cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pretreatment liver biopsy in 20 children with histiocytosis X: A clinicopathologic correlation

Liver biopsies were done on 20 patients with histiocytosis X (HX) as part of pretreatment evaluation prior to entry on two Childrens Cancer Study Group protocols. Seventeen patients had hepatomegaly, and seven had one or more abnormal laboratory parameters using Lahey's criteria for liver dysfunction. Nineteen of 20 specimens showed various abnormalities of the portal triads. A single biopsy revealed normal liver. Among the changes were triaditis, bile duct proliferation, variable fibrosis with histiocytic infiltrates, and cirrhosis. One patient had typical granulomas of HX within the liver parenchyma in addition to portal triaditis. Patients with larger livers and dysfunction tended to show more marked histologic abnormalities in the portal triads. However, correlations among liver size, function, and pathology showed considerable overlap. Early death among these patients was more likely to be associated with progressive HX in other sites and/or infection. Death from cirrhosis and liver failure per se occurred in one patient 4 years after initial biopsy, but five other children had evidence of cirrhosis on biopsy or at autopsy. The majority of patients with triaditis initially did not have clinical evidence of progressive liver disease although four expired with other manifestations of HX or infection. Conversely, patients showing fibrohistiocytic changes or cirrhosis initially were likely to have continuing or progressive liver disease. Although the liver histology was not diagnostic of HX, the types of portal changes usually predicted the subsequent course of liver disease.
Experiments in Mobile Web Survey Design

Self-administered surveys can be conducted on mobile web-capable devices, yet these devices have unique features that can affect response processes. Ninety-two adults were randomly selected and provided with mobile devices to complete weekly web surveys. Experiments were designed to address three main objectives. First, the authors test fundamental findings which have been found robust across other modes, but whose impact may be diminished in mobile web surveys (due largely to the device), by manipulating question order and scale frequencies. Second, the authors test findings from experiments in computer-administered web surveys, altering the presentation of images and the number of questions per page. Third, the authors experiment with the unique display, navigation, and input methods, through the need to scroll, the vertical versus horizontal orientation of scales, and the willingness to provide open-ended responses. Although most findings from other modes are upheld, the small screen and keyboard introduce undesirable differences in responses.
Maternal Regulation of Infant Brain State

Summary Patterns of neural activity are critical for sculpting the immature brain, and disrupting this activity is believed to underlie neurodevelopmental disorders [1–3]. Neural circuits undergo extensive activity-dependent postnatal structural and functional changes [4–6]. The different forms of neural plasticity [7–9] underlying these changes have been linked to specific patterns of spatiotemporal activity. Since maternal behavior is the mammalian infant's major source of sensory-driven environmental stimulation and the quality of this care can dramatically affect neurobehavioral development [10], we explored, for the first time, whether infant cortical activity is influenced directly by interactions with the mother within the natural nest environment. We recorded spontaneous neocortical local field potentials in freely behaving infant rats during natural interactions with their mother on postnatal days ∼12–19. We showed that maternal absence from the nest increased cortical desynchrony. Further isolating the pup by removing littermates induced further desynchronization. The mother's return to the nest reduced this desynchrony, and nipple attachment induced a further reduction but increased slow-wave activity. However, maternal simulation of pups (e.g., grooming and milk ejection) consistently produced rapid, transient cortical desynchrony. The magnitude of these maternal effects decreased with age. Finally, systemic blockade of noradrenergic beta receptors led to reduced maternal regulation of infant cortical activity. Our results demonstrate that during early development, mother-infant interactions can immediately affect infant brain activity, in part via a noradrenergic mechanism, suggesting a powerful influence of the maternal behavior and presence on circuit development.
Intramaze cues and “odor trails” fail to direct choice behavior on an elevated maze

The relative importance of intramaze cues and extramaze cues in directing choice behavior on a radial arm maze was examined using a discrimination procedure which selectively rewarded rats for following only one set of cues. Rats in the intramaze group obtained food from a food cup on the end of each arm. Rats in the extramaze group obtained food from a food cup on a small platform just beyond the end of each arm. All rats were first shaped to perform correctly with the maze in a constant position. Then the maze was rotated to a new position after every choice. For rats in the intramaze group, the food moved with the arms, making intramaze cues relevant. For rats in the extramaze group, the food remained on the platforms (in the same position in the room), making extramaze cues relevant. Rats in the extramaze group performed almost perfectly during maze rotation, demonstrating that intramaze cues were not necessary to support accurate choice behavior. Rats in the intramaze group never performed better than chance, demonstrating that intramaze cues (from the rats, the reinforcement, and the apparatus) were not adequate to control choice behavior. The results of the present experiment are compared to those of other experiments describing the influence of “odor trails” or other olfactory stimuli on choice behavior in mazes.
Hemispheric differences in semantic-relatedness judgments.

Subjects judged the semantic relatedness of word pairs presented to the left or right visual field. The word pairs were presented one below the other. On critical trials, the words' referents had a typical spatial relation, with one referent oriented above the other (e.g. ATTIC/BASEMENT). The spatial relation of the words either matched or mismatched the spatial relation of their referents. When presented to the left hemisphere, the match or mismatch did not have an effect. However, there was a reliable mismatch effect for pairs presented to the right hemisphere. The results are interpreted in the context of perceptual theories of mental representation.
Multiview-based computer-aided detection scheme for breast masses.

In this study, we developed and tested a new multiview-based computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme that aims to maintain the same case-based sensitivity level as a single-image-based scheme while substantially increasing the number of masses being detected on both ipsilateral views. An image database of 450 four-view examinations (1800 images) was assembled. In this database, 250 cases depicted malignant masses, of which 236 masses were visible on both views and 14 masses were visible only on one view. First, we detected suspected mass regions depicted on each image in the database using a single-image-based CAD. For each identified region (with detection score{>=}0.55), we then identified a matching strip of interest on the ipsilateral view based on the projected distance to the nipple along the centerline. By lowering CAD operating threshold inside the matching strip, we searched for a region located inside the strip and paired it with the original region. A multifeature-based artificial neural network scored the likelihood of the paired ''matched'' regions representing true-positive masses. All single (unmatched) regions except for those either with very high detection scores ({>=}0.85) or those located near the chest wall that cannot be matched on the other view were discarded. The original single-image-based CADmore » scheme detected 186 masses (74.4% case-based sensitivity) and 593 false-positive regions. Of the 186 identified masses, 91 were detected on two views (48.9%) and 95 were detected only on one view (51.1%). Of the false-positive detections, 54 were paired on the ipsilateral view inside the corresponding matching strips and the remaining 485 were not, which represented 539 case-based false-positive detections (0.3 per image). Applying the multiview-based CAD scheme, the same case-based sensitivity was maintained while cueing 169 of 186 masses (90.9%) on both views and at the same time reducing the case-based false-positive detection rate by 23.7% (from 539 to 411). The study demonstrated that the new multiview-based CAD scheme could substantially increase the number of masses being cued on two ipsilateral views while reducing the case-based false-positive detection rate.« less
Dynamical simulation of spins on kagomé and square lattices.

The time evolution of classical Heisenberg spins on kagom\'e and square lattices is numerically evaluated. A clear difference is found between the two cases in the time dependence of an individual spin S(t). The stability of possible ground states is discussed in light of the sample-averaged correlation function [S(t)S(0)]. The spectral density j(\ensuremath{\omega}) as a function of temperature is also computed. In the square lattice two phases are observed, whereas in the kagom\'e lattice only motional narrowing is seen. The application of these simulations to ${\mathrm{SrCr}}_{8}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{4}$${\mathrm{O}}_{19}$ is discussed.
The Origins of a Trade-Based Approach to Intellectual Property Protection: The Role of Industry Associations

How did the previously arcane, technical issue of intellectual property protection become elevated to the top tier of the U.S. trade agenda? A powerful coalition of private-sector industry associations, whose intellectual property constitutes increasingly valuable exports of goods and services, successfully lobbied for new domestic laws, and bilateral and multilateral negotiations linking intellectual property protection to international trade. They framed the problem in a way that captured the imagination of U.S. policymakers and marketed a trade-based approach as a solution to government concerns over the trade deficit and international competitiveness.
Direct syngas hydrogenation over a Co–Ni bimetallic catalyst: Process parameter optimization

Abstract The syngas hydrogenation activity of the Co–Ni bimetallic catalyst containing total metal loading less than 10 wt% was prepared via a wet impregnation method and was studied with respect to the reaction temperature and the catalyst composition. Among the hydrocarbons generated, small olefinic compounds between C2 and C7 (up to 40%) were the highest in the product mixture. The olefin to paraffin ratio for C3 hydrocarbon is around 8. For all variables tested, the product distribution contains up to 10% oxygenates along with the hydrocarbon compounds. An acidic alumina containing reactor was added followed by the Co–Ni containing reactor to demonstrate the deoxygenation of oxygenates generated from the FTS process to improve the small olefinic fraction and the overall carbon yield to the valuable products.
Muthi, Medicine and Witchcraft: Regulating ‘African Science’ in Post-Apartheid South Africa?

Abstract This paper comprises extracts from Adam Ashforth's book: Witchcraft. Violence and Democracy in South Africa (Chicago University Press, 2005). It argues that the distinction between witchcraft and healing is essentially a moral one (healers and witches use supernatural forces supposedly for different ends) and that both activities fall under the rubric of ‘African science’. Whereas proponents of ‘Indigenous Knowledge Systems’ attempt, as part of a broader cultural project, to provide ‘traditional’ African healing with scientific status, others – starting with Motlana's 1988 call to ‘stop romanticizing the evil depredations of the sangoma’ in order to free patients from the ‘tyranny of superstition’ – emphasise the incommensurability of traditional healing practices with science. The paper concludes with a discussion of how such incommensurability makes it very difficult, if not impossible, for the post-apartheid state to regulate ‘African science’.
Electro-magnetic confinement for dynamic multiaxial compression experiments

A new experimental technique for imposing controlled dynamic confinement on specimens subjected to high-strain-rate uniaxial compression has been developed. The axial compression is provided by a split Hopkinson pressure bar, and the lateral confinement is applied by an electromagnetic pressure. The results show that, under dynamic confinement of ∼10 MPa, the compressive strength of a brittle glass ceramic increases by ∼20% as compared to its un-confined failure strength. It is also observed that the propensity of the ceramic to fragmentation or conminution is suppressed by dynamic confinement.
Elevation of sex steroids and inhibition of PDP-glucuronyltransferase are out of phase during gonadal maturation in the common carp

Abstract 1. Plasma sex steroid concentrations, onset of gonadal maturation, and hepatic microsomal UDP-glucuronyltransferase (UDPGT) activities were followed under natural temperature and photoperiod in outdoor tanks, and under controlled laboratory temperature and photoperiod regimens in common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ). 2. Decreased activity of UDPGT was out of phase with elevations in plasma testosterone and 17β-estradiol during gonadal maturation. 3. Injection of pituitary extract induced final gonadal maturation and transient elevations (within 24 hr) of both plasma sex steroid concentrations and UDPGT activities. 4. There were no simple relationships between plasma sex steroid concentrations and activity of hepatic microsornal UDPGT in common carp.
Secular Changes in Standards of Bodily Attractiveness in American Women: Different Masculine and Feminine Ideals

Abstract Silverstein, Peterson, and Perdue (1986) studied changes in curvaceousness of the models in Vogue magazine over time and found that curvaceousness was inversely correlated with American women's participation in higher education and the professions. In the present study, it was predicted that the male standard for women's bodily attractiveness would differ from the female standard and would change differently over time, based on evolutionary theory. Published data on the bodily curvaceousness of models in Playboy and Vogue and on Miss America winners were used to test this hypothesis. Although they did not differ on average, the male and female standards changed differently over time. There was less variation in the male standard, represented by Playboy and by Miss America winners, than in the female standard, represented by Vogue. Results suggest that cultural standards of attractiveness are influenced by an evolved psychology of mate selection that has implications for understanding changes in t...
Association of cholesterol levels, hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme-a reductase inhibitor treatment, and progression of aortic stenosis in the community

AbstractObjectives: This study was designed to analyze the association among cholesterol levels, lipid-lowering treatment, and progression of aortic stenosis (AS) in the community.Background: Aorti...
A single-mask process for 3-D microstructure fabrication in glass and elastomers

This paper reports a novel technique to fabricate three-dimensional (3-D) out-of-plane structures in glass and in-plane structures in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The fabrication technique and the transfer of desired patterns is based on a single-mask, single-etch process developed earlier [1, 2] to fabricate 3-D structures exploiting the Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) lag effects in silicon isotropic etching. Subsequently, patterns are transferred to glass and PDMS by the application of a series of anodic-bonding, glass re-flowing, and silicon etching processes. 3-D structures transferred to both glass and PDMS maintains the same aspect ratio and feature size of structures in silicon. This method enables the fabrication of round corners, semi-circular channels, and many other customized structures in both glass and PDMS.
Hydrogen-related defects in crystalline semiconductors: a theorist’s perspective.

Abstract Hydrogen is a common impurity in all semiconductors. Although it is sometimes deliberately introduced, hydrogen often penetrates into the crystal during device processing. It interacts with broken or weak covalent bonds, such as those found at extended and localized defect centers. The main results of these covalent interactions are shifts of energy levels out of (or into) the gap and new optical activity (infrared absorption and Raman scattering). The shifts in energy levels lead to the passivation (or activation) of the electrical activity of various centers. Hydrogen can also interact with the perfect crystal and with itself, sometimes leading to the formation of extended structures known as platelets. Finally, H also acts as a catalyst, dramatically enhancing the diffusivity of interstitial oxygen in Si. The consequences of these interactions are substantial changes in the electrical and optical properties of the crystal, and in the lifetime of charge carriers. The thermal stability of the complexes containing hydrogen varies from room temperature up to several hundreds of degrees Celsius, and the diffusion of H is trap-limited up to rather high temperatures. Hydrogen normally exists in more than one configuration and charge state in semiconductors. A range of experimental and theoretical techniques have been used to investigate the rich properties of hydrogen in semiconductors, and several extensive reviews focusing mostly on the experimental side of these issues have been published in the past five years. The present review focuses mostly on the theoretical work performed in this field. However, the most recent experimental results are also discussed, and the current understanding of hydrogen interactions in semiconductors summarized.
The effect of surfactant on terminal velocity of and mass transfer from a fluid sphere in a non-newtonian fluid

The effect of interfacial tension gradients on creeping flow past a fluid sphere (bubble or drop) in a non-Newtonian fluid is investigated. The drag force and the Sherwood number for contaminated fluid spheres moving in a non-Newtonian fluid are obtained by an approximate solution of equations of motion in the creeping flow regime. It has been found that surface-active agents decrease both the terminal velocity and the mass transfer rate. The influence of the flow index of the power-law on both the drag coefficient and the Sherwood number is superimposed over the influence of the interfacial tension gradient. Comparisons between the present analysis and the available experimental data in the literature show reasonable agreement for the terminal velocity and the Sherwood number.
A STATISTICAL ALGORITHM FOR ESTIMATING SPEED FROM SINGLE LOOP VOLUME AND OCCUPANCY MEASUREMENTS

This paper presents an algorithm for estimating mean traffic speed using volume and occupancy data from a single inductance loop. The algorithm is based on the statistics of the measurements obtained from a traffic management system. The algorithm produces an estimate of speed and provides a reliability test for the speed estimate.
Precipitation hardening in aluminum alloy 6022

Although the precipitation process in Al-Mg-Si alloys has been extensively studied, the understanding of the hardening process is still incomplete, since any change in composition, processing and aging practices, etc., could affect the precipitation hardening behavior. In this paper, hardness measurements, differential scanning calorimetry and transmission electron microscopy have been utilized to study the precipitation hardening behavior in aluminum alloy 6022.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy: enhancing parent-child relationships

Disruptive child behavior problems are common problems for parents and can be associated with serious delinquent behaviors and aggressive/violent behaviors in adolescence and adulthood. Parenting interventions to address disruptive child behavior problems has gained widespread acceptance. One of these parenting interventions is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). PCIT is a 14- to 20-week, founded on social learning and attachment theories, designed for children between 2 and 7 years of age with disruptive, or externalizing, behavior problems. This article will provide a brief review of the history of PCIT, a description of the basic components of PCIT, and an overview of recent developments that high- light the promise of PCIT with maltreating parent-child relationships, traumatized children, and in devel- oping resilience in young children. In addressing the three basic treatment objectives for PCIT (i.e., reduc- tion in child behavior problems, improving parenting skills, enhancing the quality of parent-child relation- ships), there is an abundance of research demonstrating very strong treatment effects and therefore, its value to the field. Recent research has also demonstrated the value of PCIT in reducing trauma symptoms in young children.
Photonic frequency synthesis and control with whispering gallery mode microresonators

Experimental and theoretical studies of electro-optical tunability of whispering gallery modes (WGMs) in high-Q monolithic lithium niobate resonators and their applicability for light modulation and filtering are reported. Properties of an optoelectronic microwave oscillator (OEO) based on an WGM LiNbO/sub 3/ resonator are discussed.
Transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI) haploinsufficiency results in B-cell dysfunction in patients with Smith-Magenis syndrome.

Background Heterozygous deleterious mutations in the gene encoding the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 13b (TNFRSF13B), or transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI), have been associated with the development of common variable immunodeficiency. Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a genetic disorder characterized by developmental delay, behavioral disturbances, craniofacial anomalies, and recurrent respiratory tract infections. Eighty percent of subjects have a chromosome 17p11.2 microdeletion, which includes TACI. The remaining subjects have mutations sparing this gene. Objective We examined TACI protein expression and function in patients with SMS to define the role of TACI haploinsufficiency in B-cell function. Methods We studied TACI expression and function in a cohort of 29 patients with SMS. Results In patients with SMS with only 1 TACI allele, we found decreased B-cell extracellular and intracellular expression of TACI, reduced binding of a proliferation-inducing ligand, and decreased TACI-induced expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase mRNA, but these were normal for cells from patients with SMS and 2 TACI alleles. Impaired upregulation of B-cell surface TACI expression by a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist was also observed in cells from patients with 1 TACI allele. Gene sequence analysis of the remaining TACI allele revealed common polymorphisms, with the exception of 1 patient with an amino acid change of uncertain significance. Patients with SMS with the lowest TACI expression had significantly reduced antibody responses to pneumococcal vaccine serotypes. Discussion Our findings suggest that haploinsufficiency of the TACI gene results in humoral immune dysfunction, highlighting the role of genomic copy number variants in complex traits.
Growth and translation of a liquid-vapour compound drop in a second liquid. Part 1. Fluid mechanics

The fluid dynamics associated with a compound drop consisting of a vapour bubble, partly surrounded by its own liquid in another immiscible liquid is considered. The fluid motion is analysed in the limit of Stokes flow and at the same time the surface tension forces are considered to be large enough to allow the interfaces to have uniform curvature. The flow field consists of translation and growth that can arise from change of phase.An exact analytical solution for the axisymmetric flow field is obtained. The important results of physical interest are the drag force and the flow behaviour. In the case without growth, the drag force lies between the bubble and the solid-sphere limits for a sphere of the same volume as the total liquid and vapour dispersed phase. The maximum drag force is observed when the liquid and vapour volumes are nearly the same. This is the effect of weak circulation due to the smaller available space as compared with a spherical drop. With growth this effect appears to be enhanced. The flow streamlines exhibit secondary vortices in the dispersed phase when there is growth. The velocity field and the drag results here are applied to the heat transfer problem for the compound drop in Part 2 of this two-part series.
Meta-Analysis of the Dose-Response Relationship of SSRI in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

We sought to determine differences in efficacy and tolerability between different doses of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using meta-analysis. We identified 9 studies involving 2268 subjects that were randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials that compared multiple, fixed-doses of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to each other and to placebo in the treatment of adults with OCD. Change in Y-BOCS score, proportion of treatment responders, and dropouts (all-cause and due to side-effects) were determined for each included study. Weighted mean difference was used to examine mean change in Y-BOCS score. Pooled absolute risk difference was used to examine dichotomous outcomes. Meta-analysis was performed using a fixed effects model in RevMan 4.2.8. We found that compared with either low or medium doses, higher doses of SSRIs were associated with improved treatment efficacy, using either Y-BOCS score or proportion of treatment responders as an outcome. Dose of SSRIs was not associated with the number of all-cause dropouts. Higher doses of SSRIs were associated with significantly higher proportion of dropouts due to side-effects. These results suggests that higher doses of SSRIs are associated with greater efficacy in the treatment of OCD. This SSRI efficacy pattern stands in contrast to other psychiatric disorders like Major Depressive Disorder. This greater treatment efficacy is somewhat counterbalanced by the greater side-effect burden with higher doses of SSRIs. At present, there are insufficient data to generalize these findings to children or adolescents with OCD.
Fluctuations of the charge on a dust grain in a plasma

A dust grain in a plasma acquires an electric charge by collecting electron and ion currents. These currents consist of discrete charges, causing the charge to fluctuate around an equilibrium value /spl lang/Q/spl rang/. Electrons and ions are collected at random intervals and in a random sequence, with probabilities that depend on the grain's potential. We developed a model for these probabilities and implemented it in a numerical simulation of the collection of individual ions and electrons, yielding a time series Q(t) for the grain's charge. Electron emission from the grain is not included, although it could be added easily to our method. We obtained the power spectrum and the RMS fluctuation level, as well as the distribution function of the charge. Most of the power in the spectrum lies at frequencies much lower than 1//spl tau/, the inverse charging time. The RMS fractional fluctuation level varies as 0.5 /spl verbar//spl lang/N/spl rang//spl verbar//sup /spl minus/1/2/, where /spl lang/N/spl rang/=/spl lang/Q/spl rang//e is the average number of electron charges on the grain. This inverse square-root scaling means that fluctuations are most important for small grains. We also show that very small grains can experience fluctuations to neutral and positive polarities, even in the absence of electron emission. >
On the Synergism Between H2O and a Tetrahydropyran Template in the Regioselective Cyclization of an Epoxy Alcohol

A regioselective epoxy alcohol cyclization promoted by the combination of neutral water and a tetrahydropyran template was investigated through a series of mechanistic experiments carried out on an epoxy alcohol containing a tetrahydropyran ring (1a) and its carbocyclic congener (1b). In contrast to 1a, cyclizations of 1b were unselective and displayed significantly faster reaction rates suggesting that the tetrahydropyran oxygen in 1a is requisite for regioselective cyclization. Reactions for both substrates were shown to occur in solution and under kinetic control without significant influence from hydrophobic effects. Kinetic measurements carried out in water/dimethyl sulfoxide mixtures suggest that 1b reacts exclusively through an unselective pathway requiring one water molecule more than what is required to solvate the epoxy alcohol. Similar experiments for 1a suggest a competition between an unselective and a selective pathway requiring one and two water molecules in excess of those required to solv...
Loss of Mitochondrial Protein Fus1 Augments Host Resistance to Acinetobacter baumannii Infection

ABSTRACT Fus1 is a tumor suppressor protein with recently described immunoregulatory functions. Although its role in sterile inflammation is being elucidated, its role in regulating immune responses to infectious agents has not been examined. We used here a murine model of Acinetobacter baumannii pneumonia to identify the role of Fus1 in antibacterial host defenses. We found that the loss of Fus1 in mice results in significantly increased resistance to A. baumannii pneumonia. We observed earlier and more robust recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages to the lungs of infected Fus1−/− mice, with a concomitant increase in phagocytosis of invading bacteria and more rapid clearance. Such a prompt and enhanced immune response to bacterial infection in Fus1−/− mice stems from early activation of proinflammatory pathways (NF-κB and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin [mTOR]), most likely due to significantly increased mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production. Significant early upregulation of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in Fus1−/− immune cells was also observed, together with significant downregulation of IL-10. Depletion of neutrophils eliminates the enhanced antibacterial defenses of the Fus1−/− mice, suggesting that ultimately it is the enhanced immune cell recruitment that mediates the increased resistance of Fus1−/− mice to A. baumannii pneumonia. Taken together, our data define the novel role for Fus1 in the immune response to A. baumannii pneumonia and highlight new avenues for immune modulating therapeutic targets for this treatment-resistant nosocomial pathogen.
Clinical Implications of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Fluoroquinolones

This review summarizes key data illustrating the clinical importance of pharmacodynamics, particularly among the fluoroquinolone family of antibacterials. Antibacterials are often divided into 2 groups--either time-dependent or concentration-dependent agents--on the basis of their mechanism of killing. Fluoroquinolones are concentration-dependent agents, and the parameter that correlates most closely with clinical and/or bacteriological success is the ratio of the area under plasma concentration curve (AUC) to the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The AUC : MIC threshold may vary by organism. For example, a ratio of at least 30 is often cited as optimal to achieve success against Streptococcus pneumoniae, whereas higher ratios (>100) are considered to be optimal for the treatment of infections due to gram-negative bacilli. Data are cited to suggest that the minimum ratio necessary to prevent the selection of resistant mutants may, in fact, be somewhat higher. Maximizing the AUC : MIC through the use of potent therapy may offer an opportunity to limit the development of resistance to fluoroquinolones.
Macroeconomic risk and banking crises in emerging market countries: business fluctuations with financial crashes

This paper investigates the interaction between aggregate risk, financial fragility, and the macroeconomic performance of emerging market countries when asymmetric information at the level of firms and banks gives rise to agency costs. Two-sided debt contracts are the funding mechanism through which banks borrow from international investors and lend to domestic firms. Banks are risky because their portfolio returns hinge on the strength of the economy which represents a non-diversifiable aggregate risk. Banking crises are sporadic and driven by fundamentals. Macroeconomic risk affects business cycles because all agents suffer the effect of banking failures and incorporate the endogenously determined probability of a crisis into their economic decisions. Model results are consistent with the empirical evidence on banking crises because a slowdown of the economy or an unforeseen interest-rate rise tends to breed banking sector problems. Furthermore, the country-specific interest-rate spread is counter-cyclical because financial crises are less likely during booms.
Amplification of exocytosis by Ca2+‐induced Ca2+ release in INS‐1 pancreatic β cells

Functional coupling between Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) and quantal exocytosis in 5-hydroxytryptamine-loaded INS-1 β cells was assessed through the use of carbon fibre amperometry in combination with Fura-2. CICR was evoked by the glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist exendin-4 (Ex-4) and was accompanied by quantal secretory events appearing as amperometric current spikes time-locked to the increase of [Ca2+]i. The action of Ex-4 was reproduced by treatment with caffeine, and the source of Ca2+ serving as a stimulus for exocytosis originated from ryanodine and thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ stores. Two distinct patterns of exocytosis occurred within 5 s following the initiation of CICR. Non-summating exocytosis (NS-type) was defined as multiple asynchronous current spikes, and the half-height duration of each spike was 12-48 ms. Summating exocytosis (S-type) was defined as a cluster of spikes. It generated a macroscopic current, the half-height duration of which was 243-682 ms. The release charge of S-type exocytosis was 3.2-fold greater than that of NS-type when measured 2 s following the initiation of secretion. NS-type exocytosis was observed frequently under conditions in which the basal Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]B) was low (75-150 nm), whereas S-type exocytosis predominated under conditions in which the [Ca2+]B was elevated (200-275 nm). Depolarization-induced Ca2+ influx triggered NS-type exocytosis in most cells tested, irrespective of [Ca2+]B. It is concluded that CICR is a highly effective stimulus for exocytosis in INS-1 cells. The increase of [Ca2+]i that accompanies CICR stimulates the asynchronous release of a small number of secretory granules under conditions of low [Ca2+]B. When [Ca2+]B is slightly elevated, CICR targets a much larger pool of secretory granules that undergo summating exocytosis. The transition from NS-type to S-type exocytosis may represent an amplification mechanism for Ca2+-dependent exocytosis.
Impact of Phospholipid Transfer Protein on Nascent High-Density Lipoprotein Formation and Remodeling

Objective—Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), which binds phospholipids and facilitates their transfer between lipoproteins in plasma, plays a key role in lipoprotein remodeling, but its influenc...
Platelet-Activating Factor: a Role in Preterm Delivery and an Essential Interaction with Toll-Like Receptor Signaling in Mice

Platelet-activating factor (PAF), a potent phospholipid activator of inflammation that signals through its cognate receptor (platelet-activating factor receptor, PTAFR), has been shown to induce preterm delivery in mice. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are transmembrane receptors that mediate innate immunity. We have shown previously that Escherichia coli-induced preterm delivery in mice requires TLR signaling via the adaptor protein myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88), but not an alternative adaptor, Toll/IL-1 receptor domain-containing adapter protein-inducing interferon-beta (TRIF). In the present work, we analyzed the role of endogenously produced PAF in labor using mice lacking (knockout [KO]) PAF acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH; the key degrading enzyme for PAF). PAF-AH KO mice are more susceptible to E. coli-induced preterm delivery and inflammation than controls. In peritoneal macrophages, the PTAFR agonist carbamyl PAF induces production of inflammatory markers previously demonstrated to be upregulated during bacterially induced labor, including: inducible nitric oxide synthase (Nos2), the chemokine Ccl5 (RANTES), tumor necrosis factor (Tnf), and level of their end-products (NO, CCL5, TNF) in a process dependent upon both IkappaB kinase and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. Interestingly, this induced expression was completely eliminated not only in macrophages deficient in PTAFR, but also in those lacking either TLR4, MyD88, or TRIF. The dependence of PAF effects upon TLR pathways appears to be related to production of PTAFR itself: PAF-induced expression of Ptafr mRNA was eliminated completely in TLR4 KO and partially in MyD88 and TRIF KO macrophages. We conclude that PAF signaling plays an important role in bacterially induced preterm delivery. Furthermore, in addition to its cognate receptor, PAF signaling in peritoneal macrophages requires TLR4, MyD88, and TRIF.
Process Evaluation of a Nursing Support Intervention with Rural African American Mothers with Preterm Infants

High-risk premature infants, those weighing less than 1,500 g or requiring mechanical ventilation, are at risk for increased neonatal morbidities and long-term neuro-developmental problems (Allen, 2008; Hack et al., 2000; Hoekstra, Ferrara, Couser, Payne, & Connett, 2004; Nosarti, Murray, & Hack, 2010). These developmental delays in cognitive, language, and motor development become evident by late preschool or early school age (Brooks-Gunn, Klebanov, Liaw, & Spiker, 1993; Engelke, Engelke, Helm, & Holbert, 1995; Hoekstra et al., 2004; Thompson et al., 1997). African Americans are not only more likely to give birth prematurely (Giscombe & Lobel, 2005; Jesse, Swanson, Newton, & Morrow, 2009), but their premature infants are also at greater risk for these developmental problems than other prematures (Brooks-Gunn, Kelbanov, & Duncan, 1996; Engelke et al., 1995; Holditch-Davis, Bartlett, & Belyea, 2000; Vohr, 2010; Zahr, 1999). Thus, prematurity and associated developmental problems are a health disparity for African American infants.
The Impact of Specific Psychotherapist Beliefs Regarding Managed Care on Prospective Psychotherapy Clients

The purpose of this study was to investigate the separate impact of each of thirteen therapist beliefs that, presented collectively, were previously found to have a significantly negative impact on prospective clients' attitudes toward managed care psychotherapy (Pomerantz, 2000). Participants in this study initially completed a brief questionnaire measuring their willingness to enter psychotherapy and their expectations regarding psychotherapy under managed care. Participants subsequently completed the same brief questionnaire again after being instructed to imagine seeing a hypothetical psychologist and being presented with the psychologist's supposed beliefs regarding managed care (which were actually derived from survey data by Murphy et al., 1998). Results suggest that almost every discrete therapist belief had a significantly negative impact on participants' attitudes toward managed care psychotherapy. Several specific therapist beliefs produced particularly salient negative effects. Implications regarding ethics and informed consent are discussed.
Economic Effects of Multiple Disasters in the Gulf of Mexico

With the recent exploration/discovery of deep-water reservoirs andcontinued developments of drilling and production, it remains very important to have a comprehensive and quantitative risk assessment ofthe drilling/production processes including effective response to deal with such disasters. What measures must be taken to recover from the disaster scenario of a hurricane impacting the same region in the aftermath of an oil spill? The Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the largest marine oil spill in history, was caused by an explosion on a semi-submersible drilling rig about 50 miles southeast of the Mississippi River delta on April 20, 2010. Catastrophic events such as oil spills have enormous impact for the local economy of the area and even for the local labor markets. Another regional disaster, Hurricane Katrina impacted Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, as it ripped over the core of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) producing zone, one of the important oil and gas production areas of the worldin 2005. Also, if acatastrophic disaster occurs and the emergency response supply chain is not adequately prepared, then the economic consequences of sucheventcan be huge. Whenever a disaster happens, another reaction to this event that should be considered is resiliency. It is the ability to reduce or remove potential losses due to disaster events.The impact of different shocks on various aspects of a state’s economic performance is estimated using a Vector Autoregressive model (VAR). In this study, the dynamic response of a variety of industrial sectors in Louisiana to each of these disasters is considered. The responses of different impulses in this model are shown to demonstrate the interdependence of various time series data.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Field enhancement with plasmonic nano-antennas on silicon-based waveguides

Plasmonic nano antennas like dimers, have been investigated for their capability to provide a strong near-field enhancement when illuminated by external light. Traditionally these nano antennas, isolated or arrayed, are placed on a substrate and used in spectroscopy techniques. Surfaces made of such plasmonic nano antennas have been very useful for applications like surface enhanced Raman scattering in which it provides various orders of magnitude of enhanced sensitivity. These instruments however are not economic and are often not mobile since surfaces require an external beam illumination and the Raman scattering is detected by a large aperture microscope. The goal of this paper is to combine nano antennas made of gold dimers with integrated waveguide to make a spectrometer which has low cost and volume in comparison with the structure mentioned above. A technique in which optical plasmonic nano antennas are located in proximity of silicon nitride waveguide is proposed that is useful both for illumination and detection channels. The waveguide evanescent field, which is decaying outside of the waveguide, excites the dimer and causes it to resonate which results in a very strong electric field enhancement of approximately 25 times in the antenna gap. Also the coupling effect of dimer resonance on waveguide modes is investigated. To show the efficiency of the proposed structure, full wave analysis has been done and its results are compared with the multilayer structure case. The simulation results demonstrate that this structure can be designed and fabricated for the purpose of spectroscopy application.
Red-Rose Linkage in the German Cockroach

Genetic analyses of crosses between each of the 4 eye-color mutants, red (r) , rose (ro), ruby (rw), and pallid (pld), of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L .), were presented in earlier studies (Ross and Cochran 1966, 1967, 1968a). This work was reviewed recently, and it was pointed out that the several double homozygotes either resemble the paler of the parental types or are paler than either parent (Ross and Cochran 1968a). One possible exception is the double homozygote of r and ro. These traits, on the basis of their respective distances from prowing (Pw), appear to be closely linked (Ross and Cochran 1967). This assumption is supported by the fit of F2 repulsion data to a 2:1:1 ratio (Ross and Cochran 1966). No phenotypically distinct double homozygous recombinant could be identified among these F2 progeny. Of course, it is possible for linkage to be so close that none was present in the specimens examined. The purpose of this note is to report an attempt to (1) identify the phenotype of the double homozygote, (2) detect the occurrence of crossingover, and (3) make an estimate of the map distance separating these loci.
Majority of 30-Day Readmissions After Intracerebral Hemorrhage Are Related to Infections

Background and Purpose— Infections are common after intracerebral hemorrhage, but little is known about the risk of serious infection requiring readmission after hospital discharge. Methods— To determine if infections are prevalent in patients readmitted within 30 days of discharge, we performed a retrospective cohort study of patients discharged from nonfederal acute care hospitals in California with a primary diagnosis of intracerebral hemorrhage between 2006 and 2010. We excluded patients who died during the index admission, were discharged against medical advice, or were not California residents. Our main outcome was 30-day unplanned readmission with primary infection–related International Classification of Diseases , Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code. Results— There were 24 540 index intracerebral hemorrhage visits from 2006 to 2010. Unplanned readmissions occurred in 14.5% (n=3550) of index patients. Of 3550 readmissions, 777 (22%) had an infection-related primary diagnosis code. When evaluating primary and all secondary diagnosis codes, infection was associated with 1826 (51%) of readmissions. Other common diagnoses associated with readmission included stroke-related codes (n=840, 23.7%) and aspiration pneumonitis (n=154, 4.3%). The most common infection-related primary diagnosis codes were septicemia (n=420, 11.8%), pneumonia (n=124, 3.5%), urinary tract infection (n=141, 4.0%), and gastrointestinal infection (n=42, 1.2%). Patients with a primary infection–related International Classification of Diseases , Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code on readmission had higher in-hospital mortality compared with other types of readmission (15.6% versus 8.0%, P <0.001). After controlling for other predictors of mortality, primary infection–related readmissions remained associated with in-hospital mortality (relative risk, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–2.2). Conclusions— Infections are associated with a majority of 30-day readmissions after intracerebral hemorrhage and increased mortality. Efforts should be made to reduce infection-related complications after hospital discharge.
High-Gain Pattern Reconfigurable MIMO Antenna Array for Wireless Handheld Terminals

The analysis, design, experimental development, and test results of a high-gain pattern reconfigurable antenna array are presented. Unlike traditional phased arrays, the proposed array has a compressed footprint making it suitable for handheld device applications. The array pattern is reconfigured at 0°, 70°, and 290° in the azimuth plane with the help of low loss RF switches while the utilization of a collinear geometry allows narrow elevation plane beamwidth and high peak gain (between 9.7 and 11 dBi using FR4 material). System level analysis shows about 59% increase in signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio level compared to omnidirectional antennas.
Ethical Issues in Open Adoption: Implications for Practice

Total secrecy and confidentiality no longer typify adoption in the United States. Today, most adoptions involve an exchange of information or some form of contact between the birth family and adoptive family—so-called open adoptions. This article provides a comprehensive overview of ethical issues associated with various forms of open adoption, including issues of privacy, confidentiality, self-determination, paternalism, conflicts of interest, deception, and truth-telling. We present guidelines for social work practice in open adoptions, based on current ethical theory and ethical standards in social work.