cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A pravastatin dose-escalation study in systemic lupus erythematosus

Statin medications have been suggested for widespread use in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We studied the dose effectiveness and tolerability of pravastatin in SLE. We compared 41 SLE subjects in a two-month open-label dose-titration study of pravastatin to 22 SLE controls. Lipids, ALT, CPK, CRP, adverse effects were assessed. Linear mixed models assessed changes in lipids and CRP, comparing pravastatin subjects to controls. After 1 month of pravastatin 10 mg a day, total cholesterol decreased by 16% (+/-12.1%) and LDL by 24% (+/-17%), compared with 1.8% (+/-7.5%) and 2.6% (+/-8.6%) decreases in controls (P < 0.001). CRP did not decline. Glucocorticoids appeared to decrease pravastatin effectiveness. Serum CPK increased in one subject. Pravastatin reduced LDL and total cholesterol levels approximately the same degree observed in normal individuals, but the effect appeared blunted in those on modest doses of glucocorticoids and those with higher BMI.
Understanding parent-pediatrician interactions for the design of health technologies

The Well Child Visit between a parent and a pediatrician is one of the fundamental means to ensure the healthy development of young children. In this paper, we present the results of a qualitative, formative study aiming to understand the nature of the interactions between parents and pediatricians and the structure of Well Child Visits. The purpose of the study is to inform the design of health technologies for parents and pediatric care. To understand this interaction, we observed 16 Well Child Visits with 8 families and 2 pediatricians over the course of 3 months, conducted interviews and a focus group with parents and pediatricians, and surveyed 43 parents. We discuss the fundamentals of the visits, including visit length and wait times, topics discussed, and the people involved. Our results show that parents and pediatricians perceive one another favorably, but there are still a number of tensions and inequalities which could be addressed by technology. We also provide a discussion of the major issues and design opportunities for interactive technology to improve pediatric care.
Thoracoscopic surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax under local anesthesia

自然気胸14例に対し, 局所麻酔下に胸腔鏡下手術を行った.局所麻酔治療の適応は, 術前診断で胸膜癒着がなく, ブレブが明かな症例とした.14例中, 高齢者気胸と急性膿胸を合併した2例を除く12例 (86%) で, 治療を完遂しえた.手術方法は酒石酸ブトルファノールとジアゼパムの静注で鎮静し, 前処置として胸腔内ヘリドカインを注入し, 3ヵ所の挿入口より操作を行った.ブレブ処置法はEndo-GIAを使用したものが8例, Endo-clip 使用が2例, Endo-GIA と Endo-clip の併用が2例であった.局所麻酔下での術中, 血行動態及び動脈血酸素飽和度には特に問題を認めなかった.術後合併症を認めたものは2例で, 肺瘻と一過性無気肺であったが, 短期に回復し, 術後平均入院期間は5.5日であった.自然気胸の胸腔鏡下手術を簡便化する一手段として, 胸膜癒着がなく, ブレブが明かな症例では局所麻酔下での治療が安全に完遂しえた.
RNA degradation in Escherichia coli regulated by 3' adenylation and 5' phosphorylation

Although polyadenylation has commonly been regarded as a special feature of eukaryotic messenger RNA, there are many reports of polyA tails on bacterial RNA (for example, refs 3-8). In Escherichia coli, adenylation mediated by the pcnB gene greatly accelerates decay of RNA I, an antisense repressor of replication of ColE1 type plasmids that resembles highly structured transfer RNA but shows the rapid turnover characteristic of mRNA. Here we report that both 3' adenylation and 5' phosphorylation affect the rate of digestion of RNA I by the 3' exonuclease, polynucleotide phosphorylase; conversely, mutation of the polynucleotide phosphorylase-encoding pnp gene affects ribonuclease acting at the 5' end. Together these findings indicate that enzymes attacking RNA I at its separate termini can interact functionally. Additionally, our discovery that adenylation-mediated degradation by polynucleotide phosphorylase imparts an mRNA-like half-like to RNA I suggests a possible mechanism to account for the rapid decay of mRNA in E. coli.
Herpes simplex virus pneumonia presenting as failure to wean from a ventilator

The patient was a 67-year-old woman with a medical history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, myocardial infarction, resolved MALT lymphoma, who had fatigue and dyspnea on exertion, of recent onset. The patient had normal vital signs and was in no apparent distress. Chest radiograph showed no infiltrates. Spiral computed tomography scan showed a new small lung mass in the right upper lobe and mild pulmonary edema. The patient was pancytopenic; white blood cell count was 1.8 k/mm and platelet count was 55 k/mm. The patient was given trimethoprim-sulfamethaxole and prednisone for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia prophylaxis; transfused platelets and packed red blood cells were given. The patient refused bronchoscopy for additional evaluation of her lung mass. On hospital day 3, the patient had abdominal pain. A surgical evaluation on hospital day 5 revealed a strangulated umbilical hernia. The surgery was uncomplicated, and the patient was alert and comfortable afterward. She received additional transfusions of red blood cells and platelets. Attempts to wean her from the respirator began one day after surgery. All weaning attempts failed for the next week, although she remained alert and afebrile. Beause she did not have pre-existing lung disease, her white blood cell count remained between 2.6 and 6.2 k/mm. During this time, she was mildly hypoxic. On hospital day 12, the patient underwent bronchoscopy to determine the cause of her new lung mass. Cytology of bronchoscopic obtained fluid for bronchoalveolar lavage revealed HSV-1. These results were reported on hospital day 15, and 500 mg of intravenous acyclovir was given every 8 hours. Two days later the patient was successfully weaned. Unfortunately she suffered a heart attack about a week later and died.
Effects of contralateral sound on auditory-nerve responses. II. Dependence on stimulus variables.

Abstract The suppression by moderate-level contralateral sound of auditory-nerve-fiber responses to ipsilateral stimuli at the characteristic frequency (CF) was studied in barbiturate-anaesthetized cats. The dependence of suppression strength on ipsilateral and contralateral stimulus variables, including level, frequency, bandwidth, and timing relationships, was investigated. The principal findings were: (1) Contralateral-sound suppression is greatest when the ipsilateral stimulus level is within the dynamic range of the unit. (2) When the contralateral stimuli are tones, suppression is greatest when the contralateral tone frequency is at or near CF. (3) Units with CFs above 3–4 kHz are only weakly suppressed by contralateral CF tones but more strongly suppressed by contralateral broad-band noise. (4) Continuous contralateral stimuli are significantly more effective suppressors than are gated stimuli. The characteristics of contralateral-sound suppression are compared with the physiology and anatomy of the uncrossed medial olivocochlear efferents, the subset of efferents which are the primary mediators of the effect.
Evidence Supporting Balance Training in Healthy Individuals: A Systemic Review

Balance is considered a risk factor for several injuries and consequently a focus of many strengthening, injury prevention, and rehabilitation programs. There are several studies that have evaluated the ability of balance training to improve balance ability in a healthy population with no general consensus. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the body of evidence regarding the effectiveness of balance training on improving various forms of balance ability in a healthy population. Three electronic databases and the reference lists of selected articles were searched. Studies were included that evaluated balance ability before and after healthy subjects performed a multisession balance training program. Two individuals reviewed all articles and agreed upon the selection criteria. Sixteen articles were selected, abstracted, and reviewed. Means and measures of variability were recorded to calculate effect sizes, and study quality was assessed using the PEDro instrument. There is strong evidence to suggest that balance training can improve static balance ability on stable and unstable surfaces, as well as dynamic balance ability. Elite athletes have the potential to improve static balance on an unstable surface and dynamic balance ability, but a ceiling effect appears to occur with stable balance ability on a stable surface. Balance training programs performed at least 10 minutes per day, 3 days per week, for 4 weeks that incorporate various methods of balance training appear to improve balance ability. Types of balance training included the use of tilt boards, unstable surfaces, and dynamic body movements while maintaining a static stance.
Ambient‐ and High‐Temperature Properties of Titanium Carbide–Titanium Boride Composites Fabricated by Transient Plastic Phase Processing

Ambient- and high-temperature properties of a class of titanium carbide-titanium boride composites that have been produced by transient plastic phase processing are presented. The composites produced are comprised of Ti3B4, TiB2, and TiC0.65 at their equilibrium composition (34.5, 30.5, and 34.9 vol%, respectively), and the Ti3B4 phase in these composites occurs either as equiaxed grains or as platelets, depending on the starting mixture composition. Measurements of the ambient- and high-temperature flexure strength and fracture toughness, thermal shock susceptibility, oxidation resistance, and wear resistance of this class of composites are presented. The role of various microstructural parameters—such as the morphology of the Ti3B4 phase, the length scale of the microstructure, and the volume fraction of borides—on these properties has been identified.
Measurement of Intergranular Diffusion in a Silicate System: Iron in Forsterite

MANY geochemists and petrologists1 concerned with the role of solid state diffusion in material transfer in silicate systems have noted the possibility that grain boundaries and dislocations might act as avenues for relatively rapid movement of the diffusing ions. Studies on metal systems are usually cited as evidence for this phenomenon. We wish to report some preliminary measurements on a silicate system where grain boundary diffusion seems to predominate in diffusive transfer.
Carbon monoxide dependent solid-state electrochemistry of ferrocenylferraazetine: en route to a molecule-based carbon monoxide sensor

Etude electrochimique a l'etat solide, du ferrocenylferraazetine sur une mocroelectrode de platine
Physician Practice Behavior and Practice Guidelines: Using Unannounced Standardized Patients to Gather Data

Background Measuring actual practice behaviors of physicians, particularly as they relate to established clinical guidelines, is challenging. Standardized patients provide one method of collecting such data.
Irrigation, Mulches, and Fumigants on Tomato Performance in Sandy Soils

Current best management practice programs in Florida aim to reduce water volumes needed for producing vegetable crops. Therefore, irrigation practices that save water while maintaining the economic sustainability of those crops are desirable. Field studies were conducted to determine the effects of water management regimes on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production and assess the effects of highly retentive mulches and methyl bromide alternatives on water volumes necessary for tomato irrigation. Twelve treatments resulted from combinations of fumigant, mulches, and irrigation programs. The combinations of fumigants and mulches were as follows: a) methyl bromide + chloropicrin (67:33 v/v) at a rate of 196 kg·ha−1 under metalized mulch; b) 1,3-dichloropropene + chloropicrin (65:35 v/v) at 150 L·ha−1 under metalized mulch; and c) 1,3-dichloropropene + chloropicrin (65:35 v/v) at 300 L·ha−1 under high-density polyethylene mulch. Irrigation methods were seepage (subsurface) irrigation alone at 5000 and 10,...
Pd-based sulfated zirconia prepared by a single step sol–gel procedure for lean NOx reduction

Abstract Pd-based sulfated zirconia catalysts have been prepared through a single step (one-pot) sol–gel preparation technique, in which both sulfate and Pd precursors were dissolved in an organic solution before the gelation step. Observation of the calcination procedure through TGA/DSC and mass spectrometry revealed that the addition of increasing amounts of Pd resulted in the evolution of organic precursor species at lower temperatures. In situ XRD experiments showed that tetragonal zirconia is formed at lower temperatures and larger zirconia crystallites are formed when Pd is added to the gel. Although tetragonal zirconia was the only phase observed through XRD, Raman spectra of samples calcined at 700 °C showed the presence of both the tetragonal and the monoclinic phase, indicating a surface phase transition. DRIFTS experiments showed NO species adsorbed on Pd 2+ cations. Pd/SZ catalysts prepared through this single step method were active for the reduction of NO 2 with CH 4 under lean conditions. Calcination temperature had a significant effect on this activity, with samples calcined at 700 °C being much more active than those calcined at 600 °C, despite the observed transition to the monoclinic phase. This activity may be linked to observed changes in the surface sulfate species at higher calcination temperatures.
Decentralized/departmental reward systems

One institution's attempt to review teaching at the departmental level reflects upon the argument that honoring teaching is best done departmentally due to disciplinary differences in norms and standards.
The English money stock 1834–1844

Abstract In determining the relative importance of proximate determinants, this study has suggested that the public was most important, followed by the banks and high-powered money. This seems to be consistent with Cagan's findings for a gold standard system over a period in which the money stock decreased at a very slow rate and banking crises were prevalent and serious. With respect to the monetary controversy, the comparison of views of the two schools with the empirical results suggests that the Banking School's estimation of the relative importance of the proximate determinants for causing changes in bank liabilities was more accurate than the Currency School's. Among the numerous questions left unanswered by this study are the following: What economic factors affected the proximate determinants in this period? What is the relationship between the money stock and economic activity? What is the direction of causality between economic activity and the moneey stock? Answers to these questions require further work.
A search for the rotational transitions of H2D+ at 1370 GHz and H3O+ at 985 GHz

A search was made for the 1370 GHz lowest rotational transition of the molecular ion H2D+ in NGC 2264, W3, and the IRc2 region of M42. No emission lines were seen, but an absorption feature was detected toward IRc2. The column density and fractional abundance were calculated using a tentative identification of the line as the transition of para H2D+. The LSR velocity and the measured line width are consistent with the dynamical parameters of the hot core source. Physical parameters deduced from the data differ from those derived from millimeter-wave observations of the hot core condensation. It is suggested that significant amounts of low-density gas are associated with this region and that the material is cold enough for enhanced deuterium fractionation to occur. A search was also made for the 985 GHz transition of ortho H3O+ in W3 and IRc2 with negative results.
Polyoxoniobate chemistry in the 21st century

Polyoxometalate (POM) chemistry of W, Mo and V is rich and diverse; and new discoveries are frequent and abundant. The prolificacy of this POM chemistry is attributed to rich redox chemistry, an acidic nature that is compatible with addendum metal cations, and most importantly an understanding and ability to control solution behavior. In contrast, the POM chemistry of Nb and Ta (PONb, POTa) is hindered by minimal redox chemistry, alkalinity that is incompatible with the solubility of most metal cations, and a relatively poor understanding of the behavior in aqueous media. Despite these hurdles, considerable advancements in PONb chemistry (and to a much lesser extent POTa chemistry) have been made in the last decade. These include synthesis of the first heteropolyniobate Keggin derivatives, utilization of organic countercations to obtain unprecedented PONb geometries and compositions, and investigation of PONb solution behavior using advanced techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). This Perspective article summarizes the recent successes, continued shortcomings, and some unique and potentially exploitable features of PONb chemistry. More importantly, this annotated compilation of recent PONb literature has revealed the most logical and promising directions for the continued growth of the most challenging of polyoxometalate chemistries.
Surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma with ultrasound and AFP is associated with improvements in tumour detection, receipt of curative therapy and overall survival in patients with cirrhosis

Commentary on : Singal AG, Pillai A, Tiro J. Early detection, curative treatment, and survival. Rates for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance in patients with cirrhosis: a meta-analysis. PLoS Med 2014;11:e1001624.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3] Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a significant global health burden: HCC is the third most common cause of cancer death worldwide.1 Established risk factors for HCC include chronic liver disease, hepatitis B viral infection, hepatitis C viral infection and inherited metabolic diseases.2 Surveillance for HCC using ultrasound is recommended by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) in all patients with cirrhosis, starting at the time of diagnosis.3 This recommendation is supported by a single randomised controlled trial in which surveillance for HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection improved early stage detection of HCC, rates of resection of HCC and overall survival.4 There are, however, no randomised trials examining the role of surveillance for HCC in patients with cirrhosis. This systematic review with meta-analysis examines the association of HCC surveillance in patients having cirrhosis with … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DPLoS%2BMed%26rft.volume%253D11%26rft.spage%253De1001624%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1371%252Fjournal.pmed.1001624%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F24691105%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1371/journal.pmed.1001624&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=24691105&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F19%2F6%2F225.atom
Proteins specifically associated with the microtubules of the mammalian mitotic spindle.

Abstract The molecular species that determine the unique structure and functions of the microtubules in the mitotic spindle are not known. We describe the results of two new approaches to the molecular structure of the spindle. Both approaches rely on detergent-extracted preparations of synchronized populations of cells metabolically labeled with 35 S-methionine or 32 P-phosphate. In these preparations, the original cellular microtubules are preserved. The microtubules in these spindle isolates are then analyzed in two ways. The microtubule components can be released from the detergent-extracted preparations by selective depolymerization with calcium ions. Alternatively, the microtubules can be stabilized by taxol, freed of chromatin by digestion with DNAase and freed of the surrounding cage of intermediate filaments by further extraction at low ionic strength. Gel electrophoresis of each of these preparations of mitotic microtubules demonstrates that they contain microtubule-associated proteins that we have previously shown to be present in interphase microtubules. They also contain a protein of 150,000 daltons, which is the first mitosis-specific microtubule-associated protein identified in mammalian cells.
Transition to an open system architecture [for weapon systems]

The DoD has directed that an open system approach be used, to the maximum extent practical, as one approach to achieving superior war fighting capability with reduced total operating costs. Open systems are expected to reduce development costs and, more importantly, the costs to maintain and upgrade weapons systems over ever increasing lifetimes. The acquisition requirements for open systems, however, are often expressed in broad and general terms that may not be specific enough to achieve the results desired. One problem is the lack of a clear and common understanding between the government and its supplier on just what open systems are and how they will be used. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding. In particular, different levels at which open system architectures can be implemented are described, and the alternatives available to system managers are outlined. Finally, the increased advantage of open system architectures when used in the coordinated acquisition of multiple systems is suggested.
Recent developments in the pharmacological treatment of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The decline of dopamine leads to motor dysfunctions manifested as tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia. The pharmacological treatment of choice for the past 30 years has primarily been the dopamine precursor levodopa. Although it is the most effective treatment available, it is clear that other drugs are needed in order to sustain a therapeutic benefit and to alleviate fluctuations in mobility (i.e., motor fluctuations). Furthermore, there is some evidence that levodopa may hasten the occurrence of motor fluctuations and involuntary movements called dyskinesias. Hence, many clinicians delay the use of levodopa and employ the use of other symptomatic treatments including monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitors and dopamine agonists as first-line therapy in de novo patients. Regardless of treatment, the disease continues to progress as there is still no obvious means of altering disease progression (i.e., no neuroprotective therapy), to restore loss of dopamine (i.e., no restorative therapy) or prevent the disease (i.e. preventative therapy). With disease progression, polypharmacy is common and often employs a combination of antiparkinsonian agents. There have been some key advances in treatment with the advent of MAO-B inhibitors, dopamine agonists and catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors; however, the arsenal of drug treatment remains limited. As the mechanism of PD is further elucidated, novel drug treatments will continue to emerge in the areas of preventative, restorative or symptomatic therapy. Despite the purpose of treatment, the ideal pharmacological drug for PD will include the presence of a safe side-effect profile, a simple dosing schedule, the ability to provide symptomatic relief and the potential to alter disease progression. The purpose of this article is to examine upcoming antiparkinsonian drugs in clinical trials based on their pharmacology, safety and efficacy.
An evolution-oriented learning algorithm for the optimal interpolative net

An evolution-oriented learning algorithm is presented for the optimal interpolative (OI) artificial neural net proposed by R. J. P. deFigueiredo (1990). The algorithm is based on a recursive least squares training procedure. One of its key attributes is that it incorporates in the structure of the net the smallest number of prototypes from the training set T necessary to correctly classify all the members of T. Thus, the net grows only to the degree of complexity that it needs in order to solve a given classification problem. It is shown how this approach avoids some of the difficulties posed by the backpropagation algorithm because of the latter's inflexible network architecture. The performance of this new algorithm is demonstrated by experiments with real data, and comparisons with other methods are also presented. >
How do University, Higher Education and Research Contribute to Societal Well-Being?

It has been a real pleasure for me to come to the CHER 2013 conference held in Lausanne. I first would like to thank Christine Musselin, as the CHER president, and Gaele Goastellec, as the conference organiser, for their invitation to think more systematically about the question of the potential impact of University, Higher Education and Research on the well-being of societies.
Mass spectrometry in polymer chemistry

Introduction MASS ANALYSIS Introduction Measures of Performance Instrumentation Instrumentation in Tandem and Multiple-Stage Mass Spectrometry Conclusions and Outlook IONIZATION TECHNIQUES FOR POLMYER MASS SPECTROMETRY Introduction Small Molecule Ionization Era Macromass Era of Ionization Modern Era of Ionization Techniques Conclusions TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY ANALYSIS OF POLYMER STRUCTURES AND ARCHITECTURES Introduction Activation Methods Instrumentation Structural Information from MS2 Studies Summary and Outlook MATRIX-ASSISTED INLET IONIZATION AND SOLVENT-FREE GAS-PHASE SEPARATION USING ION MOBILITY SPECTROMETRY FOR IMAGING AND ELECTRON TRANSFER DISSOCIATION MASS SPECTROMETRY OF POLYMERS Overview Introduction New Sample Introduction Technologies Fragmentation by ETD and CID Surface Analyses by Imaging MS Future Outlook POLYMER MALDI SAMPLE PREPARATION Introduction Roles of the Matrix Choice of Matrix Choice of the Solvent Basic Solvent-Based Sample Preparation Recipe Deposition Methods Solvent-Free Sample Preparation The Vortex Method Matrix-to-Analyte Ratio Salt-to-Analyte Ratio Chromatography as Sample Preparation Problems in MALDI Sample Preparation Predicting MALDI Sample Preparation Conclusions SURFACE ANALYSIS AND IMAGING TECHNIQUES Imaging Mass Spectrometry Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI) Other Surface Mass Spectrometry Methods Outlook HYPHENATED TECHNIQUES Introduction Polymer Separation Techniques Principles of Coupling: Transfer Devices Examples Conclusions AUTOMATED DATA PROCESSING AND QUANTIFICATION IN POLMYER MASS SPECTROMETRY Introduction File and Data Formats Optimization of Ionization Conditions Automated Spectral Analysis and Data Reduction in MS Copolymer Analysis Data Interpretation in MS/MS Quantitative MS and the Determination of MMDs by MS Conclusions and Outlook COMPREHENSIVE COPOLYMER CHARACTERIZATION Introduction Scope Reviews Soft Ionization Techniques Separation Prior MS Tandem MS (MS/MS) Quantitative MS Copolymers for Biological or (Bio)medical Application Software Development Summary and Outlook ELUCIDATION OF REACTION MECHANISMS: CONVENTIONAL RADICAL POLYMERIZATION Introduction Basic Principles and General Considerations Initiation Propagation Termination Chain Transfer Emulsion Polymerization Conclusion ELUCIDATION OF REACTION MECHANISMS AND POLYMER STRUCTURE: LIVING/CONTROLLED RADICAL POLYMERIZATION Protocols Based on a Persistent Radical Effect (NMP, ATRP, and Related) Protocols Based on Degenerative Chain Transfer (RAFT, MADIX) Protocols Based on CCT Novel Protocols and Minor Protocols Conclusions ELUCIDATON OF REACTION MECHANISMS: OTHER POLYMERIZATION MECHANISMS Introduction Ring-Opening Polymerization Mechanisms of Cyclic Ethers Ring-Opening Polymerization Mechanisms of Cyclic Ethers and Carbonates Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization Mechanisms of Step-Growth Polymerization Concluding Remarks POLYMER DEGRADATION Introduction Thermal and Thermo-Oxidative Degradation Photolysis and Photooxidation Biodegradation Other Degradation Processes Conclusions OUTLOOK
Patterns of Neutral Genetic Variation on Recombining Sex Chromosomes

Many animals and plants have sex chromosomes that recombine over much of their length. Here we develop coalescent models for neutral sites on these chromosomes. The emphasis is on expected coalescence times (proportional to the expected amount of neutral genetic polymorphism), but we also derive some results for linkage disequilibria between neutral sites. We analyze the standard neutral model, a model with polymorphic Y chromosomes under balancing selection, and the invasion of a neo-Y chromosome. The results may be useful for testing hypotheses regarding how new sex chromosomes originate and how selection acts upon them.
Locomotor activity induced by noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists versus dopamine transporter inhibitors: opposite strain differences in inbred long-sleep and short-sleep mice.

Background: The actions of ethanol in the brain involve multiple neuroreceptor systems, including glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) channels. In a novel environment, both ethanol and the noncompetitive NMDAR antagonist MK-801 stimulate locomotor activity to a lesser extent in inbred long-sleep (ILS) mice compared with inbred short-sleep (ISS) mice. The behaviorally activating effects of noncompetitive NMDAR antagonists are thought to involve increased monoamine neurotransmission. Thus, in this study, we sought to determine whether: (1) habituation to the behavioral environment alters the differential locomotor-stimulant effects of noncompetitive NMDAR antagonists in ILS and ISS mice and (2) the differential behavioral sensitivity of ILS and ISS mice to noncompetitive NMDAR antagonists is mediated through direct inhibition of the dopamine transporter (DAT). Methods: Open field locomotor activity was measured following acute systemic injection of saline or drug. [3H]DA uptake parameters were determined in striatal synaptosomes prepared from drug-naive mice. Results: Habituation to the testing environment abolished the strain differences in saline-induced locomotor activity. However, ethanol- as well as MK-801-treated ILS mice still exhibited reduced locomotor activity compared with ISS mice, suggesting that a drug-environment interaction is not the primary explanation for the strain differences. The noncompetitive NMDAR antagonists phencyclidine and ketamine also induced significantly lower locomotor activity in ILS than in ISS mice. In contrast, the DAT inhibitors cocaine and GBR 12909 and the DA releaser amphetamine induced greater locomotor activity in ILS than in ISS mice, a strain difference opposite that of the noncompetitive NMDAR antagonists. Furthermore, the differential behavioral effect found with DAT inhibitors was not mediated by differences in the affinity nor number of striatal DATs between ILS and ISS mice. Conclusions: Our results support the conclusion that the differential locomotor-stimulant effects of ethanol and noncompetitive NMDAR antagonists in ILS and ISS mice are not mediated through direct inhibition of DAT.
Donald F. Cameron

Charanis recounts Cameron's thirty-seven years of association with Rutgers from 1929 to 1966. His accomplishments including helping found Rutgers University Press and the Research Council, and transforming the college library he inherited into an important research library, overseeing the construction of the new university library, the Alexander Library.
Destage algorithms for disk arrays with non-volatile caches

In a disk array with a nonvolatile write cache, destages from the cache to the disk are performed in the background asynchronously while read requests from the host system are serviced in the foreground. In this paper, we study a number of algorithms for scheduling destages in a RAID-5 system. We introduce a new scheduling algorithm, called linear threshold scheduling, that adaptively varies the rate of destages to disks based on the instantaneous occupancy of the write cache. The performance of the algorithm is compared with that of a number of alternative scheduling approaches such as least-cost scheduling and high/low mark. The algorithms are evaluated in terms of their effectiveness in making destages transparent to the servicing of read requests from the host, disk utilization, and their ability to tolerate bursts in the workload without causing an overflow of the write cache. Our results show that linear threshold scheduling provides the best read performance of all the algorithms compared, while still maintaining a high degree of burst tolerance. An approximate implementation of the linear-threshold scheduling algorithm is also described. The approximate algorithm can be implemented with much lower overhead, yet its performance is virtually identical to that of the ideal algorithm.
Aortic atherosclerosis of turkeys induced by feeding of cholesterol.

Summary Aortic atherosclerosis was induced by feeding turkeys 2% cholesterol from 6–14, 24, 30 and 32 weeks of age. Simple, intermediate and advanced stages of aortic atherosclerosis, resulting from feeding cholesterol for the 4 different time intervals, were studied by histologic and electron microscopic techniques. The simplest lesion was characterized by lipid vacuoles in the aortic endothelium, non-membrane bound lipid between cells in the plaque, widening of the extracellular spaces, and fraying of basement membranes of modified smooth muscle cells. An intermediate lesion contained foam cells and necrotic modified smooth muscle cells widely separated by fibrillar material and pools of lipid which appeared to be in the process of crystallization. The advanced atherosclerotic lesions contained foam cells. Many of these cells were necrotic, and some were binucleated. Cholesterol and mineral were present in foam cells as well as in the extracellular spaces. Fibrillar-flocculent material was also present in these spaces. The origin of foam cells and fibrillar-flocculent material in the advanced atheroma is also discussed.
Glenwood Canyon Tunnel Aesthetic Design

As a growing and increasingly mobile population demands the construction of new transportation facilities, often in environmentally sensitive areas, the significance of quality transportation aesthetics cannot be overemphasized. Given the associated costs, impact, and permanence of these facilities, it is imperative that citizen advisory groups, public agencies, and design professionals work together in striving to improve the design and construction of transportation facilities. The Glenwood Canyon Tunnel in western Colorado is testimonial to the successful corroboration of these groups. Designed by Parsons Brinckerhoff and completed in 1993, the Glenwood Canyon Tunnel transports Interstate 70 traffic through one of the most scenic areas in the United States while preserving its natural features, vistas, and associated recreational opportunities. Architectural aesthetics and environmental concerns were driving forces in the design of the tunnel, in addition to life safety, tunnel ventilation, and surveil...
Male heterosexual crack smokers with multiple sex partners: between- and within-person predictors of condom use intention

Little research has examined predictors of condom intention within concurrent partnerships. This study examined predictors of intention among 259 male African-American crack smokers with multiple partners. Each participant reported personal condom intention at next sex, condom use self-efficacy, responsibility and outcome expectances for himself and his perceptions for his last two sex partners. Stepwise logistic regressions showed that for both partners one and two, condom use at last sex and personal responsibility for condom use were predictors of intention to use condoms at next sex. Perceived partner responsibility was an additional positive predictor with Partner 2. Hierarchical generalized linear model analyses showed that positive intention was associated negatively with perceived partner responsibility and intimacy, while positively related to situational self-efficacy. Personal responsibility interacted with intimacy such that only men who indicated the highest levels of intimacy were more likely to intend to use condoms. Overall, the findings in this study support the need for examining additional social cognitive constructs that capture the interpersonal aspects of sexual relationships such as personal and perceived responsibility, intimacy and how beliefs may change between multiple partners and across time. Finally, the differences in the valence of perceived partner responsibility across analyses and the interaction of personal responsibility with intimacy suggest the need for studies that include measure of power within the relationship.
Isolation and characterization of circulating tumor cells in prostate cancer

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are tumor cells found in the peripheral blood that putatively originate from established sites of malignancy and likely have metastatic potential. Analysis of CTCs has demonstrated promise as a prognostic marker as well as a source of identifying potential targets for novel therapeutics. Isolation and characterization of these cells for study, however, remain challenging owing to their rarity in comparison with other cellular components of the peripheral blood. Several techniques that exploit the unique biochemical properties of CTCs have been developed to facilitate their isolation. Positive selection of CTCs has been achieved using microfluidic surfaces coated with antibodies against epithelial cell markers or tumor-specific antigens such as EpCAM or prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). Following isolation, characterization of CTCs may help guide clinical decision making. For instance, molecular and genetic characterization may shed light on the development of chemotherapy resistance and mechanisms of metastasis without the need for a tissue biopsy. This paper will review novel isolation techniques to capture CTCs from patients with advanced prostate cancer, as well as efforts to characterize the CTCs. We will also review how these analyzes can assist in clinical decision making. Conclusion: The study of CTCs provides insight into the molecular biology of tumors of prostate origin that will eventually guide the development of tailored therapeutics. These advances are predicated on high yieldand accurate isolation techniques that exploit the unique biochemical features of these cells.
Monitoring quality of care at dialysis facilities: a case for regulatory parsimony--and beyond.

Summary With the issuance of the new Conditions for Coverage in 2008 and the implementation of the Prospective Payment System in 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has fundamentally altered the regulatory landscape of quality in the ESRD program. Although these changes—largely through use of tools comparing individual facility performance to regional and national quality expectations—have increased facility accountability for the quality of patient care in many quarters, they have also complicated both substance and process of facility adherence to quality rules in that component of the program. This editorial critically assesses the main quality tools now in use for dialysis facilities and reviews the issues arising from their conjoint use. A scheme for improving the effectiveness of each quality tool is proposed, and an assessment of their future value and effectiveness in quality improvement is offered.
On the Characteristics of Misaligned Journal Bearings

Journal bearing misalignment arise generally from the shaft deformation under load, deflection of the shaft, manufacturing and assembly errors, improper installation, and asymmetric loading. During operations, misalignment has a considerable effect on the static and dynamic performances. It could cause wear, vibration and even system failure. In this article, a literature review of misalignment of the journal bearings is presented. The basic theory for the misalignment and some results for the circular journal bearing are also presented to show the general trends of the misalignment.
Evaluation of multilevel memories

Proposed memory hierarchy technologies and configurations are usually evaluated by repeated running of "typical" jobs through simulated hierarchies while various parameters are adjusted. Simulation is too slow to be a tool for selecting among the choices in 1) technologies to be included, 2) implementation of each technology, and 3) management of data flow in the hierarchy. Four current hardware-managed hierarchies are described in a manner which parameterizes their design. The evaluation process is described in terms of address traces, hit ratios, and system cost performance. Stack processing is then described as a replacement for simulation that obtains hit-ratio data 1000 times faster than before. Finally, an example is given to illustrate how to select between two competing technologies, how to design the best hierarchy, and how to determine the information flow which optimizes the total cost performance of the system.
Validation and Development of Melting Layer Models Using Constraints by Active/Passive Microwave Observations of Rain and the Wind-Roughened Ocean Surface

Abstract A physically based method is developed to estimate the microphysical structure of the melting layer in stratiform rain using airborne observations by a dual-frequency radar and a 10.7-GHz radiometer. The method employs a nonlinear optimal estimation approach to find two parameters of the gamma drop size distribution (DSD) at each radar range gate from the Ku/Ka-band reflectivities. The DSD profile is used to determine the atmospheric absorption/extinction profile, which enables the surface contribution to the measured brightness temperature to be estimated. The surface wind speed is estimated from the surface emissivity by inverting the forward model, which relates the two. Retrievals in stratiform precipitation require a model to describe the thermodynamic and electromagnetic properties of melting hydrometeors. The melting layer can contribute a majority of the total atmospheric absorption, making it a key component for accurate retrievals in stratiform rain. Several melting layer models were ev...
Lessons in developing successful invasive weed control programs.

The development of successful regional or national invasive weed control programs is often hampered by the way the problem is approached. Typically weed control programs are developed and evaluated solely from the perspective of the biological sciences. While this is appropriate from a local or landscape perspective, it will probably not produce the desired results when addressing widespread well-established infestations that impact large regions. The "Ecological Area-wide Management (TEAM) of Leafy Spurge" program was the first U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) area wide invasive weed program. The 5-year program, funded by the ARS and conducted cooperatively with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, focused on the control of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) in North Dakota and South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. Now in its final year (2001), the TEAM Leafy Spurge program has made significant progress in controlling leafy spurge, increasing public awareness of the problem and demonstrating the effectiveness of biologically-based integrated pest management. While this is a significant accomplishment, the lessons learned over the course of the project clearly demonstrate that the success of regional weed control programs depends on more than a persistent, marked reduction in the pest population. Effective regional weed control programs need to focus not only on biological issues, but also on the ecological, scientific, economic, social and legal factors that influence the effectiveness of the program. Therefore, the implementation and subsequent evaluation of a weed control program must include all the principal factors that will ultimately determine success and sustainability. This manuscript outlines the history of leafy spurge on the North American continent, the situation currently facing weed managers, and an evaluation of the TEAM Leafy Spurge program's success for each factor listed above. The final analysis indicates that successful biologically-based leafy spurge control is on the horizon, especially when weed managers understand the number of problem areas that must be addressed to achieve a sustained reduction of a weed population. The amount of time it will take to be realized depends on our commitment to solving the problem and our willingness to work together as a cohesive team.
Dry needling versus acupuncture: The ongoing debate

Although Western medical acupuncture (WMA) is commonly practised in the UK, a particular approach called dry needling (DN) is becoming increasingly popular in other countries. The legitimacy of the use of DN by conventional non-physician healthcare professionals is questioned by acupuncturists. This article describes the ongoing debate over the practice of DN between physical therapists and acupuncturists, with a particular emphasis on the USA. DN and acupuncture share many similarities but may differ in certain aspects. Currently, little information is available from the literature regarding the relationship between the two needling techniques. Through reviewing their origins, theory, and practice, we found that DN and acupuncture overlap in terms of needling technique with solid filiform needles as well as some fundamental theories. Both WMA and DN are based on modern biomedical understandings of the human body, although DN arguably represents only one subcategory of WMA. The increasing volume of research into needling therapy explains its growing popularity in the musculoskeletal field including sports medicine. To resolve the debate over DN practice, we call for the establishment of a regulatory body to accredit DN courses and a formal, comprehensive educational component and training for healthcare professionals who are not physicians or acupuncturists. Because of the close relationship between DN and acupuncture, collaboration rather than dispute between acupuncturists and other healthcare professionals should be encouraged with respect to education, research, and practice for the benefit of patients with musculoskeletal conditions who require needling therapy.
CEO confidence and stock returns

Abstract Consistent with the theoretical predictions of Goel and Thakor (2008), we find that overconfident CEOs create significant value for the firm through superior stock return performance and take more risk, compared to their non-overconfident counterparts. We also differentiate between innovative and non-innovative industries and find for each subsample that overconfident CEOs create firm value. We find these results even when we control for founder CEOs as they add value and make similar corporate policy decisions as overconfident CEOs. Finally, consistent with the predictions of Goel and Thakor (2008), we find that overconfident CEOs are hired less frequently, take less risk, and add less value after the enactment of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act in 2002, which put in place strict penalties for poor quality information disclosures by corporations. This finding has significant implications for empirical study as this paper provides evidence of the important impact the Sarbanes–Oxley Act has on the relation between CEO overconfidence and firm policies.