cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Speaking up and sharing information improves trainee neonatal resuscitations

Objectives To identify teamwork behaviors associated with improving efficiency and quality of simulated resuscitation training. Methods Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial of trainees undergoing neonatal resuscitation training was performed. Trainees at a large academic center (n = 100) were randomized to receive standard curriculum (n = 36) versus supplemental team training curriculum (n = 62). A 2-hour team training session focused on communication skills, and team behaviors served as the intervention. Outcomes of interest included resuscitation duration, time required to complete a simulated newborn resuscitation, and performance score, determined by evaluation of each of the team's steps during simulated resuscitation scenarios. Results The teamwork behaviors assertion and sharing information were associated with shorter resuscitation duration and higher performance scores. Each additional use of assertion (per minute) was associated with a duration reduction of 41 s (95% confidence interval [CI], -71.5 to -10.2) and an increase in performance score of 1.6% (95% CI, 0.4-2.7). Each additional use of sharing information (per minute) was associated with a 14-second reduction in duration (95% CI, -30.4 to 2.9) and a 0.8% increase in performance score (95% CI, 0.05-1.5). Conclusions Teamwork behaviors of assertion and sharing information are 2 important mediators of efficiency and quality of resuscitations.
ENTHALPY-ENTROPY COMPENSATION IN HYDROPHOBIC INTERACTION CHROMATOGRAPHY

Exothermodynamic relationships between thermodynamic quantities and molecular structure are employed to facilitate a molecular interpretation of enthalpy−entropy compensation (EEC). For hydrophobic interactions the compensation temperature TC is expressed in terms of the enthalpy and entropy change, both per unit nonpolar surface area of the molecules, and it is concluded that the utility of TC as a diagnostic tool for the mechanistic identity of processes rests on this simple dependence of TC on molecular parameters. Whereas classical EEC is observed only with processes involving no heat capacity change and TC is evaluated from the slopes of linear enthalpy versus entropy plots of data measured at any temperature, this investigation shows that even when the heat capacity change is finite and constant or varies linearly with the temperature, EEC can occur with processes if they are subject to the same mechanism at a fixed temperature. In turn, the compensation temperature changes with the experimental tem...
A bacterium and dipterous parasite in wild populations of cowpea curculio larvae: effects of treatment with spores of Metarrhizium anisopliae.

Abstract When 6 successive lots of 100 field-collected larvae of the cowpea curculio, Chalcodermus aeneus , were brought into the laboratory, many were infected with the bacterium Serratia marcescens , or infested with the dipterous parasite Myiophasia globosa . Percentage mortality from the bacterium was as follows after the indicated period of observation: 0–13%, 7 days; 7–30%, 14 days; 14–52%, 21 days; and 14–60%, 28 days. Percentage mortality from the parasite was as follows: 1–5%, 7 days; 1–10%, 14 days; 1–11%, 21 days; and 1–11%, 28 days. Mortality from other causes was 0–4%, 7 days; 1–9%, 14 days; 2–12%, 21 days; and 2–12%, 28 days. In laboratory testing with similar stressed larvae from the field population, spores of Metarrhizium anisopliae were applied to soil in containers at dosage rates of 0.4, 1.6, 6.3, and 25 × 10 6 spores per gram of soil. Contrary to the expectancy, the lowest dose caused the highest percentage mortality.
Extended local mixing model for hydrogen retention and isotope exchange

Abstract The previously reported local mixing model (LMM) for hydrogen retention and isotope exchange is extended to include thermal release of the hydrogen from its trap sites. In addition, a new mechanism for beam-enhanced thermal transport (BETT) is described which accounts for a major portion of the thermal release at elevated temperatures. BETT involves the beam-induced promotion of trapped hydrogen from stronger traps to weaker traps and arises naturally from the basic concepts of the LMM. Comparison of the predictions of the model for hydrogen retention and isotope exchange at elevated temperatures in graphite and TiC show good agreement between experiment and theory.
Cayley digraphs of prime-power order are Hamiltonian

Abstract We find a (directed) hamiltonian circuit in any nontrivial connected Cayley digraph whose number of vertices is a prime-power.
Are there really alternatives to the use of fetal tissue from elective abortions in transplantation research

Human fetal tissue has been described as having tremendous plasticity and availability, and as possibly being less prone to rejection than adult tissue. These properties have led many researchers t...
Mechanism linking T-wave alternans to the genesis of cardiac fibrillation

Background—Although T-wave alternans has been closely associated with vulnerability to ventricular arrhythmias, the cellular processes underlying T-wave alternans and their role, if any, in the mechanism of reentry remain unclear. Methods and Results—T-wave alternans on the surface ECG was elicited in 8 Langendorff-perfused guinea pig hearts during fixed-rate pacing while action potentials were recorded simultaneously from 128 epicardial sites with voltage-sensitive dyes. Alternans of the repolarization phase of the action potential was observed above a critical threshold heart rate (HR) (209±46 bpm) that was significantly lower (by 57±36 bpm) than the HR threshold for alternation of action potential depolarization. The magnitude (range, 2.7 to 47.0 mV) and HR threshold (range, 171 to 272 bpm) of repolarization alternans varied substantially between cells across the epicardial surface. T-wave alternans on the surface ECG was explained primarily by beat-to-beat alternation in the time course of cellular re...
Transcriptional burst frequency and burst size are equally modulated across the human genome

Gene expression occurs either as an episodic process, characterized by pulsatile bursts, or as a constitutive process, characterized by a Poisson-like accumulation of gene products. It is not clear which mode of gene expression (constitutive versus bursty) predominates across a genome or how transcriptional dynamics are influenced by genomic position and promoter sequence. Here, we use time-lapse fluorescence microscopy to analyze 8,000 individual human genomic loci and find that at virtually all loci, episodic bursting—as opposed to constitutive expression—is the predominant mode of expression. Quantitative analysis of the expression dynamics at these 8,000 loci indicates that both the frequency and size of the transcriptional bursts varies equally across the human genome, independent of promoter sequence. Strikingly, weaker expression loci modulate burst frequency to increase activity, whereas stronger expression loci modulate burst size to increase activity. Transcriptional activators such as trichostatin A (TSA) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) only modulate burst size and frequency along a constrained trend line governed by the promoter. In summary, transcriptional bursting dominates across the human genome, both burst frequency and burst size vary by chromosomal location, and transcriptional activators alter burst frequency and burst size, depending on the expression level of the locus.
Flash temperature during impact of layered elastic solids

An analytical model to calculate the maximum flash temperature during oblique spherical impact of an elastic single layered solid is presented. The model is developed by combining the contact parameters obtained from a spherical impact model and flash temperature solution for the sliding contact interface of a layered solid. Dynamic thermomechanical finite element analysis is used to examine the validity of the analytical model with good success. The flash temperature, obtained when the coating is accounted for, is different from that when homogeneous material only is considered, and needs to be accounted for estimating flash temperatures during impact of layered media.
Structure of adsorbed film of a bose liquid

It is shown that the Hartree approximation, adopted to situations in which the many-body system has a bound ground state, is suitable for obtaining a qualitative description of the structure of an adsorbed He-II film in the presence of an attractive wall potential.
Preto velho: resistance, redemption, and engendered representations of slavery in a Brazilian possession‐trance religion

The old-slave spirits (pretos velhos) of the Brazilian Umbanda religion have historically been dismissed as stereotypes supporting racist ideologies. While this appears to be true in many cases, old-slave spirits also offer searing indictments of racism and penetrating, critical explorations of the articulations of race, gender, morality, and power in Brazilian society. I argue that, through these spirits, Umbanda mediums embody conflicting representations of the moral dimensions of Brazilian history that relate to their contemporary concerns with self and national identity.
Measurable multiattribute value functions defined on binary attributes

Abstract A set of preference independence conditions is defined with respect to a binary attribute set. It is argued that these conditions can be used to show that a value function describing the preference for alternatives over binary attributes has an additive form. This argument emphasizes that strengthened independence concepts are necessary in the binary attribute case since solvability axioms cannot be defined to allow an algebraic proof of additivity based on the independence conditions of an additive conjoint structure.
Quantitative electrophysiological characteristics and subtyping of schizophrenia.

Abstract Quantitative descriptors of resting electroencephalogram (EEG) (QEEG) and event-related potentials (QERP) to visual and auditory stimuli were obtained from normal subjects and 94 chronic schizophrenic patients on medication, 25 chronic schizophrenics off medication, and 15 schizophrenics with no history of medication. These schizophrenic groups showed a high incidence of neurometric features that were significantly deviant from normative values. Multivariate discriminant analysis using these features successfully separated the schizophrenic patients from normals with high accuracy in independent replication. The data from the medicated group were subjected to cluster analysis. Newly developed algorithms were used for objective selection of the most effective set of variables for clustering and the optimum number of clusters to be sought. Five clusters were obtained, containing roughly equivalent proportions of the sample with markedly different QEEG profiles. The whole sample was then classified into these clusters. Each cluster contained patients both on and off medication, but patients who had never been medicated were classified into only three of these clusters. No significant clinical or demographic differences were found betweeen members of the five clusters; however, clear differences in QERP profiles were seen. These results are described in detail and possible physiological and pharmacological implications are discussed.
Postcricoid inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (inflammatory pseudotumor) in a 10-year-old girl

Summary Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a benign spindle cell tumor of disputed nosology and unknown etiology that occasionally presents in the head and neck but is known to occur throughout the body in patients of all ages. IMT is identified by several alternative names in the literature; inflammatory pseudotumor and plasma cell granuloma are among the most prominent. We present a case of IMT arising in the postcricoid region of the hypopharynx in a 10-year-old girl and review the literature of IMT involving the head and neck. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an IMT arising in this location. The patient was treated with endoscopic surgical excision and remains free of disease 2 years following the initial surgical resection. Histologically, the differential diagnosis of IMT includes both benign and malignant neoplasms, making frozen section interpretation challenging. Highlighting this is a case report wherein the presumptive frozen section diagnosis was interpreted as rhabdomyosarcoma, while permanent histology was consistent with IMT. Therefore, surgical decisions based purely on a frozen section diagnosis of malignancy may result in inappropriate and overly aggressive surgical treatment.
Beliefs and experimentation with electronic cigarettes: a prospective analysis among young adults.

Background: Previous cross-sectional studies found that positive beliefs about electronic nicotine delivery systems (commonly known as electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes) were associated with use of these products. However, the prospective association between these beliefs and subsequent use of e-cigarettes is unclear. Purpose: To identify the beliefs predicting subsequent use of e-cigarettes. Methods: A total of 1379 young adults (mean age¼24.1 years) from the Minnesota Adolescent Community Cohort who reported never using e-cigarettes at baseline (collected Oct 2010–Mar 2011) and completed follow-up data collection (during Oct 2011–Mar 2012) were included in this analysis. Participants’ beliefs about e-cigarettes (potential as quit aids, harmfulness and addictiveness relative to cigarettes) were asked at baseline (yes/no). At follow-up, participants were asked if they had ever used e-cigarettes. Logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between beliefs about e-cigarettes and subsequent experimentation. Analysis was conducted in 2012. Results: At follow-up, 7.4% of the sample reported ever using e-cigarettes (21.6% among baseline current smokers, 11.9% among baseline former smokers, and 2.9% among baseline nonsmokers). Participants who believed e-cigarettes can help people quit smoking and perceived e-cigarettes to be less harmful than cigarettes at baseline were more likely to report experimenting with e-cigarettes at follow-up (po0.05). These associations did not differ by smoking status. Conclusions: Given that young adults are still developing their tobacco use behaviors, informing them about the lack of evidence to support e-cigarettes as quit aids and the unknown health risk of e-cigarettes may deter young adults from trying these products. (Am J Prev Med 2014;46(2):175–178) & 2014 American Journal of Preventive Medicine
Hierarchical Erasure coding for P2P storage

The work in this article was motivated by the development of an experimental Peer-to-Peer backup system called Storage Exchange System at Microsoft Live Labs. The data from the peers is encoded using Hierarchical Erasure codes and stored on other peers. Such codes have also been independently described by others. We give a new efficient algorithm that allow us to estimate the availability of the Hierarchically encoded files given an estimate of the availability of the peers. This allows the system to provide a guaranteed lower bound for the availability of the data.
MoCReS: an Area-Efficient Multi-Clock On-Chip Network for Reconfigurable Systems

Design of a high performance, flexible on-FPGA communication architecture with minimum area overhead presents a great challenge. In this research, we implement a minimum area and high performance packet-switched router for FPGA based NoCs. Our 5-port virtual cut-through router has an area overhead of only 282 Virtex-4 slices (a marginal 0.57% of XC4VLX100) and operates at 357 MHz supporting a competitive data rate of 2.85 Gbit/s. We gain in router area and performance by reducing the logic depth of the central arbiter and cross point matrix. Further, we utilize our router to construct a mesh based multi-clock on-FPGA NoC. We enable the routers to function at independent operating frequencies, dictated by placement and routing constraints in FPGA. We demonstrate the functionality and characterize the router for area and performance.
Semiparametric estimation of employment duration models

There are a variety of economic areas, such as studies of employment duration and of the durability of capital goods, in which data on important variables typically are censored. The standard techinques for estimating a model from censored data require the distributions of unobservable random components of the model to be specified a priori up to a finite set of parameters, and misspecification of these distributions usually leads to inconsistent parameter estimates. However, economic theory rarely gives guidance about distributions and the standard estimation techniques do not provide convenient methods for identifying distributions from censored data. Recently, several distribution-free or semiparametric methods for estimating censored regression models have been developed. This paper presents the results of using two such methods to estimate a model of employment duration. The paper reports the operating characteristics of the semiparametric estimators and compares the semiparametric estimates with tho...
U.S. War and Emergency Powers: The Virtues of Constitutional Ambiguity

American liberals and conservatives agree about very little concerning foreign policy, war, and emergency powers, but they do agree that the Constitution's ambiguous allocation of foreign policy powers to the legislative, executive, and judicial branches is a problem that must be fixed. For conservatives, the answer has been a reliance on constitutional reinterpretation that might establish a bright line between executive power in foreign policy and war (which they embrace) and national authority to regulate domestic and economic affairs (which they do not). For liberals, who worry that constitutional ambiguity opens the door for the abuse of executive power, the solution has been to trade formal delegation of power constrained by strict statutory limits on the exercise of that power. These efforts—liberal and conservative alike—have failed, each producing results quite the opposite of what was sought. After setting these debates in their legal, historical, and political context, this review concludes wit...
Exaggerated consensus in lossless image compression

Good probabilistic models are needed in data compression and many other applications. A good model must exploit contextual information, which requires high-order conditioning. As the number of conditioning variables increases, direct estimation of the distribution becomes exponentially more difficult. To circumvent this, we consider a means of adaptively combining several low-order conditional probability distributions into a single higher-order estimate, based on their degree of agreement. Though the technique is broadly applicable, image compression is singled out as a testing ground of its abilities. Good performance is demonstrated by experimental results. >
Aligning social welfare and agent preferences to alleviate traffic congestion

Multiagent coordination algorithms provide unique insights into the challenging problem of alleviating traffic congestion. What is particularly interesting in this class of problem is that no individual action (e.g., leave at a given time) is intrinsically "bad" but that combinations of actions among agents lead to undesirable outcomes. As a consequence, agents need to learn how to coordinate their actions with those of other agents, rather than learn a particular set of "good" actions. In general, the traffic problem can be approached from two distinct perspectives: (i) from a city manager's point of view, where the aim is to optimize a city wide objective function (e.g., minimize total city wide delays), and (ii) from the individual driver's point of view, where each driver is aiming to optimize a personal objective function (e.g., a "timeliness" function that minimizes the difference desired and actual arrival times at a destination). In many cases, these two objective functions are at odds with one another, where drivers aiming to optimize their own objectives yield to congestion and poor values of city objective functions.In this paper we present an objective shaping approach to both types of problems and study the system behavior that arises from the drivers' choices. We first show a topdown approach that provides incentives to drivers and leads to good values of the city manager's objective function. We then present a bottom-up approach that shows that drivers aiming to optimize their own personal timeliness objective lead to poor performance with respect to a city manager's objective function. Finally, we present the intriguing result that drivers that aim to optimize a modified version of their own timeliness function not only perform well in terms of the city manager's objective function, but also perform better with respect to their own original timeliness functions.
An experimental study of incremental surface loading of an elastic plate: Application to volcano tectonics

Models of surface fractures due to volcanic loading of an elastic plate are commonly used to constrain the thickness of planetary lithospheres, but discrepancies exist in predictions of the style of initial failure and in the nature of subsequent fracture evolution. In this study, we perform an experiment to determine the mode of initial failure due to the incremental addition of a conical load to the surface of an elastic plate and compare the location of initial failure with that predicted by elastic theory. In all experiments, the mode of initial failure was tension cracking at the surface of the plate, with cracks oriented circumferential to the load. The cracks nucleated at a distance from load center that corresponds to the maximum radial stress predicted by analytical solutions, so a tensile failure criterion is appropriate for predictions of initial failure. With continued loading of the plate, migration of tensional cracks was observed. In the same azimuthal direction as the initial crack, subsequent cracks formed at a smaller radial distance than the initial crack. When forming in a different azimuthal direction, the subsequent cracks formed at a distance greater than the radial distance of the initial crack. The observed fracture pattern may explain the distribution of extensional structures in annular bands around many large scale, circular volcanic features.
Gallbladder wall inflammatory cells in pediatric patients with biliary dyskinesia and cholelithiasis: a pilot study

Abstract Background/Purpose Inflammation has been implicated in functional gastrointestinal disorders, including functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. This study was undertaken to evaluate gallbladder wall inflammatory cells in children with abdominal pain related to gallstones and biliary dyskinesia to determine the candidate cell types that may be contributing to the pathophysiology of these entities. Methods Gallbladder specimens from 20 patients with cholelithiasis, 20 biliary patients with dyskinesia, and 12 autopsy controls were evaluated in a blinded fashion. Eosinophil, tryptase-positive, and CD3+ cell densities were determined for the lamina propria and muscularis mucosa layers and compared between groups. Results Patients with biliary dyskinesia and cholelithiasis had a 9- to 12-fold increase in mean and peak mast cell densities, respectively, in both layers as compared with controls. Peak (13.7 vs 8.4) and mean (9.2 vs 5.2) CD3+ cell densities were increased in the muscularis mucosae of cholelithiasis specimens as compared with biliary dyskinesia specimens. Conclusion Gallbladder wall inflammatory cell densities, particularly mast cells, differ between children with cholelithiasis, children with biliary dyskinesia, and controls. Future studies are warranted to define the roles for specific inflammatory cell types.
Division-of-wave-front polarizing beam splitter and half-shade device using dielectric thin film on dielectric substrate.

On decrit un nouveau dispositif utilise pour produire par reflexion des fronts d'ondes optiques, polarises de champs juxtaposes d'etats de polarisation lineaire orthogonaux alternatifs
Holism, thought, and the fate of metaphysics: counter-reply to Heal

The History: (Fodor & Lepore 1992) argued that many prominent arguments for semantic holism fail. In (Heal 1994), Jane Heal proposed a different understanding of holism, and attempted to show that it evades Fodor's and LePore's attacks. In (Cohen 1999 this issue) I claim that Heal's arguments for her own holism fail also. Heal responds in (Heal 1999 also this issue), holding that I misunderstood the arguments of (Heal 1994), and defending further her version of holism. I owe Heal thanks for the clarifications. Regarding the charge that I've misunderstood her, I think my interpretations have more going for them than Heal allows, but I propose not to quibble about exegesis here. Instead, I want to consider her latest defence of holism; once again, I shall conclude that Heal has not succeeded in defending any interesting version of holism.
Kinetics of formation and dissociation of metallocarboxypeptidases.

Abstract The rates of formation of a number of metallocarboxypeptidases from metal ions and bovine apocarboxypeptidase A (CPA) have been measured directly and by a competitive method. Rates were determined within pH = 6–8 by utilising the pH change attending metal-ion incorporation, employing indicator and stopped-flow. Second-order rate constants (kf, M−1 s−1 at 25°C, I = 1 M NaCl, pH = 7, Tris = 25 μM) were 1.7 × 105 (Mn2+), 3 × 104 (Co2+), 5 × 103 (Ni2+), 7 × 105 (Zn2+), and 9 × 105 (Cd2+). Relative incorporation rate constants were determined at 25°, pH = 7.0, Tris = 0.1 M, by competing two metal ions for a deficiency of apoprotein and analyzing the products by differential enzyme activity. Agreement between the two methods was reasonable. Rate constants for dissociation of CoCPA, NiCPA, and ZnCPA were measured by loss of enzyme activity on addition of the metal ion scavenger EDTA. Values of kd at 25°, I = 1.0 M NaCl, pH = 7.0 were 8 × 10−3, 3 × 10−5, and 4 × 10−4 s−1, respectively, Values of K obtained kinetically (kf/kd) were in good agreement with those determined by activity measurements of equilibrated solutions. Results are compared with those of bovine apocarbonic anhydrase, where generally significantly slower rates are encountered.
Development of an Internet backbone topology for large-scale network simulations

A number of network simulators are now capable of simulating systems with millions of devices, at the IP packet level. With this ability comes a need for realistic network descriptions of commensurate size. This paper describes our effort to build a detailed model of the U.S. Internet backbone based on measurements taken from a variety of mapping sources and tools. We identify key attributes of a network design that are needed to use the model in a simulation, describe which components are available and which must be modeled, and discuss the pros and cons of this approach as compared to synthetic generation. As for attributes that we have to model, we also briefly discuss some measurement efforts that can potentially provide the missing pieces, and thus improve the fidelity of the model. Finally, we describe the resulting network model of the U.S. Internet backbone, which is being made publicly available.
Mitochondrial diversity of Iñupiat people from the Alaskan North Slope provides evidence for the origins of the Paleo‐ and Neo‐Eskimo peoples

nupiat ABSTRACT Objectives: All modern I~ speak- ers share a common origin, the result of a recent (! 800 YBP) and rapid trans-Arctic migration by the Neo- Eskimo Thule, who replaced the previous Paleo-Eskimo inhabitants of the region. Reduced mitochondrial hap- logroup diversity in the eastern Arctic supports the archaeological hypothesis that the migration occurred in an eastward direction. We tested the hypothesis that the Alaskan North Slope served as the origin of the Neo- and Paleo-Eskimo populations further east. Materials and Methods: We sequenced HVR I and HVR II of the mitochondrial D-loop from 151 individuals in eight Alaska North Slope communities, and compared genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships between the North Slope Inupiat and other Arctic populations from Siberia, the Aleutian Islands, Canada, and Greenland. Results: Mitochondrial lineages from the North Slope villages had a low frequency (2%) of non-Arctic maternal admixture, and all haplogroups (A2, A2a, A2b, D2a, and D4b1a-formerly known as D3) found in previously sequenced Neo- and Paleo-Eskimos and living Inuit and Eskimo peoples from across the North American Arctic. Lineages basal for each haplogroup were present in the North Slope. We also found the first occurrence of two haplogroups in contemporary North American Arctic populations: D2a, previously identified only in Aleuts and Paleo-Eskimos, and the pan-American C4. Discussion: Our results yield insight into the maternal population history of the Alaskan North Slope and sup- port the hypothesis that this region served as an ances- tral pool for eastward movements to Canada and Greenland, for both the Paleo-Eskimo and Neo-Eskimo populations Am J Phys Anthropol 000:000-000,
Comparative Histology of the Annular and Cruciform Pulleys

Twenty annular and 12 cruciform pulleys were dissected from four unembalmed fresh cadaveric fingers and stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Verhoeff-van Gieson stain for elastin, alcian blue stain for hyaluronic acid, and a separate stain for S-100 to identify chondroid cells. Three distinct layers were identified in both annular and cruciform pulleys: an outer layer of fibrofatty tissue with vascular channels outermost, an inner layer of hyaluronic acid-secreting cells, and a collagen-rich layer in between. Chondroid metaplasia was noted in the inner layer of both types of pulleys. Minimal differences were noted in regard to the elastin fibre content of the pulleys, with slightly more elastin in the annular pulleys, but no other differences were noted.
TRANSMISSION OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS AMONG INFANTS IN HOSPITAL DOCUMENTED BY RESTRICTION-ENDONUCLEASE-DIGESTION ANALYSES

Over a 4-month period, 8 infants in an intensive-care unit were identified as excreting cytomegalovirus (CMV) in their urine. 7 of the 8 viral isolates were analysed by means of restriction-endonuclease-digestion analyses for molecular relatedness. CMV isolates from 3 babies had identical DNA-fragment migration patterns, indicating that all 3 babies were infected with the same strain of CMV. Epidemiological data indicate that CMV was transmitted from 1 infant to the other 2 babies through unidentified fomites within the nursery.
Efficient Master/Worker Parallel Discrete Event Simulation

The master/worker (MW) paradigm can be used to implement parallel discrete event simulations (PDES) on metacomputing systems. MW PDES applications incur overheads not found in conventional PDES executions executing on tightly coupled machines. We introduce four techniques for reducing these overheads on public resource and desktop grid infrastructures Work unit caching, pipelined state updates, expedited message delivery, and adaptive work unit scheduling mechanisms are described that provide significant reduction in overall overhead when used in tandem. We present performance results showing that an optimized MW PDES system can exhibit performance comparable to a traditional PDES system for a queueing network and a particle physics simulation.
Zero-rate reliability of the exponential-server timing channel

We determine the reliability function of the exponential-server timing channel (ESTC) in the limit as the data rate approaches zero. The limit shows that at low rates, the ESTC is strictly more reliable than the Poisson channel without dark current, answering a question Arikan posed in these Transactions. The proof employs a distance metric over inputs to timing channels that parallels Euclidean and Hamming distance for conventional channels. A consequence of the proof is that bounded-distance decoding, with distance measured according to this metric, is exponentially optimum for the ESTC in the low-rate regime. We also prove the straight-line bound for the channel and a bound on the reliability of timing channels with general service distributions in the limit as the data rate approaches zero.
Method for Solving Simultaneous Helmholtz Equations

Abstract The method presented is based on a similarity transformation of the coefficients matrix allowing the transformed variables to be relaxed independently in a recursive fashion.
Value-Chain Analysis Of Prohibition In The United States, 1920-1933: A Historical Case Study In Marketing

The federal ban on the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States from 1920-1933 provides a unique and fascinating context for understanding fundamental marketing processes. The most direct pedagogical outcome of this case is the application of value-chain marketing dynamics within the context of Prohibition. Students will also be made aware of the importance and relevance of understanding marketing history, and the role of marketing in history. This case study is primarily intended for use in intermediate (e.g., Retailing/Distribution) or advanced (e.g., Marketing Management) marketing courses, but is adaptable for introductory courses (e.g., Principles of Marketing).
An effective fatigue driving stress for failure prediction of spot welds under cyclic combined loading conditions

An effective fatigue driving stress is proposed to predict the failure of spot welds under cyclic combined loading conditions. The effective fatigue driving stress is obtained based on the Mises yield criterion in terms of the resultant forces and moments in a plastic collapse analysis of spot welds under complex combined loading conditions as discussed in Lin et al. [1]. The effective fatigue driving stress can be used to correlate the fatigue data of spot welds with consideration of the effects of the sheet thickness, nugget diameter and loading conditions. Experimental results for coach-peel and lap-shear specimens under cyclic loading conditions are used to evaluate the applicability of the effective fatigue driving stress. The experimental results for spot welds in both coach-peel and lap-shear specimens are correlated very well based on the effective fatigue driving stress.
Prospects for Strained Type-II Nanorod Heterostructures

Recent advances allowing high-quality epitaxial heterointerfaces and delicately controlled shape anisotropy combined with versatile and scalable chemical synthesis make nanorod heterostructures (NRHs) appealing for various applications in photonics, electronics, and photovoltaics. When two distinct semiconductor materials with staggered band offsets are brought together in a NRH, the type-II heterojunction formed between them is expected to promote efficient separation of photogenerated carriers, and the shape anisotropy should provide directionality in guiding these separated charges. These characteristics of type-II NRHs are especially useful for solar energy harvesting. Here, we consider prospects of type-II NRHs for such applications, in particular, with a focus on an important yet often-overlooked feature of strain arising from the lattice mismatch in these materials.
Phenomenological model of β-delayed neutron-emission probability

A phenomenological model of the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed neutron-emission probability, based on a level density function, is presented. The effective level density systematics, empirically determined from the experimental data, are found to be relatively flat, with discontinuities at the major shell closures. These systematics have been modeled and used to determine $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed neutron-emission probabilities. The present model is compared to other available models and is found to provide an improved description of the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed neutron-emission probabilities across the entire mass surface.
Clinical outcome of glioblastoma multiforme patients with long-term survival

2069 Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients generally have a dismal prognosis with average survival of one year. Long-term survival of 3 years or more is rare and the clinical outcome o...
CT and MRI Guidelines in Recent-Onset Epilepsy

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Subcommittee for Pediatric Neuroimaging examined the value of, and indications for, neuroimaging in the evaluation of children with newly diagnosed epilepsy.
Second-order nonlinearities in asymmetric quantum wells

The large oscillator strengths of transitions between subbands of quantum wells1 have led to investigations of their application to mid and far IR detectors, lasers, and nonlinear optical devices. We discuss here the extremely large quadratic susceptibilities [χ(3)] predicted2 and observed3,4 in structures with inversion symmetry broken through bias electric fields or compositional asymmetry, using the conduction subbands of AlGaAs quantum wells as a prototype.
Planning and Execution of Multistep Syntheses

The reactions that have been discussed in the preceding chapters provide the tools for synthesizing new and complex molecules. However, a strategy for using these tools is essential to successful synthesis of molecules by multistep synthetic sequences. The sequence of individual reactions must be planned so that they are mutually compatible. Certain functional groups can interfere with prospective reactions, and such problems must be avoided either by a modification of the sequence or by temporarily masking (protecting) the interfering group. Protective groups are used to temporarily modify functionality, which is then restored when the protecting group is removed. Another approach is to use synthetic equivalent groups in which a particular functionality is introduced as an alternative structure that can subsequently be converted to the desired group.
Modeling of Flexible Bodies

This chapter will discuss some of the widely used techniques for modeling flexible multibody systems (MBS). Among the topics discussed in this chapter are the floating frame of reference (FFR) formulation and the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF). Discussion on the use of the CAD-based methods such as B-spline and NURBS (Non-uniform rational B-spline) will be also provided. The FFR formulation is used to study small deformation problems, while ANCF finite elements are used in the large deformation analysis.
Coherent multimode electron-phonon coupling dynamics

Upon non-resonant ultrafast pumping of a charge-transfer molecular material, at least two phonons dynamically couple to electron transfer transitions. This coupling mechanism provides insight into multi-mode electron-phonon coupling in both organic and inorganic solids.
Potassium Channels, Cell Cycle, and Tumorigenesis in the Central Nervous System

In addition to the well-understood role in action potential repolarization and control of brain homeostasis, potassium channels also play a fundamental role in controlling cellular proliferation. Here we wish to summarize evidence supporting potassium channels’ involvement in tumorigenesis. We will first introduce basic concepts in cell cycle in the central nervous system, and then describe the multiple roles of potassium channels and their modulators in the central nervous system. Finally, we will focus on how brain tumors are controlled by potassium channel regulation, linking tumorigenesis process to cell cycle re-entry. We also introduce a novel possible modulator of potassium channels, and thus of tumorigenesis.
Acute Responses of Strength and Running Mechanics to Increasing and Decreasing Pain in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain

Context: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is typically exacerbated by repetitive activities that load the patellofemoral joint, such as running. Understanding the mediating effects of changes in pain in individuals with PFP might inform injury progression, rehabilitation, or both. Objective: To investigate the effects of changing pain on muscular strength and running biomechanics in those with PFP. Design: Crossover study. Setting: University research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Seventeen participants (10 men, 7 women) with PFP. Intervention(s): Each participant completed knee pain-reducing and pain-inducing protocols in random order. The pain-reducing protocol consisted of 15 minutes of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) around the patella. The pain-inducing protocol was sets of 20 repeated single-legged squats (RSLS). Participants completed RSLS sets until either their pain was within at least 1 cm of their pain during an exhaustive run or they reached 10 sets. Main Outcome ...
DNA Mismatch Repair and Lynch Syndrome

This review will discuss the genetic basis and epidemiology of Lynch syndrome, review Lynch Syndrome colorectal cancer screening guidelines, and summarize the screening guidelines pertaining to other cancers that are associated with Lynch syndrome. All colorectal tumors should be universally tested for microsatellite instability (MSI) changes regardless of the age of the patient. Genetic testing of family members of patients with Lynch syndrome has significant cost effectiveness implications. Polyethylene glycol bowel preparation and chromocolonoscopy improve screening exams. Aspirin use is associated with decreased colorectal cancer risk. Phosphodiesterase-1 (PD-1) inhibitor immunotherapy is effective treatment in mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency tumors. Lynch syndrome should be suspected if patients with malignancies exhibit diagnostic criteria and these tumors should be tested for MMR deficiencies. Colonoscopy is used for surveillance of colorectal cancers in Lynch syndrome, and bowel preparation quality and colonoscopy techniques are important factors contributing to efficacy. Clinicians should be aware of screening modalities for extracolonic cancers including upper endoscopy, regular transvaginal ultrasound with endometrial sampling, and urinalysis.
Genetics of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

The epidemiology of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has rapidly progressed in the past few decades, with important genetic and nongenetic discoveries.1 Hypertension has long been associated with ICH, and evidence now demonstrates that untreated hypertension produces substantial increases in risk of this condition.2,3 Unlike cardiovascular disease, cholesterol is inversely associated with ICH, with low levels of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol having an association with increased risk.4,5 Along these lines, the SPARCL study (Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels)6 demonstrated that in secondary prevention of ischemic stroke, statin use was associated with a small increase in risk of ICH although large meta-analyses did not confirm this correlation in the general population.7 Moderate alcohol consumption has consistently been identified as associated with a lower ICH risk whereas heavy alcohol consumption has been found to associate with an elevated risk of this condition.8 Anticoagulant treatment, largely in relationship to warfarin use, has also been consistently associated with ICH risk with a particular predilection for cerebellar ICH.9,10 Finally, cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), first recognized as an ICH mechanism in the 1990s, is a common feature of lobar hemorrhages.11 Although these risk factors explain an important proportion of the variance in ICH risk, a significant portion of this variation remains unexplained. In addition, in the absence of proven acute treatments for ICH, novel targets for therapeutic interventions are urgently needed. Population genetics can contribute to solve these 2 unanswered questions as heritability estimates based on genome-wide data from unrelated individuals indicate that up to 30% of ICH risk can be explained by common and rare genetic variation.12 Furthermore, through studies that combine environmental and genetic risk factors, genomic analysis can also help us understand how individual susceptibility …
The Role of Intracellular Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins in Cellular Transport of Fatty Acids

The family of mammalian fatty acid-binding proteins (FABP) includes at least ten distinct gene products, and additional homologues continue to be reported. The FABP were first discovered in the early 1970’s as abundant cytoplasmic proteins which bound long chain fatty acids (FA) in vitro 11-3. In the ensuing years, a great deal of information has been obtained about their tissue distributions, ligand binding affinities and specificities, developmental regulation and, more recently, their tertiary structures 3-5 Their functions, however, remain largely undefined. Among the first members of the FABP family to be purified were those from intestine 1,6, liver 1,2 and heart7. In all these tissues, fatty acid flux is considerable, and thus it was proposed that the FABP are necessary for large-scale intracellular binding of fatty acids. More recently, FABP family members have been identified in other tissues that are generally considered to be lipid-active, e.g. adipose tissue 8, as well as other tissues, e.g. brain 9,10. In addition, the FABP have been suggested as modulators not only of lipid metabolism and cellular FA flux, but also of gene expression, cell growth and differentiation, etc.11-13 It is also of interest that a number of cell types, most notably intestinal enterocytes, express high and approximately equivalent levels of two separate FABP’s 14 suggesting a functional specificity for different family members. In all of these tissues and for all of these putative functions, a role for FABP in cytoplasmic transport of FA from sites of entry and/or synthesis to sites of utilization and function, is implied.
Encapsulation of Spherical Particles as a Characteristic of Gelatin Fractions

Both ethanol (1–4, 8, 9) and detergent-gelatin (4, 10) fractionation procedures have been reported in the literature. For this work, gelatin has been fractionated by using the coacervation process with acetone being used as coacervating agent.
Primary perianal actinomycosis. Report of a case and review of the literature.

A case of primary perianal actinomycosis presenting as recurrent perianal abscesses is reported. Although this is a rare presentation of actinomycosis, it is easily recognized when encountered and should be treated with surgical drainage examination under anesthesia, and long-term antibiotic therapy.
Effects of Food, Nutrients, and Nutritional Status on Drug Disposition

Food components can promote or retard the absorption and metabolism of nutrients and drugs. The extent of food’s effect on the absorption or metabolism of drugs depends on the characteristics of the food, when the food is consumed, whether fluids are taken with the food, and on the characteristics of the individual consuming the food. The efficiency of the diet in meeting nutrient needs and the therapeutic efficacy of drugs are dependent on those interactions.
MAPPING BUSINESS MODEL RISK FACTORS

Drivers like competitive pressure and technological change push organisations to innovate their business model (BM). However, this complex form of innovation not only offers many chances but also i...