cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The amphibian (Xenopus laevis) type I interferon response to Frog Virus 3: new insight into ranavirus pathogenicity

The increasing prevalence of ranavirus (RV; Iridoviridae) infections of wild and commercially maintained aquatic species is raising considerable concerns. While Xenopus laevis is the leading model for studies of immunity to RV, amphibian antiviral interferon (IFN) responses remain largely uncharacterized. Accordingly, an X. laevis type I interferon was identified, the expression of the gene for this IFN was examined in RV (frog virus 3 [FV3])-infected tadpoles and adult frogs by quantitative PCR, and a recombinant form of this molecule (recombinant X. laevis interferon [rXlIFN]) was produced for the purpose of functional studies. This rXlIFN protected the kidney-derived A6 cell line and tadpoles against FV3 infection, decreasing the infectious viral burdens in both cases. Adult frogs are naturally resistant to FV3 and clear the infection within a few weeks, whereas tadpoles typically succumb to this virus. Hence, as predicted, virus-infected adult X. laevis frogs exhibited significantly more robust FV3-elicited IFN gene expression than tadpoles; nevertheless, they also tolerated substantially greater viral burdens following infection. Although tadpole stimulation with rXlIFN prior to FV3 challenge markedly impaired viral replication and viral burdens, it only transiently extended tadpole survival and did not prevent the eventual mortality of these animals. Furthermore, histological analysis revealed that despite rXlIFN treatment, infected tadpoles had considerable organ damage, including disrupted tissue architecture and extensive necrosis and apoptosis. Conjointly, these findings indicate a critical protective role for the amphibian type I IFN response during ranaviral infections and suggest that these viruses are more pathogenic to tadpole hosts than was previously believed, causing extensive and fatal damage to multiple organs, even at very low titers. IMPORTANCE Ranavirus infections are threatening wild and commercially maintained aquatic species. The amphibian Xenopus laevis is extensively utilized as an infection model for studying ranavirus-host immune interactions. However, little is known about amphibian antiviral immunity and, specifically, type I interferons (IFNs), which are central to the antiviral defenses of other vertebrates. Accordingly, we identified and characterized an X. laevis type I interferon in the context of infection with the ranavirus frog virus 3 (FV3). FV3-infected adult frogs displayed more robust IFN gene expression than tadpoles, possibly explaining why they typically clear FV3 infections, whereas tadpoles succumb to them. Pretreatment with a recombinant X. laevis IFN (rXlIFN) substantially reduced viral replication and infectious viral burdens in a frog kidney cell line and in tadpoles. Despite reducing FV3 loads and extending the mean survival time, rXlIFN treatments failed to prevent tadpole tissue damage and mortality. Thus, FV3 is more pathogenic than was previously believed, even at very low titers.
Histamine induces Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 expression in endothelial cells and enhances sensitivity to Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cell wall components

Histamine is a major inflammatory molecule released from the mast cell, and is known to activate endothelial cells. However, its ability to modulate endothelial responses to bacterial products has not been evaluated. In this study we determined the ability of histamine to modulate inflammatory responses of endothelial cells to Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial cell wall components and assessed the role of Toll-like receptors (TLR) 2 and 4 in the co-operation between histamine and bacterial pathogens. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), or peptidoglycan (PGN) in the presence or absence of histamine, and the expression and release of interleukin-6 (IL-6), and NF-kappaB translocation were determined. The effect of histamine on the expression of mRNA and proteins for TLR2 and TLR4 was also evaluated. Incubation of HUVEC with LPS, LTA and PGN resulted in marked enhancement of IL-6 mRNA expression and IL-6 secretion. Histamine alone markedly enhanced IL-6 mRNA expression in HUVEC, but it did not stimulate proportional IL-6 release. When HUVEC were incubated with LPS, LTA, or PGN in the presence of histamine marked amplification of both IL-6 production and mRNA expression was noted. HUVEC constitutively expressed TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA and proteins, and these were further enhanced by histamine. The expression of mRNAs encoding MD-2 and MyD88, the accessory molecules associated with TLR signalling, were unchanged by histamine treatment. These results demonstrate that histamine up-regulates the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 and amplifies endothelial cell inflammatory responses to Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial components.
The single-chip Fastbus slave interface

A single-chip implementation of the general-purpose Fastbus slave interface (FSI) has been developed in ECL (emitter-coupled logic) gate-array technology. The FSI occupies only 1.6% of the available circuit board space while providing a complete 32-b interface to the Fastbus. For slaves with 15-ns response timing, the maximum data rate expected with the single-chip interface is 25 MHz for all types of data cycles. All mandatory slave-interface requirements of IEEE 960 are supported, in addition to several nonmandatory requirements and the optional, extended MS code features. Geographic, logical, and broadcast addressing are implemented using on-chip registers. An optional multiple-module addressing technique is included that allows participating modules residing on a common crate or cable segment to respond as if individually addressed in sequence. The user interface provided by the FSI allows control of slave status-response and connection timing for both address and data cycles. The BIT1 ECL array technology used for the FSI allows direct connections to the Fastbus, eliminating the need for external driver/receiver buffers. >
Positive self-transitions in women child abuse survivors

Clinicians need information about what factors contribute to women child abuse survivors' mental health and success. Most previous research has focused on negative after-effects of abuse, and correlating types and severity of abuse with specific mental and physical problems in adulthood. Two qualitative studies (total N = 55) were done with low-income women survivors of child abuse and neglect from a midwestern inner city area. The majority of these women were African American. All participants were in recovery from substance abuse problems. A secondary analysis of these accounts was done to examine positive life transitions made by these women after experiences of abuse, and throughout adulthood, despite having serious after-effects of abuse. The investigator and research team categorized themes from the narrative data into two processes--epiphanies and maintaining momentum--and six elements constituting the content areas of self-change: self-centering, ownership, interpersonal insulation, willfulness, seeing options, and spiritual connection. Maintaining momentum and shortening the time between epiphanies was found to be central. Tentative clinical implications are discussed. The study was preliminary in that it was a secondary analysis. Suggestions for further research are outlined.
Thermoelastic Generation of Ultrasound by Line-Focused Laser Irradiation

A two-dimensional theoretical model for the field generated in the thermoelastic regime by line-focused laser illumination of a homogeneous, isotropic, linearly elastic half-space is presented. The model accounts for the effects of thermal diffusion and optical penetration, as well as the finite width and duration of the laser source. The model is obtained by solving the thermoelastic problem in plane strain, rather than by integrating available solutions for the point-source, leading to a lower computational effort. The well-known dipole model follows from appropriate limits. However, it is shown that, by simple elasticity arguments, the strength of the dipole can be related a-priori to the heat input and certain material properties. The strength is found to be smaller than that of the dipoles equivalent to a buried source due to the effect of the free surface. This fact has been overlooked by some previous researchers. Excellent quantitative agreement with experimental observations provides validation for the model. Some representative results are presented to illustrate the generated field and provide insight into the relevance of the different mechanisms taken into account in the model.
Genomic organization and chromosomal assignment for a serine protease gene (CSPB) expressed by human cytotoxic lymphocytes.

Abstract The human cytotoxic serine protease (“granzyme”) B gene has been isolated and sequenced. The gene is approximately 3500 bp in length and consists of five exons and four intervening introns. Its organization therefore conforms closely to that of the previously cloned serine protease genes which are expressed in mouse cytotoxic lymphocytes and rat mast cells. The 5′ upstream region is characterized by an atypical “TATA”-like transcriptional promoter and by a stretch of nucleotides bearing similarity to an enhancer core sequence believed to be requisite for the tissue-specific expression of serine protease genes in the exocrine pancreas. It has previously been demonstrated that mRNA transcripts from the human serine protease B gene are heterogeneous in size, due to frequent faulty intron/exon splicing. Two cryptic splice sites, which are used to generate these aberrant mRNA transcripts, have been identified. Using DNA blot analysis of a panel of human-rodent somatic cell lines, the human serine protease B gene has been localized to chromosome 14.
Site and Mechanism of Uptake of 3H-/-Norepinephrine by Isolated Perfused Rat Lungs

The uptake of 3H-l-norepinephrine was examined in isolated perfused rat lungs, and the mechanism of uptake was compared with that previously found for 5-hydroxytryptamine. Most of the norepinephrine taken up by the lungs was rapidly deaminated and O-methylated, and the metabolic products were subsequently returned to the perfusate. The presence of iproniazid and tropolone markedly inhibited this metabolism; because the metabolites were released from the lungs more rapidly than was norepinephrine itself, these inhibitors appeared to increase the rate of uptake of the amine. The uptake of norepinephrine was a saturable, temperature-dependent process with a Km of 1.11 x 10-6M and a Vmax measured during metabolic inhibition of 2.78 x 10-9 moles/g min-1. Uptake was inhibited by cocaine, imipramine, ouabain, and potassium-free medium as well as by decreasing the sodium concentration or increasing the potassium concentration of the medium. Although normetanephrine reduced the uptake of norepinephrine, metaramino...
Measuring the spatiotemporal electric field of ultrashort pulses with high spatial and spectral resolution

We demonstrate an experimentally simple and high-spectral-resolution version of spectral interferometry (SEA TADPOLE) that can measure complicated pulses (in time) at video rates. Additionally, SEA TADPOLE can measure spatial information about a pulse, and it is the first technique that can directly measure the spatiotemporal electric field [E(x,y,z,λ)] of a focusing ultrashort pulse. To illustrate and test SEA TADPOLE, we measured E(λ) of a shaped pulse that had a time-bandwidth product of approximately 100. To demonstrate that SEA TADPOLE can measure focusing pulses, we measured E(x,λ) at and around the focus produced by a plano-convex lens. We also measured the focus of a beam that had angular dispersion present before the lens. We have found that SEA TADPOLE can achieve better spectral resolution than an equivalent spectrometer, and here we discuss this in detail, giving both experimental and simulated examples. We also discuss the angular acceptance and spatial resolution of SEA TADPOLE when measuring the spatiotemporal field of a focusing pulse.
AN ENIGMATIC BLASTOZOAN ECHINODERM FAUNA FROM CENTRAL KENTUCKY

Abstract A series of small road cuts of lower Boyle Formation (Middle Devonian: Givetian) near Waco, Kentucky, has produced numerous specimens of three blastozoan clades, including both “anachronistic” diploporan and rhombiferan “cystoids” and relatively advanced Granatocrinid blastoids. This unusual assemblage occurs within a basal grainstone unit of the Boyle Limestone, apparently recording a local shoal deposit. Diploporans, the most abundant articulated echinoderms, are represented by a new protocrinitid species, Tristomiocystis globosus n. gen. and sp. Glyptocystitoid rhombiferans are represented by isolated thecal plates assignable to Callocystitidae. Three species of blastoids, all previously undescribed, include numerous thecae of the schizoblastid Hydroblastus hendyi n. gen. and sp., the rare nucleocrinid Nucleocrinus bosei n. sp., and an enigmatic troosticrinid radial. The blastoid Nucleocrinus is typical for the age; however, the callocystitid, schizoblastid, and protocrinitid are not. Hydrobla...
Parenchymal dissection techniques.

A century ago, Elliot [1] was horrified with his own experience with hepatic parenchymal dissection, and comparing it with others, concluded the liver was “so friable, so full of gaping vessels, and so evidently incapable of being sutured that it had always seemed impossible to successfully manage large wounds of its substance.”
Recurrence Quantification Analysis of F-Waves and the Evaluation of Neuropathies

Electrodiagnostic (EDX) patterns of neuropathic dysfunction have been based on axonal/demyelinating criteria requiring prior assumptions. This has not produced classifications of desired sensitivity or specificity. Furthermore, standard nerve conduction studies have limited reproducibility. New methodologies in EDX seem important. Recurrent Quantification Analysis (RQA) is a nonlinear method for examining patterns of recurrence. RQA might provide a unique method for the EDX evaluation of neuropathies. RQA was used to analyze F-wave recordings from the abductor hallucis muscle in 61 patients with neuropathies. Twenty-nine of these patients had diabetes as the sole cause of their neuropathies. In the other 32 patients, the etiologies of the neuropathies were diverse. Commonly used EDX variables were also recorded. RQA data could separate the 29 patients with diabetic neuropathies from the other 32 patients (P < 0.009). Statistically significant differences in two EDX variables were also present: compound muscle action potential amplitudes (P < 0.007) and F-wave persistence (P < 0.001). RQA analysis of F-waves seemed able to distinguish diabetic neuropathies from the other neuropathies studied, and this separation was associated with specific physiological abnormalities. This study would therefore support the idea that RQA of F-waves can distinguish between types of neuropathic dysfunction based on EDX data alone without prior assumptions.
Towards the Elimination of Pediatric HIV: Enhancing Maternal, Sexual, and Reproductive Health Services

Almost 10 years ago, the United Nations adopted a comprehensive, four-pronged approach for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). Despite all four prongs being central to the elimination of pediatric HIV, and the health of the mother being critical to reaching this goal, PMTCT programs have historically focused more attention on preventing HIV transmission from mother to child (prong 3) than on preventing HIV in women of reproductive age (prong 1) and preventing unintended pregnancies in women living with HIV (prong 2). In this commentary, experts from the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) argue that within the context of efforts to eliminate pediatric HIV, there are many ways to keep women living with HIV alive and at the center of the response to the global epidemic. One of the ways to do this is to enhance maternal and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Within the elimination agenda, integration and linkages between PMTCT and comprehensive SRH services can keep mothers alive and at the center of the response. The commentary highlights some of the foundation's global health work supporting, evaluating and enhancing maternal and SRH services provided to women living with HIV and proposes concrete actions for donors, researchers, policy makers and program implementers to further enhance maternal and SRH services within the context of PMTCT. If keeping women living with HIV is an integral component of the elimination of pediatric HIV agenda, maternal and SRH research, policies and programs need to be strengthened within the context of PMTCT. Donor funding and priorities for PMTCT also need to be more supportive of primary prevention of HIV infection among women of childbearing age and preventing unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV.
“You've Gone Too Far”: Social Pressure Mobilization, Reactance, and Individual Differences

Important theoretical strides have been made in understanding how to mobilize voters. One especially promising technique encourages voting by suggesting to people their compliance with social norms to vote is being monitored. While several studies register increases in turnout with social pressure techniques, campaigns have failed to adopt them. Our previous research suggests this may be because of voter backlash against these techniques. In this article, we delve more deeply into partisan, sex, and age differences in voter backlash effects in an effort to identify subgroups that may not react to campaigns mobilizing their supporters by using these powerful techniques.
Gay, Queer, or Dimensional? Modes of Reading Bisexuality on Torchwood

Using the BBC series Torchwood as a case study, this article shows how a homosexual or queer critical lens may restrict analysis of bisexual desire in film and television. It also discusses how conventions of bisexual representation constrain critics who struggle to articulate on-screen bisexuality as present and meaningful. In contrast, dimensional sexuality—a nonbinary model for representing complex sexualities—triangulates aspects of desire along multiple axes to reconfigure temporal and relational categories of sexual difference. Examples from Torchwood demonstrate how a dimensional mode of interpretation enables popular culture scholars to analyze bisexual and other nonbinary desires in a cinematic medium.
Ecumenism, Soviet-Dissident Style*

While a good deal of research has focused on religious ecumenical movements in Western societies, far less attention has been devoted to ecumenism in non-Western contexts. Whereas religious groups in the West are generally free to pursue cooperation with other religious bodies, those operating in more repressive contexts face an additional challenge. In officially atheistic polities, the state plays an important role in shaping the character of ecumenical pursuits. The present study examines the impact of the Soviet state on independent efforts by religious bodies to build an ecumenical base. Our findings suggest that in atheistic societies the state operates as an ambivalent force affecting, in both negative and positive directions, the coalescence of ecumenically minded believers. We conclude with some cross-national observations on ecumenical formations.
Psychological Consultation in a Children’s Hospital

Relatively few studies have examined the types of patients seen and services provided by pediatric psychologists in clinical settings. Even fewer studies have provided a program evaluation of these services. Kanoy and Schroeder (1985) examined referrals received from a “Call In/Come In” service from a private pediatric group, whereas Ottinger and Roberts (1980) surveyed referrals from pediatricians to a pediatric psychology practicum. Walker (1979) examined both inpatient and outpatient referrals from a large children’s hospital. A relatively consistent pattern of results was obtained across the three settings. The most frequent referrals were for negative behaviors, developmental delays, psychosomatic problems, school problems, and toileting problems. Pediatric psychologists in each setting also received a smaller number of referrals for problems associated with acute and chronic medical illnesses and developmental problems in childhood and adolescence.
Assessment of CSF drainage to the lymphatic system using positron emission tomography in rats and nonhuman primates.

1742 Objectives Understanding the biokinetics of drugs administered to the CSF benefits the development of effective treatments for diseases involving the CNS and meninges. Literature suggests that drug molecules are transferred from the CSF to the systemic circulation through: (1) micron-range pores in arachnoid granulations that drain directly to the blood, and (2) the lymphatic system. The extent, routes, and species-dependence of this lymphatic drainage are still widely debated. The goal of this study was to investigate the lymphatic uptake of solutes from the CSF using a minimally invasive, PET-based approach. Methods Radiolabeled proteins and nanoparticles were administered into the CSF of rats and Cynomolgus monkeys through pre-implanted catheters opening in the lumbar segment of spine or in the brain ventricle. PET images were acquired over 24 hours. The imaging data was used to assess the extent of accumulation of the administered proteins and particles in the lymph nodes. Results In animals with preinstalled catheters, the amount of the administered material that accumulated in the lymph nodes of both species was much lower than some previously reported data would suggest, especially in primates. Our data indicates only minor uptake in the lymph nodes, and almost exclusively in the cervical region. In rats, the total lymphatic uptake was 4.3±2.0%ID (n=9) and in primates, was 0.27±0.20%ID (n=9) four hours after the administration. (Notably, minor leakages from direct injection sites resulted in rapid material uptake in the respective sentinel lymph nodes.) Conclusions Our findings suggest that CSF drainage directly to the blood is the main pathway by which the vast majority of macromolecules and particles exit the CSF into systemic circulation, especially in primates.
Writings on the wall: Chinese material traces in an African landscape

Much current scholarship on ‘Chinese–African relations’ focuses on the monumental projects, the built walls, which are visibly transforming African landscapes, and on the increasing Chinese physical presence on the continent. Instead, this article argues that a focus on the material traces of consumer goods circulating in colonial and post-colonial markets, and in expert knowledge that shaped bodily practices, domestic habits, and rural landscapes over time, yields a more nuanced picture of Chinese–African entanglements. We examine elements of “Chineseness” that inform Sierra Leonean ways of dwelling – particularly of farming rice, and of intervening therapeutically on bodies – but often through intermediaries whose imprints mask Asian origins. Contemporary China-Africa friendship rhetoric stresses bilateralism and palimpsestic reinscriptions of earlier relations, but belies a history in which multiple Chinas struggled for global recognition through partnerships with African countries that articulated wit...
The Challenge of Agricultural Consulting

Nearly five years ago I left university life and established JENSEN Agricultural Consultants, Inc. To venture into a new profession, where job security was nonexistent, was rather anxiety provoking but I saw a need. Not a need for a “bug chaser” or “insect scout” but a need for someone who could assimilate the available technical knowledge into a unified system
Parasitization of the Oriental Moth (Cnidocampa Flavescens (Walk.)) by Chaetexorista Javana B. and B

During 1929 and 1930 the larvivorid (tachinid) fly Chaetexorista iavana B. and B. was successfully introduced from Japan into the United States as a parasite of the oriental moth ( Cnidocampa flavescens (Walk.)). The oriental moth has a very restricted distribution in this country, occurring, so far as is known, only in the vicinity of Boston, Mass. Because of the restricted range of the host and the fact that attack by other parasites is practically negligible, it has been possible to follow the history of the parasite in its new environment more closely than is usually the case with an introduced species. This paper is a record of the proportion of host larvae parasitized from 1930 through 1942, with some observations regarding the factors responsible for fluctuations in percentage of parasitization.
Silica Nanoparticle Wettability: Characterization and Effects on the Emulsion Properties

Recent interest in the use of nanoparticles in emulsion stabilization has driven increased efforts to understand how the characteristics of the particles influence the emulsion properties. While it is clear that the contact angle and wettability must play significant roles in determining the type of emulsion formed, it is not straightforward to measure the contact angle of a nanoparticle. In this paper, we compare multiple techniques for characterizing the water–air contact angle of silica nanoparticles while systematically varying the hydrophobicity of the nanoparticles using silanization. We then compare the performance of the particles in decane/water emulsions. While the heat of immersion measured by microcalorimetry is found to provide the best method for discriminating between the wettability of the particles, the fraction of surface covered by the silane groups was observed to affect the structure of the emulsion more profoundly than the differences in the contact angles of the particles. Furthermo...
Epidemic Analysis of HIV / AIDS from 2009 to 2011 in Shenzhen

Objective To understand the characteristics of AIDS epidemic from 2009 to 2011 in Shenzhen and providebasis for HIV / AIDS prevention and control strategies. Method The epidemic data of HIV / AIDS from 2009 to 2011 inShenzhen were analyzed by epidemiological method. Results There were 2 982 HIV positive cases reported from 2009 to2011 in Shenzhen,in which 2 139 cases were HIV positive ,843 cases were diagnosed as AIDS. The ratio of male tofemale was 4.8∶1,most of cases were people aged 20～39 years old (77.7% ), with an average age of (32.9±0.6)years.68.9% of them had the education level on junior high school and senior high school.86.5% of them were floatingpopulation. The major route of transmission was sexual contact , accounting for 76.6% of all HIV positive cases , in whichthe same-sex transmission was 31.9% .In addition ,the infection ratio caused by both heterosexual and homosexualtransmission increased year by year (P0.01). Conclusions Most of HIV cases were floating population in Shenzhen.The major route of transmission was sexual contact which shows an upward trend. Great importance should be attached tothe same-sex transmission.The control and prevention of HIV / AIDS in the near future should include preventing thetransmission through sexual contacts ,preventing the second transmission ,and strengthening the control of HIV / AIDSamong MSM and migrant population.
Menin-mediated regulation of miRNA biogenesis uncovers the IRS2 pathway as a target for regulating pancreatic beta cells.

Menin, a protein encoded by the MEN1 gene, is mutated in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Menin acts as a tumor suppressor in endocrine organs while it is also required for transformation of a subgroup of leukemia. The recently solved crystal structure of menin with different binding partners reveals that menin is a key scaffold protein that cross-talks with various partners, including transcription factors, to regulate gene transcription. Our recent findings unravel a previously undiscovered mechanism for menin-mediated control of gene expression via processing of certain microRNA’s, thus adding to the plethora of ways in which menin regulates gene expression. By interacting with ARS2, an RNA binding protein, menin facilitates the processing of pri-let 7a and pri-miR155 to pre-let 7a and pre-miR155 respectively. Consistently, excision of the Men1 gene results in upregulation of IRS2, a let-7a target. As IRS2 is known to mediate both insulin signaling and insulin-induced cell proliferation, and let-7a targets include oncogenes like RAS and HMGA2, a deeper understanding of the menin-ARS2 complex in regulating miRNA biogenesis will yield further insights into the pathogenesis of the MEN1 syndrome and other menin-associated malignancies.
Stromal hypocellularity and encapsulation in organ cultures of human prostate: application in epithelial cell isolation.

AbstractThe primary objective of our study was to obtain pure cultures of prostatic epithelium. The phenomena of encapsulation by epithelial cells and hypocellularity in stroma occurred when explants of human prostatic tissue were maintained in suspension cultures. Hypocellularity progressed with time and was more pronounced in encapsulated explants. When encapsulated explants were allowed to attach to the substrate they formed an outgrowth of epithelial cells in a monolayer. The significance of these findings is in the use of the described changes in isolating and establishing epithelial cultures of human prostatic epithelium. These cultures are required for studies on the biology of prostatic epithelium and the etiology and treatment of prostatic neoplasia.
Clarithromycin for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections.

Background: A better appreciation of the causal relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and peptic ulcer disease and the benefit conferred by curing this infection has led to the recommendation that all patients with duodenal ulcer disease receive anti-H. pylori treatment. Multi-drug regimens, including bismuth, metronidazole and tetracycline or amoxycillin with an antisecretory agent, are successful in >90% of treated patients but the emergence of metronidazole-resistant H. pylori has begun to limit their effectiveness. Design: The search for the optimal anti-H. pylori treatment has focused on simplifying the regimen (to decrease adverse drug-related events and increase patient compliance), while retaining the excellent clinical results of the traditional multi-drug regimens. This article reviews the data concerning clarithromycin for treatment of H. pylori infections. Results: Numerous evaluations have shown that clarithromycin has desirable attributes for anti-H. pylori treatment: clarithromycin is resistant to gastric acid, penetrates in high concentrations into gastric tissue and mucus, shows excellent antimicrobial activity against H. pylori, results in a high cure rate when used in two- and three-drug combinations, is associated with a low incidence of acquired H. pylori resistance and is well tolerated. Successful clarithromycin therapies include clarithromycin + omeprazole, clarithromycin + amoxycillin, or clarithromycin + omeprazole + tinidazole or metronidazole, and clarithromycin triple therapy. Conclusion: Clarithromycin may become an integral component of anti-H. pylori therapy.
Association of Arterial Oxygen Tension During In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest With Return of Spontaneous Circulation and Survival

Background:Despite numerous advances in the delivery of resuscitative care, in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) continues to be associated with high morbidity and mortality. We sought to study the im...
Matrix-isolation study of the thermal decomposition of pyridine

The pyrolysis and thermal oxidation of pyridine have been studied in the temperature range of 700-900 o C using matrix-isolation infrared spectroscopy. The matrices employed in the studies were argon, nitrogen, and various mixtures of N 2: O 2 (4:1, 8:1, and 16:1). Our results indicate the formation of bipyridine and cyanomethylene as major products in pure argon and nitrogen matrices. Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, and HOCN are observed as products in the N 2 :O 2 matrices. Isotopic studies using 18 O 2 were used to confirm the identity of the observed products. Reaction mechanisms are proposed for the formation of observed products
Religiously Grounded Morality and the Reach of Public Law

Non omne quod licet honestum est , according to a maxim of Roman law: “Not all that is permitted is honorable.” St. Paul expressed a similar thought in these (translated) words: “We are free to do anything,” you say. Yes, but not everything is good for us. We are free to do anything, but not everything builds up the community. You should each look after the interests of others, not your own. (1 Corinthians 10:23–24 [Revised English Bible]). To contend that prohibition by the standards of morality is, appropriately, more demanding than prohibition by the standards of law, is to affirm that legal norms will (again, appropriately) be narrower than moral norms. The degree to which that narrowness is appropriate is the subject of this chapter. To a significant extent, one's views on that issue are a product of the perceived salience of three interrelated considerations: – The extent to which the specific moral norm in question is the subject of widespread dissensus in our culture; – The extent to which efforts to deter the conduct in question through law are acknowledged to raise serious questions of justice or political wisdom; – The extent to which those who believe in the objective truth of one answer to a moral question are able and willing to acknowledge the possibility of morally legitimate and responsible conscientious disagreement with that answer. The analyses that follow in this chapter focus mainly on the first and second factors. The third is more fully considered in Chapter 16.
Persistence of minimal residual disease assessed by multiparameter flow cytometry is highly prognostic in younger patients with acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND Predicting outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) on the basis of pretreatment predictors has been the cornerstone of management. Posttreatment prognostic factors are increasingly being evaluated. METHODS Among 280 younger patients who were treated with intermediate-dose cytarabine (total ≥ 5 g/m2) and idarubicin-based induction chemotherapy and achieved remission, 186 were assessed for minimal residual disease (MRD) with an 8-color multiparameter flow cytometry panel performed on bone marrow specimens with a sensitivity of 0.1% or higher. RESULTS One hundred sixty-six patients had samples available 1 to 2 months after induction at the time of complete remission (CR), and 79% became negative for MRD, with an MRD-negative status associated with an improvement in relapse-free survival (RFS; P = .0002) and overall survival (OS; P = .0002). One hundred sixteen were evaluated for their MRD status during consolidation, and 86% were negative, with an MRD-negative status associated with a significant improvement in RFS (P < .0001) and OS (P < .0001). Sixty-nine patients were evaluated for their MRD status after completion of all therapy, and 84% were negative, with an MRD-negative status associated with an improvement in RFS (P < .0001) and OS (P < .0001). In a multivariate analysis including age, cytogenetics, response (CR vs CR with incomplete platelet recovery/incomplete blood count recovery), and MRD, achieving an MRD-negative status was the most important independent predictor of RFS and OS at response (P = .008 and P = .0008, respectively), during consolidation (P < .0001 for both), and at the completion of therapy (P < .0001 and P = .002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Achieving an MRD-negative status according to multiparameter flow cytometry is associated with a highly significant improvement in the outcomes of younger patients with AML receiving cytosine arabinoside plus idarubicin-based induction and consolidation regimens. Cancer 2017;123:426–435. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
REFERENCE POINT INDENTATION OF HUMAN TRABECULAR BONE TREATED WITH BISPHOSPHONATES FOR VARYING DURATIONS

OF THESIS REFERENCE POINT INDENTATION OF HUMAN TRABECULAR BONE TREATED WITH BISPHOSPHONATES FOR VARYING DURATIONS Reference point indentation (RPI), a novel form of micro-indentation, quantifies RPI material parameters which correlate with modulus, yield stress, strength, or toughness. Information linking bisphosphonate treatment length with the material properties of osteoporotic trabecular bone is needed to improve patient treatment. The objectives of this study were to: 1) determine if RPI can be used to successfully evaluate human trabecular bone and if so, determine an optimized test method for using RPI on trabecular bone, and 2) use this method to determine if any RPI parameters are related to the duration of bisphosphonate treatment. Indentation using a 4 N applied force for 5 cycles was determined to be optimal and used to indent trabecular bone samples from 44 post-menopausal, osteoporotic female patients treated with bisphosphonates for varying (0.8 to 14 years) durations. Considering patient age and calcium supplementation use as covariates, six RPI parameters were significantly (p<0.05) related to BP treatment duration. These results show that the duration of BP treatment is associated with declining RPI-parameters in human trabecular bone. Given prior findings linking these RPI parameters with established material parameters, the present findings suggest that increasing duration of BP treatment is associated with declining trabecular bone material properties.
Quantifying Contributions to Light Attenuation in Estuaries and Coastal Embayments: Application to Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island

In Narragansett Bay, light attenuation by total suspended sediments (TSS), colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM), and phytoplankton chlorophyll-a (chl-a) pigment is 129, 97, and 70%, respectively, of that by pure seawater. Spatial distribution of light attenuation indicates higher values in the upper Bay, where rivers with sediment and nutrient-rich waters enter and elevate TSS, CDOM, and chl-a concentrations. The temporal trends of light attenuation during the summer months (July–August) differed at various locations in the Bay, having the highest values in July. For the same period, spectral methods overestimated attenuation throughout the Bay. These findings quantify the behavior of light attenuation in space and time, providing information that can guide decisions related to improving water clarity and help understanding the effects of various environmental and management scenarios on it.
Computational Investigation of Interfacial Cracks Changes of TiAl Alloy

In an effort to develop into a practical application of TiAl alloys for aerospace materials, Researchers at home and abroad in the use of alloying and thermal processing methods to improve the brittleness and other areas a lot of work.The existence of cracks which led to the kinds of material degradation of the major causative factor. However, it is difficult for us to observed the change of the local atom structure of the material by experiments in the limitation from our experimental conditions, nevertheless, computational research provide us the possibility that we can observe the evolution of the structure. Molecular dynamics calculation is considered to be well suited to describe the change of potential energy of the atoms in such a system. Embedded atom method (EAM) and canonical ensemble (NVT) molecular dynamics simulations have been carried out to obtain pre-cracks of different lengths of the structure of TiAl alloy. According to the average energy of atoms and the radial density distribution function, with increasing temperature the changes, analysis of TiAl alloy films of micro-cracks in the heating process, the structure changes with temperature.
Modeling Nanoelectromechanical Switches With Random Surface Roughness

Surface roughness is an important physical feature of nanometer-scale electromechanical (NEM) devices but typically is not considered in their numerical analysis. In this paper, computer simulations of a single-pole double-throw NEM switch with surface roughness are presented. Roughness is shown to modify the eigenfrequencies of the system, and also to make it possible for the switch to not close successfully. The importance of avoiding a free-standing cantilever is demonstrated.
Arte y rebelión indígena: Julio Broca y la imagen latinoamericana de las identidades partidas

Luigi Zoja al reflexionar sobre los aislamientos contemporaneos piensa en los muros, esos muros que en la antiguedad eran fortificaciones extendidas a lo largo de vastos territorios, los muros suponian un sistema de exclusion del projimo, los que estaban ‘afuera’, y los que quedaban dentro. El muro del siglo XX y XXI contiene la plaga o el desplazamiento humano (otra plaga), encierra un cierto tipo de comunidad, en la Muerte del projimo, las separaciones humanas se hacen cada vez mas graves, por asuntos de seguridad, por racismo, por un conjunto de elementos acentuados por las velocidades de la desigualdad, la tecnologia del ermita urbano, las iglesias vacias y el aislamiento colectivo que incluye para Luigi Zoja (2015: 136-137) la informacion inflacionaria y abstracta combatiendo la solidaridad comunitaria. Desde diferentes vertientes, en este momento del siglo, se produce la lectura cartografica de la soledad y el desconcierto: la desintegracion parece ser el signo de todo lo viviente. Hay un proceso de desacralizacion, de ruptura por la ruptura misma que parece no cohesionar mas que una era de fragmentos, se vuelven fragmentarios los pactos humanos, las relaciones son transitorias, los lugares de paso. Y ese aislamiento llega con fuerza pujante procurando la ignorancia, la vaciedad, ‘lo light’ social, evitando ver en los demas un referente afectivo o compasivo, haciendo que ‘los otros’ no sean mas que un paisaje, al decir de Pessoa.
FA-MCADF: Feature Affinity Based Multiple Correspondence Analysis and Decision Fusion Framework for Disaster Information Management

Multimedia semantic concept detection is one of the major research topics in multimedia data analysis in recent years. Disaster information management needs the assistance of multimedia data analysis to better utilize those disasterrelated information, which has been widely shared by people through the Internet. In this paper, a Feature Affinity based Multiple Correspondence Analysis and Decision Fusion (FAMCADF) framework is proposed to extract useful semantics from a disaster dataset. By utilizing the selected features and their affinities/ranks in each of the feature groups, the proposed framework is able to improve the concept detection results. Moreover, the decision fusion scheme further improves the accuracy performance. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework and prove that the fusion of the decisions of the basic classifiers could make the framework outperform several existing approaches in the comparison.
Caught in the Middle: The Changing Role of Buddhist Meditation for Older Shan Adults*

AbstractIn this paper, I examine the role of Buddhist meditation and other ascetic practices in the lives of village elders in a rural Shan community in Mae Hong Son province, Thailand. My focus is...
Logic synthesis for energy-efficient photonic integrated circuits

The development of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) has made it possible to accomplish on-chip optical interconnects and computations. As a promising alternative to traditional CMOS circuits, optics has demonstrated the ability to realize ultra-high speed and low-power information processing and communications. In this work, we propose a logic synthesis methodology for PICs. For the first time, practical issues including the insertion losses from optical combiners and switches are considered. Two optimization techniques based on binary decision diagram, combiner elimination and coupler assignment, are proposed to improve the power efficiency for PICs. Experimental results of MCNC and IWLS combinational benchmarks showed our method could efficiently generate quality PICs with a 27.02X better optical power efficiency on average, and greatly reduce the optical power depletion and facilitate large-scale on-chip optical computation.
Advanced liquid crystal displays with supreme image qualities

ABSTRACT‘LCD vs. OLED: who wins?’ is a heated debatable question. Each technology has its own pros and cons. We review recent advances in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) from three performance metri...
The role of ternary alloying elements in eutectoid transformation of U10Mo alloy part I. Microstructure evolution during arc melting and subsequent homogenization annealing in U9.8Mo0.2X alloy (X = Cr, Ni, Co)

Abstract This work describes the microstructural evolution in an alloy of uranium with 10 wt.% molybdenum (U10Mo), with minor addition of a third alloying element, namely, Cr, Ni, or Co, at 0.2 wt.%. The microstructures of arc-melted buttons in the as-cast condition show significant Mo segregation. The segregation behavior of Cr, Ni, and Co was investigated through detailed scanning electron microscope imaging. A homogenization heat treatment at 900 °C for 48 h results in uniform Mo distribution and associated grain growth in all of the four alloys that were fabricated. Further, formation of multiple phases was noted in U-9.8 wt.% Mo-0.2 wt.% Ni and U-9.8 wt.% Mo-0.2 wt.% Co alloys after the homogenization annealing step. The greatest grain-boundary-initiated eutectoid transformation as measured by % volume fraction was observed when the homogenized U-9.8 wt.% Mo-0.2 wt.% Ni alloy was aged at 500 °C for 20 h. The least eutectoid transformation occurred in U10Mo.
Crohn's disease of the mouth: report of a case.

Aim Crohn's disease is a chronic, inflammatory process, probably immunologically mediated, that may affect any segment of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, usually in a discontinuous fashion. Oral manifestations are important clinical findings in Crohn's disease. Case report Description of a young male with oral manifestations of Crohn's disease is detailed and the current literature is briefly reviewed. Past medical history and oral clinical examination of the patient were analysed. He was treated with systemic prednisone. The case reports a significant reduction of lesion after six months of treatment.
Role of Epigenetics in the Brain

There is increasing evidence that epigenetic mechanisms play an important regulatory role in neural processes associated with brain development and phenotypic outcome, and do so from early embryonic development through senescence. Though a complete picture has yet to emerge, it is clear that epigenetic changes to the genome promote a range of processes important for brain evolution, development, and function. Herein, we highlight key studies demonstrating a role for epigenetic mechanisms in these phenomena, including changes in phenotypes that are passed on to the next generation, gene imprinting, neural cell differentiation, neurogenesis, cognition, and the susceptibility to stress-related disorders.
Charles Theodore Dotter: The Father of Intervention

The 1st percutaneous transluminal angioplasty marked a new era in the treatment of peripheral atherosclerotic lesions. The early techniques used in peripheral percutaneous transluminal angioplasty form the basis for subsequent percutaneous intervention both in the peripheral and coronary arteries and are largely the contribution of Charles Dotter. Dotter was the 1st to describe flow-directed balloon catheterization, the double-lumen balloon catheter, the safety guidewire, percutaneous arterial stenting, and more. This practical genius dedicated his considerable energy to the belief that there is always a better way to treat disease. His personal contributions to clinical medicine, research, and teaching have saved millions of limbs and lives all over the world.