cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does the Timing of Chemotherapy Affect Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction Complications?

Abstract Introduction In this study we evaluated how the timing of chemotherapy for breast cancer affects post-reconstruction complications to determine whether there is an optimal time for breast reconstruction after chemotherapy. Patients and Methods A retrospective review identified 344 breast cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy with mastectomy and autologous/prosthetic reconstruction from 2011 to 2014. A control group of 127 breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy and autologous/prosthetic reconstruction without chemotherapy was also identified from the same period. The 2 groups were compared and analyzed for differences in demographic characteristics, treatment, and postoperative complication rates. The chemotherapy group was subsequently stratified into 3 subgroups on the basis of the number of days between chemotherapy treatment and reconstructive surgery (≤ 30 days, 30-60 days, > 60 days) for further analysis. Results Patients who received chemotherapy were followed for an average of 803.4 days (26.4 months) from the time of initial reconstruction (mean time to complication, 43.3 ± 82.7 days), and experienced an overall greater complication rate compared with control subjects (32.8% vs. 24.4%; P = .078). When complications were divided into minor, major, and reconstructive failure categories, analysis revealed that the chemotherapy group experienced more minor complications than the control group (18% vs. 11%; P = .067). However, there were no statistically significant differences in major complication rates (10.5% vs. 9.4%) and reconstructive failure complication rates (3.8% vs. 2.4%) between the chemotherapy group and control group. Sixty-eight patients (19.8%) underwent surgery within 30 days of chemotherapy, 210 patients (61%) within 30 to 60 days, and 66 patients (19.2%) after 60 days. Of note, patients in the ≤ 30 days group underwent surgery at a mean time of 24.8 days with 2 patients who underwent surgery in 60 days), time to complication, complication severity, or complication type. Whereas patients who underwent surgery 30 to 60 days from the time of chemotherapy had lower rates of skin necrosis (3.8%) and infection (15.7%) compared with the ≤ 30 days and 60 to 90 days groups, this finding was not statistically significant. Conclusion Results of this study suggest that chemotherapy does increase overall breast reconstruction complications, however, a decreased time between chemotherapy and surgical reconstruction does not predispose patients to postoperative complications. Consequently, surgery might be feasible in close temporal proximity to chemotherapy administration.
Postoperative stereotactic radiosurgery for resected brain metastases: A comparison of outcomes for large resection cavities

Abstract Purpose Although historical trials have established the role of surgical resection followed by whole brain irradiation (WBRT) for brain metastases, WBRT has recently been shown to cause significant neurocognitive decline. Many practitioners have employed postoperative stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to tumor resection cavities to increase local control without causing significant neurocognitive sequelae. However, studies analyzing outcomes of large brain metastases treated with resection and postoperative SRS are lacking. Here we compare outcomes in patients with large brain metastases >4 cm to those with smaller metastases ≤4 cm treated with surgical resection followed by SRS to the resection cavity. Methods and materials Consecutive patients with brain metastases treated at our institution with surgical resection and postoperative SRS were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were stratified into ≤4 cm and >4 cm cohorts based on preoperative maximal tumor dimension. Cumulative incidence of local failure, radiation necrosis, and death were analyzed for the 2 cohorts using a competing-risk model, defined as the time from SRS treatment date to the measured event, death, or last follow-up. Results A total of 117 consecutive cases were identified. Of these patients, 90 (77%) had preoperative tumors ≤4 cm, and 27 (23%) >4 cm in greatest dimension. The only significant baseline difference between the 2 groups was a higher proportion of patients who underwent gross total resection in the ≤4 cm compared with the >4 cm cohort, 76% versus 48%, respectively ( P 4 cm cohorts were 12.3% and 16.0%, 26.9% and 28.4%, and 80.6% and 67.6%, respectively (all P >.05). The rates of local failure and radiation necrosis were not statistically different on multivariable analysis based on tumor size. Conclusions Brain metastases >4 cm in largest dimension managed by resection and radiosurgery to the tumor cavity have promising local control rates without a significant increase in radiation necrosis on our retrospective review.
What do visitors know and how do they feel about contact precautions

Patients with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) are placed in contact precautions. We surveyed 31 visitors of CDI patients to understand their compliance, knowledge, and perceptions of contact precautions. Although most visitors knew where to find the required personal protective equipment, only 42% were fully compliant with gown and gloves. Family members accounted for 90% of visitors, and roughly half of the reasons given for not gowning were related to a lack of perceived risk for family members. Nursing staff are fundamental sources of personal protective equipment (PPE) information for visitors; however, we found variation in staff communication regarding need for visitor PPE use.
Comparison of autoencoder and Principal Component Analysis followed by neural network for e-learning using handwritten recognition

This paper presents two different implementations for recognition of handwritten numerals using a high performance autoencoder and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) by making use of neural networks. Different from other approaches, the non-linear mapping capability of neural networks is used extensively here. The implementation involves the deployment of a neural network, and the use of an auto encoder and PCA while carrying out the compression and classification of data. The performance of the system was analyzed, and an accuracy of 97.2% for Principal Component Analysis, and 98.1% accuracy for the autoencoder, was recorded in detection of numerals written by school children.
A Preservice Special Education Teacher's Construction of Knowledge: Implications for Coursework and Retention in the Field:

This case study looks closely at one preservice special education teacher candidate's views on how her coursework, program requirements, and practical experiences influenced her knowledge of teachi...
Complete Genome Sequence of the Predatory Bacterium Ensifer adhaerens Casida A.

We report here the complete genome sequence of the facultative predatory bacterium Ensifer adhaerens strain Casida A. The genome was assembled into three circular contigs, with a main chromosome as well as two large secondary replicons, that totaled 7,267,502 bp with 6,641 predicted open reading frames.
Assessing estuarine health in Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve using a geochemical approach

Four estuaries in southwest Florida with different land use characteristics in their watersheds were chosen to investigate the effects of anthropogenic land use on estuarine health. Estuaries were sampled for salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), stable carbon isotope ratios of DIC (δCDIC), stable carbon isotope ratios of particulate organic carbon (δCPOC), concentration of particulate organic carbon (POC), nitrogen isotope ratios of particulate organic nitrogen (δNPON), C/N ratios, and chlorophyll-α concentrations (Chl-α). δCDIC values ranged from −14.09 to +0.85‰. The more negative values occurred upstream, and resulted from DIC inputs derived from the degradation of organic carbon and the dissolution of carbonates. The more positive values occurred downstream, and were typical of marine values. DIC concentrations ranged from 1461 to 8066 μmol/L. Higher concentrations occurred upstream and support the interpretation that high respiration rates were occurring in the upstream sampling points. A comparison of DIC values to a conservative mixing model indicates that the input of terrestrial organic matter and its degradation created a net heterotrophic metabolic state in all four estuaries. Supporting this interpretation, δCPOC values (−36.53 to −20.11‰) suggest that terrestrial plants were the main source of POC in the upstream sampling points, while aquatic plants were the main contributor of POC in the downstream sampling points. δNPON values range from +1.52 to +5.60‰, which is consistent with natural sources of nutrients. C/N ratios ranged from 7.2 to 13.4, and are consistent with both terrestrial and aquatic sources. Chl-α concentrations were variable and were typically below 20 μg/L, indicating moderate to low levels of autotrophy in all estuaries. Elevated Chl-α
Understanding Liability Risks and Protections for Pediatric Providers During Disasters

Although most health care providers will go through their careers without experiencing a major disaster in their local communities, if one does occur, it can be life and career altering. The American Academy of Pediatrics has been at the forefront of providing education and advocacy on the critical importance of disaster preparedness. From experiences over the past decade, new evidence and analysis have broadened our understanding that the concept of preparedness is also applicable to addressing the unique professional liability risks that can occur when caring for patients and families during a disaster. In our recommendations in this policy statement, we target pediatric health care providers, advocates, and policy makers and address how individuals, institutions, and government can work together to strengthen the system of liability protections during disasters so that appropriate and timely care can be delivered with minimal fear of legal reprisal or confusion.
Gender Disparities in Traumatic Life Experiences and Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among People Living with HIV in South Carolina

People living with HIV are at increased risk for experiencing trauma, which may be linked to reduced adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), making it more difficult to achieve and maintain viral suppression. The current study sought to assess whether traumatic life experiences were associated with lower ART adherence among a diverse sample of people living with HIV in South Carolina. A cross-sectional survey was completed by 402 individuals receiving HIV care from a large immunology center. Principal component analysis revealed three primary categories of trauma experience (extreme violence/death-related trauma, physical and sexual assault, and accidental/disaster-related trauma). Multivariable logistic regression models using complete case analysis and multiple imputation were used to determine the associations between experiencing each trauma category and ART adherence. Complete case analysis showed that overall, participants who reported exposure to any trauma were 58% less likely to be adherent to their ART (adjusted OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.21–0.86) compared to respondents who did not experience trauma. Participants exposed to extreme violence/death-related trauma were 63% less likely to be adherent to their ART (adjusted OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.15–0.95) compared to respondents who did not experience trauma. Participants exposed to physical and sexual assault were 65% less likely (adjusted OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.16–0.77) and those who reported experiencing accidental/disaster-related trauma were 56% less likely (adjusted OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.21–0.93) to report being ART adherent compared to participants who did not experience trauma. Analyses with multiple imputation yielded similar findings as the complete case analyses. When the data were analyzed separately by gender, the associations between overall trauma, extreme violence/death-related trauma, and physical and sexual assault were statistically significant for men using complete case and multiple imputation analyses. There were no statistically significant associations between trauma and ART adherence among women. Findings highlight the need to adopt trauma-informed approaches and integrate trauma- and gender-specific interventions into HIV clinical care in the Southern United States.
Health Insurance Coverage of Recommended Gender-Affirming Health Care Services for Transgender Youth: Shopping Online for Coverage Information

Abstract We assessed online health insurance plan indication of coverage and accessibility of information for recommended services for transgender youth (TY). Content analysis was performed for pla...
Allogeneic peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation in solid tumors.

High-dose chemotherapy and autologous transplantation is used as treatment for selected solid tumors, such as breast and ovarian cancer. This approach produces high complete response rates but relapse of the malignancies remains the major problem. This is generally due to incomplete eradication of the disease by high-dose chemotherapy. In addition, autologous transplantation may be contaminated by malignant cells that may contribute to systemic relapse. Allogeneic peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) or bone marrow transplantation has been associated with an immune graft-vs-malignancy effect against leukemias and lymphomas. However, it is uncertain whether a similar graft-vs-malignancy effect will occur against solid tumors. Preliminary trials of allogeneic transplantation have been performed in patients with various solid tumors with the goal of inducing graft-vs-malignancy effects. In this chapter, we will review the rationale and our recent experience of allogeneic transplantation for metastatic breast cancer.
Genomic structure, evolutionary origins, and reproductive function of a large amplified intrinsically disordered protein gene on the X chromosome (Laidx) in mice.

Mouse sex chromosomes are enriched for co-amplified gene families, present in tens to hundreds of copies. Co-amplification of Slx/Slxl1 on the X chromosome and Sly on the Y chromosome are involved in dose-dependent genetic conflict, however the role of other co-amplified genes remains poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that the co-amplified gene family Srsx, along with two additional partial gene annotations, is actually part of a larger transcription unit, which we name Laidx. Laidx is harbored in a 229 kb amplicon that represents the ancestral state as compared to a 525 kb Y-amplicon containing the rearranged Laidy. Laidx contains a 25,011 nucleotide open reading frame, predominantly expressed in round spermatids, predicted to encode an 871 kDa protein. Laidx has orthologous copies with the rat and also the 825-MY diverged parasitic Chinese liver fluke, Clonorchis sinensis, the likely result of a horizontal gene transfer of rodent Laidx to an ancestor of the liver fluke. To assess the male reproductive functions of Laidx, we generated mice carrying a multi-megabase deletion of the Laidx-ampliconic region. Laidx-deficient male mice do not show detectable reproductive defects in fertility, fecundity, testis histology, and offspring sex ratio. We speculate that Laidx and Laidy represent a now inactive X versus Y chromosome conflict that occurred in an ancestor of present day mice.
River Float Trip Encounter Norms: Questioning the Use of the Social Norms Concept

Recreationists' norms about acceptable use levels and impacts can help managers make appropriate and defensible decisions. To be useful, a large percentage of recreationists must have norms and there must be shared agreement or consensus among the norms. Contrary to the stated or implied findings of recent published research, fewer than half of the New River whitewater rafters in our study had norms about appropriate encounter levels for most types of experiences. Many said encounters made no difference, or said they made a difference but couldn't give a number. For those who had norms, consensus was not strong. While a few differences in extent of norm agreement were found between such subgroups as commercial versus private boaters, subgroup agreement seldom appeared to exceed that of the population as a whole. Our findings suggest a need for greater clarity in definition, measurement and reports of recreation norms, recognition of theoretical developments on the meaning of norms, and greater precision i...
Safety and Feasibility of Various Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycling Protocols in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis Who Are Nonambulatory

Objective To examine the safety, feasibility, and response to functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling protocols requiring differing levels of effort in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are nonambulatory. Design Pilot study with pre-post intervention testing. Setting Outpatient clinic setting of a long-term acute care hospital. Participants Individuals (N=10) with MS (6 men; mean age 58.6±9.86y) who use a wheelchair for community mobility. Participants' Expanded Disability Status Scale score ranged from 6.5 to 8.5 (median 7.5). Intervention Participants performed 3 or 4 FES cycling protocols requiring different levels of volitional effort during 6-8 testing sessions. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome was safety, measured by adverse events and increase in MS symptoms, all assessed throughout, immediately post- and 1 day postsession. FES cycling performance for each protocol was also recorded. Exploratory outcome measures collected before and after all testing sessions included functional assessment of MS, MS Impact Scale, Exercise Self Efficacy Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item, and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale. Results All participants (4 women, 6 men) completed all testing sessions. There were no serious adverse events or differences in vitals or symptoms between protocols. Two participants had an isolated episode of mild hypotension. Changes in pain, spasticity, and fatigue were minimal. Five participants were able to cycle for 30 minutes and completed interval training protocols requiring increasing difficulty. The remainder cycled for <3 minutes and completed a rest interval protocol. There was modest improvement on the exploratory outcome measures. Conclusions People with MS who use a wheelchair for community mobility can safely perform FES cycling requiring more effort than previously reported research. Therefore, the individuals may experience greater benefits than previously reported. Further study is required to better understand the potential benefits for optimizing function and improving health in people with MS.
Chapter 4 – Clean Streets

After sweeping several miles of neighborhood streets, a sweeping truck moves on to the next street along the route that has yet to be swept. When this happens, some valuable time is wasted; the unproductive travel is called deadheading, and the goal is to find a route that requires the least amount of deadheading. The mathematical background for this are Euler tours, part of graph theory. Closely related to this routing problem is household refuse collection, in which a truck and its crew pick up residential garbage from special cans that are placed by the residents along the edge of the street curb. Since the truck must traverse the entire length of a street in order not to miss any residents or businesses along the way, its path from depot to dumpsite is not dissimilar to that of a sweeper in the need to keep deadheading to a minimum. A related problem is to determine the minimum number of vehicles that must be employed to complete the assigned routes within a specific time period and subject to capacity constraints. This is known as the scheduling problem, based on a study done for the New York City Sanitation Department and is based on chromatic graphs.
Deshrinking ridge regression for genome-wide association studies.

MOTIVATION Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are still the primary steps toward gene discovery. The urgency is more obvious in the big data era when GWAS are conducted simultaneously for thousand traits, e.g. transcriptomic and metabolomic traits. Efficient mixed model association (EMMA) and genome-wide efficient mixed model association (GEMMA) are the widely used methods for GWAS. An algorithm with high computational efficiency is badly needed. It is interesting to note that the test statistics of the ordinary ridge regression (ORR) have the same patterns across the genome as those obtained from the EMMA method. However, ORR has never been used for GWAS due to its severe shrinkage on the estimated effects and the test statistics. RESULTS We introduce a degree of freedom for each marker effect obtained from ORR and use it to deshrink both the estimated effect and the standard error so that the Wald test of ORR is brought back to the same level as that of EMMA. The new method is called deshrinking ridge regression (DRR). By evaluating the methods under three different model sizes (small, medium and large), we demonstrate that DRR is more generalized for all model sizes than EMMA, which only works for medium and large models. Furthermore, DRR detect all markers in a simultaneous manner instead of scanning one marker at a time. As a result, the computational time complexity of DRR is much simpler than EMMA and about m (number of genetic variants) times simpler than that of GEMMA when the sample size is way smaller than the number of markers. CONTACT shizhong.xu@ucr.edu. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Mesenchymal stromal cell therapeutic potency is dependent upon viability, route of delivery, and immune match

Abstract Culture-adapted bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) deploy paracrine anti-inflammatory and tissue regenerative functionalities that can be harnessed as a living cell pharmaceutical product. Independent of clinical indication, a near majority of human clinical trials administer MSC IV, often with an allogeneic MSC cell product immediately after thawing from cryostorage. Despite hundreds of studies in a wide assortment of inflammatory, degenerative, and acute tissue injury syndromes, human clinical outcomes often fail to mirror promising rigorously conducted preclinical animal studies. Using a mouse model of toxic colitis, we demonstrate that replication fit MSCs harvested in log phase of growth have substantial impact on colitis clinical and pathologic endpoints when delivered subcutaneously or intraperitoneally, whereas the maximum tolerated IV bolus dosing failed to do so. We also demonstrate that heat-inactivated MSCs lose all therapeutic utility and the observation is mirrored by use of viable MSC administered immediately postthaw from cryostorage. Using luciferase transgenic MSC as donor cells, we demonstrate that transient in vivo engraftment is severely compromised when MSCs are dead or thawed and further demonstrate that MSC redosing is feasible in relapsing colitis, but only syngeneic MSCs lead to sustained improvement of clinical endpoints. These data support the notion that pharmaceutical potency of MSC requires viability and functional fitness. Reciprocally, IV administration of thawed MSC products may be biased against positive clinical outcomes for treatment of colitis and that extravascular administration of syngeneic, fit MSCs allows for effect in a recurrent therapy model.
Sustainability in Infrastructure Design

It is well understood that the main objective of infrastructure design code specifications is to protect the public’s welfare, health, and safety; none of which appear to be directly related to sustainability, which as a movement focuses attention on protecting the natural environment, conserving resources, and minimizing the toxicity of construction materials and processes. However, a number of jurisdictions have adopted language based on the United States Green Building Council to curtail the adverse effects of global warming gases and minimize environmental impact of new construction; in some cases to improve air quality in the community and to increase the long-term viability of local construction. In this chapter, we provide a survey of the available literature and review recent, and some pending, changes to design specifications found in building codes related to sustainability; particularly related to structural concrete, steel, timber, and other construction materials. These materials’ code writing entities have made a commitment to provide guidance to the design professionals regarding sustainability. Some of the groups are further along than others, but all have working groups (as of early 2011). Also, the International Code Council, Inc. has written a public version of the International Green Construction Code with the final version slated to be published in 2012; this is the first step towards making sustainability common place in all infrastructure design.
NgAgo DNA endonuclease activity enhances homologous recombination in E. coli

ABSTRACT Prokaryotic Argonautes (pAgos) have been proposed as more flexible tools for gene-editing as they do not require sequence motifs adjacent to their targets for function, unlike popular CRISPR/Cas systems. One promising pAgo candidate, from the halophilic archaeon Natronobacterium gregoryi (NgAgo), however, has been the subject of intense debate regarding its potential in eukaryotic systems. Here, we revisit this enzyme and characterize its function in prokaryotes. NgAgo expresses poorly in non-halophilic hosts with the majority of protein being insoluble and inactive even after refolding. However, we report that the soluble fraction does indeed act as a DNA endonuclease. Structural homology modelling revealed that NgAgo shares canonical domains with other catalytically active pAgos but also contains a previously unrecognized single-stranded DNA binding domain (repA). Both repA and the canonical PIWI domains participate in DNA cleavage activities of NgAgo. We showed that NgAgo can be programmed with guides to cleave specific DNA in vitro and in E.coli. We also found that these endonuclease activities are essential for enhanced NgAgo-guided homologous recombination, or gene-editing, in E. coli. Collectively, our results demonstrate the potential of NgAgo for gene-editing and reconciles seemingly contradictory reports.
It’s Not a Bug, It’s a Feature: Evaluating Mentoring Programs with Heterogeneous Activities

Mentoring programs pair non-familial adults with children and adolescents for the purposes of promoting positive youth development. Although these programs are widely popular, evaluations tend to show that mentoring programs have, on average, modest effects on youth outcomes. Some researchers have suggested that mentoring programs should homogenize mentoring activities as a means for increasing effect sizes of programs. : This paper describes why heterogeneity of mentoring activities should not necessarily be regarded as a problem (i.e., a bug) that needs correction; rather it is more representative of the construct of mentoring as it is popularly understood and also desirable because of the potential to improve access and quality of prevention services (i.e., it is a feature). We present different simulated scenarios demonstrating how evaluations of mentoring programs may change the estimates of treatment effects depending on how evaluators measure programmatic activities and approach analyses. Analyses illustrate that commonly used evaluation strategies that treatment effects may be underestimated when mentoring activities are not measured and are paired with common analytic approaches (e.g., intent-to-treat analyses). Simulated scenarios also highlight alternative approaches for defining programmatic elements and evaluating programs to produce a more robust estimate of effects. The optimal strategy for evaluating mentoring services depends on the particular features of the program as well as the goals of the evaluation. One approach researchers might take is to evaluate specific mentoring practices, before evaluating mentoring programs, to begin to understand program impact.
LDPC-Coded Squeezed-Displaced States-based Quantum Communications

We demonstrate that LDPC-coded squeezed-displaced-states-based QPSK has better tolerance to background noise and significantly outperforms corresponding coherent states-based counterpart. For average number of thermal photons 0.3, for LDPC-code of rate 0.8, the improvement is >3 dB.
Physiological Functions of CRAC Channels

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is a ubiquitous Ca2+ signaling pathway that is evolutionarily conserved across eukaryotes. SOCE is triggered physiologically when the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ stores are emptied through activation of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors. SOCE is mediated by the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels, which are highly Ca2+ selective. Upon store depletion, the ER Ca2+-sensing STIM proteins aggregate and gain extended conformations spanning the ER-plasma membrane junctional space to bind and activate Orai, the pore-forming proteins of hexameric CRAC channels. In recent years, studies on STIM and Orai tissue-specific knockout mice and gain- and loss-of-function mutations in humans have shed light on the physiological functions of SOCE in various tissues. Here, we describe recent findings on the composition of native CRAC channels and their physiological functions in immune, muscle, secretory, and neuronal systems to draw lessons from transgenic mice and human diseases caused by altered CRAC channel activity. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Physiology, Volume 84 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Cyclostationary noise mitigation in narrowband powerline communications

Future Smart Grid systems will intelligently monitor and control energy flows in order to improve the efficiency and reliability of power delivery. The monitoring and control require low-delay, highly reliable, two-way communications between customers, local utilities and regional utilities. Narrowband powerline communication (NB-PLC) systems operating in the 3–500 kHz band have been standardized to enable these two-way communication links. In NB-PLC systems, additive non-Gaussian noise/interference is primary limitation to the communication performance. From field trials, the dominant source of this non-Gaussian noise/interference is cyclostationary. In this paper, we address the problem of cyclostationary noise mitigation in NB-PLC systems and other orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. The contributions of this paper include developing a parametric noise estimation algorithm based on switching linear autoregressive (AR) process, and a simple adaptive noise whitening approach that can be immediately integrated into the conventional OFDM transceiver structure to improve its performance. In our simulations, the proposed noise whitening method achieves up to 3dB SNR gain over conventional OFDM systems at SNRs higher than −3dB.
A sub-gradient algorithm for maximal data extraction in energy-limited wireless sensor networks

We present an efficient and implementable algorithm for maximizing data extraction from energy limited wireless sensor networks. A distinguishing feature of this algorithm is that it arrives at efficient routing solutions after few iterations, which is vital for efficient performance in energy limited networks. The algorithm uses sub-gradient optimization to solve the dual of a data extraction problem constructed by relaxing the energy constraints. We show through computational experiments that, for the problem considered, both centralized and distributed versions of the algorithm arrive at routing solutions that are on average better than 10% from optimal after only 10 iterations.
Women, the State and Revolution: Law and life collide: Free union and the wage-earning population

The process of divorce is so simple that there is a loss of neither money nor time. Under the current law, the act of dissolving a marriage can be completed in fifteen minutes. P. Zagarin , writer on the family, 1927 The broad mass of people do not regard registration of marriage as the basis of marital relations. De facto voluntary unions are becoming ever more widespread. A. Stel'makhovich , chairman of the Moscow provincial court, 1926 The Bolsheviks believed that the freedom to divorce – to dissolve a union no longer founded on love – was essential to the freedom of the individual. The right to divorce was particularly important to women, whose true feelings and abilities were so often stifled by the unbreakable bonds of marriage. This idea was widely shared by most of the progressive, prewar intelligentsia. Liberal jurists tried repeatedly to reform Russia's unbending divorce laws. Tolstoy immortalized the desperate plight of a young mother in her struggle to free herself of a loveless marriage in his famous novel, Anna Karenina . And both Vera Figner, the leader of the terrorist People's Will, and Alexandra Kollontai, among countless others, struggled to escape the control of husbands and families. Yet the issue of divorce had a class as well as a gender dimension. The young women rebels who fought for their rights to emotional fulfillment, education, and careers at the end of the nineteenth century came mainly from upper-and middle-class families.
Among-Provenance Variability of Gas Exchange and Growth in Response to Long-Term Elevated CO2 Exposure

Genetic variability can have profound effects on the interpretation of results from elevated CO2 studies, and future forest management decisions. Information on which varieties are best suited to future atmospheric conditions is needed to develop future forest management practices. A large-scale screening study of the effects of elevated CO2 on 15 half-sibling sources of genetically superior ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl ex P. Laws.) is presented. These sources represent multiple elevations and latitudes throughout California. Among-provenance variability in the effects of elevated CO2 on gas exchange and growth, and their correlation with geographic origin were investigated in ponderosa pine seedlings subjected to ambient or elevated CO2 concentrations (525 μmol mol−1 CO2, and 700 μmol mol−1 CO2) for more than two years in open-top chambers. Substantial among-provenance variability in growth response to elevated CO2 was evident, with 8 sources demonstrating no significant growth response to elevated CO2 while 7 sources responded positively. For all sources, elevated CO2 increased photosynthesis (ranging from 19% increase at 525 μmol mol−1 CO2 to 49% increase at 700 μmol mol−1 CO2). A modest correlation existed between geographic origin and above ground growth response to elevated CO2 .
How Predictable Is the Overall Voting Pattern in the NCAA Men's Basketball Post Tournament Poll?

After the completion of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) men's basketball tournament in 1993, a poll of coaches was taken so those results—as well as those from the National In...
Endorectal coil magnetic resonance imaging and clinicopathologic findings in T1c adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

Abstract Stage T1c prostate cancer has become the most commonly diagnosed clinical stage of localized prostate cancer. Endorectal coil magnetic resonance imaging (erMRI) can be used in the staging of such patients. The purpose of this study was to correlate the preoperative erMRI findings with the pathologic characteristics of the surgical specimens. A database review of 355 radical prostatectomy specimens revealed 130 patients with T1c disease. Of these patients, 124 were clinically staged with erMRI. Standard sensitivity analysis and multivariable analysis was then applied to determine the utility of erMRI in the staging of patients with T1c prostate cancer. The mean prostate specific antigen (PSA) value was 8.3 (1.0–33.6). Most patients had Gleason score of 5 or 6 (51.6%) or 7 (33.1%), with fewer patients having Gleason scores between 2 and 4 (7.2%) or 8 and 10 (8.1%). The positive predictive value of erMRI for extracapsular disease was 38.7%, negative predictive value was 75.3%, and accuracy was 79%. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that erMRI and preoperative PSA were predictive for seminal vesicle involvement. However, erMRI was not predictive in multivariable or univariable analysis for extracapsular extension or margin positivity. Previous investigators demonstrated the utility and independent significance of preoperative erMRI for a select subset of patients. However, it is not a useful staging modality for patients with T1c cancer as a whole. Further stratification of the T1c patients would be necessary to identify patients within this group who may benefit from staging with erMRI.
Cloning and Sequencing of Human PEX from a Bone cDNA Library: Evidence for Its Developmental Stage-Specific Regulation in Osteoblasts

Inactivating mutations of the neutral endopeptidase, PEX, have been identified as the cause of X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). Though the function of PEX is unknown, current information suggests that impaired renal phosphate conservation in XLH is due to the failure of PEX to either degrade an undefined phosphaturic factor or activate a novel phosphate-conserving hormone. The physiologically relevant target tissue for the XLH mutation has not been identified. An apparent intrinsic defect of osteoblast function in XLH implicates bone as a possible site of PEX expression. In the current investigation, we employed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) strategy to amplify a PEX cDNA from a human bone cell cDNA library. We found that the human PEX cDNA encodes a 749 amino acid protein belonging to the type II integral membrane zinc-dependent endopeptidase family. The predicted PEX amino acid sequence shares 96.0% identity to the recently cloned mouse Pex cDNA and has 27–38% identity to other members of the metalloendopeptidase family. Using reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR with PEX-specific primers, we detected PEX transcripts in both human osteosarcoma-derived MG-63 osteoblasts and in differentiated mouse MC3T3-E1 clonal osteoblasts but not in immature MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts. The association of impaired mineralization of bone in XLH and the apparent developmental stage-specific expression of PEX in osteoblasts suggest that bone is a physiologically relevant site of PEX expression and that PEX may play an active role in osteoblast-mediated mineralization.
Comparative severity of illness in patients with combined medical and psychiatric diagnoses.

Abstract In this retrospective study, the records of over 37,000 former VA inpatients were examined to determine if patients with combined psychiatric and medical diagnoses manifested greater severity of illness than two comparison groups of patients with either psychiatric or medical diagnoses alone. Assessment with the four parameters of age distribution, source from which admitted, length of hospitalization, and disposition after discharge provided confirmation that, overall, patients with combined diagnoses do display more difficult treatment problems. This phenomenon contributes to the higher mortality previously noted among psychiatric patients. Practical clinical conclusions are: (1) the need to identify the presence of combined psychiatric and medical conditions, since irrespective of which one is being treated, the patient's level of total vulnerability will be higher; and (2) patients with combined diagnoses should be regarded as comprising a high-risk category requiring special management protocols.
Optical fiber spectroscopy measures perfusion of the brain in a murine Alzheimer's disease model

Optical fiber spectroscopy is a versatile tool for measuring diffuse reflectance and extracting absorption information that can noninvasively quantify the presence of chromophores such as oxyhemoglobin and deoxy-hemoglobin in tissues. Cerebrovascular abnormalities were widely recognized in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. We analyzed blood volume fraction and level of oxygenated hemoglobin in Tg6799 mice, which are transgenic mice expressing five different familial Alzheimer disease-associated mutations in the human amyloid precursor protein and presenilin-1 genes. Diffuse reflectance spectra were iteratively fit as weighted sums of oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin. Our observations showed slightly hypoxic conditions and significantly increased blood volume in the Alzheimer’s mice versus wild type. These results suggest that hyperperfusion of our AD mice may be a compensating mechanism for impaired cerebral vascular function and somehow relevant with early stage of AD patients. Ongoing work focuses on developing a cannula fixture that allows measurement in awake, behaving animals.
Does Female Incumbency Reduce Gender Bias in Elections? Evidence from Chile

The incumbency advantage is typically thought to constrain female political representation, but can female incumbency provide a signal to parties that reduces strategic gender bias? We argue that once women prove they can win elections, parties will revise their strategic evaluations of their value as candidates. We test this using an original dataset of twenty-one Chilean elections between 1989 and 2012. We use a Heckman selection model to assess re-election rates by incumbent candidate gender, conditional on the re-nomination of incumbents. We find that female incumbents are just as likely to be re-nominated and re-elected as their male counterparts.
Rate theory for solids. V. Quantum Brownian-motion model

A model for interstitial diffusion is studied in which the impurity atom is regarded as a Brownian particle constrained to move in a single direction and subject to a periodic potential. A quantum mechanical theory is developed for the rate at which atoms leave a given potential well. The theory makes use of an ensemble of minimum-uncertainty wave packets to describe thermal equilibrium in the well and computes the tunneling probability through the potential barrier on the basis of the Schr\"odinger-Langevin equation in order to incorporate the effect of an interacting heat bath. The result of the interactions is to reduce the departure rate at a given temperature level, but the qualitative nature of the rate expression remains unchanged and predicts Arrhenius plots with straight-line behavior at high-temperature levels and curvature due to tunneling at low-temperature levels. The dynamics of the wave packet after it leaves a well is studied by computer solution of the Schr\"odinger-Langevin equation and it is found that the persistence of motion decreases with increasing strength of interaction with the heat bath.
C(1)-Substituted menthol derivatives: Self-removing chiral auxiliaries for asymmetric conjugate additions to cycloalkenones

Abstract C(1)-substituted (−)-menthone derivatives 3 were prepared by the stereoselective addition of the alkenyllithium reagents 9 to menthone ( 8 ) and subsequent acid catalyzed hydrolysis of the dioxolane protecting groups. Conjugate addition of cuprate reagents to enones 3a,b followed by a methanol quench directly gave the β-alkylcycloalkanones 7 via retro-aldol reactions in 80–91% ee.
Apoptotic and necrotic cells induced by different agents vary in their expression of MHC and costimulatory genes.

Abstract We have recently reported, in a murine tumor model, that apoptotic cells induced by different agents may vary in their ability to elicit host immunity. The basis for this observation is unclear but may involve varying efficiencies of cross-presentation and/or direct activation of immunity by different apoptotic preparations. As a first step in addressing this issue, we compared expression patterns of selected immune genes (MHC class I, class II, CD40, B7-1, B7-2) on viable and apoptotic populations induced by four different agents. The histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) induced MHC class II expression on viable and apoptotic cell populations, while LPAM, H 2 O 2 and γ-irradiation did not activate class II. Each agent employed elicited a different expression pattern of costimulatory molecules (CD40, B7-1, B7-2) on both apoptotic and 7-AAD + ‘necrotic’ populations. In striking contrast to the TSA induction of MHC class II, class I cell surface protein was diminished on the apoptotic populations. These effects were not a result of changes in the cell cycle produced by the various treatments. The data demonstrate that distinctive gene expression patterns on viable and apoptotic cells are elicited by different apoptosis inducing agents. We discuss how expression patterns on dead or dying tumor cells could potentially affect the tumor's ability to elicit immunity.
Plasmodium gallinaceum: mosquito peritrophic matrix and the parasite-vector compatibility.

Transmission of malaria parasites occurs by relatively few species of mosquitoes. One proposed mechanism of refractoriness is an inability of certain Plasmodium spp. to cross the peritrophic matrix (PM) in the midgut of an incompatible mosquito. We have tested this hypothesis by studying sporogonic development of Plasmodium gallinaceum in susceptible (Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae G3) and refractory (Anopheles stephensi) mosquito species in the presence and absence of the PM. In the presence of the PM the number of oocysts that developed in A. gambiae G3 was about 20% of that in A. aegypti, whereas no oocysts developed in A. stephensi. To disrupt PM formation we added, to an infectious bloodmeal, either exogenous fungal chitinase or polyoxin D, the latter being a potent inhibitor of chitin synthase. The absence of the PM did not increase the susceptibility of A. aegypti and A. gambiae nor did it make A. stephensi susceptible to P. gallinaceum infection. The data indicate that the PM is not the primary determinant of P. gallinaceum compatibility in these mosquitoes and suggest that determinant(s) of refractoriness occurs after the parasite crosses the mosquito PM.
EUVL mask fabrication for the 45-nm node

The extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) mask differs from its predecessors in many ways. The most significant change is that the EUVL mask is reflective, introducing many new film layers and mask sensitivities. An additional complication is the small linewidths associated with the 45-nm node that is targeted for EUVL mask introduction. This paper concentrates on the physical specifications associated with the 45-nm node EUVL mask. Relative to current masks, the defect levels must be lower and the film quality must be higher. Standard cleans may be incompatible with new mask requirements. To understand the development requirements, the cleaning efficiency, film removal, film roughness, defect levels and film reflectivity are quantified on both EUVL mask film monitors and EUVL masks. Target specifications and measured properties of the 45-nm node masks will be compared.
Induction of saprophytic behavior in the ectomycorrhizal fungus Suillus granulatus by litter addition in a Pinus contorta (Lodgepole pine) stand in Yellowstone

Abstract In a previous study, we demonstrated that Suillus granulatus exhibits positive growth responses to added litter. From this, we hypothesized that this positive growth response (increased number of EM root tips) would be accompanied by increased activities of enzymes that enable EM fungi to utilize litter as a nutrient source. We tested this hypothesis by adding sterile litter in replicate treatment/control blocks, and assaying cellulase, laccase and phosphatase activities in the dominant fungal species, S. granulatus . We used healthy, growing EM roots for both treatment and control assays. Activities of all enzymes increased significantly in response to litter addition ( P P P
In vitro simulation of in vivo conditions: physical state of the culture medium.

Cet article synthese montre que la croissance bacterienne sur un support solide est differente de celle en milieu liquide. Pour reproduire in vitro les caracteristiques de la multiplication des bacteries in vivo il faut faire la culture bacterienne sur support solide. Mais la culture in vitro ne peut reproduire precisement la complexite de la croissance in vivo