cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Melanocytic nevi in pregnancy: histologic features and Ki‐67 proliferation index

Background: Changes in the clinical appearance of benign dermal nevi during pregnancy may be concerning for malignant transformation. Because the hormonal milieu of pregnancy has not proven to alter their banal behavior, histologic characterization is needed to prevent over-diagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Methods: Dermal nevi excised from pregnant women (n = 16) were compared with nevi from location- and aged-matched control patients (n = 15). Histologic features and Ki-67 proliferation index were evaluated. Results: Nevi in pregnancy were more likely to have dermal mitotic figures (62.5% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.028) and higher mitotic rates (1.44 vs. 0.20 mitoses/mm2, p = 0.0027) than control nevi. A distinctive histologic entity, termed superficial micronodules of pregnancy (SMOPs), was observed more frequently in the nevi of pregnancy (81.3% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.040), and showed consistent immunoreactivity for HMB45. There was a trend toward higher Ki-67 proliferation index in the nevi of pregnancy (3.0% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.073). Prominent multinucleated melanocytes were seen only in controls. There was no significant difference in pigmentation or irritation changes between groups. Conclusions: Dermal nevi removed during pregnancy show characteristic histologic features including increased dermal mitoses, superficial micronodules of pregnancy (SMOPs), and trend toward increased Ki-67 proliferation index. Chan MP, Chan MM, Tahan SR. Melanocytic nevi in pregnancy: histologic features and Ki-67 proliferation index.
Gouvernance et diplomatie culturelles : La Légion d’honneur au Québec

Jugee par maints democrates a la fois vaine et venale, l’attribution d’honneurs par les Etats occidentaux n’a que depuis peu attire l’attention des chercheurs universitaires. Pourtant, loin de correspondre a un legs anachronique, la remise de medailles par les Etats modernes doit etre interpretee comme une veritable « technique de gouvernement ». L’exemple de l’attribution de la Legion d’honneur a des Quebecois est particulierement interessant puisqu’il permet de comprendre comment la « science de l’honneur » a ete mise au service des interets diplomatiques de la France dans cette partie de l’Amerique du Nord. L’histoire de l’attribution de la Legion d’honneur a des Quebecois jette une lumiere differente sur les aleas des relations entre les deux nations, et ce, sur une longue periode. A etudier les pedigrees des decores et les frequences des decorations, on obtient non seulement un portrait des relations internationales entre les deux regions, mais un indicateur des facteurs ayant preside a ces echanges.
All choked up about the pseudotumor cerebri syndrome

The diagnosis of pseudotumor cerebri, or idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), is most confidently established in the typical patient with evidence of papilledema, imaging that does not suggest a structural lesion, and a CSF examination that shows both normal composition and elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Prompted by an increasing number of reports over the past decade, Friedman et al.(1) propose a revised set of diagnostic criteria for IIH, taking into account the most recent observations from neuroimaging studies. Although the patient with IIH is often a young woman who is above ideal body weight or obese, it is well-recognized that the disorder may also occur in obese men and in children, who are less likely to be obese than their adult counterparts. Several advances in the field prompted the expert authors to provide new guidance. First, a large study of children has redefined normal CSF opening pressure for children.(2) In the obese or sedated child, an opening pressure of 280 mm H2O has been suggested as the requirement to claim confidently that the ICP is increased. Otherwise, the diagnostic criteria for children and adults continue to rely on a CSF lumbar opening pressure of 250 mm H2O or greater.
Contributions of Rosemary Ellis to knowledge development for nursing

The late Rosemary Ellis outlined a path for knowledge development for nursing that has the potential for increasing the knowledge base for practice. She viewed the mission of the discipline of nursing to be the development, transmission, and organization of a coherent body of knowledge. The development of such knowledge should begin with the identification of phenomena of concern and questions for study. Moreover, said Ellis, the utilization of knowledge should be deliberate and artful so as to produce the human beneficence for which nursing exists.
Covalent modification of the beta-1,4-N-acetylmuramoylhydrolase of Streptococcus faecium with 5-mercaptouridine monophosphate

Abstract Purified beta-1,4-N-acetylmuramoylhydrolase (muramidase-1; EC 3.2.1.17) of Streptococcus faecium ATCC 9790 has been shown to be covalently substituted with approximately 12 mol equivalents of monomeric 5-mercaptouridine monophosphate. All 12 residues are present on the proteolytically processed 87-kDa active form of the enzyme. A peptide fragment containing 5-mercaptouridine, tyrosine, alanine, glycine, and leucine was isolated consistent with an O-phosphate linkage of the nucleotide to tyrosine.
Filopodia number increases with age and quiescence in populations of normal WI-38 cells, and is correlated with drug-induced changes in proliferation in both normal and transformed populations.

Abstract Filopodia in log and stationary phase populations of human fetal lung fibroblasts (WI-38) at low and high population doubling levels (PDLs), and of SV40 transformed WI-38 cells (VA13A), were observed and counted under different conditions of in vitro growth by scanning electron microscopy. Cells from old non-vigorously growing WI-38 populations (those at a high PDL) had more filopodia than younger populations (those at a lower PDL) at all times after seeding, and for any given population stationary phase cells (those entering, or in, quiescence), had more than log phase cells. Hydrocortisone (HC, 14 μM), which stimulates proliferation and increases life span of WI-38 cells, was associated with a marked decrease in filopodia. Conversely, retinoic acid (RA, 10 μM), which inhibits growth and decreases life span of WI-38 cells, was associated with an increase in filopodia. Since old cell populations have lower saturation densities than young, it is suggested that cell contact signaling growth cessation in these populations may be mediated by filopodia. The HC-associated decrease in filopodia may thus be possibly interpreted as a decrease in filopodia-mediated “density dependent inhibition,” and the increase in filopodia with RA as a possible increase in this “inhibition.” Both HC and RA inhibit growth and are associated with an increase in filopodia in VA13A cultures.
Di- and triphosphoinositide metabolism in intact swine erythrocytes.

Intact swine erythrocytes incubated for more than 3 h at 37° contained 16.8 nmoles diphosphoinositide per ml packed cells and 43.7 nmole triphosphoinositide/ml. Shorter incubation times gave lower recoveries suggesting that these compounds break down on storage. Kinetic analysis showed that the rates of synthesis were 2.4–6.6 nmoles · ml−1·−1 for diphosphoinositide, and 3.0–10.8 nmoles·ml−1·h−1 for triphosphoinositide. Both the quantities recovered and reaction rates were comparable to those found in isolated membranes after the latter had been incubated with ATP for 1 h. Synthesis of diphosphoinositide and triphosphoinositide was faster in dog than in swine erythrocytes. Polyphosphoinositide synthesis was not appreciably changed by exposing the cells to ouabain (10−3 M), fluoride (5.10−3 M) or a K+-free solution. Synthesis was also 2 orders of magnitude slower than Na+ extrusion from these cells.
Free-Ranging Rhesus Monkeys: Behavioural Effects of Removal, Separation and Reintroduction of Group Members

Rhesus monkeys (26) varying in age, sex and social rank were removed from their free-ranging groups and held captive for periods of 1 to 103 days. 'The absence of the alpha male did not affect the group's home range on the island habitats or its rank in the intergroup dominance hierarchy. When released the monkeys interacted most with those closest to them in rank, attacking those lower and grooming those higher. Of 18 males, 8 failed to rejoin their groups and became solitary or low-ranking in other groups. Only 1 of 9 females failed to rejoin their group. Males held captive for more than four weeks seldom rejoined after release. Upon reintroduction alpha females experienced more difficulty than lower-ranking females in maintaining rank. This procedure of removing and reintroducing members of free-ranging groups is of value in studying social roles.
Forming a stable spatial representation

The visual system sometimes fails, partially or completely, to encode and/or retrieve spatial relations among parts of an object. For example, targets can easily be confused with their mirror images, especially when they must be retained in memory. In the current experiments we ask whether our representations of spatial relations can be amended by information from different cognitive domains. Specifically, we ask whether failure to form a stable representation of spatial relations among parts can be overcome by the use of linguistic information. Four year-olds saw squares split by color and matched them after delay. In Experiment 1, children saw the target and were told either “Look, this is a blicket” (Label Condition) or “Look!” (NoLabel Condition). Then, three choices appeared: the target (e.g. vertical split with red left, green right), its mirror image, and another square that had a different internal split (e.g. horizontal). Overall, children performed better than chance. However, their errors were almost exclusively mirror image confusions, suggesting that children failed to bind color and location (e.g. red left, green right). There was no difference between the NoLabel and Label conditions, suggesting the whole-object novel label did not help children form a stable representation of the spatial relation among the parts. Experiment 2 tested whether color–location binding can be improved by providing language that might bind these features. Children were shown a target and were told, e.g. “The red is on the left.” Performance was reliably better than in Experiment 1, suggesting language did help children bind color and location. Experiments 3 and 4 explored whether the same performance improvement could be accomplished by increasing non-linguistic attention to the target (i.e. flashing the red part, Experiment 3) or by using neutral relational language (e.g. “The red is touching the green”). Neither experiment showed enhanced performance, suggesting that language can augment visual–spatial representations only if it conveys very specific information (e.g. direction). Generally, the results suggest that specific linguistic information can help form a stable representation of spatial relationship and that this effect is not attributable to general attentional effects.
Evidence for acclimation of N cycling to episodic N inputs in anthropogenically-affected intertidal salt marsh sediments

Abstract Nitrate removal was compared in anthropogenically-impacted and unimpacted salt marsh sediments in microcosms using the acetylene block technique and 15 N natural abundance measurements. Potential denitrification rates were greater at the impacted site than the unimpacted site at all added NO 3 − concentrations (233, 467, or 700 μg N g dw −1 ). Although the change in concentration of NH 4 + over time was small (69–104 μg N g dw −1 ), the δ 15 N of accumulated NH 4 + increased significantly (0.26–13.22‰), and was more enriched for all NO 3 − treatments in the impacted sediments than the unimpacted site. The impacted site may be acclimated to episodic N inputs, and based on concentrations and 15 N natural abundance had greater denitrification and N cycling than the unimpacted site.
Design of a factory floor sequence controller from a high level system specification

Abstract The design of manufacturing systems and the development of manufacturing system controllers have become more closely linked as the manufacturing environment has become more automated. Specification of machining processes, materials handling functions, and operational decision-and-control functions by system designers determine the software specifications for controller designers who must automate the integration of machines and material handling equipment in accordance with the desired operational decision and control functions. This paper addresses the interface between manufacturing system design and controller design. It describes a high level design methodology that enhances communications between manufacturing system designers and controller designers, allows automatic generation of controller logic from that high level design, and provides a basis for analytically evaluating the operational decision and control functions specified by the system designers using the automatically generated controller logic. It can then be determined whether or not the manufacturing system and its controller will function in the desired manner. The high level design interface is established through IDEFO methodology. The design specification is then transferred into a petri net through a set of transformation rules. The reason for choosing IDEF0 methodology is its simplicity in communicating ideas and its current wide use in industry. The reason for using petri nets is that it provides a unique framework for specification, analysis, and implementation of controllers.
Nitrogen-doped graphene by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition

Abstract Rapid synthesis of nitrogen-doped, few-layer graphene films on Cu foil is achieved by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition. The films are doped during synthesis by introduction of nitrogen gas in the reactor. Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy reveal crystal structure and chemical characteristics. Nitrogen concentrations up to 2 at.% are observed, and the limit is linked to the rigidity of graphene films on copper surfaces that impedes further nitrogen substitutions of carbon atoms. The entire growth process requires only a few minutes without supplemental substrate heating and offers a promising path toward large-scale synthesis of nitrogen-doped graphene films.
Pleed study of temperature and hydrogen induced reconstruction and reordering of W(100)

Abstract The structure of the high temperature (1x1), low temperature c(2x2), and hydrogen induced c(2x2)-H and (1x1)-H phases of W(100) were studied by polarized low energy electron scattering. At certain diffraction conditions the measured strength of the spin dependent scattering, S(E), shows large differences between the various phases even though there are only slight changes in the measured intensity profiles, I(E). The largest differences in S(E) were between the clean and hydrogen covered phases.
Origin of Enantioselectivities in Chiral β-Amino Alcohol Catalyzed Asymmetric Additions of Organozinc Reagents to Benzaldehyde: PM3 Transition State Modeling

PM3 transition state (TS) models were developed for enantioselective chiral β-amino alcohol catalyzed additions of organozinc reagents to benzaldehyde. These semiempirical TS models are consistent with earlier ab initio computations on smaller model systems and with experimental data for a variety of stereoselective examples. General trends for varying chiral β-amino alcohol ligands (e.g., camphor, 1,2-diphenylethane, and proline derivatives) and alkylating agent (ZnMe2, ZnEt2) are reproduced by these models.
Grain Yield of Intercropped Sorghum and Pearl Millet as Influenced by Sorghum Genotype and Cropping Pattern

Intercropping of sorghum and pearl millet with different growth cycles is used widely in third-world countries to ensure and increase yields. However, it is questionable whether yield increases because of intercropping can be maintained under more developed systems, since temporal differences are necessary to allow mechanized planting and harvesting. Three sorghum hybrids with expected growth cycles from 90 to 110 days were planted in sole stands and in alternate rows and mixed within the rows with a pearl millet hybrid having a growth cycle similar to that of the early sorghum. Sole stands of millet also were included. The plots were planted at three locations in Kansas, two dryland and one including dryland and irrigated. Results show that yields were consistently highest in sole stands of sorghum, owing to the higher yield level of sorghum. No yield increase could be found on a land equivalent ratio basis, indicating no intercropping advantages. However, under good moisture conditions, a tendency toward yield increase was observed with the later maturing sorghums, which had 1–2 weeks of grain filling after the millet was mature. When moisture supply was insufficient, millet showed higher competitiveness for water than sorghum, and sorghum was adversely affected more than pearl millet was favored. It was concluded that moisture conditions have to be good and that temporal differences between sorghum and millet have to be greater than those used in this experiment to achieve intercropping yield advantages.
Structure/Function Aspects of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Leukotoxin

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans has been implicated as a causative organism in early-onset periodontitis. The mechanisms by which A. actinomycetemcomitans is pathogenic are not known, but the organism produces several potential virulence factors, one of which is a leukotoxin. As a group, bacterial protein toxins are made up of structural domains which control various aspects of toxic activity, such as target cell recognition, membrane insertion, and killing. The purpose of this article is to review the structure of RTX, with special emphasis to its relation to toxin function. In addition, we will propose a model based upon other bacterial proteins whereby the water-soluble A. actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin is able to achieve insertion into a biological membrane. J Periodontol 1996;67:298–308.
Angular distributions of Sc fragments from the interaction of /sup 238/U with 0. 8 -- 400 GeV protons

Angular distributions of $^{44}\mathrm{Sc}^{m}$, $^{46}\mathrm{Sc}$, $^{47}\mathrm{Sc}$, and $^{48}\mathrm{Sc}$ emitted in the interaction of $^{238}\mathrm{U}$ with 0.8, 3.0, 11.5, and 400 GeV protons have been measured. The angular distributions peak at forward angles at 0.8 and 3 GeV but are sideward-peaked at 11.5 and 400 GeV. At 400 GeV, fewer fragments are emitted at forward than at backward angles. Isotopic differences were found to be small. The data were fitted with the function ${F}_{L}({\ensuremath{\theta}}_{L})=1+{A}_{1}{cos\ensuremath{\theta}}_{L}+{A}_{2}{{cos}^{2}\ensuremath{\theta}}_{L}$ and were also analyzed in terms of the two-step model. The values of ${A}_{1}$ peak at 3 GeV, go through zero at 11.5 GeV, and become negative at 400 GeV. The values of ${A}_{2}$ are zero at 0.8 GeV and become increasingly negative with increasing proton energy. A qualitative explanation in terms of a possible change in the nature of proton-nucleus interactions at high energies is presented.
X-ray structure determination of the rare earth oxides (Er1-uGdu)2O3 applying the Rietveld method

Nanosized polycrystalline samples of (Er1−uGdu)2O3 (0 ≤ u ≤ 1.0) were synthesized by a sol–gel technique. X-ray diffraction data were collected and the crystal structures were refined by the Rietveld method. All samples are found to have the same crystal system and formed solid solutions over the whole range of u. The Er3+ and Gd3+ ions were randomly distributed over two cationic sites, 8b and 24d, in the space group Ia\bar{3} (206) in all refined structures. The lattice parameter was found to vary non-linearly with the composition (u). The average microstrain and average crystallite size have been calculated from the Williamson–Hall plots for each sample. The average size ranges from 50 to 70 nm, and the microstrain from 0.4 to 1.7%.
Glycyrrhiza uralensis flavonoids inhibit brain microglial cell TNF-α secretion, p-IκB expression, and increase brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) secretion

Abstract Objective Asthma sufferers exhibit high prevalence of anxiety/depression. Elevated tumor-necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in peripheral system and central nervous system (CNS) are associated with anxiety/depression, whereas brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) has anti-depressant effects. An anti-asthma herbal medicine intervention ASHMI inhibits peripheral TNF-α secretion in an animal model of asthma. We hypothesize that ASHMI and its compounds may have modulatory effects on CNS TNF-α and BDNF production. We sought to determine the effect of ASHMI and individual herb constituents on brain microglial cell TNF-α production, and identify the active compounds that suppress TNF-α and increase BDNF. Methods BV-2 mouse microglial cells were pre-treated with ASHMI or extracts of Ganoderma lucidum ( G. lucidum) , Sophora flavescens Ait ( S. flavescens) , and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer ( G. uralensis) , the herbal constituents in ASHMI, or individual compounds isolated from G. uralensis at different concentrations and then stimulated with LPS. TNF-α levels in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA. The effect of active compounds on NFκB signaling pathway and on BDNF production were determined by western blotting and ELISA, respectively. Results ASHMI produced dose-dependent inhibition of TNF-α secretion by cultured-mouse microglia BV2 cells. Of the three herb extracts in ASHMI, only G. uralensis significantly and dose-dependently inhibited TNF-α production. Among the 5 flavonoids isolated from G. uralensis , isoliquiritigenin was the most effective. Isoliquiritigenin suppression of TNF-α production was associated with attenuation of p-NF-κB expression, and was accompanied by increased BDNF secretion. Conclusion ASHMI and its effective flavonoid, isoliquiritigenin, inhibited TNF-α production by LPS stimulated microglial cells and elevated BDNF levels, which may prove to have anti-CNS inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects.
Gender differences in distributive negotiation: When in the negotiation process do the differences occur?

This study tested whether the degree of association among aspiration level, intended opening offer, actual first offer, actual counter-offer, and final agreement was moderated by negotiator gender. Results show that gender does moderate the association between the predictor variable of intended opening offer and the criterion variable of actual first offer and the relationship between intended opening offer and actual counter-offer. Interesting, this latter association was statistically non-significant for women and statistically significant for men. These results suggest that gender differences disadvantaging women seem to manifest with the actual first offer and the actual counter-offer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lactate and sequential lactate-glucose sensing using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Lactate production under anaerobic conditions is indicative of human performance levels, fatigue, and hydration. Elevated lactate levels result from several medical conditions including congestive heart failure, hypoxia, and diabetic ketoacidosis. Real-time detection of lactate can therefore be useful for monitoring these medical conditions, posttrauma situations, and in evaluating the physical condition of a person engaged in strenuous activity. This paper represents a proof-of-concept demonstration of a lactate sensor based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Furthermore, it points the direction toward a multianalyte sensing platform. A mixed decanethiol/mercaptohexanol partition layer is used herein to demonstrate SERS lactate sensing. The reversibility of the sensor surface is characterized by exposing it alternately to aqueous lactate solutions and buffer without lactate. The partitioning and departitioning time constants were both found to be ∼30 s. In addition, physiological lactate leve...
Continued rationale of why hospital mortality is not an appropriate measure of trauma outcomes.

Abstract Background We hypothesized that standardized withdrawal of care (WOC) practices and an aggressive long-term acute care facility (LTAC) discharge protocol could change hospital mortality and national ranking among trauma centers. Study Design Patients who died while admitted to the trauma service at a level 1 trauma center were classified as either an “LTAC candidate” or “not a LTAC candidate” at 4 time points before death. Results A total of 216 patients died, and 48% had WOC. Hospital mortality was 3.3%. More than 26% of these qualified as LTAC candidates. The aggressive LTAC discharge protocol reduced hospital mortality by .9%. This was sufficient to move a trauma center into a lower quartile on the National Trauma DataBank benchmark report for 2009. Conlusions It is possible to reduce hospital mortality and improve quality ranking with standardized WOC and LTAC discharge protocols. This highlights the importance of measuring outcomes beyond discharge.
Reaction of methanol with Cu(111) and Cu(111) + O(ads)

Abstract The reactive chemistry of methanol on the Cu(111) surface, both with and without preadsorbed oxygen atoms, is investigated between 190 and 700 K. The clean Cu(111) surface is inert, and molecularly absorbed methanol, the only stable surface species identified on this surface, desorbs at about 210 K. Various trends are examined as a function of oxygen coverage, from the clean surface to the saturation oxygen coverage (approximately 0.45 O atom/Cu atom). The capacity of the surface to adsorb methanol (190 K), and the formaldehyde yield (∼ 400–450 K) are both maximized when the oxygen coverage is about 0.26 O atom/Cu atom. Trends in the yield of other products, and the temperature for decomposition of the stable methoxy intermediate are examined. Also, the rate of methoxy decomposition is limited by CH bond breaking as evidenced by a deuterium kinetic isotope effect (CH versus CD). A minor decomposition path for methanol on O + Cu(111) involves CO2 formation, probably via a formate surface intermediate. Preadsorbed oxygen serves as an acceptor of the methanol hydroxyl hydrogen, enabling facile methanol conversion to methoxy at low oxygen coverage for T ⩾ 190K. However. at high oxygen coverage ( θ ⪆ 0.26 O atom/Cu atom ) oxygen inhibits surface reactivitv. A two-dimensional model which defines three types of surface sites is used to explain the general trend of methanol reactivity as a function of oxygen coverage.
The Brazilian Military: Changing Strategic Perceptions And the Question of Mission:

During the 1960s, as a result of the perceived Communist threat, the mission of the Brazilian armed forces was thought to be internally oriented, that is, the high command assigned priority to internal security. After the early 1970s, with the elimination of an armed leftist challenge-and in the face of ominous international developments-the strategic perceptions of military leaders modified. The adoption of aggressive, seemingly militaristic policies by Argentina, combined with Soviet-Cuban expansionism and the current technological revolution in warfare, markedly heightened threat perception in Brazilian strategic circles and led to a reorientation of mission toward external defense. The renewed emphasis on professionalism has been reflected in the development of defense-related technology, weapons modernization, an increase in troop levels and efforts to improve the quality of military personnel, and the creation of new units and regional commands; it perhaps likewise influenced the military's decision...
Recurrent or persistent thyroid cancer of follicular cell origin.

Most patients with differentiated thyroid cancer of follicular cell origin have a favorable postoperative course, and their prognosis often appears to be unrelated to the extent of initial surgical treatment in some studies [1,2,3**,3,4]. Important questions that need to be addressed include whether the extent of the initial operation has any impact on the subsequent tumor-free survival and total survival, and whether patients with persistent or recurrent disease benefit from reoperation.
Ornithine aminotransferase of fishes.

Abstract 1. 1. The activity of ornithine aminotransferase was measured in liver and other tissues from a number of species of fish. 2. 2. Significant levels of the enzymes were detected in many of the species investigated. 3. 3. The fish enzyme appears to be similar to the enzyme found in higher animals. 4. 4. The fish enzyme is inhibited by heavy metals and is especially sensitive to mercury. 5. 5. The fish enzyme is decreased by starvation in a teleost and elasmobranch; examination of this enzyme level in fishes can be a useful measurement of the quality of the diet. 6. 6. The implication of these findings for the concept of ureotelism is discussed.
A Supply-Rail-Coupled eTextiles Transceiver for Body-Area Networks

This paper presents a transceiver that communicates over electronic textiles as an alternative, energy-efficient communication medium for body-area network (BAN) applications. The proposed eTextiles network architecture consists of a two-wire conductive yarn medium, body-worn nodes, and a basestation used for data collection and medium-access control. Fabricated in 0.18 μm CMOS technology, the eTextiles transceiver employs supply-rail-coupled differential signaling to efficiently time-share the eTextiles medium between communication and remote charging activities. Remote charging achieves up to 96% power transfer efficiency when a basestation battery is used to charge remote ultra capacitors, which are used as the power supplies of body-worn nodes. Operating at 0.9 V and at 10 Mb/s, the receiver and transmitter front-ends together consume 3.2 pJ/bit over 1 m, which is at least 20X more efficient than conventional BAN receiver front-ends. The transceiver also contains an integrated digital baseband and medium access controller, which, together with the receiver front-end, consume 110 μW during continuous operation.
The safety and efficacy of zidovudine (AZT) in the treatment of subjects with mildly symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) infection a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of zidovudine early in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) infection. Design A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with subject stratification by pretreatment CD4 T lymphocyte counts. Setting Multicenter trial at AIDS Clinical Trial units. Subjects Seven hundred eleven subjects with mildly symptomatic HIV infection. Intervention Three hundred fifty-one subjects were assigned to placebo and 360 to zidovudine, 200 mg orally every 4 hours. The median duration of follow-up was 11 months. Measurements and main results Fifty-one subjects developed the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), advanced AIDS-related complex, or death as a first critical event. For the stratum of subjects with more than 200 but less than 500 CD4 T lymphocytes/mm3 before treatment, 34 events occurred in placebo recipients and 12 in zidovudine recipients (P = 0.0002; relative risk [RR] estimate, 3.23 [95% CI, 1.67 to 6.24]). For the stratum of subjects with 500 to 799 CD4 T lymphocytes/mm3 before treatment, 2 events occurred in placebo recipients and 3 in zidovudine recipients. Candidiasis at study entry independently increased the risk for having an event (P = 0.005; RR estimate, 2.3 [95% CI, 1.29 to 4.12]); HIV antigenemia at study entry also increased this risk (P = 0.01; RR estimate, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.2 to 3.8]). Significant differences between the treatment groups in CD4 T-lymphocyte counts occurred in subjects with more than 200 but less than 500 CD4 T lymphocytes/mm3 after 4 weeks of therapy (P = 0.002). Differences persisted through week 52. Less prominent changes occurred in subjects with 500 or more CD4 T lymphocytes/mm3. Serum levels of HIV antigen decreased significantly in zidovudine recipients. Serious anemia and neutropenia occurred in 5% and 4% of zidovudine recipients, respectively, and in 0% and 1% of placebo recipients, respectively. Conclusion Zidovudine delayed progression of HIV disease and produced little toxicity in subjects with mildly symptomatic HIV disease and less than 500 CD4 T lymphocytes/mm3.
A High-Performance Heterogeneous Computing Platform for Biological Sequence Analysis

Advances in bioinformatics research continue to add complexity to the analyses and interpretation of biological data. Certain sequence database searches may take weeks to complete due to complicated data dependencies by dynamic programming. A reconfigurable coprocessor can remove this computational bottleneck and accelerate the operation. This paper presents a heterogeneous computing platform through Message Passing Interface (MPI) enabled enterprise computing infrastructure for high-throughput biological sequence analysis. The computing platform integrates heterogeneous computer architectures including conventional processors with Streaming Single Instruction Multiple Data Extensions 2 (SSE2) instructions, reconfigurable coprocessors, and legacy processors together into one system, and allows each to perform the task to which it is best suited. With appropriate computation and communication scheduling, the integrated heterogeneous computing infrastructure is designed to accommodate various types of accelerators to provide a High-Performance Computing (HPC) framework to support the most widely used life science applications.
Review: The delivery of ivermectin (Mectizan®)

Over a comparatively short period of time, the development and distribution of ivermectin (Mectizan) has radically altered the consequences of infection with Onchocerca volvulus. To achieve this required the fostering of many partnerships and the development of new tools and methods. The long-term commitment of Merck, the World Bank and other sponsors, as well as governments and non-governmental organizations, has been crucial. Yet the enthusiasm with which communities have taken up the delivery of ivermectin among themselves is perhaps the greatest reason for the success of this programme. The present challenge is sustaining the methods that have brought success so far, and making them part of health services and disease control programmes in some of the world's most impoverished and unstable areas. A major part of this challenge is continuing the commitment to controlling onchocerciasis as memory of the disease is fading, and while the hope of elimination or eradication for most endemic countries remains distant.
Germ-line mutation of KCNQ2, p.R213W, in a Japanese family with benign familial neonatal convulsion.

Background: Benign familial neonatal convulsion (BFNC) is an autosomal-dominantly inherited epilepsy of neonates. The KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 genes have been cloned as the responsible genes for BFNC. Detection of mutations in these genes is helpful for confirmation of BFNC or differential diagnosis of convulsive disorders in the neonatal period. Methods: A Japanese family with BFNC was investigated. Two siblings were clinically diagnosed as having BFNC. KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 were screened for mutations using a combination of polymerase chain reaction and denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography. Nucleotide substitutions were confirmed by direct sequencing. Results: In the affected siblings a C-to-T heterozygous substitution was detected at nucleotide 683 (c.683C>T) in KCNQ2, leading to substitution of arginine with tryptophan at amino acid position 213 (p.R213W) in the S4 voltage-sensing domain of the KCNQ2 protein. The detected mutation may disrupt this highly conserved region among potassium channel proteins. The c.683C>T substitution in KCNQ2 was not present in the parents. KCNQ3 was also analyzed and a single nucleotide polymorphism, c.1241A>G (National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), SNP ID: rs2303995), was detected in the index family. Conclusions: Two siblings with BFNC had a novel heterozygous missense mutation, p.R213W, in KCNQ2. This mutation may affect potassium gating, leading to neuronal excitability or convulsions in the patients. Furthermore, neither of the parents had the p.R213W mutation, indicating that it was a germ-line mutation. The possibility of recurrence of such a germ-line mutation in the next siblings should be explained during genetic counseling.
A cellular model for studying accommodation to environmental stressors: a protective response to subtoxic exposure to cadmium.

Abstract A model is described for testing the effect of exposure to subtoxic challenge upon cellular integrity. The model incorporates Physarum polycephalum as a biological assay system, the ability of the cell to traverse the cell cycle as an indicator of cell integrity, and the use of repeated challenge by cadmium ion as a mechanism for amplifying the response to subthreshold exposure. A sensitivity profile of Physarum , developed by periodic exposure to 5 × 10 −4 m Cd 2+ for 30 min throughout the cell cycle, contains two peaks of sensitivity resulting in mitotic delay, one in early S and the other in late G 2 . Physarum accommodates to a subtoxic challenge of Cd 2+ by developing a protective response: Exposure to 10 −4 m Cd 2+ for 30 min in early G 2 (0.45 cycle), which does not delay mitosis, protects Physarum against a mitotic delay of 105 min resulting from exposure to 4 × 10 −4 m Cd 2+ for 30 min in late G 2 (0.75 cycle). Protection persists for at least two cell cycles.
Strengthening partnerships and boosting conceptual connections in preservice field experience

This paper discusses research on a Partner Classroom pilot program that was implemented over a two‐year period to provide high quality, targeted field experiences in a senior‐level elementary literacy methods course. The aim was to shift the focus from passive watching and engagement in routine classroom tasks to emphasize guided observations, debriefing with classroom teachers, and interacting with students. We documented Partner Classroom experiences as they were organized and carried out for two sections of a literacy methods course across two different semesters (n = 41), and investigated the following research question: What did teacher candidates notice and value, and how did they make sense of one Partner Classroom visit each semester? Findings indicate candidates valued seeing a “real” teacher in action to help course concepts and theories come alive. The opportunity to compare and contrast their regular classroom placement with an observation in a different school setting was also salient. Candid...
On the synthesis of stochastic flow networks

A stochastic flow network is a directed graph with incoming edges (inputs) and outgoing edges (outputs), tokens enter through the input edges, travel stochastically in the network and can exit the network through the output edges. Each node in the network is a splitter, namely, a token can enter a node through an incoming edge and exit on one of the output edges according to a predefined probability distribution. We address the following synthesis question: Given a finite set of possible splitters and an arbitrary rational probability distribution, design a stochastic flow network, such that every token that enters the input edge will exit the outputs with the prescribed probability distribution. The problem of probability synthesis dates back to von Neummann's 1951 work and was followed, among others, by Knuth and Yao in 1976, who demonstrated that arbitrary rational probabilities can be generated with tree networks; where minimizing the expected path length, the expected number of coin tosses in their paradigm, is the key consideration. Motivated by the synthesis of stochastic DNA based molecular systems, we focus on designing optimal-sized stochastic flow networks (the size of a network is the number of splitters). We assume that each splitter has two outgoing edges and is unbiased (probability  per output edge). We show that an arbitrary rational probability aoverb with a ≤ b ≤ 2n can be realized by a stochastic flow network of size n, we also show that this is optimal. We note that our stochastic flow networks have feedback (cycles in the network), in fact, we demonstrate that feedback improves the expressibility of stochastic flow networks, since without feedback only probabilities of the form aover2n (a an integer) can be realized.
A generalization of the hyperstability conditions for model reference adaptive systems

A generalization of the hyperstability criterion given in the literature is discussed. The new hyperstability conditions were obtained by utilizing the properties of the positive definite kernels. The results presented here are directly applicable for the synthesis of hyperstable adaptation algorithms for various applications.
T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma with eosinophilia associated with subsequent myeloid malignancy

Three patients with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma and peripheral blood eosinophilia are reported. At the time of diagnosis, all patients had lymphadenopathy, and one had a mediastinal mass. Lymph node biopsies revealed lymphoblastic lymphoma admixed with a variable number of mature eosinophils. Immunophenotypic studies demonstrated that each lymphoma had an immature T-cell immunophenotype. Bone marrow biopsies were hypercellular with myeloid hyperplasia and eosinophilia but were negative for lymphoma. All patients received multiagent chemotherapy; one patient achieved a complete remission, and two patients had partial remissions. All patients subsequently developed a myeloid malignancy. Two died of acute myeloid leukemia within 18 months of the diagnosis of lymphoblastic lymphoma. The third patient relapsed with a lymphoma that had histologic and immunophenotypic features of both T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma and granulocytic sarcoma and also developed a poorly defined myeloproliferative disorder. These findings suggest that T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma associated with eosinophilia may represent a distinct clinico-pathologic entity with a high risk of subsequent myeloid neoplasia.
Computational Modeling of Vascular Clamping: A Step Toward Simulating Surgery

The objective of this study was to simulate clamping of the aorta. It is computationally demanding and involves contact between clamp and aorta, large deformations, and fluid-structure interactions (FSI). Models of the aortic root and clamp were created and solve in ADINA, a finite element analysis package. The tissue model was created using a non-linear material. Fluid-structure interactions (FSI) were modeled. The deformation profile of the simulated aorta matched well with that of the real tissue. Clamping of a fluid-filled pressurized aorta, an important first step towards simulating of surgical procedures, was successfully modeled. The simulation was validated by clamping experiments. The modeling techniques developed are also applicable to pre-operative planning of cardiovascular surgery
Survivability through Run-Time Software Evolution

In this paper we present an architectural framework designed to increase the survivability of software agent nodes in a distributed system. A multi-layered model replaces the original node software. Original computational requirements of the node are retained in the lowest level. The upper layers of the model provide protective and supportive services.Model components are mutated to create behaviorally identical but structurally distinct software. The lowest level of the framework is composed of replicated components drawn from a pool of mutations. The diverse population provides for identification of faulty or compromised components through a voting technique implemented in a higher level of the architecture. Failure recovery automatically creates a different component population. Unless multiple components are simultaneously compromised, the node continues functioning during failure recovery.Preliminary test results of a prototype implementation are given. The tests show that the architecture is feasible and that, in the simulated test environment, overhead is acceptably low. Recovery from single component failures and multiple component failure is demonstrated.
Education and Income Imbalances Among Married Couples in Malawi as Predictors for Likelihood of Physical and Emotional Intimate Partner Violence.

Intimate partner violence is a social and public health problem that is prevalent across the world. In many societies, power differentials in relationships, often supported by social norms that promote gender inequality, lead to incidents of intimate partner violence. Among other factors, both a woman's years of education and educational differences between a woman and her partner have been shown to have an effect on her likelihood of experiencing intimate partner abuse. Using the 2010 Malawian Demographic and Health Survey data to analyze intimate partner violence among 3,893 married Malawian women and their husbands, this article focuses on understanding the effect of educational differences between husband and wife on the likelihood of physical and emotional abuse within a marriage. The results from logistic regression models show that a woman's level of education is a significant predictor of her likelihood of experiencing intimate partner violence by her current husband, but that this effect is contingent on her husband's level of education. This study demonstrates the need to educate men alongside of women in Malawi to help decrease women's risk of physical and emotional intimate partner violence. Language: en
Suffering and Judging in The Princess and the Pea

This brief essay explores Hans Christian Andersen's story "The Princess and the Pea" for how it illuminates issues of suffering, compassion, victimization, political leadership, and mercy.
3D Branched Nanowire Photoelectrodes for High Efficiency Solar Water Splitting and Hydrogen Production

We report a high efficiency water splitting photoelectrochemical cell based on 3D branched nanowire (NW) heterostructures photoelectrodes. The 3D NW heterostructure is composed of an n-Si NW core and ZnO NW branches and fabricated from cost-effective low temperature solution-based synthesis methods. Specifically, we report the studies of 3D n-n NW heterojunction photoelectrode efficiency (photocurrent) dependence on the core and branch NW length, where longer Si NW cores give a larger anodic photocurrent response as well as a recombination current, and longer ZnO NW branches increase the cathodic photocurrent response and the dark current.
Survey of Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents Regarding Pneumococcal Vaccination in Pregnancy: Education, Knowledge, and Barriers to Vaccination

Objective. The 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for adults over 65 years of age and younger adults with certain medical conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state insufficient evidence to recommend routine pneumococcal vaccination during pregnancy, but the vaccine is indicated for pregnant women with certain medical conditions. We designed this project to gauge obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) resident knowledge of maternal pneumococcal vaccination. Methods. We administered a 22-question survey to OB/GYN residents about maternal pneumococcal vaccination. We performed descriptive analysis for each question. Results. 238 OB/GYN residents responded. Overall, 69.3% of residents reported receiving vaccination education and 86.0% reported having ready access to vaccine guidelines and safety data. Most residents knew that asplenia (78.2%), pulmonary disease (77.3%), and HIV/AIDS (69.4%) are indications for vaccination but less knew that cardiovascular disease (45.0%), diabetes (35.8%), asthma (42.8%), nephrotic syndrome (19.7%), and renal failure (33.6%) are also indications for vaccination. Conclusion. OB/GYN residents are taught about vaccines and have ready access to vaccine guidelines and safety data. However, knowledge of indications for pneumococcal vaccination in pregnancy is lacking. Likely, the opportunity to vaccinate at-risk pregnant patients is being missed.