO poisoning and at 6 months post CO exposure. Serial quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (QMRI) analysis of the CC was carried out, with the day of exposure scans compared to the 6-month scans. There was no difference between normal subjects' CC and the baseline scans in the CO-poisoned patients. We detected a 15-mm2 loss in the cross-sectional surface area of the CC between baseline and the 6-month follow-up scans. The effect on the CC was generalized atrophy rather than CC subregion-specific changes. Neuropsychological test results performed at baseline and at 6 months did not correlate with the level of CC atrophy. Independent of any CC effects, the patients exhibited impaired memory, attention, and executive functioning on baseline testing, with variable improvement in cognitive function at 6 months. Quantitative MRI analysis allows for the detection of subtle CC changes that may not otherwise be observed following CO poisoning. The long-term effects of CO on the brain have been historically underestimated; however, we found subtle but significant CC atrophy and cognitive impairments following CO poisoning.