cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dma-based prefetching for i/o-intensive workloads on the cell architecture

Recent advent of the asymmetric multi-core processors such as Cell Broadband Engine (Cell/BE) has popularized the use of heterogeneous architectures. A growing body of research is exploring the use of such architectures, especially in High-End Computing, for supporting scientific applications. However, prior research has focused on use of the available Cell/BE operating systems and runtime environments for supporting compute-intensive jobs. Data and I/O intensive workloads have largely been ignored in this domain. In this paper, we take the first steps in supporting I/O intensive workloads on the Cell/BE and deriving guidelines for optimizing the execution of I/O workloads on heterogeneous architectures. We explore various performance enhancing techniques for such workloads on an actual Cell/BE system. Among the techniques we explore, an asynchronous prefetching-based approach, which uses the PowerPC core of the Cell/BE for file prefetching and decentralized DMAs from the synergistic processing cores (SPE's), improves the performance for I/O workloads that include an encryption/decryption component by 22.2%, compared to I/O performed naively from the SPE's. Our evaluation shows promising results and lays the foundation for developing more efficient I/O support libraries for multi-core asymmetric architectures.
Dynamic PET Image Segmentation Using Multiphase Level Set Method

Image segmentation plays an important role in medical diagnosis. Most existing segmentation methods are focused on 2-D or 3-D images. Here we propose an image segmentation method for 4-D dynamic PET images. We consider that voxels inside each organ have similar time activity curves. The use of tracer dynamic information allows us to separate regions that have similar integrated activity in a static image but with different temporal responses. We develop a multi-phase level set method (MP-LSM) that utilizes both the spatial and temporal information in a dynamic PET data set. Different weighting factors are assigned to each image frame based on the noise level. We used a weighted absolute difference function in the data matching term to increase the robustness of the estimate and to avoid over-partition of regions with high contrast. The proposed method can be applied to both dynamic and static PET images, as well as coregistered images from dual modality imaging systems, such as PET/CT. We validated the proposed method using computer simulated dynamic PET data, as well as real mouse data from a microPET scanner, and compared the results to that of a dynamic clustering method. The results show that the proposed method results in cleaner and smoother segments and less misclassified voxels.
Patterned Superomniphobic–Superomniphilic Surfaces: Templates for Site‐Selective Self‐Assembly

hasexplainedhowre-entrantsurface texture, in conjunction with surface chemistry androughness, can be used to design superomniphobic surfaces.In this work, we report a simple, fast, and practical method-ology to develop patterned superomniphobic–superomni-philic surfaces that exhibit stark contrast in wettability witha wide range of polar and nonpolar liquids. Using thesesurfaces, we demonstrate the site-selective self-assembly ofheptane upon dipping and spraying on textured surfaces, site-selective condensation and boiling with low-surface-tensionliquids, and site-selective self-assembly of both polymers andmicroparticles.When a liquid comes in contact with a textured surface, itadopts either the fully wetted Wenzel
Nontarget deposition of methiocarb applied to a foliage plant staging area.

Foliage plant production is one of the fastest growing agricultural commodities in the US and parts of the world. Application of spray-applied pesticides is necessary in order to produce marketable crops. However, due to inefficiencies in spray application, significant amounts of active ingredient may land on surfaces other than the intended plant. This study characterized non-target deposition of a spray-applied pesticide, methiocarb, on ground surfaces associated with a foliage plant production nursery. Methiocarb was applied to four different production scenarios within a commercial nursery using an air-cannon sprayer. Deposition on ground surfaces was measured using Teflon spray targets placed at intervals throughout the length of the rows and aisles. Results indicated that from 15.9 – 29.7% of the applied pesticidal active ingredient may be deposited on non-target ground surfaces within typical foliage nursery situations. Deposition was generally greater in aisles that were not covered by foliage. Results also demonstrated significant differences in deposition due to differing plant forms, ranging from 15.9% for the loose, large-leaved LP to 28.1% for the small-leaved, tight canopied SF. While this study focused only on methiocarb, results may also be applicable for any pesticide that is spray-applied using an air-cannon type of sprayer.
Imidazolium Catalysts Formed by an Iterative Synthetic Process as a Model System for Chemical Evolution

Processes exhibiting diversity and selection would have been necessary to promote chemical evolution on early Earth. In this work, a model process was developed using non-kinetic selection to synthesize and isolate small molecule imidazolium catalysts. These catalysts were purified by affinity chromatography and recycled back into the process, forming a product feedback loop. In dimethylformamide, the catalysts activated the coupling of formaldehyde to short chain sugars. This sugar mixture was reacted with aniline, acetic acid, and paraformaldehyde to generate new catalysts. Thus chemical diversity was produced through non-selective, multi-component synthesis. Applying sequential dilution-reaction-purification cycles it was demonstrated that this process can function independently of starting catalyst. Over three process cycles, the initiator catalyst is effectively diluted out as a new catalyst population emerges to take its place. This system offers an alternative viewpoint for chemical evolution via the generation of small molecule organocatalysts.
Quantum state-resolved probing of strong-field-ionized xenon atoms using femtosecond high-order harmonic transient absorption spectroscopy.

Femtosecond high-order harmonic transient absorption spectroscopy is used to resolve the complete $|j,m⟩$ quantum state distribution of ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{+}$ produced by optical strong-field ionization of Xe atoms at 800 nm. Probing at the Xe ${N}_{4/5}$ edge yields a population distribution ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{j,|m|}$ of ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{3/2,1/2}\ensuremath{\mathbin:}{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{1/2,1/2}\ensuremath{\mathbin:}{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{3/2,3/2}=75\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6\text{ }\mathrm{\text{:}}12\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3\text{ }\mathrm{\text{:}}13\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6%$. The result is compared to a tunnel ionization calculation with the inclusion of spin-orbit coupling, revealing nonadiabatic ionization behavior. The sub-50-fs time resolution paves the way for tabletop extreme ultraviolet absorption probing of ultrafast dynamics.
Brain glucose concentrations in patients with type 1 diabetes and hypoglycemia unawareness

Although it is well established that recurrent hypoglycemia leads to hypoglycemia unawareness, the mechanisms responsible for this are unknown. One hypothesis is that recurrent hypoglycemia alters brain glucose transport or metabolism. We measured steady-state brain glucose concentrations during a glucose clamp to determine whether subjects with type 1 diabetes and hypoglycemia unawareness may have altered cerebral glucose transport or metabolism after exposure to recurrent hypoglycemia. We compared 14 subjects with diabetes and hypoglycemia unawareness to 27 healthy control subjects. Brain glucose concentrations were measured under similar metabolic conditions using in vivo (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy at 4 Tesla during a hyperglycemic clamp (plasma glucose = 16.7 mmol/l) with somatostatin and insulin. Subjects with type 1 diabetes and hypoglycemia unawareness had significantly higher brain glucose concentrations compared to that in controls under the same conditions (5.5 +/- 0.3 vs. 4.7 +/- 0.1 micromol/g wet weight, P = 0.016). These data suggest that changes in brain glucose transport or metabolism may occur as a result of recurrent hypoglycemia.
Correlated third-harmonic generation in I(2) using photon-echo process.

We report the application of third-harmonic generation(THG) to study photon-echo-associated coherent molecular states. Two temporally separated circularly polarized laser pulses are focused into a cell containing I2 vapor to create the coherent dipole moments. A delayed oppositely circularly polarized pulse is then focused into the same region to generate the third harmonic. Since no THG can be produced by any individual pulse, correlated THG may easily be measured without using any fast detection scheme.
Developing parenting programs to prevent child health risk behaviors: a practice model

Research indicates that developing public health programs to modify parenting behaviors could lead to multiple beneficial health outcomes for children. Developing feasible effective parenting programs requires an approach that applies a theory-based model of parenting to a specific domain of child health and engages participant representatives in intervention development. This article describes this approach to intervention development in detail. Our presentation emphasizes three points that provide key insights into the goals and procedures of parenting program development. These are a generalized theoretical model of parenting derived from the child development literature, an established eight-step parenting intervention development process and an approach to integrating experiential learning methods into interventions for parents and children. By disseminating this framework for a systematic theory-based approach to developing parenting programs, we aim to support the program development efforts of public health researchers and practitioners who recognize the potential of parenting programs to achieve primary prevention of health risk behaviors in children.
Feature selection for the automated detection of metaphase chromosomes: performance comparison using a receiver operating characteristic method.

Background. The purpose of this study is to identify a set of features for optimizing the performance of metaphase chromosome detection under high throughput scanning microscopy. In the development of computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme, feature selection is critically important, as it directly determines the accuracy of the scheme. Although many features have been examined previously, selecting optimal features is often application oriented. Methods. In this experiment, 200 bone marrow cells were first acquired by a high throughput scanning microscope. Then 9 different features were applied individually to group captured images into the clinically analyzable and unanalyzable classes. The performance of these different methods was assessed by a receiving operating characteristic (ROC) method. Results. The results show that using the number of labeled regions on each acquired image is suitable for the first on-line CAD scheme. For the second off-line CAD scheme, it would be suggested to combine four feature extraction methods including the number of labeled regions, average regions area, average region pixel value, and the standard deviation of either region distance or circularity. Conclusion. This study demonstrates an effective method of feature selection and comparison to facilitate the optimization of the CAD schemes for high throughput scanning microscope in the future.
Sublobular compartmentation of pharmacologic events (SCOPE): metabolic fluxes in periportal and pericentral regions of the liver lobule.

New techniques have been developed employing microlight guides and miniature O2 electrodes which permit metabolic events to be studied noninvasively in periportal and pericentral zones of the liver lobule. These events include O2 uptake, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, monooxygen-ation and glucuronidation. The lobular distribution of maximal enzyme activities measured by immunohistochemical or microchemical techniques does not always correlate with metabolic flux rates as measured in periportal and pericentral regions with the new noninvasive methods. The region of the liver lobule exhibiting highest metabolic flux rates can be shifted to another region of the lobule by changing the direction of flow from anterograde to retrograde. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that many metabolic pathways (e.g., oxygen, carbohydrate and fat metabolism which are under dynamic short-term regulation) operate below maximal velocity in intact hepatocytes.
Wideband Spectrum Sensing Based on Sub-Nyquist Sampling

In this paper, we consider the problem of locating multiple active spectrum subbands in a wide range of frequency bands. A major challenge associated with such wideband spectrum sensing is that it is either infeasible or too expensive to perform Nyquist sampling on the wideband signal. In this paper, we propose a sensing scheme based on a sub-Nyquist sampling method called multicoset sampling, which is similar to the polyphase implementation of the Nyquist sampling, but requires less A/D converters. In contrast to the traditional sub-Nquist approaches where the wideband signal is first reconstructed from the sub-Nyquist samples, we develop a method that directly estimates the power spectrum of the wideband signal of interest using the sub-Nyquist samples, by exploiting its statistical properties. We also characterize the statistical distribution of the proposed power spectrum estimator, based on which we obtain a constant-false-alarm energy detector for the frequency bins. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed multiband spectrum sensing method based on sub-Nyquist sampling.
Testing GISS-MM5 physics configurations for use in regional impacts studies

The Mesoscale Modeling System Version 5 (MM5) was one-way nested to the Goddard Institute for Space Studies global climate model (GISS GCM), which provided the boundary conditions for present (1990s) and future (IPCC SRES A2 scenario, 2050s) five-summer “time-slice” simulations over the continental and eastern United States. Five configurations for planetary boundary layer, cumulus parameterization, and radiation scheme were tested, and one set was selected for use in the New York City Climate and Health Project—a multi-disciplinary study investigating the effects of climate change and land-use change on human health in the New York metropolitan region. Although hourly and daily data were used in the health project, in this paper we focus on long-term current and projected mean climate change. The GISS-MM5 was very sensitive to the choice of cumulus parameterization and planetary boundary layer scheme, leading to significantly different temperature and precipitation outcomes for the 1990s. These differences can be linked to precipitation type (convective vs. non-convective), to their effect on solar radiation received at the ground, and ultimately to surface temperature. The projected changes in climate (2050s minus 1990s) were not as sensitive to choice of model physics combination. The range of the projected surface temperature changes at a given grid point among the model versions was much less than the mean change for all five model configurations, indicating relative consensus for simulating surface temperature changes among the different model projections. The MM5 versions, however, offer less consensus regarding 1990s to 2050s changes in precipitation amounts. All of the projected 2050s temperature changes were found to be significant at the 95th percent confidence interval, while the majority of the precipitation changes were not.
Hepatitis A and B virus markers in immune serum globulin

Abstract Hepatitis A and B virus markers were investigated in 62 Jots of immune serum globulin (ISG) prepared by four United States manufacturers over the years 1962–1977. All lots were positive for antibody to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) in moderately high titer, and there was no apparent change in anti-HAV titer over the 15-yr period. In contrast, only 48% of ISG lots contained detectable antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), and titers varied greatly. There was a marked increase around the year 1972 in both the percentage of lots positive (from 29% to 100%) and in the mean anti-HBs titer (from All ISG lots were negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) when tested directly by radioimmunoassay. However, after ultracentrifugation through an acid-sucrose gradient (a technique devised to render HBsAg complexed with anti-HBs detectable), 58% were found to contain small amounts of HBsAg. This HBsAg reactivity was present in 78% of ISG lots prepared before 1972, but in none manufactured since. The elimination of HBsAg from ISG was probably due to the introduction of routine HBsAg screening of plasma donors in 1972. The simultaneous rise in titer of anti-HBs in ISG can also be explained by this screening, since HBsAg contaminating plasma pools would complex with and absorb any free anti-HBs activity, making it undetectable. The presence of HBsAg and variable titers of anti-HBs in ISG preparations may have influenced the outcome of clinical trials of ISG in preventing type B hepatitis.
NF-κB translocation prevents host cell death after low-dose challenge by Legionella pneumophila

Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, grows within macrophages and manipulates target cell signaling. Formation of a Legionella-containing replication vacuole requires the function of the bacterial type IV secretion system (Dot/Icm), which transfers protein substrates into the host cell cytoplasm. A global microarray analysis was used to examine the response of human macrophage-like U937 cells to low-dose infections with L. pneumophila. The most striking change in expression was the Dot/Icm-dependent up-regulation of antiapoptotic genes positively controlled by the transcriptional regulator nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB). Consistent with this finding, L. pneumophila triggered nuclear localization of NF-kappaB in human and mouse macrophages in a Dot/Icm-dependent manner. The mechanism of activation at low-dose infections involved a signaling pathway that occurred independently of the Toll-like receptor adaptor MyD88 and the cytoplasmic sensor Nod1. In contrast, high multiplicity of infection conditions caused a host cell response that masked the unique Dot/Icm-dependent activation of NF-kappaB. Inhibition of NF-kappaB translocation into the nucleus resulted in premature host cell death and termination of bacterial replication. In the absence of one antiapoptotic protein, plasminogen activator inhibitor-2, host cell death increased in response to L. pneumophila infection, indicating that induction of antiapoptotic genes is critical for host cell survival.
Exploring Imputation Techniques for Missing Data in Transportation Management Systems

Many states have implemented large-scale transportation management systems to improve mobility in urban areas. These systems are highly prone to missing and erroneous data, which results in drastically reduced data sets for analysis and real-time operations. Imputation is the practice of filling in missing data with estimated values. Currently, the transportation industry generally does not use imputation as a means for handling missing data. Other disciplines have recognized the importance of addressing missing data and, as a result, methods and software for imputing missing data are becoming widely available. The feasibility and applicability of imputing missing traffic data are addressed, and a preliminary analysis of several heuristic and statistical imputation techniques is performed. Preliminary results produced excellent performance in the case study and indicate that the statistical techniques are more accurate while maintaining the natural characteristics of the data.
Nuclear Translocation of the N-terminal Prodomain of Interleukin-16

Interleukin-16 (IL-16) is a pleiotropic cytokine that functions as a chemoattractant factor, a modulator of T cell activation, and an inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication. These diverse functions are exclusively attributed to the secreted C-terminal peptide of 121 amino acids (mature IL-16), which is cleaved from the precursor protein (pro-IL-16) by caspase-3. Human pro-IL-16 is comprised of 631 amino acids with three PDZ domains, one of which is present in secreted mature IL-16. No cellular localization or biologic functions have been ascribed to the unusually large and highly conserved N-terminal prodomain formed as a result of proteolytic release of the third PDZ domain of pro-IL-16. Here we show that the N-terminal prodomain of pro-IL-16 translocates into the nucleus following cleavage of the C-terminal segment. The nuclear localization signal of pro-IL-16 consists of a classical bipartite nuclear targeting motif. We also show that the nuclear targeting of the IL-16 prodomain induces a G0/G1 arrest in the cell cycle. Taken together, the high degree of conservation of the prodomain among species, the presence of two PDZ motifs, and the nuclear localization and subsequent inhibitory effect on cell cycle progression suggest that pro-IL-16 is cleaved into two functional proteins, a C-terminal-secreted cytokine and an N-terminal product, which affects the cell cycle.
What Do You Call People With Visions? The Role of Vision, Mission and Goals in School Leadership and Improvement

In this section we begin the process of unpacking the conceptual foundations of these related terms. We assert that until scholars distinguish more clearly among these terms and their underlying assumptions, it will be difficult to craft appropriate strategies for either empirical study or practice.
Virginia's Workforce: Strategies for Achieving a Skilled, Productive, and Educated Workforce

This study was conducted by The Urban Institute over a six-month period from mid-May to mid-November 2003 and was commissioned by the Virginia Workforce Council (VWC). The VWC was created in 1999 as a policy body to assist the Governor in meeting workforce training needs in the Commonwealth. The VWC's vision is:…to have and promote a well-trained, well-educated, highly skilled and qualified workforce that understands and meets the needs of employers and that is actively engaged in lifelong learning.1 This study provides the VWC with information to help them make important incumbent worker policy decisions over the next several years. Major economic transformations are underway in the Commonwealth of Virginia and nationwide in terms of the changing demand for workers by businesses and the changing characteristics of the workforce. As the Commonwealth prepares for the workforce development and economic development challenges of the next few decades, the results of this study will contribute to an ongoing examination in Virginia of the various policy and programmatic strategies that can ensure a skilled, stable, and productive workforce to meet the needs of the future.
Materialism and Consumer Behavior: Differences in Types of Materialism Among Different Cultures

This research paper sought to ascertain the importance of values among different groups of individuals, differentiated by gender, age, and ethnicity. The paper contributes to understanding materialism among different cultures. It provides a broader perspective on how those living in one very strong materialistic culture are more vs. less materialistic. A social influence perspective is applied. The paper also provided a broader perspective on materialism, by considering all cultures in a metropolitan area that is composed of a melting pot of cultures. While one research survey mechanism was used to identify a variety of elements that are related to individual materialism, this research incorporated not only one reliable research measure tool from the past, but also a more recently developed and validated research measure. Findings suggest that attitudes toward materialism directly affect consumer behavior and thus, marketing strategy.
Dental anatomy grading: comparison between conventional visual and a novel digital assessment technique.

Conventional grading of dental students’ projects in preclinical courses has mainly relied on visual evaluation by experienced instructors. The purpose of this study was to compare conventional visual grading in a dental anatomy course at one U.S. dental school to a novel digital assessment technique. A total of sixty samples comprised of two sets of faculty wax-ups (n=30), student wax-ups (n=15), and dentoform teeth of tooth #14 (n=15) were used for this study. Two additional faculty members visually graded the samples according to a checklist and then repeated the grading after one week. The sample wax-up with the highest score based on the visual grading was selected as the master model for the digital grading, which was also performed twice with an interim period of one week. Descriptive statistics and signed rank tests for systematic bias were used for intra- and interrater comparisons. The intraclass correlation (ICC) was used as a measure of intra- and interrater reliability. None of the faculty members achieved the minimum acceptable intrarater agreement of 0.8. Interrater agreement was substantially less than intrarater agreement for the visual grading, whereas all measures of intrarater agreement were greater than 0.9 and considered excellent for the digital assessment technique. These results suggest that visual grading is limited by modest intrarater reliability and low interrater agreement. Digital grading is a promising evaluation method showing excellent intrarater reliability and correlation. Correlation for visual and digital grading was consistently modest, partly supporting the potential use of digital technology in dental anatomy grading.
Perturbed empirical distribution functions and quantiles under dependence

In this note we consider the perturbed empirical distribution functions of the form\(\hat F_n (x) = 1/n \Sigma _{i = 1 }^{n } K_n (x - X_i ), x \in \mathbb{R}, n \underset{\raise0.3em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle-}$}}{ > } 1\), where {Xi,i>-1} is a sequence of strong mixing, nonstationary random variables\(K_n (x) = \smallint ^x _{ - \infty } k_n (t) dt, k_{n } (t) = \alpha _n^{ - 1} k(t\alpha ^{ - 1} )\), {an} is a sequence of positive real numbers such thatan→0 asn→∞ andk is a probability density function. We establish the necessary and sufficient conditions for the asymptotic normality of,\(\hat F_n (x)\). Similar results are also provided for the perturbed sample quantiles\(\hat \xi _n (p) = inf\{ x \varepsilon \mathbb{R}, \hat F_n (x) \geqslant p, 0< p< 1\} \), which is an inverse function of\(\hat F_n (x)\).
The Problem of n Liars and Markov Chains

(1951). The Problem of n Liars and Markov Chains. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 58, No. 9, pp. 606-608.
Inhibition of cerebrospinal fluid formation by a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, 2-acetylamino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (diamox).

SummaryIntravenous administration of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, 2-acetylamino-1,3, 4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide sodium (Diamox), to anesthetized cats and rabbits caused a sustained 3- to 15-fold decrease in rate of cerebrospinal fluid formation resulting in a marked reduction in intracranial pressure. This phenomenon cannot be ascribed to changes in plasma CO2 concentration since prolonged alterations in alveolar CO2 had no effect on the steady state rate of CSF production either before or after Diamox. It is hypothesized that normally the carbonic anhydrase of the central nervous system (CNS) accelerates the formation within the blood-brain barrier of H+ and HCO3- from CNS CO2. These ions are exchanged for plasma anions and cations, largely Na+ and Cl-, which thus enter the interstitial fluid of the CNS. By virtue of the relative impermeability of the blood-brain barrier to electrolytes, water enters from the plasma to maintain osmotic equilibrium. This mechanism is considered to exist not only in th...
INTENDED AND ACTUAL MOVES ON RIVER-CROSSING PROBLEMS

The study investigated the ability of 39 subjects to indicate their own future moves on a problem-solving task. Subjects solved the Hobbits-Orcs problem until they reached a criterion of two errorless consecutive attempts. The errors that were made by subjects in predicting their own future moves can be well accounted for by a computer simulation which assumes a fixed order of the desirability of all possible moves. It was concluded that there is no compelling evidence to suggest that humans have any need to look ahead in order to solve the Hobbits-Orcs problem.
Research needs of pediatric hospitalists.

Objective: To assess the current state of research productivity, goals, obstacles, and needs of pediatric hospitalists. Methods: The American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Hospital Medicine performed a cross-sectional online survey of pediatric hospitalists. Questions assessed demographics, research productivity, system-level factors, research interests, goals and obstacles, and the perceived need for research training and support. Results: Two hundred twenty pediatric hospitalists in the United States completed the survey. Of these, 56% had presented at a national meeting, 24% were first authors of an article in a peer-reviewed journal, 8% had more than publications, and 12% had secured external grant support. While 90% of respondents had spent 10% or less time in research, 64% had an academic appointment at the assistant professor level or above. Nearly 40% felt that their institution expected them to do research, and 56% were interested and another 27% were very interested in conducting research. The main research interest was quality improvement (QI) evaluation. Common obstacles to research were lack of time, mentorship, and resources. Conclusions: Pediatric hospitalists want to conduct research to improve the quality of inpatient care but face significant obstacles including lack of dedicated time for research and mentorship. Coordinated efforts to improve access to academic resources are important for career development and academic growth of the field. National organizations and hospital programs interested in improving the quality of care for hospitalized children can provide support to meet the field’s professional needs for research.
HGPRT-deficiency--the molecular basis of the clinical syndromes.

Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) is a purine salvage enzyme that plays a key role in the regulation of purine metabolism in man. Interest in this X-linked enzyme stems, in part, from the existence of two clinical syndromes associated with deficiency of HGPRT enzyme activity. In 1967, Seegmiller et al. [1] described a virtually complete deficiency of HGPRT activity in patients with the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by an overproduction of uric acid as well as a bizarre constellation of neurologic and behavioral abnormalities, including mental retardation, spasticity, choreoathetosis, and a compulsive form of selfmultilation. A partial deficiency of HGPRT was subsequently demonstrated in several male patients who presented with hyperuricemia and a severe form of gout at an early age [2]. This latter group of patients is usually free of the central nervous system manifestations that characterize the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, although an occasional patient with partial HGPRT deficiency and gout may exhibit minor neurologic manifestations, such as dysarthria, hyperreflexia, positive Babinski’s signs, or abnormalities of spinocerebellar function [3].
Research Survey of the Shikonin the Extraction Process and the Relevant Preparations

This paper reviews recent comfrey extract process and the preparation Research Survey,and the extraction process and preparation methods to evaluate and provide a reference for our future development and utilization of Lithospermum better.
Identification of the protein product of the c-mos proto-oncogene in mouse testes

The mouse c-mos proto-oncogene RNA is expressed primarily in mouse gonadal tissues and embryos. Until now, the c-mos protein has not been identified. Utilizing two different site-directed affinity purified anti-peptide antibodies, we have identified a 43 kDa c-mos protein in mouse testes and in germ cell preparations derived from testes. This 43 kDa testicular protein was found to be structurally related to a bacterially expressed c-mos protein by peptide mapping. Immunoblots of whole mouse sections were employed to establish that the c-mos protein is expressed primarily in the testes.
The nature of neutral red staining refractive particles in the lymphocytes of the blood of normal humans.

1. The refractive neutral red staining particles seen in unstained or supravitally stained lymphocytes have the following properties: They are birefringent and show a polarization cross. Their refractive index is 1.45 to 1.48. They are soluble in fat solvents, in cold alcohol and in strong but not weak acid or base. They stain with lipid stains and basic dyes and are increased in number by the action of neutral red on supravital preparations of blood cells. 2. These properties are interpreted as indicating that the particles seen in human lymphocytes are composed of lipid material. It is probable that much of the fat is of the polar-apolar type, possibly phospholipid in nature. 3. The refractive particles are believed to be the counterparts in human lymphocytes of the phospholipid-containing droplets which occur in somatic cells of other mammalian tissue. 4. The significance of the increase in numbers of these droplets under certain conditions and their relationship to the Golgi apparatus are discussed.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Developing Diabetic Retinopathy among Youths with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes throughout the United States

Purpose Despite the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among children and adolescents, little is known about their risk of developing diabetic retinopathy (DR). We sought to identify risk factors for DR in youths with diabetes mellitus, to compare DR rates for youths with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and those with T2DM, and to assess whether adherence to DR screening guidelines promoted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Diabetes Association adequately capture youths with DR. Design Retrospective observational longitudinal cohort study. Participants Youths aged ≤21 years with newly diagnosed T1DM or T2DM who were enrolled in a large US managed-care network. Methods In this study of youths aged ≤21 years with newly diagnosed T1DM or T2DM who were under ophthalmic surveillance, we identified the incidence and timing of DR onset. Kaplan–Meier survival curves assessed the timing of initial diagnosis of DR for participants. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression modeling identified factors associated with the hazard of developing DR. Model predictors were age and calendar year at initial diabetes mellitus diagnosis, sex, race/ethnicity, net worth, and glycated hemoglobin A 1c fraction (HbA 1c ). Main Outcome Measures Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for developing DR. Results Among the 2240 youths with T1DM and 1768 youths with T2DM, 20.1% and 7.2% developed DR over a median follow-up time of 3.2 and 3.1 years, respectively. Survival curves demonstrated that youths with T1DM developed DR faster than youths with T2DM ( P 1c , the hazard for DR increased by 20% (HR = 1.20; 95% CI 1.06–1.35) and 30% (HR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.08–1.56) among youths with T1DM and T2DM, respectively. Current guidelines suggest that ophthalmic screening begin 3 to 5 years after initial diabetes mellitus diagnosis, at which point in our study, >18% of youths with T1DM had already received ≥1 DR diagnosis. Conclusions Youths with T1DM or T2DM exhibit a considerable risk for DR and should undergo regular screenings by eye-care professionals to ensure timely DR diagnosis and limit progression to vision-threatening disease.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Austere Environments: A Complete Review of Its Utilization, Pitfalls, and Technique for Common Applications in Austere Settings

With the advent of portable ultrasound machines, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has proven to be adaptable to a myriad of environments, including remote and austere settings, where other imaging modalities cannot be carried. Austere environments continue to pose special challenges to ultrasound equipment, but advances in equipment design and environment-specific care allow for its successful use. This article describes the technique and illustrates pathology of common POCUS applications in austere environments. A brief description of common POCUS-guided procedures used in austere environments is also provided.
Transient Negative Optical Nonlinearity of Indium Oxide Nanorod Arrays in the Full-Visible Range

Dynamic control of the optical response of materials at visible wavelengths is key to future metamaterials and photonic integrated circuits. Materials such as transparent conducting oxides have attracted significant attention due to their large optical nonlinearity under resonant optical pumping condition. However, optical nonlinearities of TCOs are positive in sign and are mostly in the e-near-zero to metallic range where materials can become lossy. Here we demonstrate large amplitude, negative optical nonlinearity (Δn from −0.05 to −0.09) of indium oxide nanorod arrays in the full-visible range where the material is transparent. We experimentally quantify and theoretically calculate the optical nonlinearity, which arises from a strong modification of interband optical transitions. The approach toward negative optical nonlinearity can be generalized to other transparent semiconducting oxides and opens door to reconfigurable, subwavelength optical components.
Diminution of Heart Rate Variability in Bipolar Depression.

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation in depression is associated with symptoms associated with the ANS. The beat-to-beat pattern of heart rate defined as Heart Rate Variability (HRV) provides a noninvasive portal to ANS function and has been proposed to represent a means of quantifying resting vagal tone. We quantified HRV in bipolar depressed (BDD) patients as a measure of ANS dysregulation seeking to establish HRV as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for treatment outcome. Forty-seven BDD patients were enrolled. They were randomized to receive either escitalopram+celecoxib or escitalopram+placebo over 8 weeks in a double-blind study design. Thirty-five patients completed the HRV studies. Thirty-six healthy subjects served as controls. HRV was assessed at pretreatment and end of study and compared with that of controls. HRV was quantified and corrected for artifacts using an algorithm that incorporates time and frequency domains to address non-stationarity of the beat-to-beat heart rate pattern. Baseline high frequency-HRV (i.e., Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia) was lower in BDD patients than controls) although the difference did not reach significance). Baseline low frequency-HRV was significantly lower in BDD patients (ln4.20) than controls (ln=5.50) (p<0.01). Baseline Heart Period was significantly shorter (i.e., faster heart rate) in BDD patients than controls. No significant change in HRV parameters were detected over the course of the study with either treatment. These findings suggest that components of HRV may be diminished in BDD patients.
Acute ingestion of beetroot juice increases exhaled nitric oxide in healthy individuals.

Background and objective Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in the airways' innate immune response, and the fraction of exhaled NO at a flow rate of 50mL per second (FENO50) has been utilized to capture NO. Deficits in NO are linked to loss of bronchoprotective effects in airway challenges and predict symptoms of respiratory infection. While beetroot juice supplements have been proposed to enhance exercise performance by increasing dietary nitrate consumption, few studies have examined the impact of beetroot juice or nitrate supplementation on airway NO in contexts beyond an exercise challenge, which we know influences FENO50. Methods We therefore examined the influence of a beetroot juice supplement on FENO50 in healthy males and females (n = 38) during periods of rest and in normoxic conditions. FENO50, heart rate, blood pressure, and state affect were measured at baseline, 45 minutes, and 90 minutes following ingestion of 70ml beetroot juice (6.5 mmol nitrate). Identical procedures were followed with ingestion of 70ml of water on a control day. Results After beetroot consumption, average values of the natural log of FENO50 (lnFENO50) increased by 21.3% (Cohen's d = 1.54, p Conclusion As NO serves a key role in innate immunity, future research is needed to explore the potential clinical utility of beetroot and dietary nitrate to elevate FENO50 and prevent respiratory infection.
Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection of Kingella kingae in Children

Background Kingella kingae is a known cause of osteoarticular infections in children younger than 4 years of age, but it is not always recoverable in culture. Molecular methods are increasingly used for diagnosis. Methods To facilitate diagnosis of K. kingae septic arthritis, we developed a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the detection of K. kingae that targets the repeat-in-toxin gene (rtxB). Results We present three pediatric patients with K. kingae septic arthritis at our institution who were diagnosed using the real-time PCR assay. All underwent arthrotomy with irrigation and debridement and were symptom-free after 3 weeks of therapy with β-lactam antibiotics. Cultures of synovial fluid or tissue grew K. kingae in two of three; K. kingae real-time PCR was positive in all three patients. In addition, 11 cases of K. kingae osteoarticular infection were diagnosed through Mayo Medical Laboratories using this assay. The limit of detection of the real-time PCR assay was 73.7 colony-forming unit (CFU)/µL for tissue and 1.3 CFU/µL for synovial fluid. Conclusions PCR-based detection methods are faster and more sensitive than conventional culture-based methods for the diagnosis of K. kingae osteoarticular infections in children.
Identifying a Test to Monitor Weightlifting Performance in Competitive Male and Female Weightlifters

Monitoring tests are commonly used to assess weightlifter’s preparedness for competition. Although various monitoring tests have been used, it is not clear which test is the strongest indicator of weightlifting performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to (1) determine the relationships between vertical jump, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and weightlifting performance; and (2) compare vertical jumps to IMTP as monitoring tests of weightlifting performance in a large cohort of male and female weightlifters. Methods: Fifty-two competitive weightlifters (31 males, 21 females) participated in squat and countermovement jump testing (SJ, CMJ), and IMTP testing performed on force plates. All laboratory testing data was correlated to a recent competition where the athletes had attempted to peak. Results: Squat jump height (SJH) was the strongest correlate for men and women with the Sinclair Total (r = 0.686, p ≤ 0.01; r = 0.487, p ≤ 0.05, respectively) compared to countermovement jump height (r = 0.642, p ≤ 0.01; r = 0.413, p = 0.063), IMTP peak force allometrically scaled to body mass (r = 0.542, p ≤ 0.01; r = −0.044, p = 0.851) and rate of force development at 200 ms (r = 0.066, p = 0.723; r = 0.086, p = 0.711), respectively. Further, SJH was a stronger correlate of relative weightlifting performance compared to IMTP peak force in females (p = 0.042), but not male weightlifters (p = 0.191). Conclusions: Although CMJ and IMTP are still considered strong indicators of weightlifting performance, SJH appears to be the most indicative measure of weightlifting performance across a wide-range of performance levels. Thus, SJH can be used as a reliable measure to monitor weightlifting performance in male and female weightlifters.
Onset of Illegal Use of Mind-Altering or Potentially Addictive Prescription Drugs Among Pharmacists

Objectives To determine the temporal and descriptive aspects of pharmacists' decision-making processes regarding illegal use of mind-altering or potentially addictive prescription drugs (PAPDs) and to measure the effects of social factors associated with being and becoming a pharmacist on pharmacists' decisions to use PAPDs illegally. Design One-time, written, mailed survey. Setting United States. Participants Random sample of licensed practicing pharmacists who were members of the American Pharmaceutical Association in fall 1996. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Responses to items on the survey. Results Nearly 40% of respondents indicated that they had used a form of PAPD without first obtaining a physician's authorizing prescription. A significant portion of the sample showed signs of repeated use-20% of the respondents reported 5 or more lifetime PAPD-use episodes, and 6% reported more than 10 such episodes. Almost 6% of the respondents identified themselves as being drug abusers at some point during their pharmacy careers. Moreover, a full 88% of these pharmacists began such illegal PAPD use after entering college, 51% used more than one type or class of PAPD, and 69% directly violated their professional code of ethics and state and/or federal laws by either stealing PAPDs from their place of employment (61%) or forging prescriptions (8%) to obtain them. Conclusion A considerable percentage (40%) of the pharmacists surveyed had, on at least one occasion, used some form of PAPD without first obtaining a physician's authorizing prescription, and about one-fifth of respondents reported repeated use. The onset of such illegal PAPD use by pharmacists almost always occurred after the individuals had entered college. Interpersonal factors, such as positive reinforcement of self-medication practices from peers and increased levels of one's own approval for self-medication, appear to increase the likelihood that a pharmacist will engage in such illegal PAPD use.
As good as gold and better: conducting metal oxide materials for mid-infrared plasmonic applications

The field of infrared surface plasmon resonance (IR-SPR) spectroscopy has the potential to enable unique applications and technologies in chemical sensing, heat harvesting, and infrared detectors. Finding an ideal material that can support a surface plasmon in the IR region has been a challenge for more than a decade. High carrier mobility, μ > 200 cm2 V−1 s−1, and tunable carrier concentration in the range 1019 < n < 1021 cm−3 are two necessary criteria for a spectrally narrow tunable plasmon resonance band in the IR. The ideal material would also be easy to prepare and robust in water and under ambient conditions. In this review, we highlight the development of the field over the last decade. We also provide a guide to explain the extension of visible plasmonics to the infrared region and the evolution of IR-SPR using conducting metal oxides (CMOs). CMOs are free electron conductors and most of them have no interfering electronic or vibrational transitions in the range of interest. Therefore, these materials also provide an excellent test of the fundamental physics of SPR, including the effects of surface fields, enhancement phenomena and the relationship between thin film epsilon near zero (ENZ) mode and the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in nanocrystals. In summary, we discuss the materials challenges and prospects for this field of research.