cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proton nuclear magnetic resonance studies on the molecular dynamics of plasmenylcholine/cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol bilayers.

Physiologically relevant molecular species of plasmenylcholine and phosphatidylcholine were synthesized and their molecular dynamics and interactions with cholesterol were compared by determination of salient proton spin-lattice relaxation times and apparent activation energies for 1H-NMR observable motion. The molecular dynamics of PA PhosCho (1-hexadecanoyl-2-eicosatetra-5′,8′,11′,14′-enoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) were substantially different from PA PlasCho (1-O-(Z)-hexadec-1′-enyl-2-eicosatetra-5′,8′,11′,14′-enoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) in multiple regions of the bilayer. Furthermore, the fluidity gradient of PA PhosCho was larger than that of PA PlasCho as ascertained by 1H spin-lattice relaxation time measurements. Introduction of cholesterol into each bilayer resulted in disparate effects on the dynamics of each subclass including: (1) increased motional freedom in the polar head group of PA PlasCho without substantial alterations in the dynamics of the polar head group of PA PhosCho; and (2) increased immobilization of the membrane interior in PA PhosCho in comparison to PA PhosCho. Analysis of Arrhenius plots of T1 relaxation times demonstrated that the apparent activation energies for vinyl and bisallylic methylene proton NMR observable motion in PA PhosCho were greater than that in PA PlasCho. Thus, comparisons of spin-lattice relaxation times and apparent activation energies demonstrate that vesicles comprised of PA PlasCho and PA PhosCho possess differential molecular dynamics and distinct interactions with cholesterol. Collectively, these results underscore the significance of the conjoint presence of the vinyl ether linkage and arachidonic acid as an important determinant of membrane dynamics in specialized mammalian membranes.
The partial μ opiate agonist buprenorphine protects a sub-population of thalamic reticular neurons following cardiac arrest in rats

Abstract Extensive loss of neurons occurs from the middle region of the thalamic reticular nucleus (RT) in rats resuscitated after 10 min of cardiac arrest. Administration of the partial μ opiate agonist buprenorphine 45 min after resuscitation produces a small but significant increase in spared neurons along the medial and lateral margins of the middle RT, regions where μ receptors have been localized. Systemic administration of μ agonists may augment endogenous opiate mechanisms that contribute to the relative ischemic resistance of subpopulations of RT neurons.
What is the right dose of epinephrine

Objective: To review the findings and discuss implications of studies on high-dose epinephrine (0.1 mg/kg) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in children. Design: A critical appraisal of “A Comparison of High-Dose and Standard-Dose Epinephrine in Children with Cardiac Arrest” by Perondi et al. (N Engl J Med 2004; 350:1722–1730), with literature review. Findings: Retrospective studies investigating the use of high-dose epinephrine during pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation demonstrate conflicting results with respect to return of spontaneous circulation and survival. The randomized controlled trial by Perondi et al. demonstrates decreased survival with the use of high-dose epinephrine and no difference in return of spontaneous circulation when compared with the standard dose. Conclusions: There is no benefit from the use of high-dose epinephrine in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation. There is potential harm from such dosing. The cumulative evidence against the use of high-dose epinephrine during pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation is strong.
Nocturnal Enuresis: Correlation with Bacteriuria, Proteinuria and Dysuria

Nocturnal enuresis has troubled parents and physicians at least since the 16th century. Theories as to its cause and cure have varied with the fad and fashion of the times and, until recent years, most studies have remarkable principally for sampling bias and lack of controls. Myths which have been recently discarded include those relating it to deep sleep, lack of early toilet training, spina bifida occulta, low intelligence or common behavior problems. The present investigations of renal disease in school children presented a unique opportunity to evaluate the role of abnormal urinary findings in enuretic children and their non-enuretic classmates as well as re-examination of its association with sex, ethnic group, socio-economic level, birth order and mother's level of education and martial status. The prevalence of current bed-wetting for 6- to 10-year-old children was noted to be 18% for girls and 24% for boys (p < 0.001); and to differ significantly by ethnic group for girls but not for boys; by socio-economic level and family size for boys but not for girls; and for both sexes by mother's education but not by the other demographic characteristics examined. For girls, prevalence of significant bacteriuria increased in association with both presence and frequency of current enuresis (p < 0.005) and past complaint of dysuria (p < 0.025). No significant difference for prevalence of proteinuria in boys or girls was noted when analyzed by current enuresis or past complaint of dysuria.
Cell-Extrinsic Defective Lymphocyte Development in Lmna-/- Mice

Background: Mutations in the LMNA gene, which encodes all A-type lamins, result in a variety of human diseases termed laminopathies. Lmna -/- mice appear normal at birth but become runted as early as 2 weeks of age and develop multiple tissue defects that mimic some aspects of human laminopathies. Lmna -/- mice also display smaller spleens and thymuses. In this study, we investigated whether altered lymphoid organ sizes are correlated with specific defects in lymphocyte development. Principal Findings: Lmna -/- mice displayed severe age-dependent defects in T and B cell development which coincided with runting. Lmna -/- bone marrow reconstituted normal T and B cell development in irradiated wild-type recipients, driving generation of functional and self-MHC restricted CD4 + and CD8 + T cells. Transplantation of Lmna -/- neonatal thymus lobes into syngeneic wild-type recipients resulted in good engraftment of thymic tissue and normal thymocyte development. Conclusions: Collectively, these data demonstrate that the severe defects in lymphocyte development that characterize Lmna -/- mice do not result directly from the loss of A-type lamin function in lymphocytes or thymic stroma. Instead, the immune defects in Lmna -/- mice likely reflect indirect damage, perhaps resulting from prolonged stress due to the striated muscle dystrophies that occur in these mice.
Comparing Sexual Risk Behaviors Between Sexual Minority Men Living With and Without a Chronic Illness/Disability (CID)

There is a dearth of information regarding high-risk sexual behaviors among sexual minority men (e.g., men who do not exclusively ascribe to heteronormativity, such as gay, bisexual, or queer) living with chronic illness/disability (CID) conditions. This brief study compared the number of sexual partners in a 12-month period and scores on the Sexual Risk Scale (SRS) between sexual minority men living with and without CID conditions. Results revealed that sexual minority men living with CID conditions were likely to indicate more sexual partners in a 12-month period and endorse higher scores on the SRS. Implications for future research are provided.
A Comparison of Young Stutterers’ Fluent Versus Stuttered Utterances on Measures of Length and Complexity

This investigation attempted to clarify the relationship between stuttering in young children and the language factors of length and grammatical complexity. Sentences containing stutterings within the first few words, as produced by 12 stutterers (4–6 years old) in spontaneous conversational dyads, were analyzed for length and grammatical complexity. Results indicated that sentences in which an episode of stuttering occurred within the first three words were significantly longer and more complex than sentences that were free of perceptible stuttering and all other forms of fluency failure. Implications of these findings for the clinician are presented and discussed.
Phase I trial of mitoxantrone and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in patients with advanced solid malignancies

Purpose To determine the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) and pharmacokinetics of high-dose mitoxantrone and document the toxicities and side effects of mitoxantrone when administered with GM-CSF.
Barry Buzan and Lene Hansen, The Evolution of International Security Studies

Barry Buzan and Lene Hansen, The Evolution of International Security Studies (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2009). Pp.384, 12 figures, 4 tables. $90.00. Hb. $29.99. Pb. ISBN 978-0-521-69422...
Four-thousand-year-old gold artifacts from the Lake Titicaca basin, southern Peru.

Artifacts of cold-hammered native gold have been discovered in a secure and undisturbed Terminal Archaic burial context at Jiskairumoko, a multicomponent Late Archaic–Early Formative period site in the southwestern Lake Titicaca basin, Peru. The burial dates to 3776 to 3690 carbon-14 years before the present (2155 to 1936 calendar years B.C.), making this the earliest worked gold recovered to date not only from the Andes, but from the Americas as well. This discovery lends support to the hypothesis that the earliest metalworking in the Andes was experimentation with native gold. The presence of gold in a society of low-level food producers undergoing social and economic transformations coincident with the onset of sedentary life is an indicator of possible early social inequality and aggrandizing behavior and further shows that hereditary elites and a societal capacity to create significant agricultural surpluses are not requisite for the emergence of metalworking traditions.
Role of buckminsterfullerene, C 60 , in organic polymeric photoelectric devices

In this review we discus the photophysical properties of the supramolecular composites of two (pi) -electron semiconductors; e.g. conjugated polymers as electron donors and Buckminsterfullerene as electron acceptor. Conjugated, polymeric semiconductors have been found to be effective donors upon photoexcitation of the valence band electrons across the bandgap into the conduction band. The Buckminsterfullerene, C 60 is a powerful acceptor moeity upon photoexcitation. Thus, the supramolecular composite of these two conjugated materials exhibit an ultrafast, reversible, metastable photoinduced electron transfer and charge separation. This process, similar to the primary steps of photosynthesis, has been utilized in conjugated polymer/C 60 based heterojunction as well as Schottky type devices for effective conversion of the solar photon energy into electricity. Other related applications of the above mentioned photophysics include photolithographic and xerographic processes. Furthermore, quantum well like heterostructures based on organic donor-acceptor layers are proposed to exhibit interesting photoinduced phenomena. Non-linear optical (NLO) properties of these composites are reported in comparative studies with the components alone. The results show a strong enhancement of the NLO coefficients in the composite materials compared to the conjugated polymer as well as C 60 alone.
Evaluation of gas chromatographic methods for the determination of trans fat

Consumption of trans fat has been associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. For nutrition labeling purposes, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines trans fat as the sum of all the fatty acids with at least one nonconjugated double bond in the trans configuration. The FDA regulation states that label declarations of trans fat are not required for products that contain less than 0.5 g of trans fat per serving if no claims are made about fat, fatty acids or cholesterol. While attenuated total reflection Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FT-IR) provides reproducible measurements for samples containing more than 5% trans fat, methods based on gas chromatography (GC) are needed to measure lower trans fat levels. Trans fat quantitation by GC has recently been updated by considering more fatty acids, focusing more attention on fatty acids present in low amounts, and by using 100-m high-polarity capillary columns for optimal separation. The consistently high interlaboratory relative standard deviations (RSD, e.g., 21% at 1% trans fatty acids (TFA), 60% at 0.17% TFA), and intralaboratory RSD values (e.g., 10% at 1% TFA, 16% at 0.17% TFA) for trans fat at 1% or less of total fat reported in the collaborative study data for American Oil Chemists Society Official Method Ce 1h-05 suggest the need to carefully define the parameters associated with GC analysis of fatty acids.
Freshwater Copepods and Rotifers: Predators and their Prey

Three main groups of planktonic animals inhabit the limnetic zone of inland waters and compete for common food resources: rotifers, cladocerans and copepods. In addition to competition, their mutual relationships are strongly influenced by the variable, herbivorous and carnivorous feeding modes of the copepods. Most copepod species, at least in their later developmental stages, are efficient predators. They exhibit various hunting and feeding techniques, which enable them to prey on a wide range of planktonic animals from protozoans to small cladocerans. The rotifers are often the most preferred prey. The scope of this paper is limited to predation of freshwater copepods on rotifer prey. Both cyclopoid and calanoid copepods (genera Cyclops, Acanthocyclops, Mesocyclops, Diacyclops, Tropocyclops, Diaptomus, Eudiaptomus, Boeckella, Epischura and others) as predators and several rotifer species (genera Synchaeta, Polyarthra, Filinia, Conochilus, Conochiloides, Brachionus, Keratella, Asplanchna and others) as prey are reported in various studies on the feeding relationships in limnetic communities. Generally, soft-bodied species are more vulnerable to predation than species possessing spines or external structures or loricate species. However, not only morphological but also behavioural characteristics, e.g., movements and escape reactions, and temporal and spatial distribution of rotifer species are important in regulating the impact of copepod predation. The reported predation rates are high enough to produce top-down control and often achieve or even exceed the reproductive rates of the rotifer populations. These findings are discussed and related to the differences between the life history strategies of limnetic rotifer species, with their ability to quickly utilize seasonally changing food resources, and adjust to the more complicated life strategies of copepods.
Pharmacological management of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

The goals of pharmacotherapy in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) are to suppress chronic synovitis which causes potential cartilage destruction and deformities, to control the systemic effects of inflammation (including growth retardation and nutritional deficits), relieve pain and limit psychological impact of disease. Currently available methods include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, salicylates, naproxen, tolmetin, ibuprofen and indomethacin; disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as oral and injectable gold salts, hydroxychloroquine, penicillamine, oral and injectable methotrexate, and sulfasalazine; oral (daily or on alternate days), intravenous pulse or intra-articular corticosteroids; immunosuppresants, including cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, cyclosporin, and azathioprine; and gammaglobulin and other experimental therapies. Over the past 10 years, rheumatologists have adopted more aggressive pharmacological treatment of JRA. As time progresses and the safety of certain drugs such as methotrexate and sulfasalazine becomes clearer, wider and earlier use of these agents can be expected. Still the approach to treatment is a 'step by step' one, starting with the classical NSAIDs and ending with the DMARDs as needed.
Heterogeneity of marker expression in B-cell leukemias and its diagnostic significance.

Abstract Lymphoproliferative disorders of B-cell origin are indentified by surface immunoglobulin markers. Clinically, these include several types of leukemias and lymphomas. We have attempted to further characterize B-cell leukemias immunologically using monoclonal antibodies Leu-1 and FMC-7. While cases of classical B-CLL have been shown to react with Leu-1 monoclonal, most other B-cell leukemias often do not react with Leu-1. Our results show that use of an additional monoclonal FMC-7 does not contribute towards diagnostic reliability.
Mathematical biophysics of some neural nets.

Methods are considered for constructing neural nets of the McCulloch-Pitts type giving arbitrary time delays between stimuli and their responses. By introducing cycles of neurons, the problem is treated from the standpoint of economizing on the number of neurons required. A generalization is effect that will realize any unique temporal response pattern from a unique stimulus.
ESR and optical studies of O2− in NaF☆☆☆

Abstract The O2− molecule-ion has been observed as an impurity in single crystals of sodium fluoride. The ion has been produced principally by room temperature x-irradiation of NaF doped with OH− ions. The O2− ion was identified by its ESR spectrum, observed at liquid helium temperatures. The g-tensor for the resonance has approximate axial symmetry about the molecular axis, with g∥ = 2.97 and g⊥ = 1.41. In crystals containing isotopically enriched oxygen, the hyperfine interaction with the O17 nucleus has been measured. A qualitative comparison of the ESR parameters of O2− in NaF with the determinations of the electronic structure of O2− in other alkali halides is made. The large g-shifts and the appreciable perturbation of the O2− molecular orbitals in the small NaF lattice make a quantitative treatment difficult. Optical studies of O2− in NaF have been made. No absorption band in the near u.v., nor fluorescence excited in that region, could be detected. An absorption at 8.7 eV has tentatively been assigned to a charge-transfer band of O2−. Several other paramagnetic defects, probably associated with oxygen, were also formed in the course of the X-ray production of O2−. Their spin resonance patterns have been studied but no identification has been made.
Damping of oscillations in the semiquinone absorption in reaction centers after successive flashes. Determination of the equilibrium between QA−QB and QAQB−

Abstract A quantitative model for the damping of oscillations of the semiquinone absorption after successive light flashes is presented. It is based on the equilibrium between the states QA−QB and QAQB−. A fit of the model to the experimental results obtained for reaction centers from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides gave a value of α = [ Q A − Q B ] ([ Q A − Q B ] + [ Q A Q B − ]) = 0.065 ± 0.005 (T = 21°C, pH 8).
Enhancement of dorsal raphe discharge by medial pontine reticular formation stimulation depends on behavioral state

Single cell activity was recorded with microwire electrodes from the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) of cats across multiple cycles of sleep and wakefulness. Electrical stimulation of the medial pontine reticular formation (mPRF) produced a 10-fold enhancement of DRN discharge during wakefulness and slow wave sleep but not during desynchronized sleep. The neuronal mechanisms likely to mediate the state-dependent effects of mPRF stimulation are discussed with regard to the hypothesis that DRN plays a major role in behavioral state control.
Subsurface Imaging with Widefield and Confocal Numerical Aperture Increasing Lens Microscopes

We obtain lateral spatial resolutions of 0.88 mum and 0.29 mum with custom infrared widefield and confocal numerical aperture increasing lens microscopes, respectively, when imaging subsurface structures. We discuss the relative advantages of each microscope
Latent class models for algorithm portfolio methods

Different solvers for computationally difficult problems such as satisfiability (SAT) perform best on different instances. Algorithm portfolios exploit this phenomenon by predicting solvers' performance on specific problem instances, then shifting computational resources to the solvers that appear best suited. This paper develops a new approach to the problem of making such performance predictions: natural generative models of solver behavior. Two are proposed, both following from an assumption that problem instances cluster into latent classes: a mixture of multinomial distributions, and a mixture of Dirichlet compound multinomial distributions. The latter model extends the former to capture burstiness, the tendency of solver outcomes to recur. These models are integrated into an algorithm portfolio architecture and used to run standard SAT solvers on competition benchmarks. This approach is found competitive with the most prominent existing portfolio, SATzilla, which relies on domain-specific, hand-selected problem features; the latent class models, in contrast, use minimal domain knowledge. Their success suggests that these models can lead to more powerful and more general algorithm portfolio methods.
Visualizing feedback‐enhanced contrast in magnetic resonance imaging

A new approach to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement has recently been developed that exploits nonlinear feedback interactions to amplify contrast arising from small variations in the underlying MRI parameters. A unified framework for understanding feedback-enhanced contrast is presented here based on the concepts of instability and positive feedback. The specific mechanisms governing contrast enhancement under the feedback interactions of radiation damping, the distant dipolar field, and their joint effect are elucidated through numerical simulations illustrating the involved spin dynamics. Experimental demonstrations of feedback-enhanced contrast are shown on samples of in vitro human brain tissue, and applications to improving lesion detection in disease states such as epilepsy and cancer are discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 30A: 378–393, 2007.
Char gasification in a countercurrent reactor

A model is developed for the countercurrent char gasifier of Lurgi form. Char particles are fed to the top and oxygen, inert, and steam in the bottom. The combustion zone is defined as the zone in which there is a nonzero molfraction of oxygen. In the gasification zone, the particles are assumed to be a lumped system in which the Johnson reaction kinetic expressions are assumed to be valid with the water gas shift reaction at equilibrium. All of the reactions between oxygen and carbon and water and carbon are assumed to take place in the combustion zone but with the carbon-oxygen reaction predominating to form a shell progressive system within the particles. Radiation is taken into account, and parametric computations are made on temperatures, compositions, flow rates, and char reactivity. The maximum temperature is strongly influenced by radiation and its position is a sensitive function of the solid flow rate producing an ash layer at the bottom of varying thickness.
Physically Based Modeling of Stress-Induced Variation in Nanoscale Transistor Performance

Uniaxial stress is widely used in advanced CMOS technologies to boost transistor performance. Conventional compact transistor models rely on empirical fitting of the average channel stress value to predict mobility and, hence, transistor performance. This approach can lead to significant errors for deeply scaled technologies. In this paper, stress profiles are modeled in analytical form, using a physically based approach. The stress model is validated by 3-D TCAD simulations. A nanometer-scale transistor intrinsic delay formula based on injection velocity theory is then applied. The predicted variation in transistor performance compares well with the measured silicon data for a 45-nm strained CMOS technology.
Local Expansion of Symmetrical Graphs

A graph is vertex-transitive (edge-transitive) if its automorphism group acts transitively on the vertices (edges, resp.). The expansion rate of a subset S of the vertex set is the quotient e(S):= |∂(S)|/|S|, where ∂(S) denotes the set of vertices not in S but adjacent to some vertex in S. Improving and extending previous results of Aldous and Babai, we give very simple proofs of the following results. Let X be a (finite or infinite) vertex-transitive graph and let S be a finite subset of the vertices. If X is finite, we also assume |S| ≤|V(X)/2. Let d be the diameter of S in the metric induced by X. Then e(S) ≥1/(d + 1); and e(S) ≥ 2/(d +2) if X is finite and d is less than the diameter of X. If X is edge-transitive then |δ(S)|/|S| ≥ r/(2d), where ∂(S) denotes the set of edges joining S to its complement and r is the harmonic mean of the minimum and maximum degrees of X. – Diverse applications of the results are mentioned.
No‐take areas for sustainability of harvested species and a conservation invariant for marine reserves

Various kinds of no-take areas (refuges, reserves) are gaining attention as conservation tools. The efficacy of reserves can be considered from the perspectives of providing baseline data sets, protecting the stock, maximizing yield to the fishery, or some combination of these. Regardless of the measure of effectiveness of a reserve, practical application requires the development of techniques for settling operational and policy questions such as how large a reserve should be. A simple model, involving population growth and harvest, is used to explore how the fraction of habitat assigned to a reserve affects the sustainability of a take and to frame the trade-off between control of harvest outside of the reserve and the size of the reserve. This exploration also leads to the discovery of a robust conservation invariant for reserves.
Flexible electrochromic device based on poly (3,4-(2,2-dimethylpropylenedioxy)thiophene)

In this study, the design, fabrication and characterization of a flexible electrochromic device based on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic is discussed. The working electrochromic material film was poly (3,4-(2,2-dimethylpropylenedioxy)thiophene) (PProDOT-Me2), while the counter layer of the device was vanadium oxide titanium oxide (V2O5/TiO2) composite film, which serves as an ion storage layer. A solution type electrolyte was used as the ionic transport layer and was sandwiched between the working and counter layers. The device exhibited tuneable light transmittance between transparent and deep blue color, with a maximum contrast ratio at 580 nm wavelength. Other important properties, such as switching speed, life time, and coloration efficiency have been improved.
Coherent-state representation of reduced density matrices of correlated electronic systems

Abstract The one-particle reduced density matrix of correlated electronic systems is computed by expressing the many-electron wavefunction as a superpositon of generalized coherent states, each representing a single Slater determinant. This representation could be used for developing a density matrix functional theory. The sensitivity of the density matrix to the parameters is demonstrated.
Signal peptide peptidase (SPP) dimer formation as assessed by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) in intact cells

Background Signal peptide peptidase (SPP) is an intramembrane cleaving protease identified by its cleavage of several type II membrane signal peptides. Conservation of intramembrane active site residues demonstrates that SPP, SPP family members, and presenilins (PSs) make up a family of intramembrane cleaving proteases. Because SPP appears to function without additional protein cofactors, the study of SPP may provide structural insights into the mechanism of intramembrane proteolysis by this biomedically important family of proteins. Previous studies have shown that SPP isolated from cells appears to be a homodimer, but some evidence exists that in vitro SPP may be active as a monomer. We have conducted additional experiments to determine if SPP exists as a monomer or dimer in vivo.
STANAG 4538 implementation and field testing lessons learned

Harris Corporation has incorporated its implementation of the STANAG 4538 automated radio control system (ARCS) protocols into its RF-5800H and AN/PRC-150(C) manpack radio products, and is now offering this capability as a standard feature of these radios. In developing this implementation, Harris has developed extensive experience in use of these protocols under a variety of operating conditions. The paper reports Harris's experiences in its implementation and testing activities, providing: an overview of measured performance of the STANAG 4538 protocols under a variety of operating scenarios; observations concerning the impact of the STANAG 4538 protocols on usability and operational effectiveness of tactical communications; proposed changes to the protocols arising from Harris experiences, with technical and operational rationales.
Multiple-metric hybrid anycast protocol for heterogeneous access networks

The wireless multihop to an Access Point (AP) model appears to be a promising component of future access network architectures. A key challenge is managing diverse resources at APs while discovering efficient multi-hop paths from source to AP based on selection criteria dictated by applications or necessitated by network constraints. We propose a new hybrid proactive/reactive anycast routing protocol that integrates multiple-metrics to calculate path cost and selects the appropriate AP. Simulation analysis shows that our approach outperforms single-metric protocols while supporting flexible service criteria, including load balancing at APs.
Prevention of resistance: A goal for dose selection for antimicrobial agents

Drug-resistant microorganisms have become a major problem around the world. In nosocomial and community settings, many important pathogens have demonstrated high-grade resistance to many of our most important agents. In addition, the adverse impact of resistance has not been limited to the bacterial realm. In chemotherapy to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other viral diseases, resistance has become a major problem. We are starting to see the beginnings of a resistance problem, even among fungi. Strangely, little attention has been focused on the impact of dosing on the probability with which emergence of resistance occurs. After delineation of the pharmacodynamically linked variable, it is possible to generate dosing regimens that can lower the probability of resistance. In addition, circumstances exist in which combination therapy may be required (e.g., therapy of HIV and tuberculosis). Here, too, it is possible to optimize therapy to prevent resistance by understanding how the drugs in the regimen interact. We can do better with our choices of dose, schedule, and combinations of agents. We will need to lower the probability of resistance and maintain the utility of the drugs currently in our therapeutic armamentarium.
Agrin Inhibits Neurite Outgrowth but Promotes Attachment of Embryonic Motor and Sensory Neurons

Abstract Agrin is a secreted glycoprotein with the ability to cluster cell surface molecules, including the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AchR) on muscle cells. Alternate splicing of agrin mRNA results in a family of agrin proteins which differ in their clustering potency. Neuronal-specific isoforms with the highest clustering activity play a role in clustering postsynaptic proteins at the neuromuscular junction. However, the function of agrin isoforms expressed in many nonneuronal tissues, and only weakly active in clustering assays, remains obscure. Monolayer cultures of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing a neuronal (agrin-19) or a nonneuronal (agrin-0) form of agrin were used to assay the effect of agrin on neurite outgrowth and cell attachment. These results were compared to outgrowth on control CHO cells expressing only drug resistance and on regions of CHO–agrin monolayers not expressing detectable levels of agrin. Neurite extension on confluent monolayers of agrin-0- or -19-expressing CHO cells was reduced substantially below that of controls. In one experiment neurite lengths were compared at 2 and 3 days after plating and suggested that neurite outgrowth may be stopped and not simply retarded. Attachment of sensory or motoneurons was nearly twofold higher to agrin monolayers than to control cells, showing that the inhibition is not a result of a nonpermissive environment. An agrin construct missing the C-terminal half, removing the major site of variability and clustering activity, was also tested. This construct did not reduce outgrowth, suggesting that the C-terminal half of the protein may be important in stopping growth as well as inducing clustering. These results expand the role of agrin in synaptogenesis as it may provide a stop signal at the myofiber surface and may anchor the presynaptic fibers to the eventual motor endplate.
A SYNOPSIS OF RIVEA (CONVOLVULACEAE)

A synopsis of Rivea Choisy (Convolvulaceae) accounts for all names published in the genus in a concise nomenclatural review. Three species are recognized; a key is provided to identify them. Excluded species are referred to the currently accepted names and an index of numbered specimens examined will allow curators to correctly name material in herbaria.
Comparison of FDIR technique between passive and active distribution systems

The complexity of distribution power systems are increasing due to the added interconnections and the increasing demand of power supply by the growing population of customers. Inclusion of distributed generation (DG) units in the current or new distribution power system is an effective solution for the problem aforementioned. The distribution system with or without DGs needs a robust, reliable and dependable protection scheme for their efficient and effective operation. In this paper, a new protection technique, fault detection, isolation and restoration (FDIR) is proposed for both passive (without DGs) and active (with DGs) distribution power systems. The proposed FDIR technique has software overcurrent (OC) relay models, fault locator logic (FLL) and sequential breaker coordination logic (SCL) to perform the fault detection isolation and restoration tasks. The developed FDIR protection scheme is tested on a one-feeder passive and/or active distribution system for different fault scenarios; and the Matlab/Simulink simulation results are presented to show the satisfactory operation of the proposed technique.
When Spreading HIV May Matter Most: The Unclassifiable Sexual Non-Identity Of Adolescent African American MSMW On Their Journey To Testing

Recent studies have found that many young African American men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) do not identify as bisexual or non-heterosexual. The present study explored the mental journeys of twenty African American MSMW as they decided to undergo HIV testing. The rejection of sexual identity labels may contribute to the rising annual HIV infection rate among African American men who have sex with men (MSM) and MSMW. Furthermore, sexual identity ambivalence may lead to secretive sexual behavior and failure to disclose homosexual relations to female partners, behavior colloqui ally referred to as “down - low.” Greater understanding of the nuanced distinctions between sexual identity and behavior may help public health researchers address the needs of this racial and sexual minority that remains especially vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.
Effects of Proportions of Wet Corn Gluten Feed and Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles in Steam-Flaked, Corn-Based Diets on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Feedlot Cattle11

ABSTRACT Two hundred crossbred steers (initial BW = 388; SE = 7.9 kg) were fed 5 diets to evaluate the effect of the proportion of wet corn gluten feed (WCG), distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), or both in diets based on steam-flaked corn on performance and carcass characteristics. Dietary treatments reflected ingredients available for use in feedlot diets in the Southern Great Plains region and consisted of the following (DM basis): 1) a steam-flaked, corn-based, high-concentrate diet with no WCG or DDGS (CON); 2) a diet with 7% DDGS; 3) a diet with 20% WCG; 4) a diet with 13% WCG and 7% DDGS; and 5) a diet with 20% WCG and 7% DDGS. Steers were weighed individually and sorted to 1 of 25 pens (8 steers/pen in 5 blocks with 5 pens/block). Final BW and carcass-adjusted (to a constant dressing percent) final BW tended to be greater (P = 0.07) for the average of all 4 WCG and DDGS treatments than for CON, but no differences were noted among the 4 WCG and DDGS treatments (P > 0.10). Average daily gain was greater by steers in the 4 WCG and DDGS treatments than by steers fed the CON treatment from d 0 to 84 (P = 0.01) and overall (P = 0.04), and there was a tendency (P = 0.08) for greater ADG by steers in the 4 WCG and DDGS treatments from d 0 to 42. Carcass-adjusted ADG also was greater (P = 0.04) for the average of the 4 WCG and DDGS treatments than for CON but not different among the 4 WCG and DDGS treatments. Dry matter intake was less by cattle fed the CON diet than by the cattle in the other treatments from d 0 to 42 (P = 0.03), d 0 to 84 (P = 0.02), and for the overall study period (P = 0.02). The G:F ratio did not differ among CON and the WCG and DDGS treatments (P > 0.10). Hot carcass weight tended to be less (P = 0.07) for cattle fed the CON diet than for cattle fed the other diets, but no differences were observed between the CON and the WCDG and DDGS treatments for other carcass characteristics. Percentage of cattle grading USDA Choice or greater was not affected by dietary treatment. Data suggest that up to 20% WCG and 7% DDGS can be effectively used in feedlot cattle steam-flaked, corn-based diets alone or in combination.
Distribution and kinetics of carbon-11-cocaine in the human body measured with PET.

The extent to which the toxic properties of cocaine are related to its accumulation in various organs is not known. This study investigates cocaine uptake in the human body using 11C-cocaine and PET in 14 healthy males. The rate of uptake and clearance of 11C-cocaine varied among organs: peak uptake occurred in the lungs at 45 sec, in the heart and kidneys at 2-3 min, in the adrenals at 7-9 min, and in the liver at 10-15 min. Half-peak clearances were 90 sec in the lungs, 10 min in the heart and kidneys and 22 min in the adrenals. Liver radioactivity plateaued 10-15 min after injection and remained constant thereafter (40 min). Lung radioactivity paralleled that of plasma. The average uptake at peak was 0.007% (s.d., 0.001) dose/cc in the heart, 0.014% (s.d., 0.002) dose/cc in the kidney, 0.014% (s.d., 0.002) dose/cc in the liver and 0.034% (s.d., 0.001) dose/cc in the adrenals. The significant accumulation of cocaine in human heart, kidneys, adrenals and liver could contribute to its toxicity.
HEAT-TREATMENT OF POLYPROPYLENE FIBERS

Crystallinity of polypropylene fibers subjected to wet-heat-treatment under tensionless and stretched states, was examined by large- and small-angle X-ray diffractions.First, the effects of crystallite size and crystal distortion in the broadening of the X-ray diffraction line were studied by applying the Warren's analysis for polypropylene fibers. The X-ray diffraction intensity curves of the (110) and (220) reflections as a set of lattice planes were measured and corrected with the method of Stokes by using Pb (NO3)2 powder as a standard. Applying the Warren's Fourier analysis to the true line profiles thus obtained, the average crystallite size and internal strain along the direction perpendicular to the above reflections were calculated separately.The meridian small-angle scattering intensity curve was also measured.The results are as follows:(1) The degree of crystallinity and the crystallite size increase by heat-treatment, more conspicuous under stretched state.(2) The meridian small-angle scattering intensity and the long spacing increase by heat-treatment, more conspicuous under tensionless state. The sharpness of the scattering peak, however, is more remarkable in the stretched-heat-treatment.(3) These changes in crystallinity become more distinguished in the heat-treatment above 120°C.(4) The distortion in the crystallite decreases by heat-treatment and is the minimum in the heat-treatment at 120°C.From an observation of the relations between the degree of crystallinity and the crystallite size or long spacing, the crystallization in heat-treatment is discussed, as in the previous study.
Notes on the Life History of the Leafy Dimorph of the Box-Elder Aphid, Chaitophorus Negundinis Thos.

My attention was first called to this curious dimorph by Mr. J. T. Monell, who found it at St. Louis, June 21, 1907, and had received it from Oestlund as early as 1889.
Optical pyrometer based on the gas phase photoacoustic effect

A photoacoustic cell containing an infrared active gas and equipped with a pair of infrared transmitting windows that alternately views two bodies at different temperatures through a pair of chopping wheels acts as a differential detector of the radiation emitted by the two bodies. A theory for the photoacoustic signal shows that the device acts to monitor the difference in the incidances between the two bodies integrated over the absorptions of the gas in the cell. Experiments are reported showing that the response of the pyrometer depends on the relative temperatures of heated bodies, the absorption coefficient of the gas in the cell, and the modulation frequency of the chopping wheels. The instrument is shown to be a sensitive detector of a null in the integrated incidance of the two bodies.
Women's Development Based on Gender Equality and Harmony——A Spirations of Progressive Elements in the May Fourth Movement

Progressive elements in the May Fourth Movement of 1919 Believed that women's development had a bearing on women's emancipation, on the emancipation of mankind as a whole and on the all-round development of society. They demanded that women receive education morally, intellectually and physical-and that women go social and extensively participate in social labor and creation. Those progressive elements, furthermore, devised an ideal pattern for gender relations, and took it as the basis for women's development.
Integrated control technology and its application in small hydropower

This paper describes the current situation by running small hydropower stations in the areas of integrated automation systems,small hydropower automation and control technology currently existing problems,summarizes and analyzes the current small hydropower in automation and control,especially in integrated control technology applications for small hydropower consolidated from systems solutions,as well as efficiency of small hydropower expansion to provide a reference.
miRNAs in Muscle Diseases

Since their first characterization in 1990, miRNAs, the small RNAs that can inhibit gene expression, have been studied extensively. Important roles of miRNAs have been found in cancer, heart disease, obesity, nervous system, and lately muscle diseases. In this chapter, we will review the roles of miRNAs in muscle repair and special pathology aspect of myopathies and then correlate these roles into potential therapeutic approaches for muscle diseases. We will also analyze the advantages and the caution needed when using miRNAs in targeting muscle dystrophies.
How much do universal anthropometric standards bias the global monitoring of obesity and undernutrition

Each year, hundreds of articles in population health and nutrition, many in high-profile journals, use standard cutoffs based on weight and height as assessments of obesity and undernutrition. These global efforts to monitor overweight and underweight often rest on the assumption that ethnic differences in underlying body form are sufficiently small to permit universal anthropometric cutoffs for comparing excess and insufficient body fat across populations. However, a century of work in human biological variation suggests that human populations can vary dramatically in underlying body form in a way that may require population-sensitive cutoffs for monitoring. Here, we describe recently developed methods that can provide population-sensitive assessments of both excess and insufficient energy reserves in a wide range of countries. We use this approach to illustrate how worldwide variation in human body form is far more widespread than previously thought, and that it can occur at several geographic scales, including the level of world regions, countries and populations within countries. The findings also suggest that using standard cutoffs that ignore this variation can underestimate current obesity levels in adults by more than 400-500 million while also incorrectly prioritizing high-risk areas for undernutrition in children in key regions around the world.
Convex regression with interpretable sharp partitions

We consider the problem of predicting an outcome variable on the basis of a small number of covariates, using an interpretable yet non-additive model. We propose convex regression with interpretable sharp partitions (CRISP) for this task. CRISP partitions the covariate space into blocks in a data-adaptive way, and fits a mean model within each block. Unlike other partitioning methods, CRISP is fit using a non-greedy approach by solving a convex optimization problem, resulting in low-variance fits. We explore the properties of CRISP, and evaluate its performance in a simulation study and on a housing price data set.
The Added Prognostic Value of Metabolic Tumor Size on FDG‐PET at First Suspected Recurrence of Glioblastoma Multiforme

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) face a dismal prognosis, with an average survival of 6–7 months after recurrence. There remains no consensus for managing these patients due to the heterogeneity of these tumors. Imaging may affect treatment decisions by helping to stratify patient prognosis. The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate the added utility of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) over magnetic resonance (MR) imaging metrics in predicting survival. METHODS Forty-four consecutive patients who underwent FDG-PET for first recurrence of GBM were included in this analysis. Tumor sizes, using cross products, and volumes on FDG-PET and MRI, maximum standardized uptake value (SUV), minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, presence of satellite lesions, presence of multifocal lesions, and presence of bilateral tumor were considered as prognostic variables. Survival was assessed using Cox hazard and logistic regression models based on the time interval between the PET scan and the patient's date of death. RESULTS Tumor volumes on FDG-PET (P = .046), tumor cross products on FDG-PET (P = .017), and tumor cross products on MRI (P = .031) were significant prognostic variables, adjusting for the extent of the initial resection. Enhancing tumor volume, tumor cross product on a T2-weighted MRI sequence, maximum SUV on FDG-PET, minimum ADC value, presence of satellites, multifocality, and bilaterality were not prognostic (P > .5). Prognostic accuracy of predicting short survival increased from 58% with tumor cross product on MRI alone to 74% after including tumor cross product from PET. CONCLUSIONS Tumor size on FDG-PET adds prognostic information to enhancing tumor size on MRI at first suspected recurrence of GBM.