cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Network-Based Enhanced Spectral Diversity Approach for TOPS Time-Series Analysis

For multitemporal analysis of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images acquired with a terrain observation by progressive scan (TOPS) mode, all acquisitions from a given satellite track must be coregistered to a reference coordinate system with accuracies better than 0.001 of a pixel (assuming full SAR resolution) in the azimuth direction. Such a high accuracy can be achieved through geometric coregistration, using precise satellite orbits and a digital elevation model, followed by a refinement step using a time-series analysis of coregistration errors. These errors represent the misregistration between all TOPS acquisitions relative to the reference coordinate system. We develop a workflow to estimate the time series of azimuth misregistration using a network-based enhanced spectral diversity (NESD) approach, in order to reduce the impact of temporal decorrelation on coregistration. Example time series of misregistration inferred for five tracks of Sentinel-1 TOPS acquisitions indicates a maximum relative azimuth misregistration of less than 0.01 of the full azimuth resolution between the TOPS acquisitions in the studied areas. Standard deviation of the estimated misregistration time series for different stacks varies from 1.1e-3 to 2e-3 of the azimuth resolution, equivalent to 1.6–2.8 cm orbital uncertainty in the azimuth direction. These values fall within the 1-sigma orbital uncertainty of the Sentinel-1 orbits and imply that orbital uncertainty is most likely the main source of the constant azimuth misregistration between different TOPS acquisitions. We propagate the uncertainty of individual misregistration estimated with ESD to the misregistration time series estimated with NESD and investigate the different challenges for operationalizing NESD.
Mouse-based genetic modeling and analysis of Down syndrome.

Introduction Down syndrome (DS), caused by human trisomy 21 (Ts21), can be considered as a prototypical model for understanding the effects of chromosomal aneuploidies in other diseases. Human chromosome 21 (Hsa21) is syntenically conserved with three regions in the mouse genome. Sources of data A review of recent advances in genetic modeling and analysis of DS. Using Cre/loxP-mediated chromosome engineering, a substantial number of new mouse models of DS have recently been generated, which facilitates better understanding of disease mechanisms in DS. Areas of agreement Based on evolutionary conservation, Ts21 can be modeled by engineered triplication of Hsa21 syntenic regions in mice. The validity of the models is supported by the exhibition of DS-related phenotypes. Areas of controversy Although substantial progress has been made, it remains a challenge to unravel the relative importance of specific candidate genes and molecular mechanisms underlying the various clinical phenotypes. Growing points Further understanding of mechanisms based on data from mouse models, in parallel with human studies, may lead to novel therapies for clinical manifestations of Ts21 and insights to the roles of aneuploidies in other developmental disorders and cancers.
A Multithreaded Algorithm for Mining Maximal Cohesive Dense Modules from Interaction Networks with Gene Profiles

Several graph datasets exist which have additional attributes, representing properties of either nodes or edges in the graph. Recent research has focused on finding integrated or cohesive clusters where the clusters are not only densely connected but also have similarities in a subspace of their attributes. Cohesive clusters are more robust and accurately represent the cluster structure as they exhibit similarity in two domains (network structure and attributes). In this paper, we propose a multithreaded enumeration technique, for mining maximal cohesive and dense clusters from node-attributed graphs. For relaxed constraints the number of result clusters on a large graph can be very high and we need a way to find a representative set of clusters which can be most similar to all remaining clusters. We propose a novel technique to find representative clusters from the output space. Experiments on two real interaction networks show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
African American Study of Kidney Disease and hypertension (AASK)--clinical trial update.

African Americans are disproportionately afflicted with end-stage kidney failure (ESRD). Whereas they constitute approximately 12 percent of the US population, they comprise 32 percent of the prevalent ESRD population. Diabetes mellitus is the predominant cause of ESRD in the U.S. population. However, hypertension is the most frequently reported cause of ESRD in African Americans. In 1990, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) of the National Institutes of Health launched an initiative to investigate the underlying cause, and to study mechanisms that could slow progression of hypertensive kidney disease in African Americans. An important component of this initiative is the clinical trial African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK). This report provides an update on the Institute's initiative on hypertensive kidney disease in African Americans and, specifically, on the clinical trial.
Living the electric dream

Scientists realize that the public generally regards them as a breed apart. However, they do not normally expect to be under the scrutiny of professional anthropologists. That such scrutiny can offer fresh insights into how discoveries and technology propagate and mutate is convincingly demonstrated in Michael Schiffer's panoramic tour of electricity in the 18th century. An anthropologist at the University of Arizona, Schiffer has published several books focusing on the impact of technology on society, including the portable radio and the electric car. His special interest is "behavioural archaeology, or people–artifact interactions".
Do clinicians understand quality metric data? An evaluation in a twitter-derived sample

OBJECTIVE: Despite significant efforts and cost, quality metrics do not consistently influence practice. While research has focused on improving data through statistical risk-adjustment, whether clinicians understand these data is unknown. Therefore, we assessed clinician comprehension of central line-associated blood stream infection (CLABSI) quality metric data. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey with an 11-item test of CLABSI data comprehension. Each question assessed 1 of 3 concepts concerning CLABSI understanding: basic numeracy, risk-adjustment numeracy, and risk-adjustment interpretation. Hypothetical data were used and presented in a validated format. PARTICIPANTS: Clinicians were recruited from 6 nations via Twitter to take an online survey. Clinician eligibility was confirmed by assessing responses to a question regarding CLABSI. MAIN MEASURES: The primary outcome was percent correct of attempted questions pertaining to the presented CLABSI data. RESULTS: Ninety-seven clinicians answered at least 1 item, providing 939 responses; 72 answered all 11 items. The mean percentage of correct answers was 61% (95% confidence interval [CI], 57%-65%). Overall, doctor performance was better than performance by nurses and other respondents (68% [95% CI, 63%-73%] vs. 57% [95% CI, 52%- 62%], P = 0.003). In basic numeracy, mean percent correct was 82% (95% CI, 77%-87%). For risk-adjustment numeracy, the mean percent correct was 70% (95% CI, 64%-76%). Risk-adjustment interpretation had the lowest average percent correct, 43% (95% CI, 37%-49%). All pairwise differences between concepts were statistically significant at P <0.05. CONCLUSIONS: CLABSI quality metric comprehension appears low and varies substantially among clinicians. These findings may contribute to the limited impact of quality metric reporting programs, and further research is needed.
The 'menopause' and the aging brain: causes and repercussions of hypoestrogenicity.

We are beginning to recognize that the regulation of reproductivesenescence in females and its consequences are more complex thanoriginally thought. We now realize that the brain plays animportant role in the transition to infertility in rodents andperhaps contributions to the perimenopausal transition in women. Furthermore, the absence of estrogens leads to changes in manyphysiological systems. Thus, it is becoming clear that it isimportant to understand the broad impact of the prolongedhypoestrogenic state that characterizes the menopause.
Abstract 59: Loss of Cullin-3 in Smooth Muscle Increases RhoA, Vascular Contraction and Arterial Pressure

Mutations in Cullin-3 result in early-onset hypertension in humans through an undefined mechanism. Cullin-3 RING E3 ubiquitin ligase complex mediates proteasomal degradation of RhoA, a key mediator of vascular smooth muscle tone. We reported that smooth muscle-specific expression of dominant negative PPARγ (S-P467L) in transgenic mice causes hypertension and aortic dysfunction via increased RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling. Dominant negative PPARγ caused decreased Cullin-3 protein (0.31±0.04-fold of Non-Transgenic (NT); P in vivo increased mean arterial pressure during the light phase (121±4 vs. 108±3mmHg baseline, P
Using video and theater to increase knowledge and change attitudes-Why are gorillas important to the world and to Congo?

Applying environmental education in primate range countries is an important long-term activity to stimulate pro-conservation behavior. Within captive settings, mega-charismatic species, such as great apes are often used to increase knowledge and positively influence attitudes of visitors. Here, we evaluate the effectiveness of a short-term video and theater program developed for a Western audience and adapted to rural people living in two villages around Nouabale-Ndoki National Park, Republic of Congo. We assessed the knowledge gain and attitude change using oral evaluation in the local language (N = 111). Overall pre-program knowledge about Western gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) was high. Detailed multivariate analysis of pre-program knowledge revealed differences in knowledge between two villages and people with different jobs while attitudes largely were similar between groups. The short-term education program was successful in raising knowledge, particularly of those people with less pre-program knowledge. We also noted an overall significant attitude improvement. Our data indicate short-term education programs are useful in quickly raising knowledge as well improving attitudes. Furthermore, education messages need to be clearly adapted to the daily livelihood realities of the audience, and multi-variate analysis can help to identify potential target groups for education programs.
Injuries in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Study to Explore Early Development (SEED).

This study examined caregiver-reported medically-attended injuries among 30–68 month old children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to general population (POP) and non-ASD developmental disorders (DD) controls in the Study to Explore Early Development. Injuries were common in ASD cases (32.3%) as well as POP (30.2%) and DD (27.8%) controls; most resulted in an emergency visit or hospitalization. After accounting for sociodemographic, health, IQ and behavior differences, odds of injury in ASD cases were significantly higher than DD controls but similar to POP controls. Attention problems mediated the relationships. Clinicians caring for children with both ASD and attention problems should consider providing targeted safety advice. Differences in injury risk between children with ASD vs. other developmental disorders need further study.
The Effects of Family Contact on Community Reentry Plans Among Incarcerated Youths

Research shows protective factors that mitigate risks for juvenile delinquency can also support the community reentry of incarcerated youths and deter future offending. Family engagement, education...
A system for intergroup prejudice detection: The case of microblogging under terrorist attacks

Abstract Intergroup prejudice is a distorted opinion held by one social group about another, without examination of facts. It is heightened during crises or threat. It finds expression in social media platforms when a group of people express anger, resentment and dissent towards another. This paper presents a system for automated detection of prejudiced messages from social media feeds. It uses a knowledge discovery framework that preprocesses data, generates theory-driven linguistic features along with other features engineered from textual content, annotates and models historical data to determine what drives detection of intergroup prejudice especially during a crisis. It is tested on tweets collected during the Boston Marathon bombing event. The system can be used to curb abuse and harassment by timely detection and reporting of intergroup prejudice.
Household Arrangements of Older People

This chapter addresses the household arrangements of older people in Latin America: whether they live with family, and if so, what type of family. Do older people live alone or only as a couple (as in the United States), or do they live in complex family households (as in parts of Asia)? If they live in complex family households, are they households with three or more generations? How are an old person’s living arrangements related to his or her family arrangements?
Individual Counseling for Sexually Abused Children: A Role for Animals and Storytelling

This article addresses the use of animal assisted therapy in individual counseling for sexually abused children. It focuses on how the animal can help the sexually abused child disclose abuse and express feelings. Storytelling forms a part of the treatment process. The author's clinical experience at Project Against Sexual Abuse of Appalachian Children in Knoxville, Tennessee, forms the basis for the article.
Balanced Outcome Functions Yielding Walrasian and Lindahl Allocations at Nash Equilibrium Points for Two or More Agents

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the balanced outcome functions yielding Walrasian and Lindahl allocations at Nash equilibrium points for two or more agents. In a note, Schmeidler constructed a balanced outcome function having the property of yielding, for every classical pure exchange private goods (Edgeworth Box) economy with at least three agents (or with one agent), equality of the Nash and Walrasian allocation sets. Later, Hurwicz constructed a balanced outcome function yielding the same equality and another balanced outcome function yielding, for economies with one private and one public good, the equality of Nash and Lindahl allocation sets—in both cases for economies with three or more agents. The Hurwicz outcome functions are smooth and, in fact, polynomial; Schmeidler's are discontinuous. Neither uses an auctioneer. Neither guarantees individual feasibility away from equilibrium, but the balance identities are asatisfied away from and also at equilibrium.
The Development of Numerical Fluid Mechanics and Aerodynamics since the 1960s: US and Canada

CFD in North America greatly increased its utility in the 1970’s with the development, locally and abroad, of high-resolution finite-volume methods. These methods permeated aerodynamics in the 1980’s, when Euler and Navier-Stokes models became the standard of industry; since then, aerospace engineering has remained at the forefront of CFD development. During the 1990’s, research emphasis shifted from fundamental discretizations to practical matters such as generating and using unstructured/adaptive grids, and high-performance computing. At the start of the 21st century, increasingly complex applications are driving a quest for compact higher-order algorithms; these borrow greatly from finite-element methodology.
Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction and Chronic Lung Disease

Hypoxic vasoconstriction in the lung is a unique and fundamental characteristic of the pulmonary circulation. It functions in health and disease states to better preserve ventilation-perfusion matc...
Towards an automated assessment for embodied cognition in children: the sailor step task

In this paper, we present our preliminary data analysis towards an automated assessment system for the Sailor Step task. The Sailor Step task is an embodied cognition task designed to assess attention, working memory, response inhibition, rhythm and coordination in children. Children must remember instructions and coordinate their movements following visual cues presented during a themed video clip. Skeleton data were collected through the Kinect camera. This paper presents an overview of the assessment task, the data collection and annotation with a preliminary analysis towards an automated scoring system through motion capture analysis methods.
Aging at the Neuromuscular Junction

Aging is manifest in many ways. Some are subtle while others are quite pronounced. In the nervous system, aging is particularly evident, for there are distinct behavior changes. Impaired motor coordination and reduced physical strength are among the most apparent and widespread attributes of senescence. For example, the rates and the magnitudes of various reflex responses, including simple movements of a finger or a foot, generally decrease. This is associated with a progressive decline in muscle strength after about 25 years of age (Astrand and Rodahl, 1977). Furthermore, the rate of decrease in strength is greater for the leg and trunk muscles than for the arm muscles.
FIVE-MEMBERED HETEROCYCLIC AMINES AS POTENTIAL ANTI-RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AGENTS

Abstract 5-Amino-3-substituted-1,2,4-thiadiazoles have been found to reduce the inflammatory and arthritic symptoms in the adjuvant arthritis model of rheumatoid arthritis.
Statement of Commissioner Gail Heriot in the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Report: Beyond Suspensions: Examining School Discipline Policies and Connection to School to Prison Pipeline for Students of Color with Disabilities

On April 23, 2019, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights released a report entitled Beyond Suspensions: Examining School Discipline Policies and Connection to School to Prison Pipeline for Students of Color with Disabilities. This Statement is part of that report. In the report, the Commission finds "Students of color as a whole, as well as by individual racial group, do not commit more disciplinable offenses than their white peers …." That would be a good thing if it were true, but there is no evidence to support it and abundant evidence to the contrary. "This Statement discusses that evidence. Denying facts is not helpful to students, no matter what their race or ethnicity." The report also asserts that students with disabilities are disciplined more often than students without disabilities. But it leaves the impression that this means students with physical disabilities are being disproportionately disciplined. That isn’t true. It is students with behavioral disorder who misbehave more often (and hence are disciplined more often). But behavioral disorders are defined by a pattern of misbehavior. All the Commission has found is that student who misbehave a lot get disciplined more often than students who don’t. No surprise there.
Changes in Daily Step Counts and Health-Related Fitness after a Sports-Based Residential Summer Camp in Boys.

Several schoolwide initiatives have been created to combat the rate of obesity in adolescents. However, despite programs showing an ability to advance health-related fitness during the academic yea...
Anterior Cervical Osteophyte Resection for Treatment of Dysphagia.

Study Design:This was a retrospective cohort study.Objectives:When anterior cervical osteophytes become large enough, they may cause dysphagia. There is a paucity of work examining outcomes and com...
A Fast and Robust Method for Global Topological Functional Optimization

Topological statistics, in the form of persistence diagrams, are a class of shape descriptors that capture global structural information in data. The mapping from data structures to persistence diagrams is almost everywhere differentiable, allowing for topological gradients to be backpropagated to ordinary gradients. However, as a method for optimizing a topological functional, this backpropagation method is expensive, unstable, and produces very fragile optima. Our contribution is to introduce a novel backpropagation scheme that is significantly faster, more stable, and produces more robust optima. Moreover, this scheme can also be used to produce a stable visualization of dots in a persistence diagram as a distribution over critical, and near-critical, simplices in the data structure.
Event-specific and individual factors impacting college students' decisions to intervene in a potentially risky scenario.

Universities have attempted to address sexual violence on campuses through various prevention programs, including bystander intervention. Unfortunately, the extant literature on bystander intervent...
Serum Protein Levels as Biomarkers of Muscle Strength in Patients with End-Stage Systolic Heart Failure

Purpose Patients with heart failure (HF) are at increased risk of unintentional weight loss, principally loss of skeletal muscle mass, which may exacerbate patients’ impairments in physical functioning. Serum protein levels have been proposed as biomarkers of cardiac cachexia based upon their purported relationship with protein balance and nutritional status. However, it is not known whether the serum protein markers albumin and prealbumin are related to muscle strength and dietary protein intake in patients with HF. Methods We retrospectively analyzed a dataset prospectively collected between 5/2016-3/2020 from patients with end-stage systolic HF ±21 days from left ventricular (LVAD) implantation. Each visit included venous blood draw for serum albumin and prealbumin levels, hydraulic hand dynamometer for handgrip strength and dietary protein intake collection for 3 days followed by analysis in the Food Processor® software. All data collection was repeated at 3 and 6 months after LVAD implantation (±14 days), with study participation ending after either the 6 month visit or heart transplantation, whichever occurred first. Pearson correlations and linear mixed effects models were constructed using SAS and adjusted for 24-hour averaged protein intake. Results The cohort was 89.7% (35/39) male, with mean age 57±11.6 years. There was a positive correlation between baseline albumin levels and baseline handgrip strength (r=0.48, p=0.002, n=38), but no correlation between baseline prealbumin levels and handgrip strength (r=0.01, p=0.94, n=38). There was a positive association across all data for albumin and handgrip strength (n=90 values, p Conclusion In patients with HF undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) evaluation, serum albumin levels could be used as a biomarker of muscle strength, independent of the dietary protein intake. Serum albumin and prealbumin levels do change over the medium-term, showing a stepwise increase at 3 and 6 months of LVAD support, with the greatest increase during the first 3 months.
Development of a High-Throughput, Compound-Multiplexed Fluorescence Polarization Assay to Identify ATG5-ATG16L1 Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors.

Macroautophagy is a catabolic process wherein cytosolic cargo is engulfed in an autophagosome that fuses with a lysosome to degrade the cargo for recycling. Autophagy maintains cellular homeostasis...
Prehabilitation for medically frail patients undergoing surgery for epithelial ovarian cancer: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Objective To assess the potential cost-effectiveness of prehabilitation in medically frail patients undergoing surgery for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Methods We created a cost-effectiveness model evaluating the impact of prehabilitation on a cohort of medically frail women undergoing primary surgical intervention for EOC. Cost was assessed from the healthcare system perspective via (1) inpatient charges from 2018-2019 institutional Diagnostic Related Grouping data for surgeries with and without major complications; (2) nursing facility costs from published market surveys. Major complication and non-home discharge rates were estimated from the literature. Based on published pilot studies, prehabilitation was determined to decrease these rates. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for cost per life year saved utilized a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000/life year. Modeling was performed with TreeAge software. Results In a cohort of 4,415 women, prehabilitation would cost $371.1 Million (M) versus $404.9 M for usual care, a cost saving of $33.8 M/year. Cost of care per patient with prehabilitation was $84,053; usual care was $91,713. When analyzed for cost-effectiveness, usual care was dominated by prehabilitation, indicating prehabilitation was associated with both increased effectiveness and decreased cost compared with usual care. Sensitivity analysis showed prehabilitation was more cost effective up to a cost of intervention of $9,418/patient. Conclusion Prehabilitation appears to be a cost-saving method to decrease healthcare system costs via two improved outcomes: lower complication rates and decreased care facility requirements. It represents a novel strategy to optimize healthcare efficiency. Prospective studies should be performed to better characterize these interventions in medically frail patients with EOC.
Pfiesteria piscicida and Human Health

Presumptive exposure to toxins produced by Pfiesteria piscicida, a small dinoflagellate found in mid-Atlantic estuarine waters, emerged as the cause of a novel human health syndrome of impaired cognition associated with skin rash, headache, gastrointestinal symptoms, and respiratory complaints following fish-kill events in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay in 1997. Dinoflagellates meet their nutritional needs either by photosynthesis (autotrophy), phagocytosis of food sources (heterotrophy), or combinations of these strategies (mixotrophy). Blooms of populations of these and other organisms that affect environmental quality and, at times, human health are often considered collectively under the general topic of harmful algal bloom (HAB). Toxin production by marine and estuarine dinoflagellates is responsible for four human health syndromes. Many fish collected during Pfiesteria-related fish-kill events display aberrant swimming behavior and have diffuse epithelial injury, with hemorrhage and necrosis. No consistent or unexpected abnormalities were found on physical examination. As outlined in this chapter, much remains to be learned about the organism, its presumed toxins, the environmental conditions which promote toxin expression, and the mechanisms by which these toxins might cause disease in humans. At the same time, there is an increasing convergence of data which support the idea of a link between exposure to toxins produced by this and related dinoflagellates and the occurrence of illness in humans.
Damping Modeling in Timoshenko Beams

We present theoretical and numerical results of damping model studies for composite material beams using the Timoshenko theory. A computational method for the estimation of the damping parameters is given. Examples involving experimental data are presented to investigate the damping models and test the computational method.
Crop simulation models in agronomic systems.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses some crop simulation models in agronomic systems. Many crop models or parts of crop models have been built to help the researcher and students understand the operation of some part of an agronomic cropping system, for example, soil water flow, stomata1 control, or fertilizer nutrient movement. In addition to understanding various parts of agronomic systems, the modelers want to see what can be expected to happen if some change is made in that system. Field tests are very expensive, especially as the numbers of variables and/or treatments increase, and years of results are needed. A proven model of the system helps to evaluate these treatments and indicates which ones could be expected to give the desired results. The cotton model, GOSSYM, has been widely validated. GOSSYM has been used in a user-friendly form on a PC microcomputer as a tool for on-farm management decisions pertaining to nitrogen fertilizer applications, irrigation scheduling, and timing of harvest-aid chemicals. By combining GOSSYM with an expert system program, COMAX, the on-farm management decisions have been run in several combinations to give the user an optimal plan for fertilizer and irrigation scheduling.
Partial resolution of the enzymes catalyzing photophosphorylation. XI. Magnesium-adenosine triphosphatase properties of heat-activated coupling factor I from chloroplasts.

Abstract Conditions are reported under which purified coupling factor 1 from spinach chloroplasts, suitably activated, exhibited Mg++-dependent ATPase activity at rates of about 15 µmoles of Pi released per mg of protein per min. The presence of a carboxylic acid and proper MgCl2 concentrations were the main factors determining the rate of hydrolysis. At pH 6, with 8 mm MgCl2, sodium maleate accelerated the Mg++ATPase activity of coupling factor 1 up to 30-fold. At pH 8, 2 mm MgCl2 was optimal and bicarbonate was more effective than maleate as an activator. Higher concentrations of MgCl2 inhibited the reaction. A monospecific antibody against coupling factor 1 inhibited both the Mg++- and the Ca++-dependent ATPase activities. The specificity for triphosphonucleotides was similar for the two reactions. The Km of the Mg++ATPase for ATP was 0.1 mm at pH 6 with 2-(N-morpholino)ethane sulfonic acid buffer and 1.1 mm with maleate buffer. It is concluded that carboxylic acids increase the Vmax by removing inhibitory products of the reaction. From the mode of inhibition by ADP, existence of at least two active sites acting cooperatively, is proposed.
Reducing Inflation in Argentina: Mission Impossible?

Economics Minister Domingo Cavallo sat in his office on March 12, 1991 pondering the fate of his country. High inflation had been rampant in Argentina for the last fifteen years. In January, 1977, a factory worker living in Buenos Aires could have purchased a container of milk at a local supermarket for 1 peso. Returning to the supermarket fourteen years later, the worker would now have to pay over 1 billion pesos for a similar container of milk. That is, if the currency were still the peso. The unit of currency in Argentina changed twice during the period, and in early 1991 it was the austral. Of course, it was not just the price of milk that rose so dramatically. Since 1977, the Consumer Price Index had risen at an average annual rate of 333% per year. There was a twelve month period ending in 1990 during which actual inflation was 20,266%. Cavallo knew that it was his job to stop this madness. Carlos Menem, Argentina's president, had recently appointed Cavallo to resurrect the economy from stag-hyperinflation, a punishing combination of recession and inflation. Menem had instituted numerous economic plans in the twenty months since taking office, but had not controlled inflation. To many, it seemed almost inconceivable that Cavallo would succeed at this mission. But Cavallo had a plan, and he felt confident that if his plan could get political backing, it would tame the inflation beast. He knew that one piece of the plan - the creation of a currency board would be particularly tough to get through the national legislature. If he fought for this piece, he risked losing support for the entire package. Was it worth it? Could the plan work without a currency board? In this case study, students are asked to analyze whether Cavallo's proposed stabilization plan should contain a controversial proposal for a currency board, and if so whether it was likely to succeed. The case describes in detail the economic history of Argentina leading up to 1991. Students use an included data set (containing the relevant economic variables for Argentina) and answer a comprehensive set of exercises. The case and the exercises are designed to help students learn about the relationships between inflation, exchange rates, money creation, and government budget deficits, and the key policies that can account for the success or failure of stabilization plans. The case is set at the time of the proposal of the currency board (1991). The teaching plan and Powerpoint slides for the case describe the events in Argentina since 1991. The lessons of 1991 continue to be highly relevant to Argentina today and to many other countries around the world facing the risk of high inflation. The case is appropriate for use in the following types of courses: macroeconomics (MBA or undergraduate), international finance MBA or undergraduate), and money and banking (MBA or undergraduate).
Minimalist transcatheter aortic valve replacement: The new standard for surgeons and cardiologists using transfemoral access?

Abstract Background A minimalist approach for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (MA-TAVR) utilizing transfemoral access under conscious sedation and transthoracic echocardiography is increasing in popularity. This relatively novel technique may necessitate a learning period to achieve proficiency in performing a successful and safe procedure. This report evaluates our MA-TAVR cohort with specific characterization between our early, midterm, and recent experience. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 151 consecutive patients who underwent MA-TAVR with surgeons and interventionists equally as primary operator at Emory University between May 2012 and July 2014. Our institution had performed 300 TAVR procedures before implementation of MA-TAVR. Patient characteristics and early outcomes were compared using Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 definitions among 3 groups: group 1 included the first 50 patients, group 2 included patients 51 to 100, and group 3 included patients 101 to 151. Results Median age for all patients was 84 years and similar among groups. The majority of patients were men (56%) and the median ejection fraction for all patients was 55% (interquartile range, 38.0%-60.0%). The majority of patients were high-risk surgical candidates with a median Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality of 10.0% and similar among groups. The overall major stroke rate was 3.3%, major vascular complications occurred in 3% of patients, and greater-than-mild paravalvular leak rate was 7%. In-hospital mortality and morbidity were similar among all 3 groups. Conclusions In a high-volume TAVR center, transition to MA-TAVR is feasible with acceptable outcomes and a diminutive procedural learning curve. We advocate for TAVR centers to actively pursue the minimalist technique with equal representation by cardiologists and surgeons.
Dinuclear Iron Cluster‐Containing Oxygenase CmlA

CmlA is a tailoring enzyme from the nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS)-based biosynthetic pathway for chloramphenicol expressed in Streptomyces venezuelae. The enzyme is a monooxygenase that catalyzes the β-hydroxylation of l-para-aminophenylalanine (l-PAPA) covalently tethered to the NRPS CmlP. Spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic studies reveal an oxo-bridged dinuclear iron cluster in the active site that binds and activates O2. The structure shows that the subunits of the homodimeric CmlA are composed of a 248 residue N-terminal domain with a novel fold and a 284 residue C-terminal domain with a metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) fold where the diiron cluster is bound. Oxygenase activity has not been previously observed for a diiron cluster in an MBL fold and no other diiron cluster enzyme is known to catalyze β-hydroxylation. In the diferrous state, the diiron cluster is reactive with O2, but the reaction is very slow in the absence of the CmlP–l-PAPA complex. Thus, CmlA is regulated so that O2 is activated only when substrate is bound. CmlA is the first diiron cluster-containing enzyme known to be active in an NRPS pathway, but a gene search reveals numerous homologs of CmlA that are likely to catalyze similar reactions during biosynthesis of other natural products. 3D Structure Schematic representation of the CmlA dimer from Streptomyces venezuelae. The left monomer is depicted with the secondary structure highlighted in blue for α-helices and orange for β-strands. The second monomer is colored maroon. Iron ions are depicted as brown spheres. The structure was generated from PDB structure 4JO0. All figures shown herein were generated using PyMOL Molecular Graphics System, Version 1.5.0.4, Schrodinger, LLC. Keywords: monooxygenase; dinuclear iron cluster; oxygen; nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS); β-hydroxylation; antibiotic; natural product biosynthesis; spectroscopy; C–H bond activation; chloramphenicol
Nonreciprocal passive metastructure without magnetic bias

In this work we develop a novel passive structure whose unit cell incorporates a passive electromagnetic diode and chiral metamaterial structure to break the system's symmetry and achieve Faraday-like rotation with no need for magnetic bias.
Immunotoxin combined with chemotherapy for patients with AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to develop and test a combined therapeutic approach for patients with AIDS-related lymphoma (ARL), employing agents with independent mechanisms of action and nonoverlapping toxicity. This study was designed to test the feasibility and tolerance of combining low dose chemotherapy with infusional immunotoxin in the treatment of ARL patients. METHODS Previously untreated patients received low dose methotrexate, bleomycin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine (m-BACOD) on a 21- to 28-day schedule. Patients who did not have progressive disease by Cycle 3 received anti-B4-blocked ricin (anti-B4bR), a murine monoclonal antibody linked to modified ricin, 20 μg/kg/day for 7 days administered by continuous infusion on an outpatient basis. A repeat cycle of anti-B4-bR was administered during Cycle 4 of chemotherapy based on tolerance. Patients received two cycles of chemotherapy beyond complete remission up to eight cycles. Study endpoints were toxicity, development of human antimurine antibody (HAMA) and human antiricin (HARA), tumor response, and survival. RESULTS Twenty-six of 44 patients received the immunotoxin therapy. Anti-B4-bR infusion was associated with transaminase elevation (Grade 3) in 14 of 26 patients (58%), and flulike symptoms were common. HAMA or HARA was observed in 8 patients (31%). The overall response rate was 57% (13 complete responses and 12 partial responses). The median survival for all patients was 8.9 months. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of using chemotherapy and immunotoxin therapies in combination and supports their further evaluation to improve the outcomes of patients with ARL. Cancer 1998;83:2580-2587. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
The Centrioles of Trichonympha from Termites and their Functions in Reproduction

SYNOPSIS. The centrioles of Trichonympha from termites do not differ, either in structure or function, from those of Trichonympha in Crypiocercus. The previous claims of a difference are erroneous. The roles of the centrioles in the reproduction of new extranuclear organelles and in nuclear duplication are described. The centrioles are autonomous organdies. They are just as essential for a cell's existence as are chromosomes.
High Fat Milk Products—A Perspective

Declining pe r capi ta consumpt ion in the Uni ted States of bu t te r and cream, and consequently of total milk fat , is of grea t concern to all having any financial or emotional a t tachnmnt to the dairy indust~T. The recipient of an invitat ion f rom this g roup to discuss what might be done to reverse this t rend has a feeling of gratification tha t the Conunittee conceived his remarks might have merit, but at the same time is more than a little humble because he has some knowledge of the enormity and complexi ty of the problem and is not certain of their resolution.
Preparation of benzoyl fluoride from benzotrifluoride catalyzed by niobium oxide

Abstract Several metals were found to catalyze the conversion of benzotrifluoride to benzoyl fluoride in the presence of carboxylic acids and sulfonic acids, together with the corresponding anhydride, and molecular oxygen. Nb2O5 exhibited the highest activity, and a conversion of ∼99.8% and a selectivity of ∼90% were obtained in 10 min under mild conditions. The composition of the acid and anhydride was found to play two roles – as a proton source to activate the C–F bond and as an oxygen transfer agent to form benzoyl fluoride. Oxygen facilitated fluorine transfer but did not enter into the reaction products. A possible mechanism for the conversion of benzotrifluoride to benzoyl fluoride was proposed.
Intravenous immunoglobulin in patients with anti-GAD antibody-associated neurological diseases and patients with inflammatory myopathies: effects on clinicopathological features and immunoregulatory genes

Controlled trials with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) were conducted in patients with Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS) and dermatomyositis (DM), two humorally mediated neurological disorders, and in inclusion body myositis (IBM), a T-cell-mediated inflammatory myopathy. The clinical efficacy was compared with alterations on tissue expression of complement, cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, and immunoregulatory genes. The following patients were randomized in three separate trials to receive IVIg or placebo for 3 mo: (a) 16 patients with anti-GAD antibody-positive SPS; (b) 15 patients with DM resistant to therapies; and (c) 19 patients with IBM. After a washout, they crossed to the alternative therapy for another 3 mo. Efficacy was based on the difference in the respective disease scores from baseline to the second and third month of the infusions. In patients with SPS and DM, the scores changed positively and significantly from months 1 through 3, but returned to baseline when the patients crossed to placebo. In contrast, the scores in the placebo-randomized group remained constant or worsened from months 1 to 3, but improved significantly after crossing to IVIg. The muscle scores of patients with IBM did not significantly change between IVIg or placebo. In SPS, the anti-GAD65 antibody titers declined after IVIg but not after placebo. In DM, there was reduction of complement consumption, interception of membranolytic attack complex formation, downregulation of inflammation, fibrosis, cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules, and alterations in thousands of immunoregulatory genes. We conclude that IVIg is a safe and effective therapy for patients with SPS and DM unresponsive to other agents. In tissues, IVIg restores tissue cytoarchitecture by suppressing the inflammatory mediators at the protein, mRNA, and gene level.
Biosensing under an applied voltage using optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy

An applied dc voltage offers a means of controlling immobilization during biosensor fabrication and detection during biosensing application. We present a method to directly and continuously measure the adsorption of biomacromolecules or other polyelectrolytes, under an applied potential difference, based on optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy (OWLS). An indium tin oxide (ITO) film of thickness ca. 10 nm coated onto a silicon titanium oxide (STO) waveguiding film serves as the working (sensing) electrode. We observe the effective refractive index of the 0th transverse electric guided mode to increase significantly in the presence of an applied potential due to charging of the interfacial double layer and, possibly, modest electrochemical oxidation. Adsorption from solution onto the ITO electrode is detected by a further increase in the effective refractive index. We achieve accurate detection by employing an optical model in which the STO and ITO layers are combined into a single waveguiding film. No improvement is found using models treating the ITO as a separate layer, either dielectric or conducting. Using this method, we find the adsorption of human serum albumin and horse heart cytochrome c to be considerably enhanced in the presence of an applied potential exceeding 1 V. We attribute this behavior to adsorption at positions on the protein molecules of complementary charge.
Improving Doctor---Patient Communication: Examining Innovative Modalities Vis-à-vis Effective Patient-Centric Care Management Technology

This analysis investigates what patients and practitioners can do to improve their interactive communications to achieve optimal patient-centric (PC) care. One goal of this clinical practice approach is to improve patient satisfaction, compliance, and outcomes. The mutual responsibilities required of both the patients and practitioners to attain PC care are discussed. Innovative, information technology techniques in the healthcare environment in general and in care delivery in particular are explored. Practitioner-to-patient encouragement vis-a-vis self education on their conditions is also provided.
Radiobiological rationale and clinical implications of hypofractionated radiation therapy

Recent clinical trials of hypofractionated radiation treatment have provided critical insights into the safety and efficacy of hypofractionation. However, there remains much controversy in the field, both at the level of clinical practice and in our understanding of the underlying radiobiological mechanisms. In this article, we review the clinical literature on hypofractionated radiation treatment for breast, prostate, and other malignancies. We highlight several ongoing clinical trials that compare outcomes of a hypofractionated approach versus those obtained with a conventional approach. Lastly, we outline some of the preclinical and clinical evidence that argue in favor of differential radiobiological mechanisms underlying hypofractionated radiation treatment. Emerging data from the ongoing studies will help to better define and guide the rational use of hypofractionation in future years.
Presence of voltage-gated potassium channel complex antibody in a case of genetic prion disease

Voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex antibody-mediated encephalitis is a recently recognised entity which has been reported to mimic the clinical presentation of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Testing for the presence of this neuronal surface autoantibody in patients presenting with subacute encephalopathy is therefore crucial as it may both revoke the bleak diagnosis of prion disease and allow institution of potentially life-saving immunotherapy. Tempering this optimistic view is the rare instance when a positive VGKC complex antibody titre occurs in a definite case of prion disease. We present a pathologically and genetically confirmed case of CJD with elevated serum VGKC complex antibody titres. This case highlights the importance of interpreting the result of a positive VGKC complex antibody with caution and in the context of the overall clinical manifestation.
Anomalously broad spin distributions in sub-barrier fusion reactions.

The mean square spin value of the compound nucleus /sup 248/Cf has been determined from fission-fragment angular distributions for the /sup 12/C+/sup 236/U and /sup 16/O+/sup 232/Th reactions. The anisotropy and, hence, the mean square spin values are much larger than expected. Models which reproduce the enhancement observed in the sub-barrier fusion excitation functions fail to account for the spin-distribution observations.