cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estrogen Effects on Skeletal Muscle

In the past several decades the importance of the sex hormone estrogen for the overall health and well-being of skeletal muscle has become apparent, particularly for women, but also in men. In the early 1990s an article appeared indicating that skeletal muscle may be an estrogen (E2) target and that E2 impacted muscle strength. This seminal article was published by Phillips et al. [1] and indicated that women who were on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) through the menopause maintained the strength (force/muscle mass) of their adductor pollicis muscle compared with women who were not on HRT. Findings suggested that E2 provided a protective effect on muscle strength loss with aging that was maintained until women were approximately 70 years of age. Since that time hundreds of studies have been conducted and our understanding of E2 effects on skeletal muscle has grown substantially. The purpose of this chapter is to summarize recent findings on known E2 effects on skeletal muscle but also indicate some of the questions that remain.
Ninety-Five Degree Angled Blade Plate Fixation of High-Energy Unstable Proximal Femur Fractures Results in High Rates of Union and Minimal Complications.

Objectives To describe the surgical technique and clinical outcomes of high-energy proximal femur fractures treated with a 95-degree angled blade plate. Design Retrospective case series. Setting Single academic Level I trauma center. Patient/participants Forty-five consecutive patients from March 2012 to April 2017 who sustained a high-energy, unstable proximal femur fracture including (OTA/AO 31-A1, 31-A2, 31-A3, 31-B3, 32-A1a, and 32-C3i). Intervention Open reduction internal fixation with a 95-degree angled blade plate used in conjunction with an articulated tensioning device. Main outcome measurements Nonunion, malunion, secondary operations, and postoperative infection. Results Twenty six patients were available for follow-up. The mean age was 43.8 (range 22-86) years, and 81% (21/26) were men. The most common fracture pattern was OTA/AO 31-A3.3. Two fractures were open. The articulated tensioner was used in 100% of cases. Average clinical follow-up was 19.2 (range 7-40) months. Twenty-four of 26 patients (92%) achieved osseous union after the index procedure. One patient underwent nonunion repair, and 2 patients had the blade plate removed as it was symptomatic laterally. No other secondary procedures were performed, and no instances of implant failure were seen. No patients had evidence of a superficial or deep infection. Conclusions We found that high-energy proximal femur fractures treated with a 95-degree condylar blade plate and articulated tensioning device had a high rate of union with minimal postoperative complications. Although intramedullary nailing of these fractures remains a preferred treatment modality, the angled blade plate with articulated tensioning device is an excellent option to restore anatomical alignment and obtain bony union in certain highly comminuted fracture patterns. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Receding Horizon Markov Game Autonomous Driving Strategy

This paper presents a novel human-like autonomous driving algorithms for lane-changing problem. To this end, we present a multi-agent decision-making scheme by blending game theory with the Markov decision process, forming a Markov game (MG). In this decision-making process, interaction of a subject vehicle (SV) and traffic vehicles (TVs) are captured in a mathematically tractable manner via both a cooperative game (max - max) where vehicles perform their decisions for collective objectives and a noncooperative game (max - min) where vehicles perform their decisions for individual objectives. Strategies of the players are computed via a Receding Horizon (RH) approach where optimal solutions are found through an optimization strategy by taking into account current and future constraints. The proposed approach is evaluated in a human-in-the-Ioop (HIL) environment built around a MATLAB/SimulinkldSPACE realtime simulator where the Markov game-guided SV controller interacts with programmed TV s and one human-driven vehicle (HV). Experimental results show that the Markov game driving strategy is capable of finding a safe gap in multi-move traffic that is consistent with human drivers' behaviours in mandatory lane-changing.
Acquire or Expire: Publicly Traded Defense Contractors, Financial Markets, and Consolidation in the U.S. Defense Industry

The U.S. government increasingly outsources important national security responsibilities to defense contractors. In addition to manufacturing hardware and weapons, corporations now supply much of t...
Listing for Turbulence Programs, Functions, and Fragments

A compilation of MATLAB scripts and functions is provided to enable the user to quickly estimate key laminar and turbulence parameters. This includes the LIKE algorithm, as well as a function to calculate physical properties for various molten metals. Another MATLAB script calculates the peak velocity for laminar and turbulent flows under natural circulation. The script also calculates the convective heat transfer coefficient, Pr, Gr, Nu, and Ra. Finally, a FORTRAN program for the Prandtl one-equation turbulence model is provided. The program is intended as an example to show how RANS models can be coded, as well as to provide some practical guidelines. The program couples the momentum equation with the k PDE to solve a 2D Couette flow. For user convenience, the program writes MATLAB files suitable for plotting k, e, νt, and \( \overline{u} \).
Recomposition vs. Prediction: A Novel Anomaly Detection for Discrete Events Based On Autoencoder.

One of the most challenging problems in the field of intrusion detection is anomaly detection for discrete event logs. While most earlier work focused on applying unsupervised learning upon engineered features, most recent work has started to resolve this challenge by applying deep learning methodology to abstraction of discrete event entries. Inspired by natural language processing, LSTM-based anomaly detection models were proposed. They try to predict upcoming events, and raise an anomaly alert when a prediction fails to meet a certain criterion. However, such a predict-next-event methodology has a fundamental limitation: event predictions may not be able to fully exploit the distinctive characteristics of sequences. This limitation leads to high false positives (FPs) and high false negatives (FNs). It is also critical to examine the structure of sequences and the bi-directional causality among individual events. To this end, we propose a new methodology: Recomposing event sequences as anomaly detection. We propose DabLog, a Deep Autoencoder-Based anomaly detection method for discrete event Logs. The fundamental difference is that, rather than predicting upcoming events, our approach determines whether a sequence is normal or abnormal by analyzing (encoding) and reconstructing (decoding) the given sequence. Our evaluation results show that our new methodology can significantly reduce the numbers of FPs and FNs, hence achieving a higher $F_1$ score.
Measuring COVID-19-Related Stress Among 4th Through 12th Grade Students

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting stay-at-home orders created a need for assessing elementary, middle, and high school students’ experienced stressors associated with the coronavirus situation. I...
Multidisciplinary Fast Track Recovery Pathway for Cardiothoracic Surgery Patients

Purpose: Post-operative cardiac surgical care can be complicated by a multitude of factors. Communication among numerous members of the care team, inadequate patient pain or nausea management, and occasionally bed availability can lead to delays in patient recovery and prolong post-operative length of stay (LOS). This can result in emotional and financial distress for patients and families, and increase the cost of healthcare. The objective of our project was to decrease total LOS (TLOS) in a safe and effective manner for congenital cardiac patients with two ventricle physiology. Methods: …
Performance of forced-alignment algorithms on children’s speech

Purpose Acoustic measurement of speech sounds requires first segmenting the speech signal into relevant units (words, phones, etc.). Manual segmentation is cumbersome and time consuming. Forced-ali...
Maturation of Corticolimbic Functional Connectivity During Sensitive Periods of Brain Development

The maturation of key corticolimbic structures and the prefrontal cortex during sensitive periods of brain development from early life through adolescence is crucial for the acquisition of a variety of cognitive and affective processes associated with adult behavior. In this chapter, we first review how key cellular and circuit level changes during adolescence dictate the development of the prefrontal cortex and its capacity to integrate contextual and emotional information from the ventral hippocampus and the amygdala. We further discuss how afferent transmission from ventral hippocampal and amygdala inputs displays unique age-dependent trajectories that directly impact prefrontal functional maturation through adolescence. We conclude by proposing that time-sensitive strengthening of specific corticolimbic synapses is a critical contributing factor for the protracted maturation of cognitive and emotional regulation by the prefrontal cortex.
Development of a Positive Selection High Throughput Genetic Screen in Dictyostelium discoideum.

The cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum is a powerful model organism that can be utilized to investigate human health and disease. One particular strength of Dictyostelium is that it can be utilized for high throughput genetic screens. For many phenotypes, one limitation of utilizing Dictyostelium is that screening can be an arduous and time-consuming process, limiting the genomic depth one can cover. Previously, we utilized a restriction enzyme-mediated integration screen to identify suppressors of polyglutamine aggregation in Dictyostelium. However, due to the time required to perform the screen, we only obtained ~4% genome coverage. Here we have developed an efficient screening pipeline that couples chemical mutagenesis with the 5-fluoroorotic acid counterselection system to enrich for mutations in genes of interest. Here we describe this new screening methodology and highlight how it can be utilized for other biological systems.
Characterization of murine cytomegalovirus infection and induction of calcification in Murine Aortic Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (MOVAS)

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread pathogen that causes lifelong latent infection in the majority of the world population. HCMV is associated with increased incidence and severity of many cardiovascular diseases including myocarditis, atherosclerosis, and transplant vasculopathy. Due to the species-restricted nature of cytomegalovirus infection, murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) is a useful model that recapitulates many of the features of HCMV infection of the cardiovascular system. While in vivo MCMV studies are able to answer many questions regarding pathogenesis of infection, in vitro experiments using cell lines are useful tools to further understand the potential underlying mechanisms. In this study, we characterize MCMV infection of the murine aortic smooth muscle cell line (MOVAS). Our findings demonstrate that MOVAS cells are permissive for MCMV infection, form plaques under carboxymethyl cellulose overlay, and produce progeny virus similar to NIH 3T3 murine embryonic fibroblasts. In addition, MCMV infection induces calcification in MOVAS cells similar to that seen in the epicardium of MCMV-infected hearts. We conclude that MOVAS cells are a useful in vitro tool for studying CMV-mediated cardiac calcification.
Antigen expression by cells near the maternal fetal interface

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potential for immunologic interaction between the mother and fetus by documenting 1) fetal and maternal cell histocompatibility antigen (HLA) expression and 2) populations of immunologically relevant cells near the maternal-fetal interface through all stages of normal pregnancy. Mesenchymal cells in extraembryonic tissues demonstrated a gradual and progressive development of both class I and class II HLA, with class I expression preceding class II. Coordinated development of expression of two subclasses of class II HLA-D, HLA-DR and HLA-DQ, by fetal mesenchymal cells was noted. In adjacent tissue, maternal decidual cells were strongly class I HLA positive; but in contrast to fetal cells, expression of HLA-D subclasses was discoordinate. HLA-DR was present throughout gestation but HLA-DQ expression was detectable only in second and third trimester tissues. Immunologically relevant cells were present in both fetal and maternal tissues. The major leukocyte population and the major class II-bearing cell type at the maternal-fetal interface was of monocyte/macrophage lineage. T and B lymphocytes were present only in very low densities (1-3% of all cells), whereas at all stages of gestation, macrophages were present in high density in both the fetal mesenchyme (14-25%) and in maternal decidua (27-32%). Documentation of class I and class II HLA expression and the cell types available to participate in immunologic events at the maternal-fetal interface may assist in understanding the immunologic basis of the maternal-fetal relationship during successful pregnancy.
Structural and Metabolic Processes Directly Related to Action Potential Propagation

The sections in this article are: 1 Structure 1.1 Optical Properties 1.2 Heat Production 2 Recovery Processes Following Impulse Conduction 2.1 Properties of the Sodium-Potassium Pump 2.2 Recovery Heat 2.3 Oxygen Consumption 2.4 Intrinsic Fluorescence 2.5 Metabolic Intermediates 2.6 Metabolic Control 2.7 Electrical Phenomena Accompanying Recovery 3 Prognosis
Correlation of conjunctival microangiopathy with retinopathy in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients

We hypothesized that T2DM vasculopathy can be revealed and quantified in the bulbar conjunctiva prior to its pathologic presentation in the retina. Using computer-assisted intravital microscopy (CAIM), an objective, non-invasive approach can provide a viable complement to retinal fundus photography to possibly screen patients for early signs of real-time, in vivo T2DM vasculopathy. Fundus photography was utilized to determine the retinopathy level (RL) in T2DM patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and control subjects. CAIM was used to quantify microangiopathy in the bulbar conjunctiva in the same patients, and reported on a severity index (SI). The average RL for the T2DM patients in this study is 19.68 ± 9.91, which differs from control subjects (RL = 10 ± 0.0; p < 0.05). A significant difference in vasculopathy was observed in the conjunctival microcirculation in the same patients (SI = 5.81 ± 1.30) when compared with control subjects (SI = 1.33 ± 1.58; p < 0.05). The results provide evidence that significant vasculopathy had developed in the microcirculation in the bulbar conjunctiva, though diabetic retinopathy had not developed significantly in the same patients - indicative of the presence of a time window for early intervention of T2DM before non-proliferative retinopathy develops, and the real-time availability of the conjunctival microvasculature as an in vivo platform to monitor disease progression.
Gender and Self-Presentation in Social Media: An Analysis of the 10 Most Competitive 2012 U.S. Senate Races

The growing literature on women in politics has chronicled an increasing number of women running for office. Earlier research has found that women and men’s campaign styles are fairly similar, but with some significant differences. This paper explores whether this holds true with the use of social networking sites. This paper is part of a larger study that examines patterns of social media and political advertising usage by women and men candidate pairs during the 2012 U.S. Senate races. The current study focuses on gender similarities and differences in the candidates’ use of Twitter and Facebook during two weeks of the general election campaign. The analysis draws on data we collected for four highly competitive female/male races in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Missouri and Wisconsin. Our findings suggest that there are few substantive issue discussions and few gender differences in social media campaign messages. Both women and men candidates tend to use Twitter and Facebook with the same frequency, focus on the same topics, and use similar tones. All of the candidates we analyzed use social media most frequently to highlight events on the campaign trail and GOTV efforts. When considering negative attacks and visual tone, we observed significant differences across campaigns. In 3 out of the 4 states, Republican candidates, regardless of gender, were significantly more negative in their attacks and tone of visual images in the social media. Women and men were similar and what differences did occur were confounded by partisanship and trailing position in the campaign. Moreover, we found significant gender differences in the social aspects of Twitter and Facebook. Women tended to connect more positively with potential supporters. Our findings contrast with past research on political advertising and news coverage which emphasize negative and critical messages. Instead, our analyses of Twitter and Facebook during these four 2012 U.S. Senate races, suggest a new space for more positive, interactive campaign communication, but perhaps, at the expense of substance.
The Rise of the Prosecutorial Efforts in Foreign Corruption: Lessons Learned from Recent FCPA Cases

This paper surveys the five notable cases that illustrate the aggressiveness of the SEC and the DOJ in pursuing FCPA violators, but these cases are important because they provide indicators of possible directions that FCPA enforcements can take. DPC tells us of the unique FCPA risks of doing business in China. CCI tells us that although not penalized under the FCPA, the bribery of private parties can also be a criminal act under state law and can be part and parcel of FCPA enforcement in certain instances. Siemens highlights the extent that the SEC will take if the company neglects to take note of its obligations under the FCPA. Bourke tells us that one should be careful of the possibility of being dragged into an FCPA enforcement arising from acts that one did directly do. And FTI tells us that shareholders also suffer damages in FCPA incidents, often from the plunge of stock prices, and have been making forays into using FCPA-related internal control issues to support securities class action lawsuits. Taking from the lessons of these individual cases, the paper concludes with prescriptions on how to upgrade a company’s FCPA compliance program so that directors and officers can help their companies, and themselves, avoid FCPA violation and liability.
Mutual Exclusion Problem

This Chapter includes the following topics: Introduction Peterson's Algorithm Lamport's Bakery Algorithm Hardware Solutions Problems Bibliographic Remarks
Experimental and numerical study of geosynthetic reinforced soil over a channel

Abstract Geosynthetics have been commonly used as reinforcement layers to bridge over underground cavities, sinkholes, and trenches to support upper soil mass. In such applications, the geosynthetics, acting as tensioned membranes plus the effect of soil arching, maintain the stability and mitigate the subsidence of the overlying soil. This study, including a two-dimensional experimental testing and subsequent numerical simulations, investigates the subsidence of the soil mass and deformation of the geosynthetics over a roadway subdrain. The experimental study was performed in a fabricated container with 7 trapdoors (125 mm each) at the bottom. One of the trapdoors was lowered to mimic a trench for subdrain. Cylindrical aluminum bars were used as “soil” in the experimental testing to imitate the two-dimensional (2D) situations. A layer of geotextile was placed underneath the “soil fill” to serve as the reinforcement. Following the experimental test, a numerical simulation was carried out, using Discrete Element Method, PFC2D, to extend the scope of the experimental study. The results indicated that (1) the deformed shape of the geosynthetic layer is approximately parabolic, (2) the subsidence was decreased hyperbolically in the vertical direction and the lateral influence range appeared to be bounded by two lines inclined at (45° + ϕ/2), and (3) the friction angle showed significant influence on subsidence and tension in geosynthetic.
Investment “Myopia” and the Internal Organization of Capital Allocation Decisions

The principal objective of this paper is to show that a firm's internal organization of the capital investment decision as well as its capital allocation choices are significantly influenced by the necessity for the firm to raise capital from uninformed investors who reflect their strategic disadvantage in pricing the capital they provide. I focus on moral hazard (a brief discussion in the Appendix shows that the results are unchanged by private information). There is symmetric information prior to contracting, but those who buy claims against the firm's assets cannot directly and costlessly control the firm's actions that affect the productivity of these assets. This moral hazard affects asset valuation (see also Ramakrishnan and Thakor). The fact that informational problems are intricately linked to how firms are internally organized is now widely accepted (see, for example, Holmstrom, 1988, and Williamson, 1967, 1970). Moreover, lolmnstrom (1988) and Sah and Stiglitz also make the point that real investment activity is influenced by how investment decisions are internally organized within firms. To this literature the intended contribution of this paper is the observation that information-related frictions can lead value maximizing firms to not adhere
Identification of Nucleolin as an AU-rich Element Binding Protein Involved in bcl-2 mRNA Stabilization *

bcl-2 mRNA contains an AU-rich element (ARE) that functions in regulating bcl-2 stability. Our earlier studies indicated that taxol- or okadaic acid-induced bcl-2 mRNA destabilization in HL-60 cells is associated with decreased binding of trans-acting factors to the ARE. To identify factors that play a role in the regulation of bcl-2 mRNA stability, bcl-2 ARE-binding proteins were purified from HL-60 cells. Three polypeptides of 100, 70, and 32 kDa were isolated from a bcl-2 ARE affinity matrix. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectroscopy analysis identified these proteins as full-length nucleolin and proteolytic fragments of nucleolin. RNA gel shifts assays indicated that recombinant nucleolin (residues 284-707) binds specifically to bcl-2 ARE RNA. In addition, recombinant nucleolin decreases the rate of decay of mRNA in HL-60 cell extracts in an ARE-dependent manner. Taxol or okadaic acid treatment of HL-60 cells results in proteolysis of nucleolin in a similar time frame as drug-induced bcl-2 mRNA down-regulation. These findings suggest that nucleolin functions as a bcl-2-stabilizing factor and that taxol and okadaic acid treatment induces apoptosis in HL-60 cells through a process that involves down-regulation of nucleolin and destabilization of bcl-2 mRNA.
Critical Thinking and Political Participation: Development and Assessment of a Causal Model

Abstract This study assessed a model of the relationship between critical thinking and political participation. The direct effect of critical thinking was compared with its indirect effects mediated by personality/attitudinal variables, such as personal control, political efficacy, self-esteem, and democratic attitude. Data were gathered from intact classes of students (n = 118), approximately 65 percent of whom were undergraduates. Relationships among variables in the model were examined using path analysis. Findings indicate that critical thinking has indirect positive effects on orientations toward and reported political participation, that critical thinking positively affects personal control, political efficacy, and democratic attitude, and that personal control has a strong direct effect on political efficacy.
Molecular analysis of the virulence locus of the Salmonella dublin plasmid pSDL2.

Summary The virulence properties of various non-typhoid Salmonella serotypes depend on the presence of large plasmids 60–100 kb in size. We have shown previously that the virulence region on the 80 kb plasmid pSDL2 of Salmonella dublinLane maps within a 14kb SalI fragment. In this report we show that an 8.2kb region within this fragment is sufficient to express lethal disease in BALB/c mice. Sequence analysis of this segment revealed six sequential open reading frames designated vsdA–F, which encode putative proteins of 13–65kDa. Deletion analysis and location of Tn5-oriT inserts which abolish virulence suggest that vsdA, vsdC, vsdD and vsdE are essential for virulence expression. Downstream of vsdF we discovered a locus involved in stable plasmid maintenance. Deletion of that region resulted in plasmid multimerization and instability.
Retinoids, sex steroids and glucocorticoids regulate ectocervical cell envelope formation but not the level of the envelope precursor, involucrin.

Abstract In spite of extensive studyof the reproductive tract, little knowledge is available regarding the function of ectocervical epithelial (ECE) cells. In the presernt study we utilized a feeder layer of 3T3 cells to grow homogeneous cultures of human ectocervical epithelial cells and demonstrated the presence of the cornified envelope preceursor, involucrin. Treatment of these cultures with 1 n M Ro 136298, a synthetic analogue of tras -retinoci cid, suppresses envelope formation 6-fold with half-maximal suppression at 0.005-0.01 n M . Treatment with 1 μ M hydrocortisone elvates envelope production 2.5-fold withhalp-maximal suppressioin at 0.005-0.01 n M . Treatment with 1 μ hydrocortisone elvates envelope production 2.5-fold. Sex steroids also regulate desquamation: 10 n M . diethylistilbestrol, a synthetic estrogen, increases envelope levels 2- to 3-fold. while 300 n M progesterone reduces envelope production 2- to 3-fold. In spite of the retinoid-, glucocortiocid- and sex-steroid-stimulated changes in envelope production, the level of the envelope precursor, involucrin, remains constant. Our results suggest: (1) that, in vivo, ectocervical cell squame formation is regualted bu the combined direct action of estrogens, progestins, glyucocorticoids and retinoids; and (2) that envelope precursor, involucrin, remiains constant. Our results suggest: (1) that, in vivo ectocervical cell squame formation is regulated by tjhe combined direct action of estrogenes, progestins, glucocorticoids and retinoids; and (2) that enveloope formatipon is not regulated bychanges in in the cellular content of the envelope precursor, involucrin. We present a model summarizing the estrogen, progestin, glucocorticoid and retnoid effects on ectocervical epithelial cell function.
USPTO experience in training examiners on the Automated Patent System (APS)

Abstract The organization of training of examiners in the U.S. Office in online searching in preparation for effective use of the full-text U.S. patent database when operative is described. Courses were devised to cater for the differing levels of experience of examiners in the use of automated systems. The entire Patent Examining Corps received basic training in APS searching and 1000–1100 examiners, out of a total of 1500, now use APS text search regulary.
A simulation study comparing different experimental designs for estimating uptake and elimination rates

The design of ecotoxicological studies requires decisions about the number and spacing of exposure groups tested, the number of replications, the spacing of sampling times, the duration of the study, and other considerations. For example, geometric spacing of sampling times or toxicant concentrations is often used as a default design. Optimal design methods in statistics can suggest alternative spacing of sampling times that yield more precise estimates of regression coefficients. In this study, we use a computer simulation to explore the impact of the spacing of sampling times and other factors on the estimation of uptake and elimination rate constants in an experiment addressing the bioaccumulation of a contaminant. Careful selection of sampling times can result in smaller standard errors for the parameter estimates, thereby allowing the construction of smaller, more precise confidence intervals. Thus, the effort invested in constructing an optimal experimental design may result in more precise inference or in a reduction of replications in an experimental design.
Consistent Comparisons Between Monopoly and Perfect Competition

Some inconsistencies in standard treatments of the perfect competition–monopoly welfare comparison are identified. A more consistent and productive pedagogical approach for courses in intermediate microeconomics is suggested.
Frontiers in Neuropharmacotherapy Part II: Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease:

Disease-modifying agents such as β-interferons and glatiramer acetate have a significant impact on slowing the course of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Therapeutic guidelines recommend initiating therapy with 1 of the 3 agents shortly after diagnosis of clinically definite MS, but there is insufficient data to specifically select one of the therapies. New research helps differentiate the therapies based on their induction of neutralizing antibodies, optimal dosing, and monitoring strategies. New treatments for secondary progressive MS are also emerging with evidence for the use of interferon β-1b and the approval of mitoxantrone. Future therapies for MS include oral glatiramer acetate and combination therapy.Levodopa continues to be the standard of care for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, but the approval of newer therapies that spare the use of levodopa and improve safety profiles are changing the management of the disease. Dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine and pergolide have be...
Characteristics of phylogenetic diversity in airborne bacterial populations in China

Considering their potential implications for human health, agricultural productivity, and ecosystem stability, surprisingly little is known about the composition or dynamics of the atmosphere's biological aerosols. The few studies that have examined phylogenetic diversity in China focused on a single sampling period, whereas this study spans 3 months and includes over 300 samples. The 300+ samples were categorized by month and direction of their back-trajectory. DNA extraction was carried out on the pooled samples in a quantitative manner to allow for comparison between the amount of extracted material and the amount of initial total aerosol mass. Within an individual month, samples originating from similar land types and approximately equidistant to the sampling location exhibited similar diversity, whereas samples originating from much greater distances and from different land types included phyla unique to that location. Phyla from the same origin also varied from one month to the next. The biological diversity found from the Phylochips reinforces the hypothesis that air samples carry a biological record of their history.
A Validation Study for Using Iterative Proportional Fitting to Weight the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems National Database: An NIDRR-Sponsored Study

Abstract Objective To verify that iterative proportional fitting (IPF), or raking, has the desired effect of aligning estimates and parameters so that researches have confidence in population projections when weighting the Traumatic Brian Injury Model Systems National Database. Design Secondary data analysis using IPF. Setting Inpatient rehabilitation. Participants People aged 16 years and older with a primary diagnosis of traumatic brain injury receiving initial inpatient rehabilitation. Intervention Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Age at injury, race, sex, marital status, rehabilitation length of stay, payer source, and motor and cognitive FIM scores. Results This study demonstrates the utility of applying IPF to weight the TBI Model System National Database so that results of ensuing statistical analyses better reflect those in the United States who are 16 years and older with a primary diagnosis of TBI and are receiving inpatient rehabilitation. Conclusions In general, IPF aligns population estimates on the basis of weighted Traumatic Brian Injury Model Systems data and known population parameters. It is reasonable to assume that IPF has the same effect on unknown variables. This provides confidence to researchers wishing to use IPF for making population projections in analyses.
Integrating business ethics into a graduate program

Five faculty members in the College of Business at Northern Illinois University received a grant from the James S. Kemper Foundation to integrate ethics into the graduate business curriculum. This was the second phase of a comprehensive program to integrate ethics into the business curriculum. Each faculty member taught a required course in the MBA program. The faculty members represented each of the five functional departments in the College of Business. This paper describes the ethics content, materials, and approaches that were used to cover ethics by each of the five faculty members. Hopefully, this description will help other faculty and universities integrate ethics more effectively into the business curriculum.
Tryptophan loading and excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in normal and schizophrenic subjects.

In contrast to the findings of Zeller et al. ( 1 ), schizophrenic patients did not differ from normal control subjects in the rate of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) excretion either before or after oral administration of l-tryptophan. The excretion of 5-HIAA may be directly related to dietary tryptophan since feeding-problem schizophrenic patients excreated less 5-HIAA than either of the well-fed groups. This was not related to pyridoxin deficiency.
A Comparison between Global Solar Magnetohydrodynamic and Potential Field Source Surface Model Results

The large-scale, steady-state magnetic field configuration of the solar corona is typically computed using boundary conditions derived from photospheric observations. Two approaches are typically used: (1) potential field source surface (PFSS) models, and (2) the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models. The former have the advantage that they are simple to develop and implement, require relatively modest computer resources, and can resolve structure on scales beyond those that can be handled by current MHD models. However, they have been criticized because their basic assumptions are seldom met. Moreover, PFSS models cannot directly incorporate time-dependent phenomena, such as magnetic reconnection, and do not include plasma or its effects. In this study, we assess how well PFSS models can reproduce the large-scale magnetic structure of the corona by making detailed comparisons with MHD solutions at different phases in the solar activity cycle. In particular, we (1) compute the shape of the source surface as inferred from the MHD solutions to assess deviations from sphericity, (2) compare the coronal hole boundaries as determined from the two models, and (3) estimate the effects of nonpotentiality. Our results demonstrate that PFSS solutions often closely match MHD results for configurations based on untwisted coronal fields (i.e., when driven by line-of-sight magnetograms). It remains an open question whether MHD solutions will differ more substantially from PFSS solutions when vector magnetograms are used as boundary conditions. This will be addressed in the near future when vector data from SOLIS, the Solar Dynamics Observatory, and Solar-B become incorporated into the MHD models.
“Good Cake” An Ethnographic Trilogy of Life Satisfaction among Gay Black Men

This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with three self-identified gay black men. The purpose of the study was to gain a deeper understanding of how these men defined life satisfaction ...
Combination chemotherapy in metastatic malignant melanoma. A randomized study of three DTIC‐containing combinations

The activity of three DTIC-containing combinations was compared in a prospective randomized study. Of 101 patients randomized to receive one of the three regimens, 95 received adequate trials. Response rates were as follows: DTIC + cyclophosphamide 7/29 (24%); DTIC + vinblastine 6/34 (18%); DTIC + procarbazine 4/32 (13%). None of these response rates is significantly superior to any of the others. When the activity of the combination is analyzed by sex, DTIC + cyclophosphamide appears more active in females than the other regimens, but the difference is not statistically significant. Response to treatment is associated with significant prolongation of life; the median survival among responders was 11 months, while those who progressed lived a median of 4 months from the start of therapy. Toxicity of all regimens appeared to be about the same; therapy with DTIC + procarbazine was associated with significantly more nausea and vomiting. This study has failed to demonstrate clearly that any of three combinations is superior to any of the others.
Cases in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Fourth Edition

Written by: Peter H. Gilligan, Ph.D., Daniel S. Shapiro, M.D., Melissa B. Miller, Ph.D., 74 cases, 589 pages. Washington, D.C. ASM Press. $70. 978-1555818685 The Fourth Edition of Cases in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases is an updated case series that examines a broad range of clinical infectious diseases that will likely be encountered throughout a clinician’s career in medicine. It spans the knowledge base from the beginners’ level, including a glossary of basic medical terminology, through information widely held by those with more experience in general medical practice. The case-based book has sections, divided by systems, varying from urogenital tract to central nervous systems. There is …
Delayed, Canceled, on Time, Boarding… Flying in the USA

The short paper describes the major findings of the ISU Statistical Graphics working group on airline traffic in the USA. Flight volumes at major airports are increasing. Delays decreased after structural changes in 2002–2003 but have been increasing again since and delays build up during the day reaching a peak in the early evening hours. There is some hint of wind direction and strength affecting delays. This article has supplementary material online.
The Effect of Cecal Coccidiosis on the Blood Cells of the Domestic Fowl I. A Comparison of the Changes in the Erythrocyte Count Resulting from Hemorrhage in Infected and Mechanically Bled Birds. The use of the Hematocrit Value as an Index of the Severity of the Hemorrhage Resulting from the Infection

Abstract INTRODUCTION ONE of the more noticeable manifestations of cecal coccidiosis is the hemorrhage that results when chickens become severely infected with the disease. Because the disease has such pronounced effect on the chickens, various studies have been carried out to explain the physiological changes that occur in the infected animal. Edgar (1944) in his study on the life cycle of the sporozoan parasite, Eimeria tenella, the causal organism, substantiated the findings of Tyzzer (1929) and others who observed that the hemorrhage begins in the infected cecal mucosa when the second-generation merozoites approach maturity. Edgar (1944) suggests that the hemorrhage is the result of the pinching off of mucosal capillaries by pressure resulting from the enlargement of epithelial cells in which the intracellular parasitic development (schizogony) has been taking place. Late in the fourth day and during the fifth day of infection, the second-generation merozoites are discharged from the infected epithelial …
Protection Elicited by Two Glutamine Auxotrophs of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and In Vivo Growth Phenotypes of the Four Unique Glutamine Synthetase Mutants in a Murine Model

We generated four individual glutamine synthetase (GS) mutants (ΔglnA1, ΔglnA2, ΔglnA3, and ΔglnA4) and one triple mutant (ΔglnA1EA2) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to investigate the roles of GS enzymes. Subcutaneous immunization with the ΔglnA1EA2 and ΔglnA1 glutamine auxotrophic mutants conferred protection on C57BL/6 mice against an aerosol challenge with virulent M. tuberculosis, which was comparable to that provided by Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccination.
Modeling of Ultra Superheated Steam Gasification in Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Power Plant With Carbon Dioxide Capture

Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) is believed to be one of the most promising technologies to offer electricity and other de-carbon fuels with carbon capture requirement as well as to meet other emission regulations at a relatively low cost. As one of the most important parts, different gasification technologies can greatly influence the performance of the system. This paper develops a model to examine the feasibilities and advantages of using Ultra Superheated Steam (USS) gasification technology in IGCC power plant with carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS). USS gasification technology converts coal into syngas by the endothermic steam reforming reaction, and the heat required for this reaction is provided by the sensible heat in the ultra superheated steam. A burner utilizes synthetic air (21% O2 and 79% H2 O) to burn fuel gas to produce the USS flame for the gasification process. The syngas generated from USS gasification has a higher hydrogen fraction (more than 50%) then other gasification processes. This high ratio of hydrogen is considered to be desired for a “capture-ready” IGCC plant. After gas cleanup and water gas shift reaction, the syngas goes to the Selexol process for carbon dioxide removal. Detailed calculations and analysis are performed to test the performance of USS gasification technology used in IGCC generation systems. Final results such as net output, efficiency penalty for CO2 capture part, and net thermal efficiency are calculated and compared when three different coal types are used. This paper uses published data of USS gasification from previous research at the University of North Dakota. The model also tries to treat the IGCC with carbon dioxide capture system as a whole thermal system, the superheated steam used in USS gasification can be provided by extracting steam from the lower pressure turbine in the Rankine Cycle. The model will make reasonable use of various waste energies and steams for both mechanical and chemical processes to improve the performance of the plant, and incorporate CO2 capture system into the design concept of the power plant.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Stimulation of phytoplankton production in coastal waters by natural rainfall inputs: nutritional and trophic implications

Recent evaluations of estuarine and coastal nutrient budgets implicate atmospheric deposition as a potentially significant (20 to 30%) source of biologically available nitrogen. We examined the potential growth stimulating impact of atmospheric nitrogen loading (ANL), as local rainfall, in representative shallow, nitrogen limited North Carolina mesohaline estuarine and euhaline coastal Atlantic Ocean habitats. From July 1988 to December 1989, using in situ bioassays, we examined natural phytoplankton growth responses, as14CO2 assimilation and chlorophylla production, to rain additions over a range of dilutions mimicking actual input levels. Rainfall at naturally occurring dilutions (0.5 to 5%) stimulated both14CO2 assimilation and chlorophylla production, in most cases in a highly significant manner. Parallel nutrient enrichments consistently pointed to nitrogen as the growth stimulating nutrient source. Generally, more acidic rainfall led to greater magnitudes of growth stimulation, especially at lower dilutions. Nutrient analyses of local rainfall from May 1988 to January 1990 indicated an inverse relationship between pH and NO 3 - content. There have been growing concerns regarding increasing coastal and estuarine eutrophication, including ecologically and economically devastating phytoplankton blooms bordering urban and industrial regions of North America, Europe, Japan, and Korea. It appears timely, if not essential, to consider atmospheric nutrient loading in the formulation and implementation of nutrient management strategies aimed at mitigating coastal eutrophication.
ANTIPROTON PRODUCTION AND ANTIDEUTERON LIMITS FROM EXPERIMENT E864

In this paper we review preliminary data from experiment 864 for antiprotons and antideuterons produced in Au + Pb collisions at 11.6 A GeV c−1, as reported at strangeness and quark matter conference in 1997. We have measured the invariant multiplicity of antiprotons above midrapidity and at low transverse momentum. Comparisons with previously published antiproton yields from experiment E878 show a significant discrepancy. One possible explanation of this could be the contributions from strange antibaryons whose decay product antiprotons are accepted in our experiment. We also present upper limits on the production of antideuterons.
An update of juvenile animal studies in the European Union: What do the numbers say?

Abstract Concern has been raised about the number of juvenile animal studies (JAS) being conducted in the European Union (EU) and the number of species required. The question of whether there has been an increase in the number of JAS requested by European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the question of single or multiple species studies are the focus of this manuscript. All source data on Pediatric Investigation Plans (PIP) were obtained from EMA pediatrics website and evaluated by year as obtained and adjusted to the date of the original PIP agreement rather than the newly assigned date of the PIP modification. The analysis of the data originally suggested an increase in the number of juvenile animal studies per year post 2010. However, a thorough examination of the adjusted PIP data from the EMA from December 2007 through 2013 support that the number of JAS being included in PIPs per year is not increasing but is in fact fairly stable at 15–30% per year. The data also, as expected, support that the JAS are mostly proposed with a single species and that species is predominately the rat and that multi-species JAS for an agreed PIP are infrequent.
Changes in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma amino acid concentrations with elevated dietary protein concentration in dogs with portacaval shunts.

Abstract Effects of dietary protein concentration on plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amino acids (AA) in dogs with portacaval shunts (PCS) were examined. An 18% protein purified diet (18P) was fed to 4 PCS dogs and 2 controls; at week 10, 2 of the PCS dogs were switched to 36% protein (36P) until week 28. Effects of the diet switch on plasma and CSF AA in 8 normal dogs were determined in another experiment. Neither surgery nor protein level significantly affected average food intake (weeks 10–28). Plasma amino acid patterns typical of PCS animals were observed: phenylalanine and tyrosine increased and branched chain AA decreased with shunting (p
Hodge-type decomposition in the homology of long knots

The paper describes a natural splitting in the rational homology and homotopy of the spaces of long knots. This decomposition presumably arises from the cabling maps in the same way as a natural decomposition in the homology of loop spaces arises from power maps. The generating function for the Euler characteristics of the terms of this splitting is presented. Based on this generating function, it is shown that both the homology and homotopy ranks of the spaces in question grow at least exponentially. Using natural graph-complexes, one shows that this splitting on the level of the bialgebra of chord diagrams is exactly the splitting defined earlier by Dr. Bar-Natan. The appendix presents tables of computer calculations of the Euler characteristics. These computations give a certain optimism that the Vassiliev invariants of order greater than 20 can distinguish knots from their inverses.