cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stressosomes Formed in Bacillus subtilis from the RsbR Protein of Listeria monocytogenes Allow σB Activation following Exposure to either Physical or Nutritional Stress

The general stress regulon of Bacillus subtilis is controlled by σB, a transcription factor that is activated by physical or nutritional stress. In B. subtilis, each of these two stresses is communicated to the primary σB regulators by distinct pathways. Physical stress activation of σB involves a large-molecular-mass (>106-Da) structure (stressosome) formed by one or more homologous proteins (RsbRA, -B, -C, and -D) onto which the pathway's principal regulators are bound. The RsbR proteins are thought to be potential receptors for stress signaling. Listeria monocytogenes encodes orthologs of σB and its principal regulators; however, unlike B. subtilis, L. monocytogenes appears to use the stressosome pathway for both physical and nutritional stress activation of σB. In the current work, a B. subtilis strain that expressed L. monocytogenes rsbR (rsbRLm) in lieu of B. subtilis rsbR (rsbRBs) was created and was found to display the Listeria phenotype of σB activation following exposure to either physical or nutritional stress. B. subtilis expressing either the RsbR paralog rsbRC or rsbRD, but not rsbRA or rsbRB, as the sole source of RsbR also allowed σB induction following nutritional stress. It is unclear whether the nutritional stress induction seen in these strains is the result of a direct effect of nutritional stress on stressosome activity or a consequence of the background levels of σB activation in these strains and the effects of diminished ATP on the downstream phosphorylation reaction needed to reinactivate σB.
The primary target facility for a neutrino factory based on muon beams

Neutrino beams from the decay of muons in a storage ring offer the prospect of very high flux, well-understood spectra, and equal numbers of electron and muon neutrinos, as desirable for detailed exploration of neutrino oscillations via long baseline detectors. Such beams require large numbers of muons, and hence a high performance target station at which a 1-4 MW proton beam of 16-24 GeV impinges on a compact target, all inside a high field solenoid channel to capture as much of the phase volume of soft pions as possible. A first concept was based on a carbon target, as reported in 2000 the Neutrino Factory Study-I. A higher performance option based on a free mercury jet has been studied in 2001 as part of the Neutrino Factory Feasibility Study-II. An overview of a mercury jet target facility is presented here, including requirements, design concept and summaries of simulated performance. Further details are presented in related papers at this conference.
Analysis of Sound Features for Music Timbre Recognition

Recently, communication, digital music creation, and computer storage technology has led to the dynamic increasing of online music repositories in both number and size, where automatic content-based indexing is critical for users to identify possible favorite music pieces. Timbre recognition is one of the important subtasks for such an indexing purpose. Lots of research has been carried out in exploring new sound features to describe the characteristics of a musical sound. The moving picture expert group (MPEG) provides a standard set of multimedia features, including low level acoustical features based on latest research in this area. This paper introduces our newly designed temporal features used for automatic indexing of musical sounds and evaluates them with MPEG7 descriptors, and other popular features.
Understanding the role of TiO2 crystal structure on the enhanced activity and stability of Ru/TiO2 catalysts for the conversion of lignin-derived oxygenates

Although Ru catalysts supported on reducible oxides such as TiO2 hold significant promise for the deoxygenation of biomass derived oxygenates, a significant drawback is their instability under oxidation conditions necessary for catalyst regeneration. In this contribution, the role of TiO2 crystal structure on resistance to metal particle sintering during calcination treatments at 400 and 500 °C is investigated. The resulting impact of the calcination temperature and TiO2 support phase for the conversion of guaiacol at 400 °C under atmospheric pressure of hydrogen over supported Ru catalysts is presented. Results suggest that the rutile TiO2 phase plays an important role in stabilizing Ru particles during calcination pretreatment in comparison with anatase supported Ru catalysts. Furthermore, rates normalized to the area of the support and the Ru suggest that the high activity of Ru/TiO2 systems for guaiacol conversion is attributed to defect sites created by hydrogen spillover from the Ru metal to the reducible TiO2 as opposed to only the sites located at the Ru/TiO2 interface.
Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection for primary and recurrent chalazia: is it really effective?

Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection in primary and recurrent chalazia. Design Retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series. Participants One hundred forty-seven patients with primary or recurrent chalazia (155 cases) treated at the oculoplastic clinic at the Jules Stein Eye Institute between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2003. Methods Patients received an intralesional injection of 0.1 to 0.2 ml TA (40 mg/ml). Data regarding lesion size, including digital color photography, lesion regression or recurrence, and complete ophthalmic examination, were recorded at the time of injection and at different intervals until resolution or surgical excision. Success was defined as at least an 80% decrease in size with no recurrence. If the lesion recurred or regression was minimal ( Main Outcome Measures Lesion size, clinical resolution, time to resolution, recurrence, and complications. Results Most of the patients received 1 injection (93 patients; 60%) or 2 injections (31 patients; 20%) with resolution of the lesion (more than 80% decrease in size), with an average time to resolution of 2.5 weeks. Patients who did not respond to 2 injections were more likely to fail treatment (minimal or no regression), to respond to further injections, or to undergo surgical excision and drainage ( P = 0.0001, chi-square test). Patients with blepharitis required more injections to resolution (2±1.3 vs. 1.4±1; P = 0.05, independent samples t test). Intraocular pressure and visual acuity remained stable after treatment. No complications, such as visual loss, subcutaneous fat atrophy, or skin depigmentation changes, were noted with steroids injections; assuming a complication rate of 2%, our power was adequate to rule out these complications. Conclusions Intralesional TA injection in primary and recurrent chalazia is effective in achieving lesion regression. Most cases resolve with an average of 1 to 2 injections. Chalazia that fail to respond to 2 or 3 injections are more likely to benefit from surgical excision. It may be considered as a first treatment in cases where diagnosis is straightforward.
Design of electrically small Yagi antenna

A two-element electrically small Yagi antenna is presented. The antenna is composed of a spiral-shaped driver and a director. To step up the low radiation resistance due to the small element size and close element spacing, multiple folded arms are used on the driver element. The design has been optimised, built and measured. The total volume of the antenna is 0.065λ×0.095λ×0.095λ and the measured realised gain toward the director direction is 8.81 dB.
Computational strategies for polymer dielectrics design

Abstract The present contribution provides a perspective on the degree to which modern computational methods can be harnessed to guide the design of polymeric dielectrics. A variety of methods, including quantum mechanical ab initio methods, classical force-field based molecular dynamics simulations, and data-driven paradigms, such as quantitative structure–property relationship and machine learning schemes, are discussed. Strategies to explore, search and screen chemical and configurational spaces extensively are also proposed. Some examples of computation-guided synthesis and understanding of real polymer dielectrics are also provided, highlighting the anticipated increasing role of such computational methods in the future design of polymer dielectrics.
Patient-Derived Tumor Xenografts Are Susceptible to Formation of Human Lymphocytic Tumors.

Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumor models have emerged as a new approach to evaluate the effects of cancer drugs on patients’ personalized tumor grafts enabling to select the best treatment for the cancer patient and providing a new tool for oncology drug developers. Here, we report that human tumors engrafted in immunodeficient mice are susceptible to formation of B-and T-cell PDX tumors. We xenografted human primary and metastatic tumor samples into immunodeficient mice and found that a fraction of PDX tumors generated from patients’ samples of breast, colon, pancreatic, bladder and renal cancer were histologically similar to lymphocytic neoplasms. Moreover, we found that the first passage of breast and pancreatic cancer PDX tumors after initial transplantation of the tumor pieces from the same human tumor graft could grow as a lymphocytic tumor in one mouse and as an adenocarcinoma in another mouse. Whereas subcutaneous PDX tumors resembling human adenocarcinoma histology were slow growing and non-metastatic, we found that subcutaneous PDX lymphocytic tumors were fast growing and formed large metastatic lesions in mouse lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and spleen. PDX lymphocytic tumors were comprised of B-cells which were Epstein-Barr virus positive and expressed CD45 and CD20. Because B-cells are typically present in malignant solid tumors, formation of B-cell tumor may evolve in a wide range of PDX tumor models. Although PDX tumor models show great promise in the development of personalized therapy for cancer patients, our results suggest that confidence in any given PDX tumor model requires careful screening of lymphocytic markers.
White and green screening with circular polymerase extension cloning for easy and reliable cloning

Cloning is an essential prerequisite to test protein design and engineering ideas. However, it is often time consuming, unreliable, and therefore frustrating. Here, we present a streamlined cloning strategy that incorporates a powerful white and green screening protocol to identify colonies with inserts. We use circular polymerase extension cloning, which is both ligation and sequence independent. Furthermore, our entire procedure requires only three quick steps and one enzyme making it easy to use, inexpensive, and tractable. We anticipate that this method will be particularly useful for protein engineers who frequently subclone or make focused deletion, insertion, or substitution libraries.
Inactivation of γ-Glutamylcysteine Synthetase by SAPH-3 Disulfide: Role of the Histaminyl Moiety

Certain disulfide analogues of cystamine were prepared and evaluated for the ability to inhibit γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCS), the rate-limiting enzyme in glutathione synthesis. The compound SAPH-3 disulfide (2a) was found to be the most effective inactivator of GCS reported to date. Studies of structural analogues of 2a indicate that the histamine moiety plays a significant role in enzyme inactivation. Substitution of methyl groups on the carbon atoms adjacent to both sulfur atoms of the disulfide drastically decreases inhibitory action, probably due to a steric repulsion near the sulfur atom at the enzyme active site.
Classification analyses of pediatric concussion assessment battery

Objective Demonstrate classification statistics (OR, Likelihood Ratios) of a pediatric multi-component battery of neurocognitive tests, child and parent symptom report to identify the presence or absence of concussion. Design Prospective cohort design. Setting Outpatient clinic, teaching hospital. Participants Two groups of children, ages 5–7 years (n=22 per group) and ages 8–12 years (n=67 per group) (≤7 days post-concussion) were compared to gender/age-matched groups of non-injured children. Interventions Predictor variables: Response Speed Composite, Child and Parent Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI) symptom scores. Main Outcome Measurements Group membership—concussion, control. Results MANOVAs revealed significant group differences for the Response Speed Composite, Child and Parent PCSI symptom scores for both age groups. Discriminant function analyses conducted on the Child and Parent PCSI scores and Neurocognitive Composite scores independently and in combination indicate parent and child PCSI symptoms and Response Speed demonstrate adequate classification independently; in combination offered greatest rates. For the 5–7 year age group, 73% were correctly classified by the three combined scores (Positive Likelihood Ratio=3.5, Negative Likelihood Ratio=0.58, OR=6.0, 80% Area Under Curve (AUC)). 84% of 8–12 age group were identified correctly by the three combined scores (LR+=47.0, LR−=.30, OR=155, 94% AUC). Relative differences between scores will be demonstrated. Conclusion The multi-component pediatric battery demonstrates appropriate capability to classify children referred for a suspected concussion. Increased parent and child PCSI symptom ratings and decreased neurocognitive performance (Response Speed) increases diagnostic accuracy, assisting the clinician in their clinical decision-making. Competing interests Drs Gioia, Isquith and Vaughan are co-authors of Pediatric ImPACT battery.
Dual Baseline and Frequency Along-Track Interferometry

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) airborne synthetic aperture radar (AIRSAR) L-band along-track interferometer images currents and waves on the ocean surface. By modifying the operating procedure of this two antenna interferometer, a technique has been developed to enable interferometric measurements to be made simultaneously at two different baselines. The availability of such data allows measurement of the decorrelation process of the ocean in greater detail. The coherence time of the ocean surface can be measured at high resolution over large areas. In addition to the L-band interferometer, a C-band along-track interferometer has been developed. It allows C-band dual-baseline measurements to be made simultaneous with the L-band measurements. The dual-baseline technique and AIRSAR implementation are described, and some example data are presented.
Social and emotional components of book reading between caregivers and their toddlers in a high-risk sample

In this collective case study of caregiver behaviors with their toddlers, two-minute videotaped reading interactions were analyzed using a constant comparative method. Twenty-four caregiver—toddler...
Political Orientation and Music Preferences among College Students

The socio-political implications of contemporary music are investigated using survey data pertaining to the political orientations, music involvement, and musical preferences of college students. The analysis indicates that political orientation is associated with amount of music involvement and with preferences for particular musical styles. Zero-order relationships are not substantially altered by controls for demographic background characteristics of respondents. William S. Fox is Assistant Professor of Sociology at The University of Iowa and James D. Williams is a graduate student in the Department of Sociology at Ball State University.
A randomized pilot phase I study of modified carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) peptide (CAP1-6D)/montanide/GM-CSF-vaccine in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Background CEA is expressed in >90% of pancreatic cancers (PC) and may be an appropriate immunotherapy target. CEA is poorly immunogenic due to immune tolerance; CAP1-6D, an altered peptide ligand can help bypass tolerance. We conducted a pilot randomized phase I trial in PC patients to determine the peptide dose required to induce an optimal CD8+ T cell response.
Systematic 5 Region Prostate Biopsy is Superior to Sextant Method for Diagnosing Carcinoma of the Prostate

ABSTRACTPurpose: The number of patients undergoing prostate biopsy has dramatically increased due to prostate specific antigen screening. The low specificity of this screening tool requires prostate biopsy for diagnosis of prostate cancer. The sextant biopsy technique has been used widely with success in diagnosing carcinoma of the prostate. However, concern has arisen that the original sextant method may not include an adequate sampling of the prostate. For many years we have used a method of prostate biopsy that, in addition to sextant biopsies, takes additional biopsies in a systematic fashion, which we call the 5 region prostate biopsy. We conducted a prospective study to determine if our 5 region prostate biopsy technique significantly increases the chances of finding carcinoma of the prostate compared to the sextant biopsy technique.Materials and Methods: A total of 119 patients underwent transrectal ultrasound guided needle biopsy of the prostate. In addition to sextant biopsies, cores were taken f...
Genetically Determined Procoagulant States and Heparin Use

The propensity for both arterial and venous thrombotic disorders involves a genetic predetermination that operates In concert with environmental factors or triggers. Appropriate clinical assessment and therapeutic recommendations for patients with thrombosis requires a thorough knowledge of genetic variables that influence this propensity. This review focuses on the pathophysiology, natural history, and molecular biology of defined thrombophilic risk factors relevant to the care of patients with thrombotic disorders.
Evolutionary conservation of zinc finger transcription factor binding sites in promoters of genes co-expressed with WT1 in prostate cancer

Gene expression analyses have led to a better understanding of growth control of prostate cancer cells. We and others have identified the presence of several zinc finger transcription factors in the neoplastic prostate, suggesting a potential role for these genes in the regulation of the prostate cancer transcriptome. One of the transcription factors (TFs) identified in the prostate cancer epithelial cells was the Wilms tumor gene (WT1). To rapidly identify coordinately expressed prostate cancer growth control genes that may be regulated by WT1, we used an in silico approach. Evolutionary conserved transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) recognized by WT1, EGR1, SP1, SP2, AP2 and GATA1 were identified in the promoters of 24 differentially expressed prostate cancer genes from eight mammalian species. To test the relationship between sequence conservation and function, chromatin of LNCaP prostate cancer and kidney 293 cells were tested for TF binding using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Multiple putative TFBS in gene promoters of placental mammals were found to be shared with those in human gene promoters and some were conserved between genomes that diverged about 170 million years ago (i.e., primates and marsupials), therefore implicating these sites as candidate binding sites. Among those genes coordinately expressed with WT1 was the kallikrein-related peptidase 3 (KLK3) gene commonly known as the prostate specific antigen (PSA) gene. This analysis located several potential WT1 TFBS in the PSA gene promoter and led to the rapid identification of a novel putative binding site confirmed in vivo by ChIP. Conversely for two prostate growth control genes, androgen receptor (AR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), known to be transcriptionally regulated by WT1, regulatory sequence conservation was observed and TF binding in vivo was confirmed by ChIP. Overall, this targeted approach rapidly identified important candidate WT1-binding elements in genes coordinately expressed with WT1 in prostate cancer cells, thus enabling a more focused functional analysis of the most likely target genes in prostate cancer progression. Identifying these genes will help to better understand how gene regulation is altered in these tumor cells.
Inferring Population Continuity Versus Replacement with aDNA: A Cautionary Tale from the Aleutian Islands

In The Aleutian and Commander Islands and Their Inhabitants (Philadelphia: Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, 1945), Hrdlicka proposed a population replacement event in the Aleutian Islands approximately 1,000 years ago based on a perceived temporal shift in cranial morphology. However, the archaeological record indicates cultural, and presumed population, continuity for more than 4,000 years. We use mtDNA haplogroup data in the series of prehistoric eastern Aleutian samples (n = 86) studied craniometrically by Hrdlicka to test alternative hypotheses regarding population continuity or replacement in the region. This molecular characterization, in conjunction with direct dating of individual specimens, provided increased resolution for hypothesis testing. Results indicate an apparent shift in mtDNA haplogroup frequencies in the eastern Aleutians approximately 1,000 years ago, in concert with changes in mortuary practices and isotopic signatures reflecting resource acquisition strategies. The earliest Aleut populations were characterized by a high frequency of haplogroup A, as are most modern populations of the North American arctic. Later prehistoric peoples in the Aleutians were characterized by a high frequency of haplogroup D and a correspondingly lower frequency of haplogroup A, a pattern typified by modern Aleut populations.
Patients’ willingness to work with peer supporters for chronic medication management

Objectives To use the theory of planned behaviour to predict patients’ willingness to work with a peer supporter for medication management, to assess perceived importance of peer supporter characteristics and to assess communication preferences. Methods A survey was administered to a convenience sample of 130 adult patients taking prescribed medication(s) for diabetes, hypertension and/or hyperlipidaemia. The survey measured willingness to work with a peer supporter, attitude (A), subjective norm (SN), perceived behavioural control (PBC), prior experience with peer support (PE) and demographic variables (covariates). Descriptive statistics were assessed for all variables, and relationships between A, SN, PBC, PE, covariates and willingness were examined using multiple regression analysis. Key findings Most respondents were non-Hispanic white (45.3%), women (56.2%) and had hypertension (75.8%). Respondents were neutral to somewhat willing to work with a peer supporter (4.8 ± 1.7; range: 1–7). A (β = 0.341, P < 0.001), SN (β = 0.168, P = 0.122), PBC (β = −0.043, P = 0.692) and PE (β = 0.290, P < 0.001), together with age and ethnicity, accounted for 35.8% of the variance in willingness (F = 14.050, df = 1,109, P < 0.001). The characteristic with the highest perceived importance was experiential knowledge (mean = 4.2 ± 0.8; range = 1–5). Most preferred to communicate with a peer supporter by telephone (82.3%) and once a month (34.4%). Conclusions Positive attitude and prior experience were significant predictors of willingness. Initiatives to increase willingness should focus on potential benefits of working with a peer supporter, which may positively shape patients’ attitude. In order to increase effectiveness of peer support programmes, pharmacists and researchers should incorporate important peer supporter characteristics and communication preferences into programmes.
Regional Emission Scenarios for HFCs, PFCs and SF6

This study assesses the potential contribution to global warming due to emissions from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) until 2100. The emission scenarios start with emissions inferred from atmospheric observations. To project future emissions a top-down approach is chosen. Economic projections are combined with different assumptions about the diffusion of improved technology. The greenhouse impact of emissions of HFCs, PFCs and SF6 in different scenarios is evaluated and compared to the historical contribution from anthropogenic halocarbons. Distinctly different results for the historical emission level are derived depending on which compounds are included and which net values for the global warming potential of halocarbons are used. This implies that the historical radiative effect of greenhouse gas emissions associated with global halocarbon usage can currently not be scientifically defined.
The Art of Skin Health: Restoration and Rejuvenation, 2nd edition

Zein E. Obagi. The Art of Skin Health: Restoration and Rejuvenation , 2nd edition. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2014. ISBN-10: 1842145967, ISBN-13: 978-1842145968. $199.95. ![Graphic][1] This book was presented for review to me as a cosmetic dermatologic surgeon with authorship of textbooks on chemical peeling and as a teacher of many of the procedures shared by plastic surgery. This new textbook is a consolidation of Dr. Obagi's opinions and a compilation of the basic existing knowledge, reviewing practically everything one might need to reverse photo damage and aging skin. Chapter 1 is a basic science skin presentation for the nonphysician or the relatively inexperienced physician, complete with references. Chapter 2 expands principles on the reversal of cosmetic benign skin changes, which the author claims is not performed well by the specialty of dermatology. In my opinion, that may have been the case 20 years ago. His principles of skin restoration are excessively discursive and are extensively presented. Chapter 3, written by the author's associate, is an encyclopedic consolidation of every topical agent, including growth factors and barely-effective cosmeceuticals, available to treat the most common skin diseases. This is geared towards the physician rather than the nonphysician. Chapter 4 on the author's skin classification system incorporates botulinum toxin, lasers, fillers, and his peels, and it may be inferred that the author believes that his system is superior to the existing system of judging whether these procedures are indicated. Chapter 5 on rejuvenating the skin presents accurate points but nothing new to a physician familiar with existing principles of cosmetic dermatologic and plastic surgery. However, the author's interpretation of peel depth and his non-peer-reviewed claims that his … Corresponding Author: Dr Harold J. Brody, 1218 West Paces Ferry Road, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30327, USA. E-mail: drb{at}atlantadermatology.com [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Asymptotic symmetry of polynomials

In FIGURE l(b) the graph appears roughly symmetric with respect to x t 25. In FIGURE l(c), however, as we zoom out farther, this is no longer evident. In fact, the latter plot resembles that of y = x6, which is the usual observation. What we address here is whether or not the apparent line of symmetry in FIGURE l(b) is genuine, or fails to persist in any meaningful way as we zoom out to scales such as in FIGURE l(c). Certainly we couldn't detect such an effect visually at such great distances.
AB0718 Ultrasonographic assessment of subclinical median and ulnar nerve involvement in rheumatoid arthritis

Background The prevalence of subclinical neuropathy in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is 65-85% (1). It has been shown that RA patients may have electrophysiological or histological abnormalities even in the absence of clinical symptoms or signs of peripheral nerve involvement (2). Objectives To determine whether median cross-sectional area (m-CSA) and ulnar CSA (u-CSA) at wrist level differ between RA patients without signs and symptoms of median and ulnar neuropathy and healthy controls Methods The study is approved by local ethics committee of Gazi University. To achieve a difference of 2.8 mm 2 in m-CSA measures between RA patients and controls with an alpha error of 0.05 and 80% power, we planned to enroll 38 subjects in each group (3). Thirty-eight RA patients without signs and symptoms of median and ulnar neuropathy and 38 healthy controls were enrolled into study. All patients and controls were included in ultrasonographic assessment (General Electric Logiq P5, 8-12 MHz high frequency transducer). M-CSA and u-CSA were measured at the proximal inlet of the carpal tunnel using the pisiform bone as landmark. Comparison of numerical data between groups were analysed using independent-samples t test. The areas of the dominant side were used for correlation analysis by using Pearson correlation test. Results There was no difference in m-CSA and u-CSA measures between RA patients and controls (Table 1). There was no significant correlation between CSA measures of dominant hand and patient characteristics (age, height, weight, disease duration). In %24 of RA patients and %14 of controls m-CSA was above 10 mm 2 . The differenece was not statistically significant (p=0.20). Conclusions We found similar ultrasonographic m-CSA and u-CSA values in RA patients and healthy controls. Nonetheless, these results can not exclude subclinical neurological involvement in RA patients without signs and symptoms of median and ulnar neuropathy. References Ramos-Remus C, Duran-Barragan S, Castillo-Ortiz JD. Beyond the joints: neurological involvement in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol. 2012 Jan;31(1):1-12 Lanzillo B, Pappone N, Crisci C, di Girolamo C, Massini R, Caruso G. Subclinical peripheral nerve involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 1998 Jul;41(7):1196-202 Sarria L, Cabada T, Cozcolluela R, Martinez-Berganza T, Garcia S. Carpal tunnel syndrome: usefulness of sonography. Eur Radiol. 2000;10(12):1920-5 Disclosure of Interest None Declared
281 EPIDEMIOLOGIC CHARACTERISTICS OF GRAM-POSITIVE AND GRAM-NEGATIVE BLOODSTREAM INFECTIONS IN A TERTIARY NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT.

Background Bacteremia remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal units. Objective To analyze the epidemiologic characteristics of bloodstream infections at the University of California, Irvine Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (UCI-NICU) over a 7-year period. Methods All neonates with positive blood cultures within the first month of life treated at the UCI-NICU between January 1998 and December 2004 were identified and their medical records were reviewed. The risk factors prior to the onset of bacteremia caused by gram-positive and gram-negative organisms were compared. Results These are summarized in the table. Of 216 episodes of bacteremia, 176 (81%) were caused by gram-positive organisms and 40 (19%) were caused by gram-negative organisms. Conclusions Gram-positive organisms were the predominant cause of bacteremia in neonates at the UCI-NICU during the first month of life, and risk factors such as intubation, central line placement, surgical procedures, and antibiotic use were more common in patients with gram-positive bacteremia. Because of changing epidemiology of bloodstream infections, continuous surveillance studies to identify risk factors associated with bloodstream infections in neonates will be helpful in developing strategies to prevent and treat such infections.
Analysis on Digital Pulse Compression in Time-domain and Its Implementation System

This paper analyzes the principle of pulse compression in time-domain,presents a method for digital pulse compression system using a high-speed programable FIR filter device.A preferable result of this pulse compression system is presented also.
The Science of Female Orgasms: Pleasing Female Partners in Casual and Long-Term Relationships

The occurrence of the female orgasm, or lack thereof, has fueled productive research regarding gender differences in sexuality. Both scientific research and popular beliefs support the idea that men orgasm more frequently than women do and, given the biological nature of the orgasm phase of sexual responses, it is easy to assume that the gender difference in orgasm frequency is “natural” and unresponsive to contextual factors (e.g., relationship styles). While it may be true that men orgasm more frequently than women in partnered sex, using sociocultural approaches to understanding orgasm, we argue that it is inaccurate to suggest that men’s orgasms are easier and women’s are more difficult to invoke. In other words, yes—men orgasm more frequently than women—but this is not because women are biologically hardwired not to orgasm or receive sexual pleasure. Yet remains the question: Why do women orgasm less frequently than men do? What factors might narrow this gap in orgasm frequency between men and women? In this chapter, we critically examine gender differences in orgasm and, in doing so, provide science-based suggestions for individuals and relationship partners to close the orgasm gap between heterosexual men and women. We will begin our examination of women’s orgasm with providing an overview anatomy and orgasm. For the remainder of the chapter, we consider orgasm frequency in the context of both short-term (casual sex and hookup scenarios) and long-term relationships. Throughout, we offer suggestions for women and their sexual partners to increase women’s orgasm frequency across both short-term and long-term relationships.
The OGCleaner: filtering false-positive homology clusters

Detecting homologous sequences in organisms is an essential step in protein structure and function prediction, gene annotation and phylogenetic tree construction. Heuristic methods are often employed for quality control of putative homology clusters. These heuristics, however, usually only apply to pairwise sequence comparison and do not examine clusters as a whole. We present the Orthology Group Cleaner (the OGCleaner), a tool designed for filtering putative orthology groups as homology or non-homology clusters by considering all sequences in a cluster. The OGCleaner relies on high-quality orthologous groups identified in OrthoDB to train machine learning algorithms that are able to distinguish between true-positive and false-positive homology groups. This package aims to improve the quality of phylogenetic tree construction especially in instances of lower-quality transcriptome assemblies. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION https://github.com/byucsl/ogcleaner CONTACT: sfujimoto@gmail.comSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Neural Signaling Metabolites May Modulate Energy Use in Hibernation

Despite an epidemic in obesity and metabolic syndrome limited means exist to effect adiposity or metabolic rate other than life style changes. Here we review evidence that neural signaling metabolites may modulate thermoregulatory pathways and offer novel means to fine tune energy use. We extend prior reviews on mechanisms that regulate thermogenesis and energy use in hibernation by focusing primarily on the neural signaling metabolites adenosine, AMP and glutamate.
Solution-phase growth mechanism of phosphorus-doped MnAs nanoparticles: size, polydispersity and dopant control on the nanoscale

MnAs exhibits a large magnetocaloric effect associated with the first-order phase transition at 315 K, making it a promising phase for near-room-temperature magnetic refrigeration technologies. Optimization of the properties to expand the temperature range of operation (by adjusting the phase transition temperature) and reduce hysteresis losses can be achieved by phosphorus-doping and nanostructuring, respectively. The synthesis of P-doped MnAs as discrete nanoparticles by rapid injection synthesis has been previously reported, but suffers from extensive polydispersity and an inability to independently control size and dopant concentration. In the present work, a kinetic analysis of the P-doped MnAs nanoparticle formation by temporal correlation of particle volume, P-dopant concentration, and particle size to monomer concentration, is undertaken. Narrow polydispersity samples can only be obtained by rapid quenching from the reaction temperature, achieved by injection of the hot solution into cold chloroform; cooling in the flask leads to polydispersity characteristic of Ostwald ripening. When isolated at high temperature, particles initially grow at high monomer concentrations, achieving volumes of ca. 740 nm3 by 10 min, and then decrease in volume by more than a factor of two by 30 min reaction time, at which point both the size and residual monomer concentration (ca. 20%) remain constant, suggesting formation of an equilibrium or an unreactive byproduct. Simultaneously, the concentration of P incorporated is found to decrease over the time of the reaction from 5–7% initially to a nearly constant concentration of <2% by 60 min. These data suggest that P is incorporated preferentially at the nucleation stage, but is lost over time. This detailed understanding of MnAs particle formation and P-inclusion enables independent assessment of the role of size, polydispersity, and dopant concentration on magnetic properties.
Elucidating the Structural Changes to Populus Lignin during Consolidated Bioprocessing with Clostridium thermocellum

During consolidated bioprocessing (CBP), Clostridium thermocellum hydrolyzes several plant cell wall components. Cellulose hydrolysis, specifically, liberates sugars for fermentation, which generates ethanol, acetate, hydrogen, and other products. While several studies indicate that C. thermocellum hydrolyzes carbohydrates in biomass, the structural changes to lignin during CBP remain unclear. In this study, the whole plant cell walls of untreated and C. thermocellum-treated Populus trichocarpa were characterized using NMR and FTIR. The results suggest that C. thermocellum reduces the β-O-4 linkage content and increases the lignin S/G ratio. This investigation indicates that C. thermocellum not only modifies lignin in order to access cellulose but also leaves behind a suitable lignin substrate for value-added applications in the cellulosic ethanol production scheme.
Hydroxychloroquine dosing in immune-mediated diseases: implications for patient safety

Evidence suggests that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinal toxicity is more common than previously thought. Adhering to careful weight-based dosing can significantly reduce the risk of this adverse event and is recommended in recent guidelines. We used electronic health record data from a large health system to examine HCQ dosing over a 5-year period and identify risk factors associated with higher dosage of HCQ. We constructed a longitudinal, retrospective cohort of patients with HCQ prescriptions (1681 patients with 3490 prescribing events) between 2012 and 2016. We measured HCQ dosing patterns relative to guidelines (<6.5 and <5.0 mg/kg) over time and used longitudinal multivariate mixed effects logistic regression to identify sociodemographic, clinical and health system factors associated with receiving higher than recommended doses of HCQ. The proportion of patients receiving doses above 6.5 mg/kg decreased from 12% in 2012 to 7% by 2016. Similarly, the proportion of patients with doses above 5.0 mg/kg fell from 38% in 2012 to 30% in 2016. Low body weight (<68 kg) was strongly associated with receiving doses of HCQ above 6.5 mg/kg across all time points, even after adjusting for other factors (odds ratios ranging from 13.2 to 21.0). Although the proportion of patients receiving higher than recommended HCQ doses has declined over a period of 5 years, a substantial number of individuals remain at increased risk for toxicity. Given the widespread use of HCQ in immune-mediated diseases, our study suggests that interventions aimed to ensure appropriate dosing are warranted to improve patient safety.
Issues in reliability modeling of fault-tolerant computers

Four key issues in reliability modeling of fault-tolerant systems (imperfect coverage, large state space, non-exponential behavior and error estimation) are discussed. Some general methods as well as HARP (The Hybrid Automated Reliability Predictor) methods of dealing with these problems are outlined. An annotated bibliography provides pointers to the literature for further information.
Interplay between permeability and compressibility in shale samples

Abstract In this study, we present a new approach to evaluate shale permeability as a function of effective pressure using Mercury Injection Capillary Pressure (MICP) experiments. Traditional approaches to describe permeability from MICP data often use pore size distribution and porosity and ignore intrusion effects. However, recent studies suggest that significant misinterpretation of pore size distribution and porosity can be realized owing to ignorance of pore compressibility in shale samples. We evaluate permeability variation with pressure using MICP data while considering for pore compressibility and intrusion correction. A shale sample often undergoes three stages during MICP tests: conformance, compression and intrusion. By identifying different pressure regions associated with these stages, we characterize pore compressibility as a function of pressure using compression stage and re-evaluate pore size distribution and porosity based on intrusion stage. We then integrate intrusion correction and pore compressibility values to Katz-Thompson correlation to evaluate permeability as a function of pressure. Identifying true intrusion and applying pore compressibility allow us to alter key variables in Katz-Thompson correlation, thus significantly lowers the final estimation of permeability. We observe 10–30% permeability reduction in the samples analyzed after corrections. This paper improves the accuracy of permeability predictions from MICP data; the outcome can be further applied to improve predictions of reservoir performance.
Strategic Thinkers and Positioned Choices: Parental Decision Making in Urban School Choice:

The economic logic of urban school reform holds that giving parents school choice options in an educational marketplace will lead to systemic improvements that will both resolve historical inequali...
Spanning Time Scales in Dynamic Simulations of Atomic-Scale Friction

We investigate the sliding dynamics of atomic-scale friction at different time scales. Depending on the dynamic inertia and sliding velocity of a cantilever, different dynamic behaviors are observed from both conventional molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and temporally hybrid molecular simulation methods. The mechanism of friction dissipation is also investigated. For either smooth sliding or stick–slip, a non-zero work of friction is obtained, while surface forces are no longer conservative.
72 – Noninvasive Vascular Measurements

This chapter reviews the hemodynamics behind the instrumentation of the most commonly used devices in the noninvasive vascular laboratory and discusses the clinically relevant information they provide. The noninvasive vascular laboratory used today by clinicians caring for patients with vascular disease had its origin in the research laboratory, where investigators developed methods for measuring physiologic parameters of vascular function. Over the past several decades, technology has advanced to the point where detection, quantification, and often localization of pathology in the arterial and venous systems of patients can be done in the vascular laboratory. The vascular laboratory also serves an important role in evaluating patients for further invasive studies such as angiography, for documenting the progression or resolution of disease, and for documenting the hemodynamic results of intervention. Noninvasive laboratory studies pose minimal medical risk and discomfort to the patient. However, the patient's medical condition, body habitus, and ability to follow directions are factors that potentially alter the technologist's ability to perform studies properly. If patients are unable to walk on a treadmill due to congestive heart failure or osteoarthritis, postexercise lower extremity arterial measurements are not obtainable. As the patient's hemodynamic picture is not complete, conclusions will not be as valid as the ones based on a complete study. In addition, the studies need to be reproducible so that a change in the test result actually reflects changes in the patient.
Pavements made of concrete with high solar reflectance

Abstract Concrete pavements feature prominently in the urban landscape for roadways, parking lots, sidewalks, trails, and driveways. Although conventional concrete pavements start out with higher solar reflectance than their asphalt counterparts, they do suffer from a loss in reflectance over time. Thus, for the purpose of urban heat island mitigation, concrete pavements could benefit from an initial increase in solar reflectance. In this chapter, a review of materials and methods used and their relative effectiveness for increasing solar reflectance is examined. The basic heat transfer problem relating solar reflectance to pavement surface temperature is explained. Modeling of a hypothetical scenario where high solar reflectance concrete replaces just conventional concrete and both concrete and asphalt surfaces in several large cities shows that huge energy savings could be realized.
Linguistic Analysis of Conversation as Evidence Regarding the Interpretation of Speech Events

The phenomenon of an academic linguist1 testifying in court as an expert witness is relatively recent. Linguists’ testimony has concerned many aspects of language, but one which has arisen with increasing frequency is the analysis of conversation. Most frequently this has involved conversations recorded surreptitiously and used as evidence to support charges of such criminal activity as bribery, conspiracy, racketeering, and sale of controlled substances, among others. Both laymen and judges commonly assume that expert testimony is not needed to analyze conversations because conversations are so familiar a part of our daily lives. Consequently, linguistic testimony about conversations is often excluded.2 Because the opposition to admitting expert testimony by linguists concerning the analysis of conversation is often based on incomplete understanding of that sort of analysis,3 it is the purpose of this chapter to describe what linguistic analysis of conversation comprises and to propose that linguistic analysis of conversation does in fact qualify as a proper subject of expert testimony.
Susceptibility of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to Disinfectants In Vitro and in Simulated Footbaths Amended with Manure

Abstract Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a human pathogen associated with gastrointestinal disease and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Direct contact with ruminants and their feces at agritourism or livesto...
Impacts of child development accounts on parenting practices: evidence from a randomised statewide experiment

ABSTRACTThis study examines the impact of Child Development Accounts (CDAs) on parenting practices of mothers with young children in a statewide randomised experiment conducted in the United States...
Cap-prodcut structures on the Fintushel-Stern spectral sequence

We show that there is a well-defined cap-product structure on the Fintushel-Stern spectral sequence. Hence we obtain the induced cap-product structure on the ${\BZ}_8$-graded instanton Floer homology. The cap-product structure provides an essentially new property of the instanton Floer homology, from a topological point of view, which multiplies a finite dimensional cohomology class by an infinite dimensional homology class (Floer cycles) to get another infinite dimensional homology class.
Controversies in the Management of Solid Tumor Bone Metastases

Bone metastases from solid tumor origin are challenging to manage and require a coordinated multi-specialist effort. Skeletal related events result in a significant societal burden and the predominant goal of the orthopedic oncologist is palliation of pain and preservation of function. Given the wide range of clinical scenarios that may be encountered, controversies exist both within and among specialties. This chapter reviews the current landscape in the management of bone metastases with a focus on commonly encountered sub-sites including long bones, spine, and periacetabular metastases.