cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The demographic contributions of connectivity versus local dynamics to population growth of an endangered bird

Conservation and management increasingly focus on connectivity, because connectivity driven by variation in immigration rates across landscapes is thought to be crucial for maintaining local population and metapopulation persistence. Yet, efforts to quantify the relative role of immigration on population growth across the entire range of species and over time have been lacking. We assessed whether immigration limited local and range-wide population growth of the endangered snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) in Florida, USA, over 18 years using multi-state, reverse-time modeling that accounts for imperfect detection of individuals and unobservable states. Demographic contributions of immigration varied depending on the dynamics and geographic position of the local populations, were scale-dependent, and changed over time. By comparing the relative contributions of immigration versus local demography for periods of significant change in local abundance, we found empirical evidence for a disproportionately large role of immigration in facilitating population growth of a centrally-located population-a connectivity 'hub'. The importance of connectivity changed depending of the spatial scale considered, such that immigration was a more important driver of population growth at small versus large spatial scales. Furthermore, the contribution of immigration was much greater during time periods when local population size was small, emphasizing abundance-dependent rescue effects. Our findings suggest that efforts aimed at improving local breeding habitat will likely be most effective at increasing snail kite population growth. More broadly, our results provide much needed information on the role of connectivity for population growth, suggesting that connectivity conservation may have the greatest benefits when efforts focus on centrally located habitat patches and small populations. Furthermore, our results highlight that connectivity is highly dynamic over time and that interpreting the effects of connectivity at local scales may not transfer to region-wide dynamics.
381 Role of CT scans of abdomen and pelvis in management of patients with immunotherapy-induced colitis

Background Colitis is one of the most common immune-related adverse event in patients who receive immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1). Although radiographic changes are reported on computed tomography such as mild diffuse bowel thickening or segmental colitis, the utility of CT in diagnosis of patients with suspected immune-related colitis is not well studied. Methods CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis of 34 patients on immunotherapy with a clinical diagnosis of immunotherapy induced colitis and 19 patients receiving immunotherapy without clinical symptoms of colitis (control) were enrolled in this retrospective study. Segments of the colon (rectum, sigmoid, descending, transverse, ascending and cecum) were assessed independently by two fellowship trained abdominal imaging specialists with 7 and 13 years‘ experience who were blinded to the clinical diagnosis. Each segment was assessed for mucosal enhancement, wall thickening, distension, peri-serosal fat stranding. Any disagreements were resolved in consensus. The degree of distension and the spurious assignment of wall thickening were the most common causes for disagreement. The presence of any of the signs was considered as radiographic evidence of colitis. Results CT evidence of colitis was seen in 16 of 34 patients with symptoms of colitis. 7 of 19 patients who did not have symptoms of colitis showed signs of colitis on CT. The sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value and Negative Predictive Value for colitis on CT is 47%, 63.2%, 69.5% and 40%, respectively. Conclusions CT has a low sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value for the diagnosis of immunotherapy-induced colitis. CT has no role in the diagnosis of patients suspected of having uncomplicated immune-related colitis and should not be used routinely for management. Trial Registration This protocol is not registered on clinicaltrials.gov. Ethics Approval This protocol was IRB approved on: 11/16/2015 - IRB 4 Chair Designee FWA #: 00000363 OHRP IRB Registration Number: IRB 4 IRB00005015 Consent This protocol utilizes an IRB approved waiver of consent.
Enoxacin Up-Regulates MicroRNA Biogenesis and Down-Regulates Cytotoxic CD8 T-Cell Function in Autoimmune Cholangitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a prototypical organ-specific autoimmune disease that is mediated by autoreactive T-cell attack and destruction of cholangiocytes. Despite the clear role of autoimmunity in PBC, immune-directed therapies have failed to halt PBC, including biologic therapies effective in other autoimmune diseases. MicroRNA (miRNA) dysregulation is implicated in the pathogenesis (PBC). In the dominant-negative TGF-β receptor type II (dnTGFβRII) mouse model of PBC, autoreactive CD8 T cells play a major pathogenic role and demonstrate a striking pattern of miRNA down-regulation. Enoxacin is a small molecule fluoroquinolone that enhances miRNA biogenesis, partly by stabilizing the interaction of transactivation response RNA-binding protein with Argonaute (Ago) 2. APPROACH AND RESULTS We hypothesized that correcting aberrant T-cell miRNA expression with enoxacin in dnTGFβRII mice could modulate autoreactive T-cell function and prevent PBC. Here, we show that liver-infiltrating dnTGFβRII CD8 T cells have significantly decreased levels of the miRNA biogenesis molecules prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 1 (P4HA1) and Ago2 along with significantly increased levels of granzyme B and perforin. Enoxacin treatment significantly up-regulated miRNAs in dnTGFβRII CD8 T cells and effectively treated autoimmune cholangitis in dnTGFβRII mice. Enoxacin treatment directly altered T cells both ex vivo and in vitro, resulting in altered memory subset numbers, decreased proliferation, and decreased interferon-γ production. Enoxacin significantly decreased CD8 T-cell expression of the transcription factor, Runx3, and significantly decreased perforin expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSIONS Enoxacin increases miRNA expression in dnTGFβRII CD8 T cells, reduces CD8 T-cell pathogenicity, and effectively halted progression of autoimmune biliary disease. Targeting the miRNA pathway is a therapeutic approach to autoimmunity that corrects pathological miRNA abnormalities in autoreactive T cells.
Evolutionary conservation of RNA sequence and structure

An RNA structure prediction from a single-sequence RNA folding program is not evidence for an RNA whose structure is important for function. Random sequences have plausible and complex predicted structures not easily distinguishable from those of structural RNAs. How to tell when an RNA has a conserved structure is a question that requires looking at the evolutionary signature left by the conserved RNA. This question is important not just for long noncoding RNAs which usually lack an identified function, but also for RNA binding protein motifs which can be single stranded RNAs or structures. Here we review recent advances using sequence and structural analysis to determine when RNA structure is conserved or not. Although covariation measures assess structural RNA conservation, one must distinguish covariation due to RNA structure from covariation due to independent phylogenetic substitutions. We review a statistical test to measure false positives expected under the null hypothesis of phylogenetic covariation alone (specificity). We also review a complementary test that measures power, that is, expected covariation derived from sequence variation alone (sensitivity). Power in the absence of covariation signals the absence of a conserved RNA structure. We analyze artifacts that falsely identify conserved RNA structure such as the misuse of programs that do not assess significance, the use of inappropriate statistics confounded by signals other than covariation, or misalignments that induce spurious covariation. Among artifacts that obscure the signal of a conserved RNA structure, we discuss the inclusion of pseudogenes in alignments which increase power but destroy covariation. This article is categorized under: RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics and Chemistry RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution.
Examining the Drivers and Consequences of Salesperson Evasive Hiding: An Abstract

Salespeople often face the dilemma of having to protect their personally acquired market knowledge from others in their organization, while also seeming to be a team player. In order to not being perceived as being opportunistic by their colleagues, salespeople have the option of: (1) sharing their information, or (2) neglecting to divulge their knowledge, possibly being perceived as uncooperative, or (3) appearing to share information while in actuality obscuring substantive knowledge, which we call evasive hiding. As a way to protect their knowledge, evasive hiding occurs when salespeople intentionally appear to be openly sharing sales knowledge when they are actually deliberately avoiding the need to provide any useful information to others (Connelly et al. 2012). Research has shown that individuals evasively hide knowledge due to interpersonal and situational factors (Connelly et al. 2014). Yet, knowledge hiding can have serious consequences for performance (Cerne et al. 2014; Peng 2013), as salespeople may not consider this to be so detrimental. We surmise that knowledge is a critical source of competitive advantage for individual salespeople, especially when you consider that research has shown a positive relationship between salesperson knowledge and performance (e.g., Mariadoss et al. 2014). To further exacerbate this, firms tend to foster situations where salespeople have to compete with one another in order to enhance sales force productivity, resulting in the unintentional side effect where salespeople end up viewing their colleagues as internal rivals in competition for limited organizational rewards like public recognition, promotion, and financial compensation (Anaza and Nowlin 2017). Therefore, salespeople may act to defend their source (e.g., knowledge) of competitive advantage much like any organization would. Leveraging social exchange theory, we investigate the relational antecedents and customer-directed outcomes of evasive hiding as well as the conditional effects of pushover manager and environmental dynamism. The empirical findings reveal that the antecedents’ effect on evasive hiding are conditional upon the managerially-actionable construct of pushover manager. Evasive hiding was subsequently found to have a negative impact on customer-directed outcomes, particularly at low levels of environmental dynamism.
Prolonged Operative Time Associated with Increased Healthcare Utilization after Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Intra-Articular and Extra-Articular Distal Radial Fractures: An Analysis of 17,482 Cases

Background The current literature does not contain a quantitative description of the associations between operative time and adverse outcomes after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of distal radial fractures (DRF). Questions/Purpose We aimed to quantify associations between DRF ORIF operative time and 1) 30-day postoperative health care utilization and 2) the incidence of local wound complications. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was queried for DRF ORIF cases (January 2012–December 2018). A total of 17,482 cases were identified. Primary outcomes included health care utilization (length of stay [LOS], discharge dispositions, 30-day readmissions, and reoperations) per operative-time category. Secondary outcome was incidence of wound complications per operative-time category. Multivariate regression was conducted to determine operative-time categories associated with increased risk while adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and fracture type. Spline regression models were constructed to visualize associations. Results The 121 to 140-minute category was associated with significantly higher risk of a LOS > 2 days (odds ration [OR]: 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.1–2.45; p = 0.014) and nonhome discharge (OR: 1.72; 95% CI:1.09–2.72; p = 0.02) versus 41 to 60-minute category. The ≥ 180-minute category exhibited highest odds of LOS > 2 days (OR: 2.08; 95%CI: 1.33–3.26; p = 0.001), nonhome discharge disposition (OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.05–3.33; p = 0.035), and 30-day reoperation occurrence (OR: 3.52; 95% CI: 1.59–7.79; p = 0.002). There was no association between operative time and 30-day readmission (p > 0.05 each). Higher odds of any-wound complication was first detected at 81 to 100-minute category (OR: 3.02; 95% CI: 1.08–8.4; p = 0.035) and peaked ≥ 181 minutes (OR: 9.62; 95% CI: 2.57–36.0; p = 0.001). Spline regression demonstrated no increase in risk of adverse outcomes if operative times were 50 minutes or less. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that prolonged operative time is correlated with increased odds of health care utilization and wound complications after DRF ORIF. Operative times greater than 60 minutes seem to carry higher odds of postoperative complications.
Loneliness: An Overlooked Contributing Factor in Anorexia of Older Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease and Focal Point for Interventions to Enhance Nutritional Status-An Overview of Evidence and Areas of Suggested Research.

Although research has shown that loneliness can contribute to anorexia in older non-ESRD (end-stage renal disease) populations, and the benefits of its mitigation with improving appetite, nutrient, and caloric intake, its implications for older patients with ESRD have been overlooked. This article provides an overview of evidence on the potential contributing role of loneliness in anorexia of older patients with ESRD, and loneliness as a focal point for interventions to help improve nutritional status. Areas of needed research are suggested in the course of the analysis. With a 41%-83% projected rise in the prevalence of patients in the United States with ESRD by 2030, and demographic population trends showing that an ever-increasing number will be living alone, there is a long overdue need to better understand the implications of loneliness for this nutritionally vulnerable population. Keywords Chronic kidney disease; loneliness; anorexia; malnutrition; protein energy wasting
On The Nature of Phonological Representation

Publisher Summary Linguists have long debated this question, and at present still agree (in their vast majority) that a unit the size of the segment or phoneme must be posited. Perhaps, less universally accepted, but nonetheless prevalent, is the notion that segments decompose into an unordered set of distinctive features. As for phonological units above the level of the segment, the one that has most often enjoyed some status in linguistic theory is the syllable, and currently it, too, is acquiring increasingly wide acceptance. In each case, such units of phonological analysis are given a place in linguistic theory on the ground that without them, significant linguistic generalizations cannot be captured. Units such as the feature, the segment (or phoneme), and the syllable have figured in models of speech production and perception as well. Though, it is not obviously true that units of linguistic theory, a theory of competence, should necessarily have a role in theories of performance, clearly such units stand as the foremost and most serious candidates for units of performance theories. Thus, much research in speech production and perception has either assumed the existence of these units, or has directly sought evidence for their existence, in models of the processing of speech.
Fatty Acid and Phospholipid Biosynthesis in Prokaryotes

Bacteria are a model system to study membrane lipid biosynthesis and metabolism. The chapter reviews the major events in bacterial membrane lipid synthesis. The most energy intensive part of membrane lipid synthesis is the dissociated type II fatty acid synthase. The initiation module consists of the enzymes required to initiate type II fatty acid biosynthesis and is the focus for the regulatory biochemistry that governs the total amount of cellular lipid. The elongation module is a conserved set of proteins that iteratively elongate the growing acyl chain by 2-carbon units at a time. The end products of the elongation module are used by the acyltransfer module to generate phosphatidic acid, the universal intermediate in phospholipid synthesis. The phospholipid module of enzyme then diversifies the membrane phospholipid composition. Biochemical regulation of each of the four enzyme modules function together to maintain membrane lipid homeostasis.
Sex Differences in the Use of Science and Technology in Children's Cartoons

Television is among the many mechanisms that transmit information about sex-appropriate behavior to children. In order to examine whether television cartoons portray male and female characters using science and technology in a different manner, we examined the amount and type of science and technology utilized by characters in popular children's cartoons. Results revealed that most characters in these cartoons were male who were often depicted using science and technology, usually while being aggressive. When female characters were shown, they were portrayed as both able and prosocial, using science and technology for the greater good of others, rather than for destruction. In addition, female characters performed prosocial behaviors such as caring and sharing, showed self-confidence and explained things to others, and were less angry and violent than were male characters. Our findings suggest that the portrayal of female characters as competent may be successfully linked with the tendency to also show them as prosocial. Despite relatively positive portrayal of female characters, however, their appearance was rare and most likely not the main focus of the action.
Wigner Distribution Function Approach to the Calculation of Quantum Effects in Condensed Matter Physics

In condensed matter physics, the most common technique used in the calculation of quantum effects is that involving Green's functions, supplemented to a lesser extent by path-integral methods. Here we point out the potential value of the Wigner distribution function approach and we amplify our remarks by considering specific examples. In particular, we discuss our recent work on the extension of the range of applicability of phase-space techniques for the study of quantum systems; this is achieved by developing an expansion for phase-space functions in powers of the interaction potential.
THE GROWTH OF LIMITS OF VERTEX REPLACEMENT RULES

In this paper, we give necessary and sufficient con- ditions that determine when a vertex replacement rule given by exactly one replacement graph generates an infinite graph with exponential growth and when it generates an infinite graph with polynomial growth. We also compute the formula for the growth degree of infinite graphs with polynomial growth that are gener- ated by vertex replacement rules given by exactly one replacement graph.
Effects of 1988 Fires on Ecology of Coyotes in Yellowstone National Park: Baseline Preceding Possible Wolf Recovery

Fifty-four healthy coyotes (Canis latrans) and 32, 8-12 week old pups captured at dens were radioÂ­tagged in the Lamar Valley and Blacktail Plateau areas of the northern range of Yellowstone National Park. Seven of the 40 captured in the fall were 6 month-old pups which suggest slow population productivity. Adults range in age from 1 to 12 years and averaged nearly 4 years old. Territorial packs in both study areas are adjacent, non-overlapping, contiguous, and averaged 15 km2/ We estimate that 85 to 90% of coyotes on the northern range belong to packs. A territorial group or pack during the winter consists of 2 alpha individuals, 2 or 3 beta adults, and 2 or 3 adult-sized pups (average pack size = 7). Nine adults were killed (2 mountain lion [Felis concolar], 2 road-kill, 2 shot, and 3 unknown) which equates to a 15% annual mortality rate. Eleven of 36 pups have died between the ages of 3 and 9 months old. Population productivity ranges from 2.0 to 2. 7 pups recruited per territory. The reproductive failure rate among breeding groups averaged 15% during 1990 and 1991. Initial coyote density estimates are 0.09 per km2. Intensive foraging observations were conducted from January through June 1991. In 353 hours of focal observations 427 capture attempts were made on small mammal prey with 162 (38%) successful. Habitat type played a key role in the success rate. Mesic meadows had the highest capture rates followed by willow/meadow habitats and sage habitat. Small mammals, especially voles (Microtus spp.), dominate the diet with ungulate remains becoming important in May through July, presumably elk (Cervus elaphus) calves and late winter, mostly scavenging. We have observed numerous successful and unsuccessful predation attempts on ungulates in our study areas. Coyotes appear to impact ungulate numbers in 3 ways: predation on calves and fawns shortly after birth (up to 8 weeks), predation on short-yearlings and adults during winter, and indirect impact from harassment of other predators at ungulate-kills. Coyotes may be the major ungulate predator on the northern range due to cooperative social and foraging behavior, their ability to take advantage of vulnerable ungulates, and their high population levels. Wolf (Canis lupus) extirpation has probably resulted in high coyote population densities.
Towards a Team of Robots with Repair Capabilities: A Visual Docking System

In the future, we propose that there will be largely self-sufficient robot colonies operating on distant planets and in harsh environments here on earth. A highly desirable quality of such a colony would be the capability of the robots to repair each other. Towards the goal of autonomous repair, we designed a robot that can replace the modules composing a similar robot. In this paper we highlight a visual docking system for the repairable robot design that allows the robots to autonomously replace their teammate’s modules. The primary contribution of this work lies in the application of known techniques to the more constraining platforms of very small robots. This forces the use of very simple hardware and algorithms that perform robustly. The results obtained consist of initial configurations from which the robots could successfully complete the docking operation and the average time required to dock.
Immune Pathways for Translating Viral Infection into Chronic Airway Disease

To better understand the immune basis for chronic inflammatory lung disease, we analyzed a mouse model of lung disease that develops after respiratory viral infection. The disease that develops in this model is similar to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in humans and is manifested after the inciting virus has been cleared to trace levels. The model thereby mimics the relationship of paramyxoviral infection to the development of childhood asthma in humans. When the acute lung disease appears in this model (at 3 weeks after viral inoculation), it depends on an immune axis that is initiated by expression and activation of the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcvarepsilonRI) on conventional lung dendritic cells (cDCs) to recruit interleukin (IL)-13-producing CD4(+) T cells to the lower airways. However, when the chronic lung disease develops fully (at 7 weeks after inoculation), it is driven instead by an innate immune axis that relies on invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells that are programmed to activate macrophages to produce IL-13. The interaction between iNKT cells and macrophages depends on contact between the semi-invariant Valpha14Jalpha18-TCR on lung iNKT cells and the oligomorphic MHC-like protein CD1d on macrophages as well as NKT cell production of IL-13 that binds to the IL-13 receptor (IL-13R) on the macrophage. This innate immune axis is also activated in the lungs of humans with severe asthma or COPD based on detection of increased numbers of iNKT cells and alternatively activated IL-13-producing macrophages in the lung. Together, the findings identify an adaptive immune response that mediates acute disease and an innate immune response that drives chronic inflammatory lung disease in experimental and clinical settings.
Endogenous cholecystokinin stimulates pancreatic enzyme secretion via vagal afferent pathway in rats

Abstract Background/Aims: Recently we showed that doses of Cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) that produce physiological plasma CCK levels act via stimulation of afferent vagal pathway to mediate pancreatic enzyme secretion. In this study we investigated if endogenous CCK also acts via similar pathway. Methods: In anesthetized rats, plasma CCK levels were elevated by diversion of bile pancreatic juice and duodenal casein feeding. The effects of acute vagotomy as well as that of chemical ablation of the afferent vagal pathway on pancreatic enzyme secretion evoked by increased endogenous plasma CCK levels were investigated. Results: Diversion of bile pancreatic juice elevated plasma CCK levels from a basal level of 0.6 ± 0.1 pmol/L to 8.9 ± 2.1 pmol/L and caused a more than twofold increase in pancreatic protein secretion. Similar increases in plasma CCK levels and pancreatic secretion were observed with duodenal administration of casein. Vagotomy or perivagal application of capsaicin, a sensory neurotoxin, abolished increases in pancreatic secretion but not plasma CCK levels in response to diversion of bile pancreatic secretion or duodenal administration of casein. In contrast, pancreatic protein responses to 2-deoxy-d-glucose, a central vagal stimulant, remained intact in rats with perivagal capsaicin treatment indicating capsaicin did not affect efferent vagal function. Conclusions: Endogenous CCK under physiological conditions acts via stimulation of vagal afferent pathway to mediate pancreatic enzyme secretion.
Ionic mechanism of Na+-HCO3− cotransport in rabbit renal basolateral membrane vesicles

Abstract The exit of HCO3- across the basolateral membrane of the proximal tubule cell occurs via the electrogenic cotransport of 3 eq of base per Na+. We have used basolateral membrane vesicles isolated from rabbit renal cortex to identify the ionic species transported via this pathway. Media of varying pH and pCO2 were employed to evaluate the independent effects of HCO3- and CO3(2-) on 22Na transport. Na+ uptake was stimulated when [CO3(2-)] was increased at constant [HCO3-], indicating the existence of a transport site for CO3(2-). In the presence of HCO3-, Na+ influx was stimulated more than 3-fold by an inward SO3(2-) gradient. SO3(2-)-stimulated Na+ influx was stilbene-sensitive, confirming that it occurs via the Na+-HCO3- cotransport system. Na+-SO3(2-) cotransport was demonstrated and found to have a 1:1 stoichiometry. Increasing [CO3(2-)] at constant [HCO3-] reduced the stimulation of Na+ influx by SO3(2-), suggesting competition between SO3(2-) and CO3(2-) at a common divalent anion site. Additional divalent anions that were tested, such as SO4(2-), oxalate2-, and HPO4(2-), did not interact at this site. SO3(2-) stimulation of Na+ influx was absolutely HCO3-(-)dependent and was increased as a function of [HCO3-], indicating the presence of a separate HCO3- site. Lastly, we tested whether Na+ interacts via ion pair formation with CO3(2-) or binds to a distinct site. Na+, which has lower affinity than Li+ for ion pair formation with CO3(2-), was found to have greater than 5-fold higher affinity than Li+ for the Na+-HCO3- cotransport system. Moreover, when its inhibition was studied as a function of [Na+], harmaline was found to be a competitive inhibitor of Na+ influx, indicating the existence of a distinct cation site. Our data are compatible with a model in which base transport across the basolateral membrane of the proximal tubule cell takes place via 1:1:1 cotransport of CO3(2-), HCO3-, and Na+ on distinct sites.
Self‐Regulatory Perspectives on Personality

Self-regulatory models of personality emphasize the system of goals that make up the self, the relationships among goals at different levels of abstraction, and the processes by which people try to move toward goals and away from threats. Our view is that actions are managed by one set of feedback processes, and that feelings arise from a different set of feedback processes. Another element in this view is that when people encounter obstacles to goal attainment, their expectancies of success help determine whether they continue to try, or disengage from further effort. Disengaging can create problems for people, but giving up the unattainable is an important part of life. The view discussed here also assumes that people's aspirations tend to recalibrate over experience, such that successes tend to promote higher goals and failures tend to promote lowering of goals. Sometimes goals conflict, so that trying to attain one means suppressing another. This effort sometimes backfires, though, bringing the suppressed desire even more into awareness. Efforts to suppress also sometimes fail, producing a loss of self-control. Finally, the self-regulatory models discussed here continue to grow. One direction for growth is provided by ideas in recently emerging bodies of thought known as dynamic systems theory and connectionism. Keywords: attractors; connectionism; disengagement; dynamic systems; expectancies; feedback; goals; self-regulation
Angularly insensitive wavelength filters using photonic crystal nanocavities

Summary form only given. Frequency selective filters implemented using thin film technology have been widely investigated for a broad range of applications. However, in some cases, for example a free-space communication link where the transmitter and receiver are mobile and their relative position is unknown, the strong coupling between the incidence angle and the resonance wavelength in a thin-film filter poses some technical challenges. In this work, we investigate nanocavities consisting of resonant defects in two-dimensional photonic crystals to achieve angularly insensitive narrowband wavelength filters.
Self-routing of multi-terabit/sec pulses using an all-optical switch in a nonlinear coupler with dispersion flattened fiber

Using numerical methods we demonstrate all-optical switching and self-routing of ultrashort optical pulses in a nonlinear coupler. These ultrashort duration pulses may be suitable for operations in devices performing at multi-terabit/sec rates.
Probabilistic model for estimating vehicle trajectories using sparse mobile sensor data

Mobile sensors have emerged as a promising tool for traffic data collection and performance measurement, but most mobile sensor data today are sparse with low sampling rates, i.e., they are collected from a small subset of vehicles in the traffic stream every 10 to 60 seconds. Therefore, it is challenging to estimate the traffic states in both space and time based on these sparse mobile sensor data. In this paper, a stochastic model is proposed to estimate the second-by-second trajectories using sparse mobile sensor data. The proposed model investigates all possible driving mode sequences between data points. The likelihood of each scenario is quantified with mode-specific a priori distributions. Detailed trajectories are then reconstructed based on the optimal driving mode sequences. The proposed method is calibrated and validated using NGSIM data. It shows a 58.4% improvement on trajectory estimation, and a significant advance on mobility evaluation.
Anomalous changes in forward scatter of lymphocytes with loosely packed membranes.

BACKGROUND Forward scatter (FSC) is generally associated with cell size and has been suggested as a way to differentiate apoptotic from viable cells. Among spleen cells cultured for 48 h, a population of cells (population B) was found to have decreased forward and increased side scatter relative to freshly purified cells (population A). Interestingly, population B was not present early in analysis; this report explores the change in FSC of population B. METHODS Using a Coulter (Hialeah, FL) Epics Elite ESP flow cytometer, changes in forward scatter and lipid packing of spleen cells were measured. RESULTS Over time, the FSC of unfixed cells in population B increased from that of the debris field, to reach a stable value by 30 sec (population A's FSC remained constant). When fixed, populations A and B exhibited constant FSC. Population B cells displayed altered lipid packing as reported by MC540, and the FSC changes were mimicked by Nonidet P-40 treatment of freshly purified spleen cells. CONCLUSIONS Data emphasize the importance of delaying measurements on unfixed cells until FSC readings have stabilized, and suggest that flow cytometry may be a useful tool in studying lipid packing.
A technique for predicting relaxational effects on finite-amplitude wave propagation in liquid media

A generalized Burgers' equation is derived which governs the propagation of finite-amplitude impulses in relaxing liquids. If the attenuation dependence on frequency is known, then, as is done in filter theory, a time domain representation can be found in operator form. As an illustrative example, the attenuation operator is constructed for sea water. The resulting Burgers' equation is then compared with a previously published variant of Burgers' equation which had been adopted for describing salt water relaxation effects on impulsive waveforms. It is concluded that the technique introduced here for incorporating relaxational effects is valid for impulses in general whereas the earlier method is restricted to waveforms whose chief spectral components satisfy the criterion cot ωτ
Fresnel gain of aperture aerials

When a transmitting aperture A 0 and a receiving aperture B 0 are coupled in the Fraunhofer region, the ratio of received to transmitted power is given by the Friis formula. It is well known that the Fraunhofer gains G a0 and G b0 of A 0 and B 0 are constant and are determined independently. In the paper, the product of the gains G a G b in the Fresnel region is determined as an integral over both apertures, assuming the gains G a and G b for A 0 and B 0 . It is pointed out that G a G b cannot generally be separated into the individual factors, but a formula similar to that of Friis still holds in the Fresnel region. The author proposes to define the `gain-product reduction factor', γa&3x003B3;b, as the ratio G a G b G a0 G b0 . The individual gain G a or G b may be determined only when A 0 and B 0 are identical and the illuminations of both apertures are the same. Then the `gain reduction factor', γ, is defined as the ratio G a /G a0 . Assuming uniform amplitude and phase of illumination over A0 and B0, γaγb and γ are determined for circular and rectangular apertures. For circular apertures, the same factors are determined for a set of illuminations which approximate to commonly used tapers, and the effect of defocusing the primary feed in lenses and dishes is also discussed.
The Profession of Budgeting

Budget practitioners may have difficulty in defining a common academic ground for preparation for their careers sufficient to permit calling themselves professionals. Nevertheless, senior budget persons share common concerns, including significant changes in their relationships to the political officials of their agencies. These changes may be the result of the transition from incremental budgeting in a time of plenty to a time of scarcity and intense competition for resources.
Biochemical and Electrophysiological Alterations Underlying Ventricular Arrhythmias in the Failing Heart

Our understanding of the electrophysiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying malignant ventricular arrhythmias in the setting of heart failure has been limited, in large part because of the lack of experimental preparations of heart failure that demonstrate spontaneously occurring ventricular arrhythmias. Recent 3-dimensional cardiac mapping studies in experimental preparations of heart failure, as well as the failing human heart, have demonstrated that focal non-reentrant mechanisms may underlie ventricular tachycardia occurring spontaneously or induced by programmed electrical stimulation. This non-reentrant activation may be due to triggered activity arising from delayed after depolarization. Alterations of calcium homeostasis in the failing heart involving a number of ionic channels and membrane transporters may contribute to increased levels of intracellular calcium and the activation of a transient inward current. Modulation of calcium flux by alpha- and beta-adrenergic stimulation may impact significantly on development of arrhythmias in the failing heart. Activation of the renin-angiotensin system and the generation of free radicals may also contribute. A thorough understanding of the underlying electrophysiological and biochemical alterations responsible for arrhythmogenesis in the failing heart will be critical for the development of therapeutic agents to prevent sudden death in patients with congestive heart failure.
Should lung transplantation be performed using donation after cardiac death? The United States experience.

Objective We compared 1) survival after lung transplantation of recipients of donation after cardiac death (DCD) versus brain death donor organs in the United States and 2) recipient characteristics. Methods Data were obtained from the United Network for Organ Sharing for lung transplantation from October 1987 to May 2007. Follow-up after DCD lung transplantation extended to 8.6 years, median 1 year. Differences among recipients of DCD versus brain death donor organs were expressed as a propensity score for use in comparing risk-adjusted survival. Results A total of 14,939 transplants were performed, 36 with DCD organs (9 single, 27 double). Among the 36 patients, 3 have died after 1 day, 11 days, and 1.5 years. Unadjusted survival at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months was 94%, 94%, 94%, and 87%, respectively, for DCD donors versus 92%, 84%, 78%, and 69%, respectively, for brain death donors ( P = .04). DCD recipients were more likely to undergo double lung transplantation and have diabetes, lower forced 1-second expiratory volume, and longer cold ischemic times. Once these were accounted for and propensity adjusted, survival was still better for DCD recipients, although the P value equals .06. Conclusion Concern about organ quality and ischemia-reperfusion injury has limited the application of lung DCD. However, DCD as practiced in the United States results in survival at least equivalent to that after brain death donation. It also demonstrates selection bias, particularly in performing double lung transplantation, making generalization regarding survival difficult. Nevertheless, the data support the expanded use of DCD.
Expression of immunoregulatory cytokines duruing actue and chronic middle ear immune response

In both patients and experimental animals, immunoglobulin G (IgG) has been found to dominate acute otitis media with effusion (OME), whereas IgA tends to be present in chronic but not in acute OME. To determine whether local immunoregulation could account for this difference, the expression of cytokines associated with the production of different antibody isotypes was investigated in experimental acute and chronic OME. Mice were systemically immunized and then challenged transtympanically, once to produce an acute OME or once per week for 6 weeks to produce chronic OME. Hybridization with molecular probes for cytokine genes showed that cells producing interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-4, but not IL-5, were present during acute OME. In chronic OME, IL-2-positive (IL-2+) and IL-4+ cells were less prevalent, but IL-5+ cells were numerous. These finding support a model by which locally produced IL-2 and IL-4 augment IgG production in acute OME, whereas, IL-5 contributes to increased IgA production in chronic OME.
Raoult's law‐based method for determination of coal tar average molecular weight

A Raoult's law-based method for determining the number average molecular weight of coal tars is presented. The method requires data from two-phase coal tar/water equilibrium experiments, which readily are performed in environmental laboratories. An advantage of this method for environmental samples is that it is not impacted by the small amount of inert debris often present in coal tar samples obtained from contaminated sites. Results are presented for 10 coal tars from nine former manufactured gas plants located in the eastern United States. Vapor pressure osmometry (VPO) analysis provided similar average molecular weights to those determined with the Raoult's law-based method, except for one highly viscous coal tar sample. Use of the VPO-based average molecular weight for this coal tar resulted in underprediction of the coal tar constituents' aqueous concentrations. Additionally, one other coal tar was not completely soluble in solvents used for VPO analysis. The results indicate that the Raoult's law-based method is able to provide an average molecular weight that is consistent with the intended application of the data (e.g., modeling the dissolution of coal tar constituents into surrounding waters), and this method can be applied to coal tars that may be incompatible with other commonly used methods for determining average molecular weight, such as vapor pressure osmometry.
Data as information

Abstract Shannon's well-known measure of entropy provides a means of measuring the amount of information in a message—regardless of message content. For the particular case of data statements, Ranganathan's faceted classification scheme provides a means of systematically determining the number of meaningful data that can be constructed from a particular set of domains. The two sets of principles, combined, thus provide a structure for deriving meaning from data. This paper discusses such a structure.
Flavin-containing monooxygenase activity in liver microsomes from the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Abstract Flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) is an important microsomal enzyme which may affect the toxicity of nitrogen and sulfur-containing chemicals such as organophosphate and carbamate pestcides encountered by aquatic organisms. FMO activity as determined via N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA) N-oxide formation was observed and characterized in liver microsomes from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Microsomal DMA N-oxidase activity was optimal at pH 8.4–9.2, 20°C and required NADPH. Addition of the cytochrome P-450 inhibitor, N-benzylimidazole failed to alter DMA N-oxidase activity but coincubation with methimazole, trimethylamine (TMA) or aldicarb significantly inhibited DMA oxidase. DMA oxidase demonstrated Michaelis-Menten kinetics and was competitively inhibited by TMA and aldiearb. These data suggest that aldicarb and TMA are substrates for FMO and that cytochronie P-450 plays no role in the N-oxidation of DMA in this organism.
Disability and need for rehabilitation among patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Physicians who manage patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well as the patients themselves need to know about the prospects of disability and the demand for rehabilitation associated with
THE FIFTY YEARS' RIFT: INTELLECTUAL HISTORY AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Georg Cavallar, The Rights of Strangers: Theories of International Hospitality, the Global Community, and Political Justice since Vitoria (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2002)Jonathan Haslam, No Virtue Like Necessity: Realist Thought in International Relations since Machiavelli (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2002)Edward Keene, Beyond the Anarchical Society: Grotius, Colonialism and Order in World Politics (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002)
Collaborative management to achieve treatment guidelines : impact on depression in primary care

Objective. —To compare the effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention in patients with depression in primary care with the effectiveness of "usual care" by the primary care physician. Design. —A randomized controlled trial among primary care patients with major depression or minor depression. Patients. —Over a 12-month period a total of 217 primary care patients who were recognized as depressed by their primary care physicians and were willing to take antidepressant medication were randomized, with 91 patients meeting criteria for major depression and 126 for minor depression. Interventions. —Intervention patients received increased intensity and frequency of visits over the first 4 to 6 weeks of treatment (visits 1 and 3 with a primary care physician, visits 2 and 4 with a psychiatrist) and continued surveillance of adherence to medication regimens during the continuation and maintenance phases of treatment. Patient education in these visits was supplemented by videotaped and written materials. Main Outcome Measures. —Primary outcome measures included short-term (30-day) and long-term (90-day) use of antidepressant medication at guideline dosage levels, satisfaction with overall care for depression and antidepressant medication, and reduction in depressive symptoms. Results. —In patients with major depression, the intervention group had greater adherence than the usual care controls to adequate dosage of antidepressant medication for 90 days or more (75.5% vs 50.0%;P Conclusion. —A multifaceted intervention consisting of collaborative management by the primary care physician and a consulting psychiatrist, intensive patient education, and surveillance of continued refills of antidepressant medication improved adherence to antidepressant regimens in patients with major and with minor depression. It improved satisfaction with care and resulted in more favorable depressive outcomes in patients with major, but not minor, depression. (JAMA. 1995;273:1026-1031)
Lipid rafts bringing order to chaos

Lipid rafts are subdomains of the plasma membrane that contain high concentrations of cholesterol and glycosphingolipids. They exist as distinct liquid-ordered regions of the membrane that are resistant to extraction with nonionic detergents. Rafts appear to be small in size, but may constitute a relatively large fraction of the plasma membrane. While rafts have a distinctive protein and lipid composition, all rafts do not appear to be identical in terms of either the proteins or the lipids that they contain. A variety of proteins, especially those involved in cell signaling, have been shown to partition into lipid rafts. As a result, lipid rafts are thought to be involved in the regulation of signal transduction. Experimental evidence suggests that there are probably several different mechanisms through which rafts control cell signaling. For example, rafts may contain incomplete signaling pathways that are activated when a receptor or other required molecule is recruited into the raft. Rafts may also be important in limiting signaling, either by physical sequestration of signaling components to block nonspecific interactions, or by suppressing the intrinsic activity of signaling proteins present within rafts. This review provides an overview of the physical characteristics of lipid rafts and summarizes studies that have helped to elucidate the role of lipid rafts in signaling via receptor tyrosine kinases and G protein-coupled receptors.