cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A control-theoretic system identification framework and a real-time closed-loop clinical simulation testbed for electrical brain stimulation.

Objective Closed-loop electrical brain stimulation systems may enable a precisely-tailored treatment for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders by controlling the stimulation based on neural activity feedback in real time. Developing model-based closed-loop systems requires a principled system identification framework to quantify the effect of input stimulation on output neural activity by learning an input-output (IO) dynamic model from data. Further, developing these systems needs a realistic clinical simulation testbed to design and validate the closed-loop controllers derived from the IO models before testing in human patients. Approach First, we design a control-theoretic system identification framework to build dynamic IO models for neural activity that are amenable to closed-loop control design. To enable tractable model-based control, we use a data-driven linear state-space IO model that characterizes the effect of input on neural activity in terms of a low-dimensional hidden neural state. To learn the model parameters, we design a novel input waveform-a pulse train modulated by stochastic binary noise (BN) parameters-that we show is optimal for collecting informative IO datasets in system identification and conforms to clinical safety requirements. Second, we further extend this waveform to a generalized BN (GBN)-modulated waveform to reduce the required system identification time. Third, to enable extensive testing of system identification and closed-loop control, we develop a real-time closed-loop clinical hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation testbed using the [Formula: see text] microelectrode recording and stimulation device, which incorporates stochastic noises, unknown disturbances and stimulation artifacts. Using this testbed, we implement both the system identification and the closed-loop controller by taking control of mood in depression as an example. Results Testbed simulation results show that the closed-loop controller designed from IO models identified with the BN-modulated waveform achieves tight control, and performs similar to a controller that knows the true IO model of neural activity. When system identification time is limited, performance is further improved using the GBN-modulated waveform. Significance The system identification framework with the new BN-modulated waveform and the clinical HIL simulation testbed can help develop future model-based closed-loop electrical brain stimulation systems for treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Self-assembled complexation of urea with poly (methyl methacrylate): A potential method for small molecule encapsulation in PMMA

Abstract In this research we report a complex material formed between poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and urea. The disassociation temperatures of the PMMA/U complexes are higher than the glass transition temperature of neat PMMA and lower than the melting temperature of neat urea. As we reported previously, the as received-PMMA (asr-PMMA) contained a small amount of residual alkane-like surfactant. When forming the PMMA/U complexes with saturated urea-methanol solution, the originally contained contaminant can be encapsulated by urea in the form of a crystalline inclusion compound (IC) and dispersed within the PMMA/U complex. Since urea has been reported to form ICs with various small molecules, this phenomenon provides a potential way for small molecule encapsulation by using PMMA as the substrate and urea as the encapsulant.
Animated Neurological Exam Videos in PBL Cases (P2.008)

Objective: To improve medical student neurological exam skills and augment the effectiveness of problem based learning (PBL) cases on neurological topics. Background: Our medical school has no required rotation in neurology, and no opportunity to rotate in neurology before fourth year. Second year neuroanatomy block was considered an opportunity to teach the neurological exam. As the curriculum is largely PBL based, inclusion of neurological exam videos into PBL cases was piloted. Design/Methods: Cases from a PBL medical school curriculum were selected for revision. Using commercially available animation software (Poser), four videos were created that depicted lifelike virtual animated patients undergoing a neurological examination. The appearance and visible neurological deficits of the animated characters were designed to simulate the patients in the PBL cases. Prior to starting the first PBL case, second year medical students were required to participate in an online learning module demonstrating how to perform the neurological exam in the same method that was used in the animated videos. When students read through the PBL cases, a stop point required them to view the relevant animated neurological exam video. Students were then asked to interpret the exam and apply their findings to the PBL cases. A correct interpretation of the examination was provided on the following page of the case. At the end of the course, students provided feedback on the utility of the videos by responding to 2 statements on a 4-point Likert scale. Results: Sixty eight students completed the course and provided feedback. Most either somewhat agreed (32%) or strongly agreed (63%) that the PBL case videos were helpful. About 37% somewhat agreed and 56% strongly agreed additional videos should be developed for other PBL cases. Conclusions: Video cases were viewed as helpful by students learning the neurological exam. Videos will be produced for additional PBL cases in our curriculum. Disclosure: Dr. Miles has nothing to disclose.
Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm complicated by a gastropancreatic fistula

One of the rare complications of low-grade pancreatic neoplasms is fistulization into nearby structures. This often does not present clinically, but is incidentally identified in patients who have been imaged serially to monitor the progression of the disease. In this report, we present an uncommon complication of an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, which developed a spontaneous gastropancreatic fistula in a patient who was conservatively managed. The clinical course, imaging features, and management of this case are discussed.
Propuesta de un modelo integral de competitividad económica para las empresas del municipio de Nuevo Laredo

Palabras Clave: Grupos estrategicos, innovacion, ventaja comparativa Resumen. Esta investigacion esta orientada a la solucion del problema de lograr el crecimiento, la competitividad y la internacionalizacion de las empresas locales mediante el aprovechamiento efectivo de la propuesta del Modelo Integral de Competitividad Economica (MICE), en las Empresas y Organizaciones del Municipio de Nuevo Laredo. Key words: Comparative advantage, innovation, strategic groups Abstract. This research is oriented to the problem solution to obtain the growth, competitiveness and the internationalization of the local business following the effective advantage of the proposed integral model for economic competitiveness, (IMEC) in the business and organizations of the city of Nuevo Laredo.
A moment condition and non-synthetic diagonalizable operators on the space of functions analytic on the unit disk

Examples are given of (continuous, linear) operators on the space of functions analytic on the open unit disk in the complex plane having the monomials as eigenvectors, but which fail spectral synthesis (that is, which have closed invariant subspaces which are not the closed linear span of any collection of eigenvectors).
Application of Nonlinear Nodal Diffusion Generalized Perturbation Theory to Nuclear Fuel Reload Optimization

The determination of the family of optimum core loading patterns for pressurized water reactors (PWRs) involves the assessment of the core attributes for thousands of candidate loading patterns. Fo...
Generation of high densities of gas phase O2 (a1∆) from optical pumping of liquid oxygen

A long-pulse Nd:YAG laser is used to produce high densities of O2 (a1∆g) in liquid oxygen. Optical absorption, oxygen excitation and partial energy disposal into heating results in the production of an atmosphere of gas phase O2 (a1∆g).
Associations of body mass index and waist circumference with risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome in women and men: A prospective analysis of three cohort studies.

Background The association of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) has been inconsistent in previous studies. Methods We examined the associations of BMI and WC in relation to risk of GBS among 252,980 participants from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), NHS-II, and the Health Professional Follow-up Study (HPFS). BMI and WC were assessed by self-reported questionnaire, and GBS cases were self-reported. Results We documented 328 incident GBS cases during a total of 5,422,788 person years of follow-up. Compared to participants with BMI<25kg/m2, the multivariate pooled hazard ratio (HR) of GBS was 1.34 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.73) for overweight participants (25kg/m2≤BMI<30 kg/m2), and 1.68 (95% CI: 1.21, 2.35) for obese participants (BMI≥30 kg/m2) (P for trend = 0.001). Compared to participants with normal WC (<35 inches for women and <40 inches for men), the HR of GBS was 1.55 (95% CI: 1.10, 2.18) for participants with high WC (≥35 inches for women, and ≥40 inches for men). The positive associations of BMI and WC with risk of GBS were attenuated to null after mutually adjusting for BMI and WC. Joint analysis showed that the HR was 1.84 (95% CI: 1.27, 2.66) for participants with high WC and BMI≥25 kg/m2 in comparison to participants with normal WC and BMI<25kg/m2. Conclusion These data from large cohorts showed that higher BMI and WC jointly were associated with higher risk of GBS. Our study highlighted the importance of maintaining a normal body weight and waist circumference in prevention of GBS.
Spatial and temporal trends in parasite infections of the daggerblade grass shrimp Palaemon pugio in coastal Georgia

Abstract The daggerblade grass shrimp Palaemon pugio can be a host for many types of parasites including the microphallid trematode Microphallus turgidus and the haplosporidian hyperparasite Urosporidium crescens. Parasitic infection by trematodes can influence grass shrimp behaviors and may alter habitat selection. We conducted monthly sampling to determine the abundance, density, intensity, and prevalence of M. turgidus and U. crescens at two sites near Savannah, Georgia. The goals of this study were to determine which microhabitat type P. pugio frequented more often, either sandy substrates or rocks with the invasive and habitat altering red alga Agarophyton vermiculophyllum, which was present seasonally, and whether trematode infection corresponded to microhabitat usage. Additionally, we aimed to determine whether temporal changes in parasitic infection correlated to abiotic factors. The results indicated grass shrimp were more likely to be located over sand substrate, even when A. vermiculophyllum was present. Furthermore, the surveys did not detect a relationship between shrimp microhabitat usage and trematode abundance, density, or intensity. All analyzed measures of trematode and hyperparasite infection differed significantly among months with some instances of intraseasonal variation. A negative relationship was detected between salinity and trematode prevalence and mean abundance, but not with temperature. No relationship was observed between salinity or temperature and hyperparasite prevalence or mean abundance. Through consistent monthly sampling of a heterogeneous habitat containing a habitat-altering invasive species, this study supports previous findings that salinity plays a role in M. turgidus abundance within P. pugio and demonstrates that A. vermiculophyllum does not appear to influence host microhabitat preferences, regardless of trematode infection. However, salinity alone cannot account for all observed parasite patterns; thus, it is likely that a combination of fluctuating abiotic conditions, unaccounted for aspects of habitat structure, and the presence of other host species determines grass shrimp risk of parasite infection.
Control of sparseness for feature selection

In linear discriminant (LD) analysis high sample size/feature ratio is desirable. The linear programming procedure (LP) for LD identification handles the curse of dimensionality through simultaneous minimization of the L1 norm of the classification errors and the LD weights. The sparseness of the solution – the fraction of features retained – can be controlled by a parameter in the objective function. By qualitatively analyzing the objective function and the constraints of the problem, we show why sparseness arises. In a sparse solution, large values of the LD weight vector reveal those individual features most important for the decision boundary.
German Romantic Psychiatry

In eighteenth century Germany the homeless poor and the mentally ill were typically housed together with all varieties of unwanted but dangerous folk. The Zucht and Tollhaus, a combined penitentiary and madhouse, exemplified this form of institution, which was supposed to free the countryside from all kinds of “rabble” and thereby assure public safety. Previously, such institutions had been established only in the larger towns. Most of them were established in abandoned castles and monasteries, only a few being in new, specially constructed buildings. Order was maintained by severe military discipline, including a thorough whipping of all inmates at the time of admission. It was supplemented by religious exhortation; when work was instituted, it was for the benefit of the institution.1 The severe treatment was justified by the alleged dangerousness of the inmates. Combining penitentiary and madhouse allowed for an economical solution since “improved” criminals became the wardens for the mentally ill. Most of these institutions were small. Men, women, and children, the well and the sick, all lived together.2
Prevention of the inhibitory effects of aspirin on sodium transport in canine gastric mucosa by prostaglandin. Correlation with mucosal morphology.

Abstract Using an in vitro canine gastric mucosal preparation, this study evaluated the effects of 1 m M aspirin in a buffered Ringer solution (pH = 7.4), with and without concomitant prostaglandin (PG) treatment, on net sodium transport (mucosa to serosa) across gastric epithelium. Administration of aspirin to the mucosal bathing solution for 2 hr significantly decreased the potential difference (PD), short circuit current (I sc ), and net sodium transport (net J-Na + ) when compared with untreated control mucosa. In mucosa treated with 16,16-dimethyl PGE 2 (8 × 10 −6 M ) in the serosal bathing solution 40 min after aspirin exposure and for 80 min thereafter, the initial inhibitory effects on PD, I sc , and net J-Na + induced by aspirin were completely reversed within 40 min of PG treatment, having returned to control values. Histologically, mucosa exposed to aspirin alone showed evidence of diffuse cellular injury involving 50–60% of the surface epithelium. In contrast, mucosa treated with prostaglandin in conjunction with aspirin exposure demonstrated damage involving only 20–30% of the epithelium. These findings suggest that stimulation of sodium transport by PG may play a role in mediating the cytoprotective effects of PGs against aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury.
Analyses of Acceptable Use Policies Regarding the Internet in Selected K–12 Schools

AbstractThis study examined the presence, origins, contents, and purposes of Internet acceptable use policies (AUPs) in 100 selected K–12 schools in the United States. An online survey and a content analysis of 24 selected AUPs were used to provide data. Descriptive and qualitative analysis of the data indicated that K–12 schools are using AUPs to address the issues and concerns surrounding the Internet; most policies are developed at the district or school level; areas of liability, online behavior, system integrity, and content quality are key issues contained in AUPs; and violation of policies usually resulted in loss of Internet access.
Contributions From yZ Box Diagrams to Parity Violating Elastic e-p Scattering

Parity-violating (PV) elastic electron-proton scattering measures Q-weak for the proton, Q{sub W}{sup p}. To extract Q{sub W}{sup p} from data, all radiative corrections must be well-known. Recently, disagreement on the {gamma}Z box contribution to Q{sub W}{sup p} has prompted the need for further analysis of this term. Here, we support one choice of a debated factor, go beyond the previously assumed equality of electromagnetic and {gamma}Z structure functions, and find an analytic result for one of the {gamma}Z box integrals. Our numerical evaluation of the {gamma}Z box is in agreement within errors with previous reports, albeit somewhat larger in central value, and is within the uncertainty requirements of current experiments.
The StarLite project

The components and design of the StarLite programming environment for Modula-2 and several projects that are being developed using StarLite are discussed. StarLite emulates a 1000-node, shared virtual memory multiprocessor on a single hardware processor. The parallel programming package is discussed, and some of the operating system design problems for a massively parallel computer are reviewed. >
Gresham’s Law in Legal Education

Legal education can learn important lessons from Gresham's Law. (That law is informally stated as "bad, or debased, money tends to drive good, or full value, money out of circulation.") When the intrinsic value of something can be separated from the nominal value, as is true with money and law degrees, some people will seek the benefits of the nominal value without "paying the cost" of the intrinsic value. A nominal value of the law degree is the ability to take the bar exam or be licensed; the intrinsic value is the education and skills expected of one who has the degree. In turn, such a separation of values can put pressure on "good" education to compete with debased education, since both carry the same nominal value for licensing. Accreditation can serve the purpose of ensuring that the nominal value of a law degree reflects true educational value and the accreditation Standards of the ABA should be directed toward that end. Because the ABA intentionally ties its accreditation to licensure, its touchstone should be the public interest served by licensure. The Standards can be justified only if they contribute to this interest in an effective and efficient way. The AALS membership process, on the other hand, has other goals and some of its membership requirements are legitimately directed to academic and faculty interests.
(tert‐Butyldimethylsilyl)Allene

(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)allene intermediate: 2-propargyloxytetrahydropyran intermediate: 3-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-2-propyn-1-ol catalyst: 13.0 g (60.0 mmol) of o-nitrobenzenesulfonyl hydrazide product: (tert-butyldimethylsilyl)allene Keywords: acetal (and thioacetal) formation; addition, to CC; elimination, miscellaneous; hydrolysis, acetals and ketals; metalation reactions, silicon; protection, oxygen; replacement reactions, halogen by amino
Cross-course design projects for engineering technology students

This paper describes how two classes in the Engineering Technology Department at Western Washington University, Applied Engineering Statics and Strength of Materials, have been linked together through the use of an integrated cross-course design project. The primary purpose of the project is to help students learn to utilize course material to analyze open-ended problems. In addition, various aspects of the project provide students with instruction and experience in project management, teamwork, oral, written and visual communication, creative problem solving, and business skills. Along with the goals and integration process, this paper describes the projects that have been used and the changes that have occurred. Assessment data shows that the integration of the project has been successful at meeting its goals.
Freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillidae) from Panamá

Aquatic habitats in the Republic of Panama were examined for freshwater sponges during 21 Feb. to 6 March 1986. Eunapius carteri, Trochospongilla leidyi, and Trochospongilla horrida were found in the northern canal area. This is the first report of E. carteri and T. horrida from Central America, and the first record of E. carteri from the Western Hemisphere. Taxonomic characters used to distinguish T. leidyi and T. horrida from similar South American species are discussed.
Relations between Test-Day Milk Production of Holstein Cows

Summary Milk production on test day from 6,715 Holstein-Friesian HIR 2 × and 3 × records during 1952–54 was studied, to determine the relations between production for single months and cumulative production, and to develop factors for extending part production to a 305-day basis. Correlations between milk produced on test days were largest for adjacent months and ranged from .38 to .89 for 2 × – cows under 3 yr.; from .23 to .88 for 2 × – 3 yr. and over; from .39 to .89 for 3 × – under 3 yr., and from .21 to .88 for 3 × – 3yr. and over. Correlations between milk production on test day, and the sum of milk produced on ten test days, ranged from .71 to .93, were higher for the young cows, were similar for different milking frequencies in the same age group, and were highest during the 4th to 7th mo. The regressions of the sum of production for ten test days on single test-day production had relationships similar to the corresponding correlations. Factors developed from the ratio of total to cumulative part production, and from the regression of total on part production, are presented. The ratio method may underestimate total production of low-producing cows and overestimate total production of high-producing cows, since the ratio method corrects only for the incompleteness of the lactation and does not take into account the incomplete repeatability of the parts of the lactation, which is a part of the regression method. This difference is largest during the early months.
Urinary reflux via the vas deferens: Unusual cause of epididymitis in infancy

Summary Urinary reflux into the vasa deferentia and seminal vesicles can take place with obstructive lesions of the urethra in infants. In such cases epididymitis may occur, which should alert the physician to the possible existence of such a lesion. In these cases complete urologic evaluation with excretory urography, cystourethrography, and endoscopy should be carried out as indicated. Two cases are presented of epididymitis, which, when drained, resulted in temporary urethrovasocutaneous fistulas. Review of the literature has revealed only one previous case report of this complication in infants. 8
Diagnostics for confined plasma ablation for plate launch and shock generation

Confined plasma ablation is an efficient method to accelerate 1-D metal plates, with the impact of the plate resulting in a well-defined shock being generated in a target material. By using confined plasma to accelerate a plate, some details of the laser parameters are decoupled from the plate impact. Several types of experiments and related diagnostics to evaluate the performance parameters of the laser beam, flyer plate acceleration, and plate conditions are described. Several experiments using the flyer plates to generate shocks in materials to determine pressure-velocity relations, and dynamic spall strength of various metals are presented.
ADENINE ARABINOSIDE THERAPY OF VARICELLA ZOSTER IN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PATIENTS

Nineteen immunosuppressed patients with varicella zoster were enrolled in a randomized crossover 10 day trial of adenine arabinoside. Of 14 with reticuloendothelial malignancy, 7 were receiving active chemotherapy. Age, sex, underlying disease, and preceding chemotherapy were comparable for both randomization groups. Eight patients received drug over the first 5 days and placebo the next 5; while 11 received the exact opposite regimen. In spite of natural healing in the placebo group, adenine arabinoside significantly accelerated cutaneous healing for the elimination of virus from vesicles (P = 0.015) and cessation of new vesicle formation (P = 0.026). Although pustulation was not statistically accelerated, all treated patients had completely pustulated by the time of crossover. Five patients, all with reticuloendothelial cancer, developed pneumonitis and, because of the crossover received adenine arabinoside during their disease course. The mean duration of pneumonitis was 5.6 days ± 2.1 (range: 3 to 8). Resolution was temporally associated with therapy. There were no study deaths. Clinical and laboratory evidence of toxicity was insignificant at the dose employed. These data for therapy of primary varicella zoster infection support the larger study demonstrating accelerated healing and satisfactory therapeutic index in herpes zoster with adenine arabinoside.
What Works? Countermeasures to Terrorism: A Case Study of PKK

What works? This can be the ultimate question in the war on terrorism. How can we reduce and hopefully eliminate this type of human suffering? A good many ideas or suggestions are available; howeve...
Alkyl‐Substituted N‐Vinylimidazolium Polymerized Ionic Liquids: Thermal Properties and Ionic Conductivities

Structure-property relationships for polymerized ionic liquids (PILs) relate chemical structure to ionic conductivity and reveal the importance of glass transition temperature (Tg) and the energy associated with an ion-hopping mechanism for ion conduction for a series of alkyl-substituted vinylimidazolium PILs. The alkyl-substituted vinylimidazolium-based PILs with varying lengths of n-alkyl substituents provide diverse precursors with exchangeable anions to further enhance thermal stability and ionic conductivity. As the anion size increases, regardless of alkyl substituent length, Tg decreases and the onset of weight loss, TD, increases. As the length of the alkyl substituent increases, Tg decreases for PILs with Br− and BF4− counteranions. Ionic conductivity increases over an order of magnitude upon exchange of the counteranion from TfO− < Tf2N−.
Analytical determination and detection of individual odor signatures

Despite the fact that therapeutic approaches and diagnostic capabilities have made tremendous advances in the past few decades, the associated costs with these treatments continue to rise. This fact, coupled with a rapidly aging population, threatens to cripple our nation's capability to deliver quality healthcare at reasonable and affordable price points. The research community must therefore look to implementing transformational approaches that revolutionize both the way we diagnose and treat patients. Emerging multi-disciplinary research in the fields of molecular biology, systems biology, and solid-state sensing is poised to make such a contribution. Here we highlight key critical insights in the field of human derived volatile organic compound (VOC) signatures and the potential for non-invasive diagnostics. With the aim of developing future VOC-based diagnostics, we identify some critical gaps in our knowledge of how these often complex signatures are influenced by genetics, physiological state, and population variance. Also, we highlight a few canine and solid-state sensing strategies to demonstrate that VOC-based breath diagnostics are feasible and we suggest a bio-inspired approach for optimizing sensor architectures. VOC based diagnostics should drastically enhance early detection of multiple diseases, increase the time for therapeutic intervention, provide the capability to monitor in real-time the efficacy of therapeutic treatments, provide the context of emerging pathological outbreaks across participating populations, and potentially decrease mortality associated with many diseases by orders of magnitude.
A spatial study of mixed wireless and wireline heterogeneous networks

Networks in the future will be composed of a large number of devices with heterogeneous resources, various kinds of communication schemes, and different mobility capabilities. In order to achieve maximal efficiency under various constraints, it is critical to determine how devices should connect to each other, through wired or wireless links. The impact and the design of mixed wireline and wireless networks thus require thorough investigation. In this paper, link load, efficiency, and energy consumption of this kind of heterogeneous networks are studied through the simulation of network topologies using different spatial node distribution models, including uniform distribution, Poisson point process, and Matern cluster process. How the spatial node distribution affects the performance of the mixed wireless and wireline networks is discussed.
Noise correlations of fermions and hard core bosons in a quasi-periodic potential

We use Hanbury-Brown-Twiss interferometry (HBTI) to study various quantum phases of hard core bosons (HCBs) and ideal fermions confined in a one-dimensional quasi-periodic (QP) potential. For HCBs, the QP potential induces a cascade of Mott-like band-insulator phases in the extended regime, in addition to the Mott insulator, Bose glass, and superfluid phases. At critical filling factors, the appearance of these insulating phases is heralded by a peak to dip transition in the interferogram, which reflects the fermionic aspect of HCBs. On the other hand, ideal fermions in the extended phase display various complexities of incommensurate structures such as devil’s staircases and Arnold tongues. In the localized phase, the HCB and the fermion correlations are identical except for the sign of the peaks. Finally, we demonstrate that HBTI provides an effective method to distinguish Mott and glassy phases.
Advances in oral anticoagulants: focus on dabigatran etexilate

Vitamin K antagonists, predominantly warfarin, have been the cornerstone of anticoagulation therapy for many decades. However, warfarin use is associated with limitations such as a slow onset of action, a narrow therapeutic index, numerous drug interactions, and frequent monitoring is required of prothrombin time and the international normalized ratio. These shortcomings prompted the development of new oral anticoagulants. Dabigatran etexilate is a novel, oral, reversible, direct thrombin inhibitor that acts on the terminal steps of the coagulation cascade overcoming many of warfarin’s limitations. Currently, dabigatran etexilate is approved in multiple regions including Europe and Canada, for the primary prevention of venous thromboembolism in adults who have undergone total hip replacement or total knee replacement surgery. A Phase III trial demonstrated noninferiority of dabigatran etexlitate compared with warfarin for the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, and one Phase III tri...
Effect of Nadir CD4+ T cell count on clinical measures of periodontal disease in HIV+ adults before and during immune reconstitution on HAART.

Background The contribution of HIV-infection to periodontal disease (PD) is poorly understood. We proposed that immunological markers would be associated with improved clinical measures of PD. Methods We performed a longitudinal cohort study of HIV-infected adults who had started highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) 0mm, clinical attachment level (CAL) ≥4.0mm, and bleeding on probing (BOP) at ≥4 sites/tooth and microbiologically as specific periodontopathogen concentration. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the associations between immune function and PD. Results Forty (40) subjects with median 2.7 months on HAART and median nadir CD4+ T-cell count of 212 cells/μl completed a median 3 visits. Over 24 months, CD4+ T-cell count increased by a mean 173 cells/µl (p<0.001) and HIV RNA decreased by 0.5 log10 copies/ml (p<0.001); concurrently, PPD, CAL and BOP decreased by a mean 11.7%, 12.1%, and 14.7% respectively (all p<0.001). Lower nadir CD4+ T-cell count was associated with worse baseline REC (-6.72%; p=0.04) and CAL (9.06%; p<0.001). Further, lower nadir CD4+ T-cell count was associated with a greater relative longitudinal improvement in PPD in subjects with higher baseline levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis (p=0.027), and BOP in subjects with higher baseline levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis or Treponema denticola (p=0.001 and p=0.006 respectively). Longitudinal changes from baseline in CD4+ T-cell count and level of HIV RNA were not independently associated with longitudinal changes in any clinical markers of PD. Conclusion Degree of immunosuppression was associated with baseline gingival recession. After HAART initiation, measures of active PD improved most in those with lower nadir CD4+ T-cell counts and higher baseline levels of specific periodontopathogens. Nadir CD4+ T-cell count differentially influences periodontal disease both before and after HAART in HIV-infected adults.
Change: How a “Veteran” Music Librarian Keeps Up

ABSTRACT This article was originally written as an informal presentation at the Midwest Chapter meeting of the Music Library Association in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, October 6, 2006. It was one of four presentations included in the session entitled “Library Education for a Changing Job Market.” The presentation takes a look at how several mid-career music librarians keep up with constant change and our digitally born younger colleagues.
Activation Loop Tyrosines Allow the JAK2(V617F) Mutant to Attain Hyperactivation

A gain-of-function mutation (V617F) in the pseudokinase domain of JAK2 is frequently present in patients with myeloproliferative disorders such as polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis. This mutation might serve as an important diagnostic biomarker for these uncommon diseases and may represent a target for novel therapy. It is imperative that a well-defined molecular mechanism be provided to account for the gain of function. This manuscript focuses on whether the V617F mutation is sufficient to cause constitutive activation of the enzyme. The evidence presented suggests that the V617F mutation would not cause constitutive activation because its hyperactivating effect is not observed when the mutation is combined with the YY1007,1008FF mutations. The phosphorylation of these two tyrosines within the activation loop is generally accepted as an essential step in the enzyme's normal transition from a basal state of activity to a fully active catalytic state following cytokine receptor stimulation. These observations are consistent with an interpretation that V617F-induced hyperactivation does not supersede the requirement for receptor-mediated activation, as others have shown by combining the V617F mutation with critical mutations in the enzyme's FERM domain. Thus, JAK2(V617F) should be considered as a hyperactive kinase rather than a constitutively active kinase.
Iterative cache simulation of embedded CPUs with trace stripping

Trace-driven cache simulation is a time-consuming yet valuable procedure for evaluating the performance of embedded memory systems. In this paper we present a novel technique, called iterative cache simulation, to produce a variety of performance metrics for several different cache configurations. Compared with previous work in this field, our approach has the following features. First, it supports a wide range of performance metrics, including miss ratio, write-back counts, bus traffic, et al. Second, unlike estimation-based methods, the results produced by our simulator are accurate. Third, our approach is flexible. It can simulate both uniprocessor and multiprocessor caches, with options of higher level caches, sub-block replacement and prefetching. Last, it is fast. Our simulation results show that it has similar runtime as the fastest one-pass cache simulator.
Background suppression in MAS NMR

Abstract Pulse sequences for suppressing background signals from spinning modules used in magic-angle spinning NMR are described. These pulse sequences are based on spatially selective composite 90° pulses originally reported by Bax, which provide for no net excitation of spins outside the homogeneous region of the coil. We have achieved essentially complete suppression of background signals originating from our Vespel spinning module (which uses a free-standing coil) in both 1H and 13C spectra without notable loss in signal intensity. Successful modification of both Bloch decay and cross-polarization pulse sequences to include spatially selective pulses was essential to acquire background-free spectra for weak samples. Background suppression was also found to be particularly valuable for both T1 and T1ϱ, relaxation measurements.
Cytokinin production by microorganisms

There is good evidence that bacteria and fungi produce cytokinins. A number of microorganisms excrete cytokinin-active nucleosides and free bases into culture media. Cytokinin-active nucleosides have also been found in the tRNA of all the bacteria and fungi examined so far. The production of zeatin and its derivatives by microorganisms seems to be limited to those which cause diseases in higher plants or enter into symbioses. The symptoms of the plant-microbe interactions often resemble the effects of exogenously applied cytokinins, leading to speculation that microbes excrete cytokinins into host tissue. Some associations involving obligate parasites also exhibit such symptoms, providing circumstantial evidence that these organisms also excrete cytokinins.
Redundant Mitral Valve Simulating an Intracardiac Mass on Transesophageal Echocardiography

Cardiac ultrasound is a useful diagnostic modality for the evaluation of cardiac masses and tumors. However, normal cardiac structures and normal variants can mimic masses with both transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography. We report two patients in whom a redundant mitral leaflet simulated cardiac tumor attached to the mitral valve by transesophageal echocardiography. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 11, May 1994)
Novel Regulation of Endothelin-1 Promoter Activity by Protein Kinase C

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is produced in unusually large amounts by the renal collecting duct and acts locally to control renal salt and water excretion and arterial pressure; disorders of collecting duct ET-1 activity can cause marked hypertension. The mechanisms regulating collecting duct ET-1 synthesis are, however, poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of protein kinase C (PKC), a known regulator of ET-1 production in endothelial cells, in (1) the control of collecting duct ET-1 production; and (2) the modulation of ET-1 promoter region activity. Cultured rat inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells were studied. Calphostin C, a PKC inhibitor, greatly reduced IMCD ET-1 release. Sustained exposure to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) also decreased ET-1 secretion. PKC inhibition decreased steady-state ET-1 mRNA content. A brief exposure (15 min) to PMA augmented ET-1 mRNA levels, while prolonged PMA exposure (120 min) reduced ET-1 mRNA content, PKC inhibition did not affect ET-1 mRNA stability. Transfection of ET-1 promoter-luciferase reporter constructs into IMCD cells demonstrated that PKC inhibition reduced activity of only the larger promoter fragments (containing at least 1,725 bp 5′ to the ET-1 gene transcription start site). Mutation of a previously identified AP-1 site at −186 in the ET-1 promoter greatly reduced activity of transfected ET-1 promoter-reporter constructs (containing 366 or 1,725 bp 5′ to the transcription start site); however, this region appears not to be regulated by PKC in IMCD cells. In summary, PKC stimulates collecting duct ET-1 synthesis via transcriptional activation of the ET-1 promoter. Such transcriptional activation occurs at a heretofore undescribed PKC-regulated region of the ET-1 promoter.
Nonparametric estimation of the anisotropic probability density of mixed variables

The problem of nonparametric estimation of the joint probability density of a vector of continuous and ordinal/nominal categorical random variables with bounded support is considered. There are numerous publications devoted to the cases of either continuous or categorical variables, and the curse of dimensionality and strong regularity assumptions are the two familiar issues in the literature. Mixed variables occur in practically all applications of the statistical science and, nonetheless, the literature devoted to the joint density estimation is practically next to none. This paper develops the theory of estimation of the density of mixed variables which is on par with results known for simpler settings. Specifically, a data-driven estimator is developed that adapts to unknown anisotropic smoothness of the joint density and, whenever the density depends on a smaller number of variables, performs a dimension reduction that implies the corresponding optimal rate of the mean integrated squared error (MISE) convergence. The results hold without traditional, in the density estimation literature, minimal regularity assumptions like differentiability or continuity of the density. The procedure of estimation is based on mimicking an oracle-estimator that knows the underlying density, and the main theoretical result is the oracle inequality which relates the MISEs of the estimator and the oracle-estimator. The proof is based on a new exponential inequality for Sobolev statistics which is of interest on its own merits.
Surface Rheology of Monolayers of Triblock Copolymers of PEO and PPO: Surface Light Scattering Studies at the Air/Water Interface

Static and dynamic viscoelastic studies of monolayers of triblock copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide), PEO, and poly(propylene oxide), PPO, are performed at the air/water interface. These copolymers are better known by their trade names of Pluronics and Polaxamers. The technique of surface light scattering (SLS) with the Wilhelmy plate method enables us to probe both static and dynamic viscoelastic properties of the monolayers. The effect of varying the molecular architecture on the surface viscoelastic response is examined with two different copolymers, PEO-PPO-PEO (2.20 kg/mol) and its symmetric counterpart, PPO-PEO-PPO (1.95 kg/mol), over the temperature range 7-32 °C. SLS experiment reveals that the elastic contribution dominates the viscoelastic behavior of both copolymers over the entire temperature range. Further, there is a clear correspondence between the static elasticity and the dynamic viscoelasticity relative to monolayer surface density. When the static elasticity deduced from the surface pressure-surface density isotherm reaches a maximum, the corresponding behavior is observed for the dynamic elasticity and viscosity deduced from SLS.
The Syntactic and Semantic Organization of Pigeon Guillemot (Ceppbus columba) Vocal Behavior

and Summary The vocal behavior of the pigeon guillemot (Cepphus columba) was studied for 5 years on Southeast Farallon Island, California in order to determine whether there were, rules common to many of the signals in the repertoire that could relate variation in signal structure to message content. The vocal displays used by pigeon guillemots in social communication are described, and variation in four vocal display classes (Hunch-whistles, FM notes, Screams, Trills) is quantitatively analysed. Two sets of rules that relate signal structure to message content are proposed to describe variation in pigeon guillemot vocalizations. One set of rules relates continuous variation within each of the four vocal display classes to the signaller's probability of subsequent movement. The second rule set, based on a simple hierarchy, regulates the assemblage of notes into higher-level units (phrases, displays) which encode progressively more information. Tape playback experiments confirmed an assumption made by this model: lower-level vocal elements contribute a specific message to each of the higher-level vocalizations in which they occur. The implications of this model for the perception of sounds and decoding of messages are discussed.
Susceptibility of the hair cells of the newborn rat cochlea to hypoxia and ischemia

Hypoxia and ischemia are thought to be important pathogenetic factors in bringing about hearing loss. In order to study the effect of these determinants on the loss of inner and outer hair cells (IHCs/OHCs), we used an in vitro hypoxia and ischemia model of the newborn rat cochlea. The specimens of the organ of Corti were exposed either to hypoxia (10-20 mm Hg) or to normoxic glucose deprivation or to both (ischemia) in artificial perilymph for different exposure periods. The number of IHCs and OHCs was counted and the hair cell loss was compared to controls. Normoxic aglycemia did not cause significant hair cell loss as compared to controls. Hypoxia and ischemia led to hair cell loss in a dose-dependent manner, with the loss in the ischemia groups found to be markedly higher than that in the hypoxia groups. Hypoxia resulted in a mean loss of 8% OHC and of 14% IHC after an 8-h exposure. Ischemia increased the loss to 19% OHC and 39% IHC after the same exposure period of 8 h. Our findings suggest that IHCs are more susceptible to hypoxia/ischemia than OHCs.
Trainings that Demystify Strategic Decision‐making Processes

It is argued that training programmes about strategic decision making tend to take an analytic approach. In doing so, they simply overlook the surprises and chaos that often characterises strategic discussions; they imply they are not important. Yet it is this discussion process itself that may be most in need of managing. Several behavioural simulations now existing are described which provide a structured context wherein participants can get insights into how executives reach agreements about strategy.
Mapping the spatial limbos of spiritual warfare: haunted houses, defiled land and the horrors of history

Through an examination of spiritual warfare handbooks, this article hopes to make material both Third Wave Evangelical imaginings of physical space and their rituals to purify it, activities that m...
Diverse histone modifications on histone 3 lysine 9 and their relation to DNA methylation in specifying gene silencing

Previous studies of individual genes have shown that in a self-enforcing way, dimethylation at histone 3 lysine 9 (dimethyl-H3K9) and DNA methylation cooperate to maintain a repressive mode of inactive genes. Less clear is whether this cooperation is generalized in mammalian genomes, such as mouse genome. Here we use epigenomic tools to simultaneously interrogate chromatin modifications and DNA methylation in a mouse leukemia cell line, L1210. Histone modifications on H3K9 and DNA methylation in L1210 were profiled by both global CpG island array and custom mouse promoter array analysis. We used chromatin immunoprecipitation microarray (ChIP-chip) to examine acetyl-H3K9 and dimethyl-H3K9. We found that the relative level of acetyl-H3K9 at different chromatin positions has a wider range of distribution than that of dimethyl-H3K9. We then used differential methylation hybridization (DMH) and the restriction landmark genome scanning (RLGS) to analyze the DNA methylation status of the same targets investigated by ChIP-chip. The results of epigenomic profiling, which have been independently confirmed for individual loci, show an inverse relationship between DNA methylation and histone acetylation in regulating gene silencing. In contrast to the previous notion, dimethyl-H3K9 seems to be less distinct in specifying silencing for the genes tested. This study demonstrates in L1210 leukemia cells a diverse relationship between histone modifications and DNA methylation in the maintenance of gene silencing. Acetyl-H3K9 shows an inverse relationship between DNA methylation and histone acetylation in regulating gene silencing as expected. However, dimethyl-H3K9 seems to be less distinct in relation to promoter methylation. Meanwhile, a combination of epigenomic tools is of help in understanding the heterogeneity of epigenetic regulation, which may further our vision accumulated from single-gene studies.