cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Purification and Characterization of a Neu5Acα2–6Galβ1–4Glc/GlcNAc-specific Lectin from the Fruiting Body of the Polypore Mushroom Polyporus squamosus

Abstract A lectin has been purified from the carpophores of the mushroom Polyporus squamosus by a combination of affinity chromatography on β-d-galactosyl-Synsorb and ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel. Gel filtration chromatography, SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and N-terminal amino acid sequencing indicated that the native lectin, designated P. squamosus agglutinin, is composed of two identical 28-kDa subunits associated by noncovalent bonds. P. squamosus agglutinin agglutinated human A, B, and O and rabbit red blood cells but precipitated only with human α2-macroglobulin, of many glycoproteins and polysaccharides tested. The detailed carbohydrate binding properties of the purified lectin were elucidated using three different approaches,i.e. precipitation inhibition assay (in solution binding assay), fluorescence quenching studies, and glycolipid binding by lectin staining on high-performance thin layer chromatography (solid-phase binding assay). Based on the results obtained by these assays, we conclude that although the P. squamosus lectin binds β-d-galactosides, it has an extended carbohydrate-combining site that exhibits highest specificity and affinity toward nonreducing terminal Neu5Acα2,6Galβ1,4Glc/GlcNAc (6′-sialylated type II chain) of N-glycans (2000-fold stronger than toward galactose). The strict specificity of the lectin for α2,6-linked sialic acid renders this lectin a valuable tool for glycobiological studies in biomedical and cancer research.
Proton NMR investigation of the reconstitution of equine myoglobin with hemin dicyanide. Evidence for late formation of the proximal His93F8-iron bond.

Reconstitution of apoequine myoglobin (apoEqMb) with hemin dicyanide (FePPIX(CN)2) was monitored by 1H NMR spectroscopy to gain information about the sequence of events leading to metEqMbCN. At least one step in the pathway is slow enough to allow us to follow the time-dependence of formation of the product, a mixture of heme-insertion isomers characterized by others (Jue, T., Krishnamoorthi, R. and La Mar, G.N. (1983) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 105, 5701–5703; Lecomte, J.T.J., Johnson, R.D. and La Mar, G.N. (1985) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 829, 268–274). However, in contrast to all previously reported Mb-FePPIX reconstitutions, we find that the initial ratio of heme-insertion isomers is not 1:1. This mixture is, instead, found to be enhanced in the isomer which dominates at equilibrium. This is taken as evidence for a ‘[FePPIX(CN)2·EqMb]’ intermediate which lacks the proximal His93F8-Fe bond and which proceeds quickly toward an equilibrium ratio of heme-insertion isomers. Therefore the heme-insertion isomer ratio is frozen only when the proximal His93F8-Fe bond is formed. The difference in this ratio of heme-insertion isomers between EqMb(4,5:1) and SwMb(2.5:1) likely reflects the amino acid substitution: Lys→Arg45CD3(EqMb→SwMb).
Isolation and Characterization of 30-nm Protein Particles Present in Pseudopods of the Ameboid Sperm of Ascaris suum

Particles, 30 nm in diameter, were found in Triton X-100-extracted pseudopodial remnants of spermatozoa of Ascaris suum. SDS-PAGE analysis of particles isolated by differential centrifugation and detergent extraction indicated that they are composed of proteins with molecular weights of 33,000 D, 42,000 D and a group between 52,000 and 56,000 D. Antibodies against particle-associated proteins, used in immunoblots, showed that they are sperm-specific in Ascaris, and that all of the particle-associated proteins are related. Immunofluorescence labeling confirmed that particle-associated proteins are present in pseudopods of Ascaris spermatozoa. These data are consistent with the particles being elements of the motility apparatus of nematode spermatozoa.
The Role of the Biochemical and Biophysical Environment in Chondrogenic Stem Cell Differentiation Assays and Cartilage Tissue Engineering

The field of regenerative medicine offers hope for the development of a cell-based therapy for the repair of articular cartilage (AC). Yet, the greatest challenge in the use of stem cells for tissue repair, is understanding how the cells respond to stimuli and using that knowledge to direct cell fate. Novel methods that utilize stem cells in cartilage regeneration will require specific spatio-temporal controls of the biochemical and biophysical signaling environments. Current chondrogenic differentiation research focuses on the roles of biochemical stimuli like growth factors, hormones, and small molecules, and the role of the physical environment and mechanical stimuli, such as compression and shear stress, which likely act through mechanical receptors. Numerous signals are associated with chondrogenic-like activity of cells in different systems, however many variables for a controlled method still need to be optimized; e.g., spatial and temporal application of the stimuli, and time of transplantation of an engineered construct. Understanding the necessary microenvironmental signals for cell differentiation will advance cell therapy for cartilage repair.
Electronic configuration and electric field gradient in Au complexes

Using the relativistic Hartree-Fock method and a renormalized-atom scheme, we have calculated values for the 6p and 5d orbitals of Au in several configurations. The object of renormalization is to deal with orbitals localized at the Au site rather than with functions extending well out into the surrounding lattice, as is the case when a free-atom Au-6p function is used to represent the 6p orbital character in a crystal. We find that while /sub 5d/ values are relatively insensitive to the renormalization, /sub 6p/ values obtained from calculations renormalized to the Wigner-Seitz radius of Au are larger by factors of 2 to 4 than those from free-atom calculations. Renormalized /sub 6p/ values, in contrast to those for the free atom, considerably exceed /sub 5d/ values and are less sensitive to variation of electronic configuration. Using the renormalized /sub 6p/, we have been able to interpret the large Moessbauser quadrupole splittings observed in covalent Au(I) compounds in terms of sigma bonding. Other implications from these results are discussed.
Macrophage requirements for mouse B-cell stimulation differ according to the molecular form of anti-IgM antibodies

THYMUS-INDEPENDENT lymphocytes (B cells) comprise a heterogeneous population. Because of this heterogeneity, the precise nature of the signals which activate resting B cells to become antibody-forming cells is not known. It is likely that different subsets of B cells have different signalling requirements1–3. In addition, it has been proposed that B-cell proliferation and differentiation are controlled by separate and distinct signals4. Proliferation is thought to result from antigen binding with specific cell-surface immunoglobulin (Ig) receptors. However, due to the very low frequency of B cells reactive to a specific antigen, the activation process per se is difficult to study. This problem may be overcome by using reagents which mimic specific antigen binding to Ig receptors but act as polyclonal B-cell activators (PBAs). Anti-Ig antibodies are thought to function in this way and have been shown to be mitogenic for B cells5–7. Our laboratory has previously shown that soluble rabbit anti-mouse IgM or F(ab′)2 anti-IgM is mitogenic for mouse splenic B cells8,9. The response to intact anti-IgM only occurs with B cells from mice which are 7 months or older. In contrast, F(ab′)2 anti-IgM will stimulate B cells from both young and aged mice equally well suggesting that changes in B-cell Fc receptors may be involved in the age-dependent response to the intact anti-IgM molecule10. In all cases, the response requires cross-linkage of surface μ heavy chains and is T-cell independent10,11. In the present study, we have investigated the macrophage requirement for anti-Ig stimulation. The requirement for macrophages in B-cell activation by PBAs, including anti-Ig reagents, is controversial12,13. We report that the proliferative response of B cells to intact anti-IgM is macrophage dependent whereas the response of the same cell population to F(ab′)2 anti-IgM is macrophage independent.
Infinite games and generalizations of first-countable spaces

Abstract In this paper we introduce a new class of spaces, called W-spaces, which is defined in terms of a simple two-person infinite game. Every first-countable space is a W-space, and every W-space is countably bi-sequential. The W-space property is preserved by subspaces, Σ-products, and open mappings. Separable W-spaces are first-countable. Various other properties of W-spaces are studied, and some questions are posed.
Keeping up with emerging fungal infections

Abstract Emerging fungal infections are an important component of infectious disease diagnosis and public health assessment. These infections cause significant morbidity and mortality and can be difficult to diagnose. Recent episodes of fungal infections are presented, including the ongoing Cryptococcus gattii outbreak in British Columbia, Canada, and the northwestern United States; the Apophysomyces trapeziformis infections associated with the Joplin, Missouri, tornado in 2011; the emerging unusual Aspergillus infections associated with antifungal prophylaxis; and the ongoing fungal meningitis outbreak associated with contaminated steroids. Lessons learned from these episodes are discussed in order to provide a platform for illustrating dilemmas in mycology. Useful tools to help the microbiology laboratory stay informed about emerging fungal infections are also discussed.
What violence prevention research can tell us about developmental psychopathology

This article reviews major issues of a developmental psychopathology understanding of youth violence and related insights gained from violence prevention efforts to date. Based in a perspective that emphasizes three areas of knowledge, epidemiology, risk factors and models, and developmental trajectories, findings are reviewed that help clarify theoretical propositions about the developmental patterns, influences, and pathways related to youth violence. Extant research is able to support several major contentions of basic developmental psychopathology theories of youth violence. Support is most robust for risk factors central to prevailing models of the development of youth violence. In addition to noting current knowledge contributions, the review suggests areas of needed additional analytic progress and theoretical extension to refine knowledge and expand understanding of the development of violence risk and its prevention.
How Case Characteristics Differ across Four Types of Elder Maltreatment Implications for Tailoring Interventions to Increase Victim Safety

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether case characteristics are differentially associated with four forms of elder maltreatment. Method: Triangulated interviews were conducted with 71 APS caseworkers, 55 victims of substantiated abuse whose cases they managed, and 35 third party persons. Results: Pure financial exploitation (PFE) was characterized by victim unawareness of financial exploitation and living alone. Physical abuse (PA) was characterized by victim’s desire to protect the abusive individual. Neglect was characterized by isolation and victim’s residing with the abusive individual. Hybrid financial exploitation (HFE) was characterized by mutual dependency. Implications: These differences indicate the need for tailoring interventions to increase victim safety. PFE requires victims to maintain financial security and independence. PA requires services to meet the needs of abusive individuals. Neglect requires greater monitoring when elderly persons
Initial Assessment of Ni-Base Alloy Performance in 0.1 MPa and Supercritical CO 2

There is considerable interest in increasing the working temperature of both open and closed supercritical CO2 (sCO2) cycles to ≥700°C. At these temperatures, it is unlikely that Fe-base alloys have suitable strength and therefore the focus is on Ni-base alloys for this application. To begin addressing the lack of sCO2 materials compatibility data under these conditions, initial work exposed a wide range of candidate alloys for 500 h at 20 MPa (200 bar) CO2 at 650–750°C in high-purity CO2. In general, the reaction products were thin and protective in these exposures. A smaller group of alloy coupons focusing on chromia- and alumina-forming alloys was exposed for 500 h in 0.1 MPa (1 bar) air, CO2, CO2 + O2 and CO2 + H2O for comparison. The thin surface oxides formed were very similar to those formed at high pressure and no clear detrimental effect of CO2 oxidation or O2 or H2O impurities could be observed in these exposures.
Impact of Islet Autoimmunity on the Progressive β-Cell Functional Decline in Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE Cross-sectional studies have suggested that islet autoimmunity may be more prevalent in type 2 diabetes (T2D) than previously appreciated and may contribute to the progressive decline in β-cell function. In this study, we longitudinally evaluated the effect of islet autoimmune development on the progressive β-cell dysfunction in T2D patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Twenty-three T2D patients negative for islet autoantibodies (GAD antibody and insulinoma-associated protein 2) and islet-specific T cells were evaluated prospectively for up to 36 months. We investigated the percentage of patients who developed islet autoantibodies (Ab+) and/or islet-reactive T cells (T+) and the effect of the islet autoimmunity on fasting and glucagon-stimulated C-peptide responses. We defined positive islet autoimmunity as Ab+ and/or T+ for at least two study visits. RESULTS Of the 23 patients, 6 (26%) remained negative for islet autoimmunity (Ab−T−), 14 (61%) developed Ab+ and/or T+, and 3 (13%) were unclassifiable because they developed islet autoimmunity at only one study visit. Islet Ab+ was observed to be less stable than islet-specific T-cell responses. Development of islet autoimmunity was significantly associated with a more rapid decline in fasting ( P < 0.0001) and glucagon-stimulated ( P < 0.05) C-peptide responses. CONCLUSIONS These pilot data suggest that the development of islet autoimmunity in T2D is associated with a significantly more rapid β-cell functional decline.
Knowledge Sharing and Value Flow in the Software Industry: Searching the Patent Citation Network

A firm's innovative capabilities depend on its ability to learn from the environment. To learn from the environment a firm must have access to external knowledge, and it must have the absorptive capacity to identify, assimilate and exploit such knowledge. While previous research recognized that firms must invest to acquire absorptive capacity, it assumed that access to knowledge spillovers is free, or a perfectly correlated component of R&D investments. We argue that a firm must also invest in developing organizational routines that search for and acquire access to knowledge spillover. In order to explore the relationship between own-knowledge development and search, we examine the relationship between software firms' R&D investments and their position within the patent citation network and their subsequent knowledge development and financial performance. The results show that a firm's position within the knowledge flow of the industry helps predict knowledge development and financial performance.
Perception by proxy: humans helping robots to see in a manipulation task

Robots excel at planning and performing tasks in controlled environments, but poor perception often leads to poor performance in unstructured environments. One typical way of improving robot performance is to give more control to a human operator and then design user interfaces that build the operator's situation awareness. As an alternative, humans can support robot perception to add structure to unstructured environments. We claim that when humans support robot perception, robots can spend more time acting autonomously, which can lead to reduced operator workload and increased overall performance. We present a design process, called perception by proxy, and apply it to a simple manipulation task.
An Oil Bath Based 293 K to 473 K Blackbody Source

A high temperature oil-bath-based-blackbody source has been designed and constructed in the Radiometric Physics Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD. The goal of this work was to design a large aperture blackbody source with highly uniform radiance across the aperture, good temporal stability, and good reproducibility. This blackbody source operates in the 293 K to 473 K range with blackbody temperature combined standard uncertainties of 7.2 mK to 30.9 mK. The calculated emissivity of this source is 0.9997 with a standard uncertainty of 0.0003. With a 50 mm limiting aperture at the cavity entrance, the emissivity increases to 0.99996.
RRS’s General Principles

Rapid response systems are intended to identify patients who are deteriorating and have increased risk of dying, then bring needed personnel and equipment resources to the bedside, and finally diagnose and deliver treatments efficiently and effectively. This is a complex and interdependent set of tasks and requires a systematic approach to ensure reliability and efficacy. The notion that only a response team is required is prevalent but inaccurate. In this chapter, the authors will provide an overview of the system, why a system is required in order to be able to complete all the needed steps in treatment. Nomenclature will be defined and the rationale for each component clarified.
A randomized prospective multicenter trial of a novel vascular sealant

Background: Increasing use of anticoagulant medications, particularly antiplatelet therapies, can increase the difficulty in obtaining adequate suture line hemostasis. Multiple vascular sealants have been used as adjuncts to surgical procedures, but none of them have been universally successful. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a new prophylactic vascular sealant in arterial surgery. Methods: A randomized prospective multi-institutional trial was undertaken comparing ArterX Vascular Sealant (AVS) with Gelfoam Plus during open arterial reconstruction. Results: Three hundred thirty-one anastomotic sites in 217 patients were randomized. One hundred one of 167 (60.5%) anastomotic sites in the AVS group achieved immediate hemostasis compared with 65 of 164 (39.6%) in the control group (P ¼ 0.001). In anastomoses with polytetrafluoroethylene grafts, 105 of 167 (62.5%) in the AVS group achieved immediate hemostasis compared with 56 of 164 (34.0%) in the control group (P < 0.001). No significant differences were noted in morbidity or mortality. Operative time was significantly less in the AVS group compared with the control group (3.2 vs. 3.8 hours, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Use of AVS results in superior hemostatic effectiveness compared with Gelfoam Plus, with no difference in safety. Although no cost analysis was performed, cost savings likely resulted from significantly decreased operative time.
Computation of a block-diagonal realization of a high-order filter via singular value decomposition

In electronic communication, a high-order filter may be realized by a state-space realization. For implementation, a canonical form is useful. In this paper, a block-diagonal state-space realization is determined by using singular value decomposition. Certain parity-orthogonal transformations are determined first which are then employed to determine a block-diagonal realization of a high-order filter. The realization can be implemented as a parallel structure of second-order networks, and is always obtainable when the spectrum of the system matrix of the state-space description is separable into distinct groups relative to the modulus of the eigenvalues-not an unusual constraint in filters. The procedure avoids the use of eigenstructure routines which are not helpful for ill-conditioned matrices. Also, the parity-orthogonal transformations share some properties of orthogonal matrices; the inverse is obtainable from the transpose. The computations are, hence, simplified. The transformations and the procedure is demonstrated by an example.
Accuracy of Geoid Heights from Modified Stokes Kernels

Summary The dependence of the r.m.s. geoid height error on the degree of the first term in the zonal harmonics expansion of the kernel in Stokes’s integration formula is examined. It is shown that kernels with the lower degree terms removed have some advantage over the conventional kernel when a significant error in the zeroth term of the gravity anomaly expansion is present. Numerical estimates of r.m.s. geoid height error vs integration cap size are obtained for several kernels. The lack of gravity measurements over much of the Earth’s surface is still the major problem in gravimetric geodesy. The combination of satellite derived spherical harmonics with gravimetry in order to reduce the latter requirement to a localized region for geoid height and deflection of the vertical calculations has been considered by DeWitte (1967) and Rapp (1967). In both references, the classical Stokes kernel was used in connection with measured gravity anomalies to calculate geoid height. In this paper we shall briefly review the problem and derive a general formula which shows the dependence of truncation error on the degree of the first term in the Legendre polynomial expansion of a modified Stokes’ kernel used in the surface integration. An estimate of the r.m.s. error will be obtained for several kernels. Since our primary purpose is the consideration of errors arising from the lack of data beyond a certain distance, Stokes’s formula will serve as an approximate solution to the gravimetric geoid height problem adequate for the purposes of error analysis.
On verification of fuel-optimal space trajectories

Candidate fuel-optimal trajectories for rendezvous in space are obtained with a parameter optimization method. These trajectories, which may include a minimum radius constraint, are verified against necessary conditions for optimality. Necessary conditions are presented in the form of requirements on a primer vector and in terms of requirements on the jumps in the costates when the constraint is encountered. In addition, criteria due to Lion and Handelsmann indicate how to improve candidate trajectories which prove non-optimal so that they become locally optimal. Numerical results are presented which show that the candidate solutions must be obtained to a high level of accuracy before primer vector tests are valid.
Ladders, samurai, and blue collars: Personal branding in Web 2.0

Drawing on the work of Gilles Deleuze, Eva Illouz, and Mark Andrejevic, this paper critiques the personal branding literature, particularly as it applies to Web 2.0 social media. I first describe the three-part logic of personal branding: dividuation, emotional capitalism, and autosurveillance. Next, in a sort of mirror image to the self-help literature of personal branding, I offer a critical "how to" guide to branding oneself in Web 2.0. Finally, I conclude with a discussion of why personal branding can be seen as a rational choice, given the circumstances of globalized capitalism and precarious employment. Individuals who brand themselves willfully adopt the logic of capitalism in order to build their human capital. However, I ultimately argue that the obsession with personal branding is no antidote for life in precarious times.
Adult Learning and Theory Building: A Review:

The one factor that all adult education agencies, programs, and professionals have in common is that all deal with adults in learning situations. Perhaps that is why there has been more theory building in adult learning than in other areas of adult education. It is the adult learner, after all, which distinguishes this field from other areas of education. This article assesses the state-of-the-art of theory building efforts in adult learning. The theories have been divided into three categories: (a) those based on adult learner characteristics, (b) those emphasizing the adult's life situation, and (c) those focusing upon changes in consciousness. Components common to most of the theories are identified, and it is concluded that, taken as a whole, theory building efforts in adult learning contribute to our understanding of the phenomenon.
Taste Solution Preferences of C57BL/6J and 129X1/SvJ Mice: Influence of Age, Sex, and Diet

To examine whether age influences taste solution preferences, we measured taste preferences of C57BL/6J and 129X1/SvJ mice given a series of 48-h 2-bottle tests with a choice between water and one of the following taste solutions: 2 mM saccharin, 5 mM citric acid, 30 lM quinine hydrochloride, 75 mM sodium chloride (NaCl), 10 mM inosine monophosphate (IMP), 50 mM calcium chloride (CaCl2), and 10% ethanol. We tested separate groups of male mice fed Teklad 8604 chow at ages 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, and 50 weeks and retested some of these mice at 54, 75, and 100 weeks and again at 125 weeks. Female mice fed chow were tested at ages 4, 12, 25, and 50 weeks and retested at 54, 75, 100, and 125 weeks. Male mice fed AIN-93G semisynthetic diet were tested at ages 4, 12, 25, and 50 weeks and retested at 54, 75, and 100 weeks. Concentration-response functions for each taste solution were collected from male and female mice fed chow aged 8 or 125 weeks. In general, the results showed that age had little effect on taste preferences. Exceptions included 1) a small increase in quinine hydrochloride preference between 54 and 125 weeks in mice of both strains and sexes, 2) a marked increase in NaCl preference between 4 and 12 weeks in female B6 mice, 3) a gradual decrease in IMP preference between 4 and 125 weeks in male and female 129 mice, 4) a marked decrease in CaCl2 preference between 54 and 125 weeks in male and female 129 mice, and 5) a marked reduction in ethanol preference between 4 and 12 weeks in male B6 mice fed AIN-93G diet but not chow. These results show that over a wide range and with the exceptions noted, age contributes little to the variation in taste preferences observed in C57BL/6J and 129X1/SvJ mice.
Local error estimation for dimensional reduction: Application to special geometries

SUMMARY Dimensional reduction is commonly used to simplify problems posed on thin three-dimensional domains to more manageable two-dimensional problems. The resulting modeling error is usually assumed to be negligible. Recently, an approach has emerged wherein the modeling error in dimensionally reduced models of elliptic boundary value problems posed on thin ∞at plates is locally estimated using duality arguments. We extend this approach to elliptic boundary value problems posed on thin circular arches and spherical shells. Preliminary numerical examples show that bounds are accurate even for thick arches and shells. Copyright c ∞ 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nutritional budgets in free flying birds: cedar waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) feeding on Washington hawthorn fruit (Crataegus phaenopyrum)

Estimates of nut~tional {caloric, water, nitrogen, mineral, etc.) budgets in birds and other animals routinely utilize subjects fed on a single item or otherwise defined diet. Analysis of ingestion rates and levels or concentrations of those nutrients allows calculation of input for the components measured. Output or loss of nutrients requires measurement of levels of nutrients in and amount of wastes produced from ingestion of the dietary item. The difference between input (gain) and output (loss) estimates relative assimilation of the nutrients measured. In view of these requirements, published studies of nutritional budgets have been routinely done with
Changes in neurohormonal gut peptides following bariatric surgery

The rising prevalence of obesity has reached pandemic proportions, with an associated cost estimated at up to 7% of health expenditures worldwide. Bariatric surgery is currently the only effective long-term treatment for obesity and obesity-related co-morbidities in clinically severely obese patients. However, the precise physiological mechanisms underlying the postsurgical reductions in caloric intake and body weight are poorly comprehended. It has been suggested that changes in hormones involved in hunger, food intake and satiety via the neurohormonal network may contribute to the efficacy of bariatric procedures. In this review, we consider how gastrointestinal hormone concentrations, involved in appetite and body weight regulation via the gut–brain axis, are altered by different bariatric procedures. Special emphasis is placed on neurohormonal changes following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, which is the most common and effective procedure used today.
International Peacebuilding: A Theoretical and Quantitative Analysis

International peacebuilding can improve the prospects that a civil war will be resolved. Although peacebuilding strategies must be designed to address particular conflicts, broad parameters that fit most conflicts can be identified. Strategies should address the local roots of hostility, the local capacities for change, and the (net) specific degree of international commitment available to assist sustainable peace. One can conceive of these as the three dimensions of a triangle whose area is the “political space”—or effective capacity—for building peace. We test these propositions with an extensive data set of 124 post–World War II civil wars and find that multilateral, United Nations peace operations make a positive difference. UN peacekeeping is positively correlated with democratization processes after civil war, and multilateral enforcement operations are usually successful in ending the violence. Our study provides broad guidelines for designing the appropriate peacebuilding strategy, given the mix of hostility, local capacities, and international capacities.
ONE-DIMENSIONAL CONSOLIDATION OF LAYERED SYSTEMS

An analytical solution to the layered consolidation problem for a general set of boundary conditions and an arbitrary load history is presented herein. An example is provided in which the soil profile consists of four compressible layers.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Eclamptic Psychosis in the Postpartum Period: A Case Report

Received February 18, 2015; revised April 17, 2015; accepted April 21, 2015. From the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC (BR, JG, and SMB). Send correspondence and reprint requests to Brittany Rodgers, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, 101 Manning Drive, Campus Box #7160, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7160; e-mail: brittany.rodgers@unchealth.unc. edu & 2015TheAcademy of PsychosomaticMedicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Introduction
Clinical dilemma of ductal carcinoma in situ.

and long-term survival in more than 95% of patients with DCIS. 1 A survival benefit for RT after excision in patients with invasive breast cancer has been clearly established by the Early Breast Cancer Trialists’ Collaborative Group meta-analysis, 2 an important finding that changed the conceptual view of the role of local therapy in breast cancermanagement.Eliminationofmicrometastaticdiseasewithsystemic therapy has been considered the path to progress in invasive cancer, and the idea of improved survival with more aggressive local therapy, particularly for patients with node-positive disease, was counterintuitive to some clinicians. In contrast, DCIS is an entity for which micrometastases are not a consideration. Yet, the need for adding RT after excision to maintain local control in patients with DCIShasremaineduncertain.Someofthiscontroversycanbetraced
The Sweep: Essential Examples for In-Flow Peer Review

In in-flow peer review, students provide feedback to one another on intermediate artifacts on their way to a final submission. Prior work has studied examples and tests as a potentially useful initial artifact for review. Unfortunately, large test suites are onerous to produce and especially to review. We instead propose the notion of a sweep, an artificially constrained set of tests that illustrates common and interesting behavior. We present experimental data across several courses that show that sweeps have reasonable quality, and are also a good target for peer review; for example, students usually (over half the time) suggest new tests to one another in a review.
Theory and New Amplification Regime in Periodic Multimodal Slow Wave Structures With Degeneracy Interacting With an Electron Beam

We present the theory of a new amplification regime in traveling wave tubes (TWTs) composed of a slow wave periodic structure that supports multiple electromagnetic modes that can all be synchronized with the electron beam. The interaction between the multimodal slow wave structure and the electron beam is quantified using a multi-transmission line (MTL) approach based on a generalized Pierce model and transfer matrix analysis, leading to the identification of modes with complex Bloch wavenumber. In particular, we address a new possible operation condition for TWTs based on the supersynchronism between an electron beam and four modes exhibiting a degeneracy condition near a band edge of the periodic slow wave MTL. We show a phenomenological change in the band structure of a periodic MTL, where we observe at least two growing modal cooperating solutions as opposed to a uniform MTL, interacting with an electron beam where there is rigorously only one growing modal solution. We discuss the advantage of using such a degeneracy condition in TWTs that leads to larger gain conditions in amplifier regimes and also to very low starting beam current in high-power oscillators.
Smoke Brush

Non-Photorealistic Rendering covers a wide range of visual effects, and much work has been dedicated to create digital representations of traditional media --- either through artist controls or programmatically. We explore a variation of this work, which aims to create digital media that takes the metaphors of traditional media but applies them in ways that have no physical equivalent --- thus expanding notions of what digital media can represent. Smoke Brush is a system for applying smoke-like brush strokes to a digital canvas. Using Smoke Brush, artists can add animated, constrained smoke effects to existing pictures or create images represented entirely by smoke. Our drawing system produces artifacts that are realized as animated gifs --- a commonly available digital format used in cinemagraphs. We also describe a technique that produces smooth continuous motion in these looped animations that is faithful to the original artist input.
A comparative analysis between laparoscopic and open ventral hernia repair at a tertiary care center.

Aventral hernia is described as being any evisceration of the intra-abdominal or preperitoneal contents through a fascial defect of the abdominal wall, which may or may not result in loss of abdominal domain and/or abdominal visceral disproportion.1, 2 Ventral hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States by general surgeons.3 The first described repairs of the ventral hernia were open, simple suture, and primary closure. Over time, closure techniques have become more sophisticated and now include tension free mesh repair and separation of components. In 1993, LeBlanc and Booth4 described the first laparoscopic incisional hernia repair. Multiple studies comparing laparoscopic and open techniques have shown that the laparoscopic approach yields a decrease in postoperative pain and hospital stay, as well as a faster return to activity.3, 5–7 However, less clear data is available regarding incidence of wound infections, and recurrence rates with some studies proclaiming a clear benefit with the laparoscopic approach and others stating that there is no difference.3, 5–13 A recent poll of 204 practicing surgeons was taken among both academic and urban hospitals. Approximately 85 to 96 per cent performed basic laparoscopic procedures on a routine basis; however, more than 90 per cent reported that they do not perform laparoscopic hernia repair. Out of that group, 81 per cent stated that they would not start performing laparoscopic hernia repair for reasons including lack of improved results, risk of enterotomy, operative time, cost, and experience.14 As a result of this disparity, in defining the optimal surgical approach, we evaluated our patient population at the University of Virginia and compared outcomes from both laparoscopic and open ventral hernia repairs over a 2-year time period. As a secondary goal we also looked at preoperative patient characteristics and comorbidities between the two groups. We hypothesized that University of Virginia patients undergoing laparoscopic repair would have lower postoperative infectious outcomes, including both superficial (cellulitis and superficial skin dehiscence) and deep surgical site infections. Also, preoperative patient characteristics [diabetes, smoking, greater body mass index (BMI), wound contamination] along with preoperative hernia characteristics (fascial defect size, number of previous hernia repairs) were hypothesized to increase complication risk in both groups.
AEROBIC EXERCISE TRAINING AND HEALTH STATUS IN AMBULATORY HEART FAILURE PATIENTS WITH A REDUCED EJECTION FRACTION: AN ANALYSIS FROM THE HF-ACTION TRIAL

Although aerobic exercise improves quality of life as assessed by a disease-specific instrument in ambulatory HF patients with a reduced EF, the impact of an exercise intervention on general health status has not been reported. HF-ACTION enrolled 2331 outpatients with HF and an EF <35% and
Human keratinocytes maintain reversible anti-apoptotic defenses in vivo and in vitro.

Human keratinocytes proliferate and differentiate in an epidermal environment where induction of apoptosis can be triggered by ultraviolet radiation (UVR), activated lymphocytes and cytokines. The purpose of this study was to determine whether keratinocytes were susceptible to apoptosis induced by ionophore, ultra-violet radiation, cytokines or crosslinking of CD95 (Fas/APO-1). In normal human skin exposed to two minimal erythema doses of ultraviolet radiation, suprabasal cells were the first keratinocytes to demonstrate apoptotic nuclei, and by 48 h apoptotic cells were identified throughout the mid to upper epidermis. However, most keratinocytes resisted apoptosis and UVR-induced apoptosis was not observed in basal cells, or in the most differentiated epidermis. Human keratinocytes and keratinocyte cell lines cultured in vitro developed maximal apoptosis 48 h after radiation. Human keratinocytes cultured in full growth factor supplements were resistant to UVR-induced apoptosis compared to keratinocyte cell lines or to a lymphoid cell line (HL60) susceptible to apoptosis. Keratinocyte cell lines were completely resistant to apoptosis induced by interferon-γ, interferon-α, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1Ra, and GM-CSF. A subset of the cells in cultures of keratinocytes and transformed keratinocyte cell lines died by apoptosis in response to anti-Fas, IL-1α and TNF-α plus IFN-γ and ionophore. Second passage freshly isolated human keratinocytes were much more resistant to apoptosis induced by ionophore, anti-Fas and cytokines than were transformed keratinocyte cell lines. Calcium shift to induce differentiation in second-passage keratinocyte cultures made keratino-cytes even more resistant to UVR-induced apoptosis. This parallels the lack of UVR-induced apoptosis observed in the most differentiated keratinocytes in irradiated human skin. Both keratinocytes and kerati-nocyte cell lines express rather low levels of the anti-apoptotic proteins bcl-2 and bcl-x compared to other apoptosis-resistant cell types. The differences between keratinocytes and keratinocyte cell lines in suscepti-bility to apoptosis are not explained by difference in expression of bcl-2 or bcl-x. Finally, withdrawal of growth factors from keratinocytes decreased cell survival following UVR and increased the induction of apoptosis. Inhibition of protein synthesis with cyclo-heximide also made keratinocytes more susceptible to UVR-induced apoptosis, indicating that anti-apop-totic defences in cultured keratinocytes are dependent on active protein synthesis. These experiments show that the strong keratinocyte defences against apoptosis are stratified within the epidermis, and can be altered by differentiation and growth factor withdrawal.
An Advanced Calculus Proof of the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

(1981). An Advanced Calculus Proof of the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 88, No. 5, pp. 347-348.
Clinical analysis of neonatal methylmalonic acidemia in 7 cases

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and treatment of neonatal methylmalonic academia(MMA). Method The clinical data of 7patients with neonatal MMA were analyzed and the diagnoses were confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC/MS). Results The patients consisted of 3males and 4females,whose age of onset ranged from 0to 6days with all 7cases early in the first week after birth.The main clinical manifestations were weak reaction(6cases),poor feeding(7cases),hyperpnea(3cases),convulsion(2cases),hypotonia(7cases),et al.6cases presented with thrombocytopenia.The laboratory findings showed metabolic acidosis in 6cases,hyperammonemia in 4cases and remarkable elevation of urinary methylmalonicacid concentration in all cases.Some abnormalities were noted by the brain CT or MR in 2cases of 5.2cases died at a short time after giving up therapy,1case died at the age of 3-month after giving up therapy,1case follow-up failed to.2cases received therapy of vitamin B12 and supplementation of L-carnitine with restrictedprotein diet and showed a favorable outcome with no symptoms for a period ranging from 1year to 1years and 9months.1 case received therapy of vitamin B12 and supplementation of L-carnitine with restricted-protein diet,but no effect and died at the age of 4-month. Conclusions The clinical manifestations of neonatal MMA are nonspecific.GC/MS can be used to confirm the diagnosis.Early diagnosis and early treatment is the key to improve the prognosis.
Role of cyclooxygenase metabolites in mediating platelet-induced baroreceptor dysfunction.

The goal of the study was to determine the role of cyclooxygenase metabolites in mediating platelet-induced suppression of baroreceptor activity. Exposure of the isolated carotid sinus of rabbits to thrombin-activated rabbit platelets (3 x 10 8 cells/ml Krebs buffer) decreased baroreceptor activity (P < 0.05) without significantly altering the slope of the pressure-activity relation (gain). The platelet-induced suppression of activity was not blocked but instead was even more pronounced after inhibition of cyclooxygenase with indomethacin; both maximum baroreceptor activity and gain were decreased markedly. The exacerbation of platelet-induced baroreceptor dysfunction contrasted with equivalent carotid vasoconstrictor responses to platelets before and after indomethacin. Furthermore, the stable thromboxane (TxA 2 ) mimetic U-46619 caused similar vasoconstriction as platelets but did not influence baroreceptor gain or maximum activity. In contrast to indomethacin, the selective TxA 2 synthesis inhibitor and receptor blocker CGS-22652 failed to influence platelet-induced suppression of activity. In summary, 1) rabbit platelets aggregating in carotid sinus suppress baroreceptor activity, which cannot be explained by the vasconstriction, and 2) the suppression of activity is not mediated by TxA 2 from platelets and is opposed by prostacyclin (PGI 2 ) or other prostanoids produced in carotid sinus. The combination of impaired formation of PGI 2 and platelet activation in atherosclerotic and thrombotic states may lead to profound baroreceptor dysfunction.
Urethral obstruction in male cats in some Northern United States shows regional seasonality.

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a term encompassing several different conditions affecting the feline lower urinary tract. Certain FLUTD aetiologies, such as idiopathic cystitis, urethral plugs or urolithiasis, commonly produce urethral obstruction (UO) in male cats. It is widely accepted that environmental, behavioural and dietary factors can play a role in the aetiopathogenesis of these conditions. We investigated the seasonal prevalence of UO by analysing admission dates of 2443 male cats with UO from eight practices in the Northern USA over a 4-year period. A significantly greater number of cats presented for UO in April and May (P < 0.025). When stratified by geographic location, a spring peak was found in cats from the North-Eastern United States, but no peak was demonstrable in cats from the North-West coast. This suggests that UO might depend, at least in part, on geographical climatic variations.
Emerging treatments for primary sclerosing cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, cholestatic, idiopathic liver disease that can progress to end-stage liver disease, cirrhosis and cholangiocarcinoma. PSC is an uncommon and highly heterogeneous disease, associated with inflammatory bowel disease and a complex pathophysiology. To date, no medical therapies have proved effective. The only available treatment for end-stage PSC is liver transplant, but recurrence is a significant complication. Areas covered: This review will explore previously tested treatments, discuss current treatment strategies and present viewpoints about future emerging therapies in PSC. We searched PubMed using the noted keywords. We included data from full-text articles published in English. Further relevant articles were identified from the reference lists of review articles. Expert commentary: The development of new therapies in PSC has been challenging. However, with greater awareness of the disease nowadays, new insights into the disease may help in the design of future therapeutic agents in PSC and ultimately in effective therapies.
A highly sensitive and specific combined clinical and sonographic score to diagnose appendicitis

BACKGROUND Computed tomography (CT) scanning reduces the negative appendectomy rate however it exposes the patient to ionizing radiation. Ultrasound (US) does not carry this risk but may be nondiagnostic. We hypothesized that a clinical-US scoring system would improve diagnostic accuracy. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of all patients (age, >15 years) who presented through the emergency department with suspected appendicitis and underwent initial US. A US score was developed using odds ratios for appendicitis given appendiceal diameter, compressibility, hyperemia, free fluid, and focal or diffuse tenderness. The US score was then combined with the Alvarado score. Final diagnosis of appendicitis was assigned by pathology reports. RESULTS Three hundred patients who underwent US as initial imaging were identified. Thirty-two patients with evident nonappendiceal pathology on US were excluded. In 114 (38%), the appendix was not visualized and partially visualized in 36 (12%). Fifty-seven (21.3%) had an appendectomy with 1 (1.7%) negative. Six nonvisualized appendicies underwent appendectomy, with no negative cases. Sensitivity and specificity for the sonographic score were 86% and 90%, respectively, at a score of 1.5. The combined score demonstrated 98% sensitivity and 82% specificity at 6.5, and 95% sensitivity, and 87% specificity at a score of 7.5. Sensitivity and specificity were confirmed by bootstrap resampling for validation. Area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for our new US score were similar to the ROC curve for the Alvarado score (91.9 and 91.1, p = 0.8). The combined US and Alvarado score yielded an area under the ROC curve of 97.1, significantly better than either score alone (p = 0.017 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION Our scoring system based entirely on US findings was highly sensitive and specific for appendicitis, and it significantly improved when combined with the Alvarado score. After prospective evaluation, the combined US-Alvarado score might replace the need for computed tomography imaging in a majority of patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnostic Test, Level III.