cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The spectra, classification, and rationale of ultraviolet-protective intraocular lenses

I measured the spectral transmittance of 16 implantable intraocular lenses from 12 manufacturers and examined the rationale for using ultraviolet-absorptive intraocular lenses to protect pseudophakic individuals from photic retinopathy. Each ultraviolet-protective lens was classified by the wavelength at which its spectral transmittance fell to 10% in the blue or ultraviolet region of the spectrum. Current ultraviolet-protective intraocular lenses differ in the effectiveness of their protection against photic retinopathy, and product descriptions may be misleading.
The effects of baicalein on canine osteosarcoma cell proliferation and death.

Flavonoids are a group of modified triphenolic compounds from plants with medicinal properties. Baicalein, a specific flavone primarily isolated from plant roots (Scutellaria baicalensis), is commonly used in Eastern medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antineoplastic properties. Previous research shows greater efficacy for baicalein than most flavonoids; however, there has been little work examining their effects on sarcoma cells, let alone canine cells. Three canine osteosarcoma cell lines (HMPOS, D17 and OS 2.4) were treated with baicalein to examine cell viability, cell cycle kinetics, anchorage-independent growth and apoptosis. Results showed that osteosarcoma cells were sensitive to baicalein at concentrations from approximately 1 to 25 μM. Modest cell cycle changes were observed in one cell line. Baicalein was effective in inducing apoptosis and did not prevent doxorubicin cell proliferation inhibition in all the cell lines. The mechanism for induction of apoptosis has not been fully elucidated; however, changes in mitochondrial permeability supersede the apoptotic response.
Genetic aspects of drug resistance in Mycobacterium avium.

Any discussion of the genetic basis for drug resistance in Mycobacterium avium should first consider the criteria for determining if a strain of M. avium is drug-resistant. This depends on the methodologies used to assess drug susceptibility and, more importantly, on how well such information relates to clinical efficacy. This is a point of continuing debate and refinement, and so we will simply state that a strain can be designated as drug resistant or drug susceptible according to defined standards (e.g., those of Heifets, 1990). However, one must also take into account the fact that, while members of the M. avium complex are generally considered to be inherently resistant to most of the standard antimycobacterial drugs, there is considerable variation in the drug susceptibility patterns of different clinical isolates
CD10 immunohistochemistry stains enteric mucosa, but negative staining is unreliable in the setting of active enteritis

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is the definitive therapy for ulcerative colitis that is refractory to medical treatment or that has developed neoplasia. Patients with this procedure are routinely followed using directed endoscopic biopsies to monitor for dysplasia in the rectal cuff, residual/recurrent ulcerative colitis, and nonspecific acute inflammation of the ileal pouch (pouchitis), which have different clinical management and outcomes. Thus, accurate localization of mucosal biopsies is crucial to a definitive histological diagnosis, but is complicated by overlapping clinical presentations of pouchitis and ulcerative colitis, post-surgical and inflammatory changes to the mucosa, and altered endoscopic anatomy, resulting in difficulty determining whether a mucosal biopsy is ileal or rectal in origin for both the endoscopist and the pathologist. We explored the utility of CD10 immunohistochemistry to aid diagnosis in this clinical setting by highlighting the enteric mucosa, based on previous studies showing its utility in brush border staining and in the diagnosis of microvillous inclusion disease. We found uniformly positive CD10 immunostaining in normal enteric mucosa, but variable loss of expression in the setting of active enteritis. Specifically, CD10 staining was lost in up to 10% of the mucosa in 1/12 ileostomies and 4/13 enteric anastomoses, in 10-80% of the mucosa in 9/10 cases of Crohn's ileitis, in 10-60% of the mucosa in 7/16 ileal pouches, and in 20-90% of the mucosa in 6/8 cases of backwash ileitis, usually in the presence of active inflammation. There was no CD10 expression by normal or diseased colonic mucosa. Therefore, while CD10 immunostaining identifies normal enteric mucosa with 100% specificity, negative staining does not definitively exclude small intestinal mucosa in the setting of active enteritis, a common condition in ileal pouch mucosa.
The morphologic characteristics of cervical ripening induced by the hormones relaxin and prostaglandin F2α in a rabbit model

In previous studies, both purified porcine relaxin and prostaglandin F 2α have been applied vaginally in the human to promote cervical ripening near term. In this study, the histologic changes in the cervix induced by these locally applied hormones are described in a rabbit model. Similar histologic changes occurred following treatment with relaxin or prostaglandin F 2α and these changes were comparable with those seen in the cervix following the spontaneous onset of labor in control rabbits. The main histologic features were a dissolution of the collagen bundles and an apparent increase in the ground substance. However, a unique giant cell infiltrate was seen in the relaxin-treated rabbits and the control rabbits in spontaneous labor. The nature and possible function of these giant cells are discussed. The similarity of the general morphologic changes in the cervix induced by relaxin and prostaglandin F 2α supports the concept that these hormones may act (either in sequence or separately) to activate the same collagenolytic system to produce the same effect in cervical connective tissue rather than act in parallel to produce separate or complementary structural changes.
Balancing the Pros and Cons of Community College “Grow-Your-Own” Leadership Programs

This study examines how to fill the growing need for community college leaders by creating “grow-your-own” (GYO) leadership programs through a national interview study and a case study involving action research. The findings demonstrate design flaws that are typical in the development of GYO programs. Strategies for overcoming these flaws are recommended.
Towards Supramolecular Fixation of NOX Gases: Encapsulated Reagents for Nitrosation

The use of simple calix[4]arenes for chemical conversion of NO2/N2O4 gases is demonstrated in solution and in the solid state. Upon reacting with these gases, calixarenes 1 encapsulate nitrosonium (NO+) cations within their cavities with the formation of stable calixarene-NO+ complexes 2. These complexes act as encapsulated nitrosating reagents; cavity effects control their reactivity and selectivity. Complexes 2 were effectively used for nitrosation of secondary amides 5, including chiral derivatives. Unique size-shape selectivity was observed, allowing for exclusive nitrosation of less crowded N-Me amides 5 a-e (up to 95 % yields). Bulkier N-Alk (Alk>Me) substrates 5 did not react due to the hindered approach to the encapsulated NO+ reagents. Robust, silica gel based calixarene material 3 was prepared, which reversibly traps NO2/N2O4 with the formation of NO+-storing silica gel 4. With material 4, similar size-shape selectivity was observed for nitrosation. The N-Me-N-nitroso derivatives 6 d,e were obtained with approximately 30 % yields, while bulkier amides were nitrosated with much lower yields (<8 %). Enantiomerically pure encapsulating reagent 2 d was tested for nitrosation of racemic amide 5 t, showing modest but reproducible stereoselectivity and approximately 15 % ee. Given high affinity to NO+ species, which can be generated by a number of NOX gases, these supramolecular reagents and materials may be useful for NOX entrapment and separation in the environment and biomedical areas.
Effect of functionalized MCM41 nanoparticles on syngas fermentation.

Abstract MCM41 nanoparticles with or without mercaptopropyl functional groups were added to a synthesis gas fermentation reactor to investigate their influence on syngas fermentation. Carbon monoxide was fermented using Rhodospirillum rubrum (R. rubrum) , resulting in an enhanced H 2 concentration in the product gas as a result of a biologically mediated water–gas shift (WGS) reaction. The results indicated that the H 2 yield was enhanced by ∼200% when 0.6 wt% of the MCM41 nanoparticles functionalized with 5% molar ratio of mercaptopropyl group were added to the reactor. These results complement previous studies and suggest that the increased H 2 yield is due to enhanced CO–water mass transfer through the addition of the functionalized MCM41 nanoparticles.
An Extended Extremal Principle with Applications to Multiobjective Optimization

We develop an extended version of the extremal principle in variational analysis that can be treated as a variational counterpart to the classical separation results in the case of nonconvex sets and which plays an important role in the generalized differentiation theory and its applications to optimization-related problems. The main difference between the conventional extremal principle and the extended version developed below is that, instead of the translation of sets involved in the extremal systems, we allow deformations. The new version seems to be more flexible in various applications and covers, in particular, multiobjective optimization problems with general preference relations. In this way we obtain new necessary optimality conditions for constrained problems of multiobjective optimization with nonsmooth data and also for multiplayer multiobjective games.
Staged Cerebral Revascularization in a Patient With an Occluded Common Carotid Artery

Background and Purpose— We report a management strategy for cerebral revascularization in a patient with an occluded common carotid artery by first performing a subclavian to external carotid artery bypass, followed by superficial temporal artery middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass. Methods— The patient presented with symptomatic left hemispheric hemodynamic insufficiency, associated with occlusion of the ipsilateral internal and common carotid arteries. The STA was not detectable. The patient was treated initially with a subclavian to external carotid artery bypass, with partial improvement in symptoms. Results— Angiography demonstrated improvement in perfusion and STA filling, which was used for STA-MCA bypass, with resolution of symptoms. Conclusion— Our experience with this case has led us to consider a staged approach for management of patients with an occluded common carotid artery.
Sarcoidosis in native and transplanted kidneys: incidence, pathologic findings, and clinical course.

Renal involvement by sarcoidosis in native and transplanted kidneys classically presents as non caseating granulomatous interstitial nephritis. However, the incidence of sarcoidosis in native and transplant kidney biopsies, its frequency as a cause of end stage renal disease and its recurrence in renal allograft are not well defined, which prompted this study. The electronic medical records and the pathology findings in native and transplant kidney biopsies reviewed at the Johns Hopkins Hospital from 1/1/2000 to 6/30/2011 were searched. A total of 51 patients with a diagnosis of sarcoidosis and renal abnormalities requiring a native kidney biopsy were identified. Granulomatous interstitial nephritis, consistent with renal sarcoidosis was identified in kidney biopsies from 19 of these subjects (37%). This is equivalent to a frequency of 0.18% of this diagnosis in a total of 10,023 biopsies from native kidney reviewed at our institution. Follow-up information was available in 10 patients with biopsy-proven renal sarcoidosis: 6 responded to treatment with prednisone, one progressed to end stage renal disease. Renal sarcoidosis was the primary cause of end stage renal disease in only 2 out of 2,331 transplants performed. Only one biopsy-proven recurrence of sarcoidosis granulomatous interstitial nephritis was identified.
An atomistic study of segregation to lamellar interfaces in non-stoichiometric TiAl alloys

Abstract Segregation to γ/γ interfaces in non-stoichiometric L10 TiAl is analyzed on the atomic level using a Monte Carlo method and central force many-body potentials of the Finnis–Sinclair type to describe atomic interactions. While these alloys are Ti-rich and thus segregation of Ti is of principal interest, the calculations have also been made for Al-rich bulk in order to investigate the generality of structural features revealed in this study. No segregation takes place to ordered twins but both Ti and Al, depending on which of them is in surplus in the bulk, segregate to the 120° rotational faults, pseudotwins and ordered twins with the APB. The segregation of Ti to 120° rotational faults and pseudotwins leads to an apparent formation of a thin layer of the DO19 Ti3Al at these interfaces. However, an analogous DO19 type structure, but with stoichiometry Al3Ti, is also obtained when Al segregates to these interfaces. Hence, the segregation propensity cannot be associated with a thermodynamically favored formation of the DO19 phase at γ/γ interfaces. Rather, the distribution of Al sites that are favored for segregation is such that their filling by Ti leads to the formation of the structure which is the same as that of the basal plane in Ti3Al. Consequently, the conspicuous formation of the DO19 Ti3Al at 120° rotational faults and pseudotwins results from the topology of the nearest neighbors of the atoms at these interfaces. Segregation is also favored to the ordered twin with the APB but it invokes dissociation of this interface into the 120° rotational fault and the pseudotwin which then possess the same structure as the corresponding isolated interfaces.
A stakeholder perspective of employee responsibilities and rights

This article offers a perspective that serves as an alternative to dealing with workplace issues within the framework of managerial capitalism. In accomplishing this, the article questions managerial capitalism by drawing from some of the same arguments used to justify it—such as those based on corporate morality, the law, notions of bureaucracy, and social construction of reality. Introducing and applying a strategy of inquiry known as deconstruction helps fulfill the underlying analysis. The result is an articulation of a stakeholder perspective of employee responsibilities and rights.
Making the most of your data: KDD Cup 2007 "How Many Ratings" winner's report

We describe the ideas and methodologies that we developed in addressing the KDD Cup 2007 How Many Ratings task, and discuss how they contributed to our success.
Energy consumption, wealth, and biofuels: helping human beings achieve their potential

The longer we wait, the poorer and less able we will be to make the renewable power transition. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Hypoglycemia in the neonate

After a brief history of the development of neonatal hypoglycemia, this review emphasizes the current approach to the anticipation, diagnosis, and management of the neonate with a low plasma glucose concentration. Current techniques for studying the neurophysiological and endocrine-metabolic effects of significant hypoglycemia provide new approaches for establishing relevant definitions of significant hypoglycemia, its prognosis, and pathogenesis. The inadequacy of glucose oxidase strips for screening, the definition of high-risk infants, new definitions for low plasma glucose concentrations, and their treatment are presented as well as the ability of the neonate to respond to significantly low glucose values. New data concerning the hereditary aspects of hyperinsulinemia (Glaser, this issue), hereditary defects in branched-chain amino acid, 3-methylglutaconic aciduria and mitochondrial soxidation, and degradation of fatty acids (Ozand, this issue), the role of glucose transporters (Vannucci and Vannucci, this issue), and the newer computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging techniques (Kinnala, this issue) to study neonatal hypoglycemia are reviewed elsewhere in this issue.
SU-FF-J-88: An Algorithm to Break Patient Respiratory Tumor Motion Data Into Individual Cycles

Purpose: As more techniques to monitor or compensate for patient respiratory motion before or during radiation treatment are used, analyzing the motion also becomes important. The starting point to analyze the respiratory motion data is breaking it into individual respiratory cycles to obtain the information on the motion, such as peak‐to‐trough distance and period. The purpose of this study was to develop a robust algorithm to separate patient respiratory motion data into individual respiratory cycles and to test it with a large dataset of patient respiratory tumor motion. Method and Materials: The 3D tumor motion data from 160 treatment fractions for 46 thoracic and abdominal cancer patients treated with Cyberknife Synchrony system was used. From the filtered motion data, smoothed curve (smoothed by moving average of 25 points) and a baseline (smoothed by moving average of 200 points) were generated and the intersections between these two curves were searched. Starting from the intersection where breathing is from a trough to a peak, a peak point was determined as a maximum point between adjacent intersections, and a trough point was determined as a minimum point between next adjacent intersections. Peak‐to‐trough distance and peak‐to‐peak period was calculated. Results and discussion: By using the smoothed data and a baseline, even very irregular respiratory tumor motion was correctly separated into individual cycles. However, there are some outliers where the algorithm failed to determine correct peak and trough points. For 160 treatment fractions, mean, minimum, and maximum values of mean respiratory peak‐to‐trough distance were 0.47 cm, 0.02 cm, and 1.44 cm, and those of mean respiratory peak‐to‐peak period were 3.79 sec, 2.18 sec, and 6.37 sec. Conclusions: This robust, general algorithm is useful to break patient respiratory tumor motion data into individual cycles, thus enables us to obtain the information on the respiratory tumor motion.
Aldose reductase and retinal capillary basement membrane thickening.

Weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats were given a 50% galactose diet with or without an aldose reductase inhibitor (0·04% tolrestat, Ayerst) for 88 weeks. Quantitative computer planimetry on electron micrographs of perpendicularly transected retinal capillaries showed mean basement membrane thicknesses to be 263±50 nm in galactose-fed rats, 153±10 nm in galactose-fed rats given tolrestat, and 114±16 nm in rats given control feed. The retinal capillary basement membrane thickening in galactose-fed rats was accompanied by other ultrastructural alterations mimicking changes observed in diabetic microangiopathy, such as multilamination and the formation of vacuoles and dense inclusions. The results extended previously reported (44-week) findings, showed greater galactose-induced changes in capillary basement membranes, and demonstrated the preventative effect of an aldose reductase inhibitor.
Romantic Partners and Body Image Disturbance: Further Evidence for the Role of Perceived-Actual Disparities

In this study, female and male college dyads (primarily Caucasian) involved in a “romantic relationship” used schematic figures to rate their conceptions of body size on a variety of rating protocols, including actual self, ideal self, ideal opposite gender, perceived partner's ideal opposite gender, perceived partner's rating of self, and rating of partner's body size. Based on the reflected-appraisal literature and previous body image research on perceived—actual disparities in body size ratings, five discrepancy indices were created and related to dispositional levels of body image disturbance, eating dysfunction, and general psychological function (self-esteem, depression). The results clearly indicated gender differences in the particular predictor associated with all measures of disturbance. For females, the discrepancy between the Self rating and the Perceived Partner's Ideal Other Gender rating accounted for almost all of the variance associated with clinical indices of disturbance. For males, the discrepancy between the Self rating and the Actual Partner's Ideal Other Gender rating was the only important predictor to emerge in regression analyses. The findings are interpreted in light of recent research on actual/perceived differences in body size ratings.
Library photocopying: a legislative history of section 108 of the copyright law revision of 1976

Abstract Section 108 of the Copyright Law Revision of 1976 grants to libraries certain exemptions from the copyright owners' exclusive right to the reproduction of copyrighted works. In order to understand Section 108, one must understand the background against which the legislation was written. This article provides an overview of the legislative history.
Analysis of fracture healing by large-scale transcriptional profile identified temporal relationships between metalloproteinase and ADAMTS mRNA expression.

Abstract The aim of this study was to validate the use of transcriptional profiling as a means of characterizing the complex interactions of the thousands of genes that are expressed during fracture healing. Standard mid-diaphyseal tibia fractures were generated in C57/B6 murine tibiae and the transcriptional expression of ∼ 13,000 genes was assessed. Three time points after fracture were assessed: day 3, representative of the inflammatory phase; day 10, representative of the peak of cartilage formation; and day 21, representative of the period of primary bone formation and coupled remodeling. A self-organizing mapping approach of the data revealed the temporal relationships between the expression of mRNAs for extracellular matrix proteins and the proteases that degrade the proteoglycan and collagenous matrices. A broad group of extracellular matrix protein mRNAs representative of basement membranes, blood vessels and cartilage all showed elevated expression over the first 21 days of fracture healing. The sorting of the data identified an orderly temporal expression of the metalloproteinases and ADAMTS during the progression of fracture healing with (MMP2/MMP14/TIMP2) and ADAMTS4 and 15 preceding the expression of (MMP9/MMP13). Based on their patterns of expression, relative to the known activities of the encoded proteolytic enzymes, our results suggest that the dissolution of cartilage protoeglycans proceeds before the underlying collagenous components of the matrix are removed. The exclusion of several mRNAs that are normally expressed by osteoclasts in the profiles of mRNAs from days 3 and 10 suggests that osteoclastic activity was largely absent during the early periods of cartilage tissue formation and that proteoglycan and specific collagenase activities, precedes or is prerequisite to later osteoclast infiltration into the remodeling tissues.
Dynamics of correlated genetic systems III. Behaviour of chromosomal segments under lethal selection

The effect of lethal selection on linked marker loci was investigated in experimental populations of Drosophila melanogaster. Replicate experimental populations were initiated using flies heterozygous for the lethal gene Stubble and with the enzyme loci esterase-C and phosphoglucomutase in linkage disequilibrium with Stubble. The dynamical behavior of the lethal and marker genes was followed through generation 41 when the experimental was terminated. The major findings of the experiment are: (1) the lethal gene was eliminated from all replicate populations; (2) the marker gene frequency behavior could not be accounted for by lethal selection and recombination alone; and (3) linkage disequilibrium among the marker genes stabilized at high levels. The results of this experiment are contrasted with those of a previous experiment, of similar design, involving the lethal gene Glued. New data from generations 40 and 41 of the Glued experiment are also presented. The qualitative agreement among experiments are also presented. The both experiments indicate the existence of other strongly selected factors in the region spanned by the marker genes.
Fast switching ferroelectric side-chain liquid-crystalline polymer and copolymer

Abstract New ferroelectric side-chain liquid-crystalline polymers, a copolymer and a homopolymer, with siloxane backbone and a triaromatic mesogen as the side group have been synthesized. The materials exhibit a chiral smectic C phase over a large temperature range extending to room temperature. They possess high values of spontaneous polarization: 105 nC cm−2 for the homopolymer and 180 nC cm−2 for the copolymer. The electro-optic switching time in the chiral smectic C phase is extremely fast (150 μs). In the smectic A phase, an electroclinic effect with switching times less than 100 μs and with field induced tilt angles of 18° is observed.
Developmental expression of proenkephalin mRNA and peptides in rat striatum.

Abstract The development of proenkephalin (PE) gene expression in the rat striatum was examined at the mRNA and peptide levels. Immunocytochemistry was performed with antisera generated to the PE-specific peptide product Met-enkephalin-Arg-Gly-Leu (MERGL). The distribution of immunostaining was compared with the distribution of PE mRNA, determined by in situ hybridization with an oligonucleotide probe. PE mRNA first appeared at E16 in the caudal ventrolateral striatum, followed at E17–18 by the appearance of MERGL immunoreactivity in a similar distribution. The anatomical gradients of PE gene expression were similar to the pattern of histogenesis of striatal neurons, suggesting that the timing of PE gene expression is related to the time of neuronal withdrawal from the mitotic cycle. The relation of the development of PE gene expression to the known patterns of striatal histogenesis, neurochemical compartmentalization and dopaminergic innervation is discussed.
Synthesis of the quaternary one-dimensional triple-chain materials K3Cu3M2Q8 (M=Nb, Ta; Q=S, Se): The structure of K3Cu3Nb2S8

The one-dimensional triple-chain materials K3Cu3Nb2S8, K3Cu3Nb2Se8, K3Cu3Ta2Se8, and K3Cu3Ta2S8 have been prepared by the reactive flux method in which Cu and Nb or Ta were reacted with K2Q5/Q (Q=S, Se) at 850°C. K3Cu3Nb2S8 has been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. It crystallizes with four formula units in space group C2h6−C2/c of the monoclinic system in a cell of dimensions a=23.446(3), b=5.545(3), c=14.204(3) A, β=120.87(3)° at −120°C. It is composed of one-dimensional ∞1[Cu3Nb2S83− chains isolated from one another by K− cations. These chains are triple in nature, and consist of successive corner-sharing CuS4−CuS4 tetrahedra and edge-sharing CuS4−NbS4 tetrahedra. This edge-sharing results in Nb−Cu distances of 2.772(2)–2.781(1) A. K3Cu3 Nb2Se8 with cell dimensions a=23.453(4), b=5.592(12), c=14.223(3) A, β=120.7(3)° at −120°C (λ(CuKα1)=1.54056 A); K3Cu3Ta2Se8 with cell dimensions a=23.493(9), b=5.538(7), c=14.204(12) A, β=120.5(9)° at −165°C (λ(MoKα1)=0.70930 A); and K3Cu3Ta2S8 with cell dimensions a=23.450(6), b=5.541(3), c=14.110(6) A, β=120.47(3)° at −165°C (λ(MoKα1)=0.70930 A) appear to be isostructural with K3Cu3Nb2S8. K3Cu3Nb2S8 has a resistivity greater than 105 mΩ cm at room temperature.
Geographies of State Power, Protest, and Women's Political Identity Formation in Michoacán, Mexico

Women's narratives of protest in three indigenous communities of Michoacan, Mexico, after the massive electoral protest of 1988–1989 indicate that the jurisdictional positioning of these communities created paths and spaces of protest that shaped the formation of gendered political identities and, over time, the politicization of ethnicity in the region. The women of Cheran played a dominant and consistent role in opposition electoral mobilizations in ways that allowed them to confront traditional gendered hierarchies that had cast them as apolitical. In contrast, although women in the communities of Pichataro and Tacuro also actively engaged the electoral opposition, they did not experience profound gendered transformation. Due largely to the jurisdictional positions of their communities, they instead politicized their ethnicity much more forcefully in the wake of electoral mobilization. Thus, race and gender as nonessential categories intersect differently through space in ways that are often crucial to...
Expectations Anchoring in Inflation Targeting Regimes

Central banks adopt an inflation targeting policy with a goal to anchor inflation expectations. We argue that the expectations anchoring test developed in the context of the Krugman (1991) exchange rate targeting model is well-suited for inflation targeting applications. The test quantifies nonlinearity between realized and expected inflation for very high and very low inflation levels. It does not require comparison with the control group of non-targeting countries, avoiding critique of the benchmark approach. We test inflation targeting in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, the United Kingdom and find weak support for expectations anchoring.
Molecular cloning of the Escherichia coli O75X adhesin.

Abstract The uropathogenic strain Escherichia coli IH11128 (O75:K5:H-) exhibits a mannose-resistant O75X adhesin. The genes encoding the O75X adhesin were cloned from a clinical strain and transferred to E. coli K-12 derivatives. The recombinant plasmids were found to express a 15-kilodalton fimbrial subunit protein, a fimbrialike extracellular structure, and mannose-resistant hemagglutination. An indirect immunofluorescence assay was used to study attachment of the clone and purified adhesin to frozen sections of human kidney. The clone bound selectively to the interstitial areas and notably to Bowman's capsule. The purified adhesin bound to the basement membrane of the tubules and to Bowman's capsule.
The NTMAC for authentication of noisy messages

This paper introduces a new construct, called the Noise Tolerant Message Authentication Code (NTMAC), for noisy message authentication. The NTMAC can tolerate a small number of errors, such as might be caused by a noisy communications channel. The NTMAC uses a conventional Message Authentication Code (MAC) in its constructions and it inherits the conventional MAC's resistance to forgeries. Furthermore, the NTMAC gives an indication of the number and locations of the errors.
iPass: an incentive compatible auction scheme to enable packet forwarding service in MANET

In a public mobile ad hoc network (MANET), users may be selfish and refuse to forward packets for other users. Therefore, an incentive mechanism must be in place. We adopt the "pay for service" model of cooperation, and propose an auction-based incentive scheme (called iPass) to enable cooperative packet forwarding behavior in MANET. Each flow pays the market price of packet forwarding service to the intermediate routers. The resource allocation mechanism in our scheme is based on the generalized Vickrey auction with reserve pricing. We prove that in our scheme, user's truthful bidding of utility remains a dominant strategy, users and routers have incentive to participate in the scheme, and packet forwarding always leads to higher social welfare for the whole network. We design a signaling protocol to implement the scheme, and show that it can serve as an explicit rate-based flow control mechanism for the network. Therefore, iPass is a joint solution of incentive engineering and flow control in a noncooperative MANET. Simulation results show that iPass is able to determine the auction outcome quickly, and at the same time achieve the goals of flow control.
Subband adaptive filtering decimation constraints for oversampled nonuniform filterbanks

To avoid significant inband aliasing, the decimation factors for a real filterbank must satisfy strict constraints. These decimation constraints decrease the real filterbank's computational efficiency by requiring higher subband data rates. To combat this, a set of modified pseudo-quadrature mirror filter equations are proposed which easily construct complex near-perfect reconstruction filterbanks that can be utilized to build both uniform and nonuniform filterbanks with no significant inband aliasing. With a properly designed real or complex filterbank, subband adaptive filters illustrate low m.s.e. after convergence. However, the computational complexity and convergence time associated with the complex filterbank is significantly less. Several numerical simulations are included to illustrate the conclusions.
Implications of Progressive Aberrancy Versus True Fusion for Diagnosis of Wide Complex Tachycardia

At the onset of wide complex tachycardia, beats with intermediate morphologies sometimes occur between the normally conducted beats and the wide complex tachycardia QRS. Intermediate beats could be true fusion; however, progressive aberrancy has been reported to mimic true fusion. To evaluate the incidence of progressive aberrancy, wide complex tachycardia tracings were collected in which an intermediate beat was noted at the onset. When the associated electrocardiographic findings were diagnosed as supraventricular tachycardia, the beat was identified as progressive aberrancy. When diagnosed as ventricular tachycardia, the intermediate beat was identified as true fusion. Electrocardiographic criteria were then identified from this cohort to identify the distinguishing features between progressive aberrancy and true fusion. Of 24 episodes of wide complex tachycardia, 17 (71%) were identified as true fusion and 7 (29%) as progressive aberrancy. The QRS duration of the intermediate and wide complex tachycardia beats were shorter with progressive aberrancy than with true fusion (109 ± 23 ms vs 131 ± 20 ms, p <0.023; and 139 ± 21 ms vs 177 ± 24 ms, p <0.001, respectively). In progressive aberrancy (n = 3), the PR interval of the intermediate beat was always greater than the PR interval of the normally conducted beat. In contrast, in true fusion (n = 11), the PR interval of the intermediate beat was always less than the PR interval of the normally conducted beat. Multiple intermediate beats were present in 4 of 7 cases of progressive aberrancy and in 0 of 17 cases of true fusion. In conclusion, true fusion is the most common explanation for intermediate beats, but progressive aberrancy occurs a significant proportion of the time (29%). The identified criteria will be helpful in differentiating ventricular tachycardia from supraventricular tachycardia with aberrancy as a cause of wide complex tachycardia.
Optically pumped intersubband lasers based on quantum wells

A far infrared (FIR) laser based on intersubband transitions in quantum wells is proposed where a pumping laser is used to create population inversion in the structure. The goal is to develop a structure which operates essentially as a 4-level laser, to minimize bottlenecking of the lower laser state. Multiple quantum wells can be used in the active laser of these structures to enhance the laser gain and the minimum required reflectivity in the cavity structure. The possibility of using both conduction and valence band quantum-well structures are investigated. Our study shows that, due to high intersubband scattering rates in the valence band structure, the creation of population inversion is more difficult and requires a high pumping power density while in the conduction band structure, population inversion can be achieved by a moderate pumping power density. The maximum population inversion in the conduction band structure is estimated to be 2.1/spl times/10/sup 11/ cm/sup 2/, which requires a pumping power density 2 kW cm/sup -2/ for a single quantum well. The threshold power as well as the minimum required reflectivity of the cavity structure for the conduction band scheme are estimated for different well numbers. >
A Network-Based Meta-Population Approach to Model Rift Valley Fever Epidemics

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) has been expanding its geographical distribution with important implications for both human and animal health. The emergence of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in the Middle East, and its continuing presence in many areas of Africa, has negatively impacted both medical and veterinary infrastructures and human morbidity, mortality, and economic endpoints. Furthermore, worldwide attention should be directed towards the broader infection dynamics of RVFV, because suitable host, vector and environmental conditions for additional epidemics likely exist on other continents; including Asia, Europe and the Americas. We propose a new compartmentalized model of RVF and the related ordinary differential equations to assess disease spread in both time and space; with the latter driven as a function of contact networks. Humans and livestock hosts and two species of vector mosquitoes are included in the model. The model is based on weighted contact networks, where nodes of the networks represent geographical regions and the weights represent the level of contact between regional pairings for each set of species. The inclusion of human, animal, and vector movements among regions is new to RVF modeling. The movement of the infected individuals is not only treated as a possibility, but also an actuality that can be incorporated into the model. We have tested, calibrated, and evaluated the model using data from the recent 2010 RVF outbreak in South Africa as a case study; mapping the epidemic spread within and among three South African provinces. An extensive set of simulation results shows the potential of the proposed approach for accurately modeling the RVF spreading process in additional regions of the world. The benefits of the proposed model are twofold: not only can the model differentiate the maximum number of infected individuals among different provinces, but also it can reproduce the different starting times of the outbreak in multiple locations. Finally, the exact value of the reproduction number is numerically computed and upper and lower bounds for the reproduction number are analytically derived in the case of homogeneous populations.
Second Thoughts: Multiple P300s Elicited by a Single Stimulus

In a previous report (Johnson & Donchin, 1978), we manipulated the discriminability of tone pairs that delivered feedback information in a time-estimation paradigm. As in other experiments using feedback stimuli, the event-related potentials elicited by these stimuli did not return to baseline in the 800-ms poststimulus interval. Since we were interested in this “Slow Wave'’activity, the poststimulus interval was lengthened to 1500 ms. Averages revealed that a second positive peak was present for some of the individual subjects. To investigate this activity further, the filtered singletrial waveforms were inspected visually. These data were characterized by the presence of one, and occasionally two, positive peaks, with highly variable latencies, following the P300. These peaks were indistinguishable in frequency and general appearance from the P300s elicited by the feedback stimuli. After latency adjusting the waveforms on the peak of the second positive wave, amplitude and latency were quantified. Whereas P300 amplitude was directly related to stimulus discriminability and positive feedback elicited larger P300s than negative feedback, the amplitude of the second positive wave was constant across levels of discriminability and the same for both types of feedback. In contrast, the latencies of both waves were inversely related to stimulus discriminability and shorter following positive feedback than negative feedback. Evidence is presented to support our contention that these additional positive peaks represent P300 activity. The data are discussed in terms of what these multiple P300s reveal about human information processing.
Human perception of jitter and media synchronization

Multimedia synchronization comprises both the definition and the establishment of temporal relationships among media types. The presentation of 'in sync' data streams is essential to achieve a natural impression, data that is 'out of sync' is perceived as being somewhat artificial, strange, or even annoying. Therefore, the goal of any multimedia system is to enable an application to present data without no or little synchronization errors. The achievement of this goal requires a detailed knowledge of the synchronization requirements at the user interface. The paper presents the results of a series of experiments about human media perception that may be used as 'quality of service' guidelines. The results show that skews between related data streams may still give the effect that the data is 'in sync' and gives some constraints under which jitter may be tolerated. The author uses the findings to develop a scheme for the processing of nontrivial synchronization skew between more than two data streams.
Graduated driver licensing decal law: effect on young probationary drivers.

Background: Decal laws have been implemented internationally to facilitate police enforcement of graduated driver licensing (GDL) restrictions (e.g., passenger limit, nighttime curfew) but have not been evaluated. New Jersey implemented the first decal law in the U.S. on May 1, 2010. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of New Jersey's law on the rate of citations issued for violation of GDL restrictions and police-reported crashes among probationary drivers aged 21 years and to estimate the number of probationary drivers whose crashes were prevented by the law. Methods: New Jersey's licensing and crash databases were linked from January 1, 2008 to May 31, 2011, and each driver's license status, age, and outcome status were ascertained for each month. Monthly rates were calculated as the proportion of probationary drivers who experienced the outcome in that month. The pre-law period was defined as January 2008 -January 2010 and the post-law period as May 2010 -May 2011. Negative binomial regression models with robust SEs were used to determine the law's effect on crash and citation rates (adjusted for gender, seasonal trends, and overall trends) and estimate prevented crashes. Analyses were conducted in 2012. Results: In the first year post-law, there was a 14% increase in the GDL citation rate (adjusted rate ratio 1.14 (95% CI1.05, 1.24)); a 9% reduction in the police-reported crash rate (adjusted rate ratio 0.91 (95% CI0.86, 0.97)), and an estimated 1624 young probationary drivers for whom a crash was prevented. Conclusions: Findings suggest that the law is positively affecting probationary drivers' safety. Results contribute to building the evidence base for the effectiveness of decal laws and provide valuable information to U.S. and international policymakers who are considering adding decal laws to enhance existing GDL laws. (Am J Prev Med 2013;xx(x):xxx) © 2012 American Journal of Preventive Medicine
First experience with hybrid percutaneous transmyocardial laser revascularization and angioplasty in patients with lesions at high risk for restenosis: Results of a phase I feasibility study

Abstract Background Prior studies have suggested that percutaneous transmyocardial laser revascularization (PTMR) may be effective as a sole treatment modality in reducing angina in patients with severe coronary artery disease and no revascularization alternatives. The safety and efficacy of the hybrid or adjunctive use of PTMR during the same procedure as percutaneous intervention (PCI) has not previously been reported. Methods A US phase I feasibility study was therefore performed to determine whether PTMR performed in the same myocardial territory as PCI is able to ameliorate symptomatic recurrence from restenosis. Results After successful and uncomplicated PCI in 26 patients with class III-IV angina and lesion(s) at high risk for restenosis, PTMR was performed in the same myocardial territories subtended by the treated vessel(s). Major periprocedural adverse events (death, Q-wave myocardial infarction, and bypass surgery) occurred in 3 (11.5%) patients, as the result of subacute vessel closure in 2 patients, and tamponade in the third. Cumulative 6-month mortality rate was 19.2%, including 2 late deaths between 3 and 4 months after discharge (1 death caused by late stent closure and 1 unexplained death during sleep.) Late repeat revascularization for restenosis in the PCI plus PTMR treated target vessel was required in 19.2% of patients, and an additional 11.5% of patients had class III-IV angina at 6-month follow-up. Conclusions These data demonstrate that in a patient population at high risk for restenosis, recently created PTMR channels are not protective against severe ischemia caused by acute vessel closure and that late symptomatic restenosis after PCI may still frequently occur despite PTMR in the same region. (Am Heart J 2001;142:679-83.)
User-designed information tools to support communication and care coordination in a trauma hospital

Background: In response to inherent inadequacies in health information technologies, clinicians create their own tools for managing their information needs. Little is known about these clinician-designed information tools. With greater appreciation for why clinicians resort to these tools, health information technology designers can develop systems that better meet clinicians' needs and that can also support clinicians in design and use of their own information tools. Objective: To describe the design characteristics and use of a clinician-designed information tool in supporting information transfer and care coordination Design: Observations, semi-structured interviews, and photographing were used to collect data. Participants were six nurse coordinators in a high-volume trauma hospital. Content analysis was carried out and interactions with information tools were analyzed. Results: Nurse coordinators used a paper-based information tool (a nurse coordinator's clipboard) that consisted of the compilation of essential data from disparate information sources. The tool was assembled twice daily through (1) selecting and formatting key data from multiple information systems (such as the unit census and the EHR), (2) data reduction (e.g., by cutting and whitening out non-essential items from the print-outs of computerized information systems), (3) bundling (e.g., organizing pieces of information and taping them to each other), and (4) annotating (e.g., through the use of colored highlighters and shorthand symbols). It took nurse coordinators an average of 41min to assemble the clipboard. The design goals articulated by nurse coordinators to fit the tool into their tasks included (1) making information compatible with the mobile nature of their work, (2) enabling rapid information access and note-taking under time pressure, and (3) supporting rapid information processing and attention management through the effective use of layout design, shorthand symbols, and color-coding. Conclusions: Clinicians design their own information tools based on the existing health information technologies to meet their information needs. The characteristics of these clinician-designed tools provide insights into the ''realities'' of how clinicians work with health information technologies. The findings suggest an often overlooked role for health information technologies: facilitating user creation of information tools that will best meet their needs.
The performance impact of vector processor cashes

To accurately evaluate the performance impact of a vector cache, the authors simulate three vector processor designs, each of which is derived from expected technology changes applied to the Ardent Titan. The simulator is an accurate timing model incorporating the necessary aspects of the processor, cache, and memory system. It is found that current trends in memory and processor performance lead to increasingly severe memory speed and bandwidth limitations. Either of two designs using large cache memories (2MB, 4MB) on the average double processor performance relative to a design without a cache. Hit ratios for almost all of the programs used in the simulations, drawn from real Ardent workloads, are over 99%. Based on this work, it is recommended that future supercomputers incorporate large caches for both vector and scalar data. >