cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of cost of immune globulin intravenous therapy to conventional immunosuppressive therapy in treating patients with autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering diseases

Autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering diseases (AMBD) are a group of potentially fatal diseases that affect the skin and mucous membranes. AMBD have different target antigens as well as variable clinical presentation, course, and prognosis. The mainstay of conventional immunosuppressive therapy (CIST) for AMBD is long-term high-dose systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents. Such therapy has proven effective in many patients; however, in some patients, the disease continues to progress with significant sequelae such as blindness, loss of voice, anal, and vaginal stenosis which causes poor quality of life. Furthermore, the CIST may have some serious side effects including opportunistic infections which may cause death. Immune globulin intravenous (IGIV) therapy has been reportedly used in the management of patients with AMBD refractory to CIST. IGIV has shown to be more clinically beneficial than CIST by bringing about long-term clinical remission and less recurrence. The high cost of the IGIV is of concern to patients, physicians, and insurance companies. In this report, we compare the cost of IGIV to that of CIST in treating a cohort of 15 mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), 10 ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP), 15 bullous pemphigoid (BP), and 32 pemphigus vulgaris (PV) patients. In each cohort of patients, CIST had significant side effects, many of which were hazardous and required prolonged and frequent hospitalizations. Some of these side effects were severe enough to require discontinuation of the treatment. We consider the total cost of CIST to be the actual cost of the drug, plus the cost of management of the side effects produced by CIST. In the same patient cohort, no significant side effects to IGIV were observed. None of the IGIV treated patients required physician visits, laboratory tests, or hospitalizations specifically related to IGIV therapy. Hence, the total cost of the IGIV therapy is the actual cost of the IGIV only. The mean total cost of treatment of IGIV therapy is statistically significantly less than that of CIST during the entire course of the disease and on an annual basis. In conclusion, IGIV therapy is a safe, clinically beneficial, and a cost effective alternative treatment in patients with AMBD, non-responsive to CIST.
The use of nodal point forces to improve element stresses

We present in this paper a novel approach to stress calculations in finite element analysis. Rather than using the stress assumption employed in establishing the stiffness matrix, the element nodal point forces are used, in a simple way, to enhance the finite element stress predictions at a low computational cost. While this paper focuses on the improvement of the stress accuracy, the proposed procedure can also be used as a basis for error estimation. Moreover, the procedure is quite general, and has the potential for many applications in finite element analysis.
Receiver apprehension and cognitive complexity

This investigation examined the relationship between cognitive complexity and receiver apprehension. Specifically, the hypothesis that there should be a significant negative correlation between cognitive complexity and receiver apprehension was tested. Results supported the hypothesis.
Spatial Domain Method for the Design of RF Pulses in Multicoil Parallel Excitation

Parallel excitation has been introduced as a means of accelerating multidimensional, spatially-selective excitation using multiple transmit coils, each driven by a unique RF pulse. Previous approaches to RF pulse design in parallel excitation were either formulated in the frequency domain or restricted to echo-planar trajectories, or both. This paper presents an approach that is formulated as a quadratic optimization problem in the spatial domain and allows the use of arbitrary k-space trajectories. Compared to frequency domain approaches, the new design method has some important advantages. It allows for the specification of a region of interest (ROI), which improves excitation accuracy at high speedup factors. It allows for magnetic field inhomogeneity compensation during excitation. Regularization may be used to control integrated and peak pulse power. The effects of Bloch equation nonlinearity on the large-tip-angle excitation error of RF pulses designed with the method are investigated, and the utility of Tikhonov regularization in mitigating this error is demonstrated.
The state of the art in intelligent real-time FMS control: a comprehensive survey

Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) have been developed with the hope that they would provide a means to tackle a threefold challenge — better quality, lower cost and shorter lead times — by integrating machine tools, robots, material handling and storage systems, and computers. Control of the integrated system presented a new set of problems as well as challenges, which have been receiving considerable attention from the academic community as well as from industrial system users. Intelligent control, which involves using computers to assist in decision making at various stages of the control process, has been advocated by many researchers as a possible avenue to reach a solution to these problems. This paper provides a review of the state of the art in intelligent control of FMS, in an attempt to supplement earlier general reviews via a more focused perspective. The principles of several techniques, namely simulation, knowledge based, example based, petri nets, and hybrid approaches are briefly introduced, and publications are reviewed, followed by discussions ontheir potential. Suggestions for further research and development are also enumerated.
Virtual machine-based simulation of distributed computing and network computing

This paper proposes the use of virtual machine architectures as a means of modeling and analyzing networks and distributed computing systems. The requirements for such modeling and analysis are explored and defined along with an illustrative study of an X.25 link-level protocol performance under normal execution conditions. The virtualizable architecture used in this work is the Data General Nova 3/D.
First year teacher of first year teachers: A reflection on teacher training in the field of piano pedagogy:

While there is a great deal of scholarly inquiry focusing on student teaching experiences in the field of classroom education, there are few resources devoted to student teaching in the context of ...
Helicobacter pylori VacA induces programmed necrosis in gastric epithelial cells

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the human stomach and contributes to the development of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. The secreted pore-forming toxin VacA is one of the major virulence factors of H. pylori. In the current study, we show that AZ-521 human gastric epithelial cells are highly susceptible to VacA-induced cell death. Wild-type VacA causes death of these cells, whereas mutant VacA proteins defective in membrane channel formation do not. Incubation of AZ-521 cells with wild-type VacA results in cell swelling, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activation, decreased intracellular ATP concentration, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. VacA-induced death of these cells is a caspase-independent process that results in cellular release of histone-binding protein high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a proinflammatory protein. These features are consistent with the occurrence of cell death through a programmed necrosis pathway and suggest that VacA can be included among the growing number of bacterial pore-forming toxins that induce cell death through programmed necrosis. We propose that VacA augments H. pylori-induced mucosal inflammation in the human stomach by causing programmed necrosis of gastric epithelial cells and subsequent release of proinflammatory proteins and may thereby contribute to the pathogenesis of gastric cancer and peptic ulceration.
Dizziness and the genetic influences on subjective experiences to initial cigarette use

Background—Although many adolescents experiment with cigarettes, not all who smoke go on to use regularly or develop dependence. This heterogeneity in subsequent cigarette use suggests that there are meaningful individual differences in how cigarettes are initially experienced. Method—Subjective experiences were retrospectively collected using the Early Smoking Experience (ESE) questionnaire from 2482 young adults participating in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Responses from this genetically informative sample of same-and opposite sex twin-and siblings were examined to determine the structure and magnitude of genetic and environmental influences. Results—Positive experiences evidenced moderate heritable contributions (35%, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.49), as did an overall hedonic measure (31%, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.42) and dizziness (31%, 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.48). Negative experiences evidenced small heritable contributions (18%, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.78). Individual specific environmental influences were strong and accounted for the remaining proportion of observed variation in these experiences. Multivariate genetic modeling identified a moderately heritable underlying factor (37%, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.52) that influenced the covariation of diverse subjective experiences and loaded most heavily on dizziness. Positive experiences also evidence residual genetic influences that were uncorrelated with other subjective experiences. Conclusions—How a person experiences their initial few cigarettes is due to both heritable contributions and environmental experiences unique to the person. The covariation of diverse subjective experiences appears to be due to a heritable latent sensitivity to the chemicals contained in an average cigarette and is best indexed by dizziness.
Urogenital Atrophy: Prevention and Treatment

Fifteen percent of premenopausal women, 10-40% of postmenopausal women, and 10-25% of women receiving systemic hormone therapy experience urogenital atrophy. The most common symptoms are dryness, burning, pruritus, irritation, and dyspareunia. Estrogen loss, drugs, and chemical sensitivities are causes. Estrogen or hormone replacement therapy (ERT-HRT) is the treatment of choice in postmenopausal women. Dosages prescribed for menopause symptoms or to prevent osteoporosis (and, potentially, other conditions) can restore the vagina to premenopausal physiology and relieve symptoms. Concomitant progestins are necessary for women with an intact uterus to minimize or eliminate estrogen-induced endometrial cancer. Low-dosage oral and vaginal ERT can relieve urogenital atrophy but might not produce systemic effects. Progestins are not necessary with vaginal rings and vaginal tablets. If ERT is given only to treat urogenital atrophy, estrogen creams 1 or 2 times/week may prevent recurrence after symptoms are resolved. Progestins are not required for occasional estrogen cream use. Vaginal moisturizers provide longer relief by changing the fluid content of endothelium and lowering vaginal pH. Vaginal lubricants provide short-term relief. Women with contraindications to ERT-HRT could use lubricants for intercourse-related dryness or moisturizers for more continuous relief. The lay press promotes agrimony, black cohosh, chaste tree, dong quai, witch hazel, and phytoestrogens for vaginal dryness and dyspareunia; however, no evidence exists to support these specific claims. Pharmacists should be actively involved in identifying, preventing, and treating urogenital atrophy.
Evaluating the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire: comparison of the reliability, factor structure, and predictive validity across five versions

Five versions of the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ), a self-report measure of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness, have been used in recent studies (including 10-, 12-, 15-, 18-, and 25-items). Findings regarding the associations between perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and suicidal ideation using different versions have been mixed, potentially due to differences in measurement scales. This study evaluated factor structure, internal consistency, and concurrent predictive validity of these five versions in three samples. Samples 1 and 2 were comprised of 449 and 218 undergraduates, respectively; Sample 3 included 114 adolescent psychiatric inpatients. All versions demonstrated acceptable internal consistency. The 10-item version and 15-item version demonstrated the best, most consistent model fit in confirmatory factor analyses. Both perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness consistently predicted concurrent suicidal ideation on the 10-item INQ only. Future research should consider using the 15-item or 10-item versions.
Development of the Fund for Excellence in the Teaching of Psychology

I review the development of the Fund for Excellence, which provides financial support for the Society for the Teaching of Psychology teaching awards. James McConnell provided funds in the early years of the awards before the Fund was established in 1987. I review the growth of the Fund and its administration by a Board of Directors, then make suggestions for future directions.
Simultaneity and non‐linear variability in financial markets: simulation and forecasting

Non-linear variability in financial markets can emerge from several mechanisms, including simultaneity and time-varying coefficients. In simultaneous equation systems, the reduced-form coefficients that determine the behaviour of jointly dependent variables are products and ratios of the original structural coefficients. If the coefficients are stochastic, the resulting multiplicative interactions will result in high degrees of non-linearity. Processes generated in this way will scale as fractals: they will exhibit intermittent outliers and scaling symmetries, i.e. proportionality relationships between fluctuations at different separation distances. A model is specified in which both the exchange rate itself and the exchange rate residual exhibit simultaneity. The exchange rate depends on other exchange rates, while the residual depends on the other residuals. The model is then simulated using embedding noise from a t-distribution. The simulations replicate the observed properties of exchange rates, heavy-tailed distributions and long memory in the variance. A forecasting algorithm is specified in two stages. The first stage is a model for the actual process. In the second stage the residuals are modelled as a function of the predicted rate of change. The first and second stage models are then combined. This algorithm exploits the scaling symmetry: the residual is proportional to the predicted rate of change at separation distances corresponding to the forecast horizon. The procedure is tested empirically on three exchange rates. At a daily frequency and a 1-day forecast horizon, two-stage models reduce the forecast error by one fourth. At a 5-day horizon, the improvement is 10–15 percent. At a weekly frequency, the improvement at the 1-week horizon is on the order of 30–40 percent. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nationwide Trends in Mastectomy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Importance Accredited breast centers in the United States are measured on performance of breast conservation surgery (BCS) in the majority of women with early-stage breast cancer. Prior research in regional and limited national cohorts suggests a recent shift toward increasing performance of mastectomy in patients eligible for BCS. Objective To examine whether mastectomy rates in patients eligible for BCS are increasing over time nationwide, and are associated with coincident increases in breast reconstruction and bilateral mastectomy for unilateral disease. Design, Setting, and Participants We performed a retrospective cohort study of temporal trends in performance of mastectomy for early-stage breast cancer using multivariable logistic regression modeling to adjust for pertinent covariates and interactions. We studied more than 1.2 million adult women treated at centers accredited by the American Cancer Society and the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer from January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2011, using the National Cancer Data Base. Exposures Year of breast cancer diagnosis. Main Outcomes and Measures Proportion of women with early-stage breast cancer who underwent mastectomy. Secondary outcome measures include temporal trends in breast reconstruction and bilateral mastectomy for unilateral disease. Results A total of 35.5% of the study cohort underwent mastectomy. The adjusted odds of mastectomy in BCS-eligible women increased 34% during the most recent 8 years of the cohort, with an odds ratio of 1.34 (95% CI, 1.31-1.38) in 2011 relative to 2003. Rates of increase were greatest in women with clinically node-negative disease (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.34-1.41) and in situ disease (odds ratio, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.95-2.15). In women undergoing mastectomy, rates of breast reconstruction increased from 11.6% in 1998 to 36.4% in 2011 ( P P Conclusions and Relevance In the past decade, there have been marked trends toward higher proportions of BCS-eligible patients undergoing mastectomy, breast reconstruction, and bilateral mastectomy. The greatest increases are seen in women with node-negative and in situ disease. Mastectomy rates do not yet exceed current American Cancer Society/American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer accreditation benchmarks. Further research is needed to understand factors associated with these trends and their implications for performance measurement in American Cancer Society/American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer centers.
Attachment and conflict communication in adult romantic relationships

This study explored the connections between adult attachment styles (i.e., secure, preoccupied, fearful-avoidant, dismissing) and communication patterns during conflict (i.e., mutual constructive, demand-withdraw, mutual avoidance, and withholding). Specifically, this study examined how the combination of both partners’ attachment styles, or couple type (i.e., secure-secure, secure-insecure, insecure-insecure), related to self-reported conflict communication patterns. Couples had been together for at least two years (i.e., in a dating, cohabitating, engaged, or marital relationship). Participants included 43 different-sex couples and 10 same-sex couples, who lived primarily in a large metropolitan area in the southwestern US. Secure-secure couples reported the most mutually constructive communication, while the insecure-insecure couples group reported the most demand-withdraw and mutual avoidance and withholding communication. Implications for counseling with couples and families are discussed.
Temperature dependence of field-controlled thyristor characteristics

The dependence of the characteristics of field-controlled thyristors upon the ambient temperature has been examined in the range of -30 to 200°C. Unlike conventional thyristors, these devices have been found to continue to exhibit forward blocking capability up to the highest measurement temperature (200°C). In fact, it is shown here that the forward blocking capability as well as the blocking gain improve with increasing temperature with the usual scaling of the leakage current for power devices. The reverse blocking capability is also retained. The forward voltage drop of the device in the conducting state decreases with increasing temperature. This behavior is shown to be similar to that of conventional rectifiers and thyristors operated at high injection levels. Further, the force gate turn-off time of the devices has been found to increase with increasing temperature. This has been correlated with a measured increase in the minority-carrier lifetime. The results of this study demonstrate that field-controlled thyristors are capable of being operated at higher temperatures than conventional thyristors.
A system for efficient cleaning and transformation of geospatial data attributes

A significant challenge in handling geographic datasets is that the datasets can come from heterogeneous sources with various data qualities and formats. Before these datasets can be used in a Geographic Information System (GIS) for spatial analysis or to create maps, a typical task is to clean the attribute data and transform the data into a uniform format. However, conventional GIS products focus on manipulating the spatial component of geographic features and only offer basic tools for editing the attribute data (e.g., one row at a time). This limits the capability for handling large datasets in a GIS since manually editing and transforming attribute data between different formats is not practical for thousands of geographic features. In this demo, we present ArcKarma, which is built on our previous work on data transformation, to efficiently clean and transform data attributes in a GIS. ArcKarma generates transformation programs from a few user-provided examples and applies these programs to transform individual attribute columns into the desired formats. We show that ArcKarma produces accurate results and eliminates the need for laborious manual data cleaning and scripting tasks.
The Cultural Complex and Transformative Learning Environments

An enhanced pedagogy, informed by the contemporary Jungian idea of the cultural complex, may help reveal the invisible cultural prohibitions in transformative learning environments. In this article, transformative learning as individual knowledge and capacity building is questioned. Proposed, is an enhanced pedagogy, informed by the contemporary Jungian idea of the cultural complex, which may help to reveal the invisible cultural prohibitions in transformative learning environments.
Physical and biotic drivers of plant distribution across estuarine salinity gradients

Although it has long been recognized that marsh plant community composition shifts across estuarine salinity gradients, the mechanisms responsible for this species zonation have never been experimentally examined. In southern New England marshes of the United States, we investigated the relative importance of physical and biotic factors in generating estuarine species distribution patterns. Greenhouse studies revealed that all of the common plants in this system grow better in fresh water than in full-strength salt water. To test the hypothesis that the spatial segregation of these plants is driven by differential tolerance to salt stress and plant competition, we performed transplant experiments with 10 common plants in the system. When freshwater marsh plants were transplanted to salt marshes, they did poorly and generally died with or without neighbors present. In contrast, when saltmarsh plants were transplanted to freshwater marshes, they thrived in the absence of neighbors, growing better than they did in salt marshes, but when neighbors were present, they were strongly suppressed. These results suggest that the spatial segregation of plants across estuarine salinity gradients is driven by competitively superior freshwater marsh plants displacing salt-tolerant plants to physically harsh saltmarsh habitats, whereas freshwater marsh plants are limited from living in salt marshes by physical factors (e.g., high salinities). These results contribute to our understanding of the organization and assembly of tidal marsh plant communities and have important implications for understanding how marsh plant communities will respond to human modification of estuarine hydrology and climate change.
Point Prevalence of Oropharyngeal Carriage of Fluconazole-Resistant Candida in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients

To estimate the prevalence of both clinically evident and asymptomatic carriage of fluconazole-resistant Candida, we prospectively surveyed 128 adults infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The patients had an average CD4 cell count of 206/mm3. Ninety-seven isolates of Candida were obtained from the oropharynx of 82 patients (64%). Of these 82 patients, 76% carried C. albicans alone; 18%, both albicans and non-albicans isolates; and 6%, non-albicans species alone. Oropharyngeal candidiasis was evident in only 38 (46%) of the 82 patients for whom a culture was positive and was never seen unless C. albicans was present. When MICs were measured by using the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards M27-T methodology and grouped by using recently proposed breakpoints, we found that eight of the 38 patients with oropharyngeal candidiasis and six of the 44 patients who were asymptomatically colonized carried C. albicans isolates resistant to fluconazole (MIC, > or = 64 micrograms/mL); estimated rates of carriage were 21% (95% confidence interval, 10%-37%) and 14% (95% confidence interval, 5%-27%), respectively. Carriage of resistant isolates of C. albicans by HIV-infected adults is more common than previously suspected, and clinicians should be alert to the possible need for either higher doses of fluconazole or alternative treatment modalities.
Replacement of the Bacteriophage Mu Strong Gyrase Site and Effect on Mu DNA Replication

The bacteriophage Mu strong gyrase site (SGS) is required for efficient replicative transposition and functions by promoting the synapsis of prophage termini. To look for other sites which could substitute for the SGS in promoting Mu replication, we have replaced the SGS in the middle of the Mu genome with fragments of DNA from various sources. A central fragment from the transposing virus D108 allowed efficient Mu replication and was shown to contain a strong gyrase site. However, neither the strong gyrase site from the plasmid pSC101 nor the major gyrase site from pBR322 could promote efficient Mu replication, even though the pSC101 site is a stronger gyrase site than the Mu SGS as assayed by cleavage in the presence of gyrase and the quinolone enoxacin. To look for SGS-like sites in the Escherichia coli chromosome which might be involved in organizing nucleoid structure, fragments of E. coli chromosomal DNA were substituted for the SGS: first, repeat sequences associated with gyrase binding (bacterial interspersed mosaic elements), and, second, random fragments of the entire chromosome. No fragments were found that could replace the SGS in promoting efficient Mu replication. These results demonstrate that the gyrase sites from the transposing phages possess unusual properties and emphasize the need to determine the basis of these properties.
The biphasic pattern of age-specific malignant brain tumor mortality rates

Many aging-associated neurologic disorders, including primary malignant brain tumors (MBT), share a common biphasic age-specific mortality rate pattern: initially increasing exponentially with age, and then declining. A modeling study using MBT mortality was conducted to determine if the observed biphasic pattern of MBT age-specific mortality rates emerges if one assumes that there exists a population subset that is inherently susceptible to MBT, and that the risk of mortality from MBT in that susceptible population subset continues to increase exponentially with age. A hypothetical population was subjected to 1988 general mortality risks. A population subset susceptible to MBT was subjected to both exponentially increasing 1988 general and MBT mortality risks. Expected MBT age-specific mortality rates in the total population (both general and MBT susceptible subsets) were determined. Expected MBT age-specific mortality rates in the total population initially increase exponentially with age, and then decline. Moreover, when the size of the MBT-susceptible population subset was set at 1/125 of the size of the general population size, the modeled pattern of age-specific MBT mortality rates closely mimicked the observed pattern of age-specific MBT mortality rates. The observed biphasic pattern of age-specific MBT mortality rates can be explained by the existence of an MBT-susceptible population subset in whom the risk of MBT mortality increases exponentially with age and population subset depletion occurs.
Osmotic Tolerance Limits and Effects of Cryoprotectants on Motility of Bovine Spermatozoa

This study was conducted to determine the osmotic properties of bull spermatozoa, including the effects of osmotic stress and cryoprotectant agent (CPA) addition and removal, on sperm motility. Semen from beef bulls was collected by electroejaculation and extended 1:3 in TL-Hepes containing 100 mg/ml pyruvate and 6 mg/ml BSA. In solutions of 150‐1200 mOsmolal (mOsm), bull spermatozoa behaved as linear osmometers (r 2 5 0.97) with an osmotically inactive cell volume of 61%. The isosmotic cell volume was 23.5 mm 3 . Motility was determined after exposure to anisosmotic solutions ranging from 35 to 2400 mOsm and after return to isosmotic conditions. Retention of at least 90% of isosmotic motility could be maintained only between 270‐360 mOsm. Bull spermatozoa were calculated to retain 90% of their isosmotic motility at 92‐103% of their isosmotic cell volume. Motility following a one-step addition and removal of 1Mg lycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide, and ethylene glycol was reduced by 31%, 90%, and 6%, respectively, compared with CPA addition only. These data indicate that, during bull spermatozoa cryopreservation, osmotically driven cell volume excursions must be limited by exposure to a very narrow range that may be facilitated by the use of ethylene glycol as a CPA. gamete biology, sperm, sperm motility and transport
Ultra-sensitive Faraday rotation spectroscopy of O 2 : Model vs. experiment

We compare theoretical model simulations based on the HITRAN database with experimental data for the sensing of O 2 using novel balanced Herriott multipass Faraday Rotation Spectroscopy. A detection limit of 10 ppm is achieved.
Polarization discrimination for improving foliage-camouflaged target detection

Many realizations of foliage around a hard target can be obtained using the coherent scattering model in a Monte Carlo simulation. These realizations provide the statistical variations of foliage and target response. Foliage camouflaged target detection at low microwave frequencies is investigated, using a powerful foliage and hard target simulation tool which accounts for near-field interactions between the hard target and foliage. Based on fully polarimetric simulation results of a foliage camouflaged metallic target a polarization synthesis optimization method for improving signal to clutter is examined. A genetic algorithm is implemented for finding an optimal set of radar transmit and receive polarizations that maximizes target backscatter to clutter ratio.
A unified approach to polyene macrolides: Synthesis of candidin and nystatin polyols

Polyene macrolide antibiotics are naturally occurring antifungal agents. Members of this class include amphotericin B, which has been used widely to treat systemic fungal infections. A general synthetic strategy has been devised to prepare polyol chains associated with the polyene macrolides. Cyanohydrin acetonide alkylations were used to assemble the carbon skeleton, and a simple modification of the strategy allowed an advanced intermediate to be converted to either the candidin polyol or the nystatin polyol. The candidin polyol was further elaborated to a protected candidin aglycone. This strategy will be applicable to other members of the polyene macrolide natural products.
Implementation of the multidirectional search algorithm on an automated chemistry workstation. A parallel yet adaptive approach for reaction optimization

Abstract We have developed an experiment-planning module for applying a powerful new pattern search algorithm toward the problems of reaction investigation and optimization. The experiment planner works in conjunction with a closed-loop automated chemistry workstation equipped for parallel experimentation. The new algorithm, developed by Torczon for parallel computation of mathematical functions, achieves a focused yet parallel approach to finding regions of improved response. Like a full factorial design, the search space involves a regular grid of points. Like the Simplex algorithm, the multidirectional search (MDS) algorithm uses the movement of a simplex through a search space. However, with each movement all points except the single best are discarded, whereas the Simplex algorithm discards only the one worst point. Thus, in an n-dimensional space, the MDS algorithm projects n mandatory points at every cycle (beyond the initial). In addition, a larger number of exploratory points are identified by look-ahead projection of possible future simplices. Such exploratory points lie on multiple independent lines of search. The responses for the mandatory and exploratory points are acquired via parallel experimentation, with the latter points examined to the extent that the workstation has available capacity during the same schedule. The data from such exploratory points can be used in later cycles of experimentation, accelerating convergence on the region of optimal response. In the case of unlimited parallel experimentation capacity, all possible points in the space are projected, as in a full factorial design. The MDS algorithm thus adapts to the available parallel capacity of the workstation. The MDS planning module includes options for specifying initial points, stop criteria, and early-termination processes. Provisions are included for parallel scheduling of batches of experiments, convergence of the search, and movement at the boundaries of the search space. An MDS investigation can thus be implemented with global decision-making concerning movements through a search space, and local decision-making concerning termination of individual experiments. The MDS algorithm enables directed evolutionary searches in a parallel mode and is ideally suited for rapid optimization of chemical reactions using a microscale automated chemistry workstation.
Power efficient RF pulse compression through switched resonators

A simple, compact and efficient RF pulse compression technique based on a switched resonator concept has been introduced. It utilizes the charging/discharging characteristics of the circuit resonator and can be applied to any other microwave resonators. The approach compresses the duration of the pulse envelope without changing the phase characteristics of the RF carrier. The achievable power efficiency has proven to be sub-optimal which is 1dB lower than the lossless case. A test bed with a microstrip coupled line resonator and a Schottky diode has been fabricated and tested. The experiment demonstrates a 4 to 1 compression ratio. The proposed technique is promising for many RF signal processings such as RF multiplexing in a noise limited scenarios
English and British National Identity

National identities in the British Isles have been a neglected subject of study for a long time, though interest has been growing recently. Why the neglect, and why the new interest? This article proposes that much of the puzzle has to do with the peculiar, and dominating, position of England historically within the United Kingdom. This has led to a relative indifference to questions of national identity on the part of the English, and, by a defensive reaction, a corresponding increase, over time, with such questions on the part of the Scots, Welsh and Irish. The English developed a largely ‘non-national’ conception of themselves, preoccupied as they were with the management of the United Kingdom and the British Empire; the ‘Celtic’ nations followed a more familiar pattern of developing national consciousness, as shown elsewhere in Europe. With the loss of the British Empire, large-scale immigration, the call of Europe, and renewed nationalist movements that threaten the ‘break-up’ of Britain, it is the English who find themselves most acutely faced with questions of national identity. Hence the new interest in national identity, especially among the English but also generally throughout the United Kingdom as other groups seek to imagine alternative futures for themselves.
Is race a cause

Advocates of the counterfactual approach to causal inference argue that race is not a cause, and this despite the fact that it is commonly treated as such by scientists in many disciplines. I object that their argument is unsound since two of its premises are false. I also sketch an argument to the effect that racial discrimination cannot be explained unless one assumes race to be a cause.
First-rib stress fracture in two adolescent swimmers: a case report

First-rib stress fractures have been described in adolescent athletes in various sports, with only one prior case report of first-rib stress fractures in an adolescent female swimmer. There is a need for research on the cause, management, and prevention of these injuries as they lead to significant morbidity and critical time away from sport for these aspiring athletes. We aimed to describe first-rib stress fractures as a potential cause for non-specific atraumatic chronic shoulder pain in adolescent swimmers and to discuss the different presentations, unique risk factors, treatment, and potential injury prevention strategies of such fractures. We discussed two such cases which were successfully treated with activity modification with restriction of all overhead activity, gradually progressive physical therapy and a return to swimming protocol. First-rib stress fractures can vary in presentation and should be in the differential diagnosis in adolescent swimmers with chronic shoulder pain. These injuries can be successfully managed with rest from overhead activities and physical therapy. Gradual return to competitive swimming can be achieved even with non-union of a first-rib stress fracture. Emphasis on balanced strength training in different muscle groups and proper swimming technique is essential to prevent these injuries.
E2 transitions from the second 2+ level of even-even nuclei

Abstract A survey has been made of available data for the γ-ray branching of the second 2+ level of over 50 even nuclei with A > 30, together with data for the E2-M1 mixing of the (2′ → 2) cascade transition. In addition, presently available data for the Coulomb excitation cross sections for the second 2+ level of some 24 even nuclei have been collected. From these data, three ratios of reduced E2 transition probabilities have been calculated, and compared with the predictions of various theories. The comparisons indicate that by far the most successful theory to date for predicting such ratios is the recent asymmetric rotor model of Davydov and Filippov, Perhaps the most striking success of this theory is the prediction for the ratio B(E2; 2′ → 0)/B(E2; 2 → 0) as a function of the energy ratio E2(2+)/E1(2+). However, there are some experimental results which remain unexplained, particularly for the ratio B(E2; 2′ → 2)/B(E2; 2′ → 0).
ABSENCE OF THE PROSTATE ASSOCIATED WITH ENDOCRINE DISEASE, NOTABLY HYPOPITUITARISM; WITH HISTORIES OF EIGHTEEN CASES*

STATUS OFTHE PROSTATE ASA GLAND OFINTERNAL SECRETION It is still a question whether or not the prostate deserves to be classified among the glands of internal secretion. If it be one of them, it certainly has very little importance ascompared with the thyroid, the pituitary gland, the ovaries, the testicles,the adrenal, thethymus andthepineal body. For the present we may perhaps place it in the doubtful group composed of the mammary glands, the placenta and the carotid gland. In 1907, Wallace (1) considered it proved that the prostate must beregarded a sexual gland forthefollowing reasons: itis confined to the male sex; it enlarges rapidly at puberty, simultaneously with the other sexual organs; it exhibits seasonal activity in animals such as themole andhedgehog which only pair at certain times of theyear; it fails to grow in eunuchs, that is, individuals that are castrated in youth; and it atrophies after castration in adults.
Trichuris sp. and Strongyloides sp. Infections in a Free-Ranging Baboon Colony

We conducted cross-sectional surveys of parasites infecting a large free-living colony of baboons at the Southwest National Primate Research Center in San Antonio in October 2003 and April 2004, immediately before, and 6 mo after, treatment with ivermectin. Trichuris sp. was the predominant species present, infecting 79 and 69% of individual animals in the 2 surveys, with fecal egg counts (FEC) of up to 60,200 eggs per g (epg) (mean = 1,235 in October 2003 and 1,256 in April 2004). Prevalence remained fairly stable across age groups, and intensity was highest in animals 15 yr old, in contrast to patterns observed in humans, where school-age children show the heaviest infections. Strongyloides sp. was also identified, but the species identity remains uncertain. Small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences differed from published sequences of Strongyloides fuelleborni at multiple sites, but resided in a monophyletic group with other Strongyloides species with 92% bootstrap support. This may reflect a recent acquisition from a local host, or that the published sequence of S. fuelleborni is incorrect. Widespread infections with 2 nematode genera in a free-ranging baboon colony that are an important source of morbidity in human populations provide a useful model system for work on the epidemiology, control, pathology, and genetics of these parasites in a host species that is physiologically, immunologically, and genetically similar to humans.
Ethics Across the Boundaries of Social Identity: The Role of Intergroup Bias in the Perception of Unethical Behavior

Intergroup conflict reflects, in part, judgments made about behavior across group boundaries. We investigate in this research how group identity is related to judgments individuals make about the ethicality of others. According to Social Identity Theory, ingroup favoritism serves to positively distinguish the ingroup from the out-group, therefore promoting a positive group image. However, recent literature suggests that when behaviors are unambiguously negative, groups are even more critical of ingroup members, causing the black-sheep effect. The specific factors that engender ingroup favoritism versus the black-sheep effect remain in question. The present study examined both phenomena in the context of the evaluation of unethical behaviors. Participants read one of three scenarios describing either a mild or severe unethical action performed by an ingroup member, out-group member, or non-group member. It was expected that ingroup favoritism would operate when the action was mildly unethical, and the black-sheep effect would operate when the action was severely unethical. Results provided partial support for the existence of the black-sheep effect and out-group derogation. Ingroup favoritism was not supported in this context.
The Men's Fashion Reader by P. McNeil and V. Karaminas (Berg Publishers, 2009). The Men's Fashion Reader by A. Reilly and S. Cosbey (Fairchild Books, 2008).

(2010). The Men's Fashion Reader by P. McNeil and V. Karaminas (Berg Publishers, 2009). The Men's Fashion Reader by A. Reilly and S. Cosbey (Fairchild Books, 2008). Fashion Practice: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 133-136.
EXPERIMENTAL SLEEP RESTRICTION INCREASES NOCTURNAL BLOOD PRESSURE AND ATTENUATES BLOOD PRESSURE DIPPING IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS

Although growing evidence suggests that insufficient sleep is linked to enhanced risk of adverse events including hypertension, mechanistic investigations supporting causal relationships are lacking. In this study we sought to evaluate changes in ambulatory blood pressure in healthy individuals
Study on Composition and Influential Factors of Hospitalization Costs of Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients

Objective: To understand the composition and influential factors of hospitalization costs of acute myocardial infarction(AMI) patients in order to give suggestions on controlling medical costs better.Methods: Collecting 485 medical records of AMI patients from a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou from 2007 to 2009,analyzing the changing trends and composition of hospitalization cost with descriptive analysis,and using correlation analysis,rank sum test and multiple linear regression to analyze the influence of gender,age,payment methods and hospitalization days on hospitalization cost.Results: There shows an annual increase on hospitalization cost in treating AMI patients,and the ratio of treatment cost to whole hospitalization costs is in great proportion.Many other factors,such as surgical situation,length of stay,payment methods,intensive care case,age and curative effect,also play important roles in affecting hospitalization costs.Conclusion: It is suggested to shorten average hospitalization days through implementing clinical path management and optimizing hospital internal workflow;and to reduce medical costs through improving healthcare insurance system and developing efficient payment mechanism,such as payment on the disease categories.
Study of Heat Generating and Pumping Effect of Lip Seals under Coupling Action of Wringing Force and Lip Deformation

Influence of variant parameters on heat generation and pumping effect was studied based on the 2-D Radial Lip Seal Model,established considering the relationship of wringing force and lip deformation. The results show that while shaft speed rises,the lip deformation and contact width do not change but heat generation rate per unit area increases,and owing to hydrodynamic oil film thickness added the pumping rate rises;while wringing force increasing the heat generation rate will grow,the oil film thickness does not change and the pumping rate unchanged.With Young's modulus of the material increases,the heat generation rate will go rise,but pumping rate decreases;For a certain air side lip angle,the lip angle difference of two sides is 20°~30°,a better sealing performance scheme of the min.heat generation rate with the max.pumping rate may be achieved.It is indicated that the influence of heat generation and pumping effect should be taken into account comprehensively in designing the shaft sealing.
New continuous miniature crystal element (cMiCE) detector geometries

Continuous miniature crystal element (cMiCE) detectors are a potentially lower cost alternative to high resolution discrete crystal designs. We report on the intrinsic spatial resolution performance for two cMiCE PET detector designs with depth of interaction (DOI) positioning capability. The first detector utilizes a 50 mm by 50 mm by 8 mm LYSO crystal coupled to a 64 channel, multi-anode PMT. It provides 4 layers of DOI information. The crystal has beveled edges along two of its sides to improve the detector packing when placed in a ring geometry. The second detector utilizes a 50 mm by 50 mm by 15 mm, rectangular LYSO crystal coupled to a 64 channel, multi-anode PMT. It provides up to 15 layers of DOI information. The average intrinsic X, Y spatial resolution for the 8 mm thick, truncated crystal detector was 1.33 +/- 0.31 mm FWHM (45.6 mm by 46.6 mm useful imaging area). The average DOI resolution was 3.5 +/- 0.22 mm. The average intrinsic X, Y spatial resolution for the 15 mm thick crystal detector was 1.74 +/- 0.35 mm FWHM (44.6 mm by 44.6 mm useful imaging area). In addition, the average DOI spatial resolution for 56 test points spanning a 26.4 mm by 12.2 mm region of the crystal was 4.80 +/- 0.36 mm. We believe the 8 mm thick truncated crystal design is suitable for mouse imaging while the 15 mm thick crystal design is more suited for human organ specific imaging systems (e.g., breast and brain).