cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating fully observed recursive mixed-process models with cmp 1

At the heart of many econometric models is a linear function and a normal error. Examples include the classical small-sample linear regression model and the probit, ordered probit, multinomial probit, Tobit, interval regression, and truncated distribution regression models. Because the normal distribution has a natural multidimensional generalization, such models can be combined into multi-equation systems in which the errors share a multivariate normal distribution. The literature has historically focused on multi-stage procedures for estimating mixed models, which are more efficiently computationally, if less so statistically, than maximum likelihood (ML). But faster computers and simulated likelihood methods such as the Geweke, Hajivassiliou, and Keane (GHK) algorithm for estimating higher dimensional cumulative normal distributions have made direct ML estimation practical. ML also facilitates a generalization to switching, selection, and other models in which the number and types of equations vary by observation. The Stata module CMP fits Seemingly Unrelated Regressions (SUR) models of this broad family. Its estimator is also consistent for recursive systems in which all endogenous variables appear on the right-hand-sides as observed. If all the equations are structural, then estimation is full-information maximum likelihood (FIML). If only the final stage or stages are, then it is limited-information maximum likelihood (LIML). CMP can mimic a dozen built-in Stata commands and several user-written ones. It is also appropriate for a panoply of models previously hard to estimate. Heteroskedasticity, however, can render it inconsistent. This paper explains the theory and implementation of cmp and of a related Mata function, ghk2(), that implements the GHK algorithm.
The limited strand-separating activity of the UvrAB protein complex and its role in the recognition of DNA damage

The recognition by Escherichia coli Uvr nucleotide excision repair proteins of a variety of lesions with diverse chemical structures and the presence of helicase activity in the UvrAB complex which can displace short oligonucleotides annealed to single-stranded DNA led to a model in which this activity moves UvrAB along undamaged DNA to damaged sites where the lesion blocks further translocation and the protein-DNA pre-incision complex is formed. To evaluate this mechanism for damage recognition, we constructed substrates with oligonucleotides of different lengths annealed to single-stranded DNA circles and placed a single 2-(acetylamino)fluorene (AAF) lesion either on the oligonucleotide or on the circle. For the substrates with no lesion, the UvrAB complex effectively displaced a 22-mer but not a 27-mer or longer fragments. The presence of AAF on the oligonucleotide significantly increased the release of the 27-mer but oligomers of 30 or longer were not separated. Placing the lesion on the circular strand did not block the release of the fragments. Instead, the releasing activity of UvrAB was stimulated and also depended on the length of the annealed oligonucleotide. These observations do not agree with the predictions of a damage recognition mechanism that depends on helicase-driven translocation. Most likely, the strand-separating activity of UvrAB is a consequence of local changes occurring during the formation of a DNA-protein pre-incision complex at the damaged site and is not due to translocation of the protein along undamaged DNA to locate a lesion.
Digital Versus Optical Techniques In Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Data Processing

The principle of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image formation is reviewed in preparation for a discussion of both optical and digital processing techniques. The tilted-plane optical processing approach is presented as being representative of optical techniques. Since the newer digital approaches can take several forms, three classes of digital processors are examined: direct convolution, frequency multiplexing, and frequency analysis of dechirped data. A subjective listing of the relative merits for both processing media is presented. Both are found to be technically viable. The final choice will depend primarily upon the application requirements.
Experiments on the Instability of a Layer of Mercury Heated from below and Subject to the Simultaneous Action of a Magnetic Field and Rotation. II

Experiments are described which are devoted to the determination of the sizes of the convection cells which appear at marginal stability in a layer of mercury heated from below and subject to the action of a magnetic field either alone or in the presence of rotation. The experiments confirm the theoretical predictions of Chandrasekhar regarding the wave number of the disturbance which is manifested at marginal stability. In particular, under the simultaneous action of magnetic fields and rotation, the present experiments fully confirm the predicted discontinuous change in the wave number at the point where, for increasing field strength (for given rotation), the transition from cellular convection to overstable convection takes place.
COMIC BOOKS, TRAGIC STORIES: WILL EISNER’S AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY

In recent years, we have witnessed a significant increase in writing by scholars and literary and cultural critics on the genre of the comic book, corresponding to an increased legitimacy given to the comic book industry and its writers and artists more generally. Part of this phenomenon no doubt stems from the attention lavished on the field by mainstream fiction and nonfiction writers who consider comic books a central part of their own and America’s cultural heritage, such as Michael Chabon and Jonathan Lethem. It may also stem from the changing nature of the industry’s finances, which now employ a “star system” revolving around writers and artists, not merely the major companies’ storied characters; though the days of the big houses that control the major characters are by no means gone, in the last two decades, numerous specialty imprints have been developed to publish characters that are owned outright by writers and artists, to say nothing of profit-sharing deals with major stars, even at some of the major companies.
AMBER: Assisted model building with energy refinement. A general program for modeling molecules and their interactions

We describe a computer program we have been developing to build models of molecules and calculate their interactions using empirical energy approaches. The program is sufficiently flexible and general to allow modeling of small molecules, as well as polymers. As an illustration, we present applications of the program to study the conformation of actinomycin D. In particular, we study the rotational isomerism about the D-Val-, L-Pro, and L-Pro-Sar amide bonds as well as comparing the energy and structure of the Sobell model and the x-ray structure of actinomycin D.
Mobility Stress Test Approach to Predicting Frailty, Disability, and Mortality in High-Functioning Older Adults

Objectives. To examine the validity of the Walking While Talking Test (WWT), a mobility stress test, to predict frailty, disability, and death in high-functioning older adults. Design. Prospective cohort study. Setting. Community sample. Participants. Six hundred thirty-one community-residing adults aged 70 and older participating in the Einstein Aging Study (mean follow-up 32 months). High-functioning status at baseline was defined as absence of disability and dementia and normal walking speeds. Measurements. Hazard ratios (HRs) for frailty, disability, and all-cause mortality. Frailty was defined as presence of three out of the following five attributes: weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, low physical activity, and slow gait. The predictive validity of the WWT was also compared with that of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) for study outcomes. Results. Two hundred eighteen participants developed frailty, 88 developed disability, and 49 died. Each 10-cm/s decrease in WWT speed was associated with greater risk of frailty (HR = 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06�1.18), disability (HR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.03�1.23), and mortality (HR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.01�1.27). Most associations remained robust even after accounting for potential confounders and gait speed. Comparisons of HRs and model fit suggest that the WWT may better predict frailty whereas SPPB may better predict disability. Conclusion. Mobility stress tests such as the WWT are robust predictors of risk of frailty, disability, and mortality in high-functioning older adults.
Effect of increasing dried blood cells in corn-soybean meal diets on growth performance of weanling and growing pigs1

Dried blood cells (DBC) contain low levels of Ile relative to Lys, and thus Ile may become limiting in pig diets supplemented with DBC. Therefore, 3 experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of increasing DBC in corn-soybean meal–based diets in weanling (7 to 13 kg, Exp. 1 and 2) and grower (24 to 46 kg, Exp. 3) pigs. Treatments were replicated with 4 to 6 pens of 4 to 6 pigs per pen. In Exp. 1 and 2 (14 d), all diets contained 0.10% l-Lys·HCl and DBC were added at 2% increments from 0 to 8%. In Exp. 1, all diets contained 1.40% total dietary Lys. All diets in Exp. 2 contained 1.185% apparent ileal digestible Lys. In Exp. 1, increasing dietary DBC resulted in a linear decrease in ADFI (P 0.10). In Exp. 2, increasing dietary DBC resulted in a decrease in ADG (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01) and a linear decrease in ADFI and G:F (P < 0.05). Experiment 3 was conducted for 28 d to determine the effect of graded levels of DBC. In Exp. 3, DBC were added to the diets at 2% increments from 0 to 8%. All diets contained 1.00% total dietary Lys. In Exp. 3, increasing dietary DBC resulted in a decrease in ADG and ADFI (linear, P < 0.01). Feed efficiency was not significantly affected by the increasing levels of DBC. The results of these 3 experiments indicate that ADG can be maintained with up to 4% DBC, but DBC fed above 2% may have a negative effect on feed efficiency of weanling and grower pigs. The maximum inclusion level of DBC that can be added in a diet for weanling and growing pigs without reducing growth performance is dependent on the Ile:Lys.
Finite-difference modeling of magnetotelluric fields: Error estimates for uniform and nonuniform grids

In the finite-difference (FD) method, one solves a set of discrete approximations to continuous differential equations; thus, the solutions only approximate the true values. For the magnetotelluric (MT) method, errors in the electric and magnetic fields computed by the staggered FD method are precisely quantifiable for a model with uniform conductivity. In this case, the errors in the electric and magnetic fields are equal in magnitude but increase with rising node separation. In this paper, I show that errors in MT responses, which rely on ratios of the field values, depend strongly on the method used to interpolate electric field values to the surface where the magnetic field is sampled. Analytic expressions for the FD estimates of the MT responses for a half-space are derived and compared for three different methods of electric field interpolation. The best results are achieved when the electric field values just above and below the surface are interpolated exponentially. For a half-space, the FD estimates of the MT responses are independent of node separation and are precisely equal to the analytic values when the electric field is interpolated exponentially. For models with sharp conductivity contrasts, the errors in the responses derived using this interpolation method increase with rising node spacing but still perform better than other examined interpolation methods. Varying the vertical node separation within a half-space model degrades the solution accuracy. The magnitude of the error depends primarily on the magnitude of the change in vertical node spacing. Lateral variations in the grid spacing do not necessarily yield errors in the FD solutions to the MT equations.
A novel architecture for on-chip path delay measurement

As technology scales to 45nm and below, the deviation between predicted path delay using simulation and actual path delay on a manufactured chip increases. Hence, on-chip measurement architectures are now widely used due to their higher accuracy and lower cost compared to using external expensive testers. In this paper, we propose a novel path delay measurement architecture called Enhanced path-based ring oscillator (Path-RO) that takes into account variations. The proposed Enhanced Path-RO can accurately and quickly measure path delay on-chip under variations with nearly no impact on functional data path. Enhanced Path-RO is perfectly suitable for fast and accurate speed binning as well by targeting speed paths on-chip even in presence of clock skew. Simulation results under variations collected by the Enhanced Path-RO inserted into ITC'99 b19 circuit demonstrate its high accuracy and efficiency.
Branch and price for multi-agent plan recognition

The problem of identifying the (dynamic) team structures and team behaviors from the observed activities of multiple agents is called Multi-Agent Plan Recognition (MAPR). We extend a recent formalization of this problem to accommodate a compact, partially ordered, multi-agent plan language, as well as complex plan execution models – particularly plan abandonment and activity interleaving. We adopt a branch and price approach to solve MAPR in such a challenging setting, and fully instantiate the (generic) pricing problem for MAPR. We show experimentally that this approach outperforms a recently proposed hypothesis pruning algorithm in two domains: multi-agent blocks word, and intrusion detection. The key benefit of the branch and price approach is its ability to grow the necessary component (occurrence) space from which the hypotheses are constructed, rather than begin with a fully enumerated component space that has an intractable size, and search it with pruning. Our formulation of MAPR has the broad objective of bringing mature Operations Research methodologies to bear upon MAPR, envisaged to have a similar impact as mature SAT-solvers had on planning.
Abstract W P415: A Comparison between Fasudil and Simvastatin Treatment in Two Murine Models with Cerebral Cavernous Malformation

Objective: To compare therapeutic effect on cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) genesis and maturation of fasudil (specific RhoA kinase inhibitor) and simvastatin (with pleiotropic effects including Rho inhibition) in two heterozygous murine models. Methods: The murine models Ccm1+/-Msh2-/- and Ccm2+/-Trp53-/- were treated from weaning to 5 months of age with fasudil (100 mg/kg/day administered in drinking water), simvastatin (40 mg/kg/day administered in chow) or with placebo. Brains were removed, fixed, embedded and blindly analyzed for lesion count and size, and for iron leak by Perls staining. Results: Fasudil, but not simvastatin, improved survival in Ccm1+/-Msh2-/- mice ( P =0.05). Both drugs did not affect attrition in Ccm2+/-Trp53-/- mice. Fasudil decreased mature CCM lesion burden and total lesional area per animal in Ccm1+/-Msh2-/- mice ( P =0.007, P =0.18, respectively), more in males ( P =0.04, P =0.05, respectively) than in females ( P =0.10, P =0.81, respectively) when compared to mice given placebo. In the same model, simvastatin decreased total lesion count less significantly ( P =0.09), with no decrease in lesional area. Integrated iron density per area of CCM lesions was decreased in mice treated with fasudil ( P <0.01) or simvastatin ( P =0.09) compared to mice given placebo. In contrast, both fasudil and simvastatin treatment of Ccm2+/-Trp53-/- mice (with less aggressive phenotype) did not significantly affect attrition, lesion count or lesional area. No decrease in iron density was observed in Ccm2+/-Trp53-/- mice given fasudil. Conclusions: The ROCK inhibitor fasudil was more efficacious than simvastatin in the longitudinal treatment of Ccm1+/-Msh2-/- mice, decreasing lesion formation, maturation, and iron leak. The favorable, although weaker benefit of simvastatin, including decreased iron leak, would suggest a need for higher statin dose to accomplish a same effect as fasudil. There was no effect by either drug in Ccm2+/-Trp53-/- mice, likely in part because of milder phenotype in this model. Treatment with higher statin dose and effects on more aggressive Ccm3+/ - models are being assessed in ongoing research.
Pati-Salam version of subcritical hybrid inflation

In this paper we present a model of subcritical hybrid inflation with a Pati-Salam (PS) symmetry group. Both the inflaton and waterfall fields contribute to the necessary $e$-foldings of inflation, while only the waterfall field spontaneously breaks PS hence monopoles produced during inflation are diluted during the inflationary epoch. The model is able to produce a tensor-to-scalar ratio, $rl0.09$ consistent with the latest BICEP2/Keck and Planck data, as well as scalar density perturbations and spectral index, ${n}_{s}$, consistent with Planck data. For particular values of the parameters, we find $r=0.084$ and ${n}_{s}=0.0963$. The energy density during inflation is directly related to the PS breaking scale, ${v}_{\mathrm{PS}}$. The model also incorporates a ${\mathbb{Z}}_{4}^{R}$ symmetry which can resolve the $\ensuremath{\mu}$ problem and suppress dimension 5 operators for proton decay, leaving over an exact $R$ parity. Finally the model allows for a complete three-family extension with a ${D}_{4}$ family symmetry which reproduces low energy precision electroweak and LHC data.
Exercise training improves obesity-related lymphatic dysfunction.

Key points Obesity results in perilymphatic inflammation and lymphatic dysfunction. Lymphatic dysfunction in obesity is characterized by decreased lymphatic vessel density, decreased collecting lymphatic vessel pumping frequency, decreased lymphatic trafficking of immune cells, increased lymphatic vessel leakiness and changes in the gene expression patterns of lymphatic endothelial cells. Aerobic exercise, independent of weight loss, decreases perilymphatic inflammatory cell accumulation, improves lymphatic function and reverses pathological changes in gene expression in lymphatic endothelial cells. Abstract Although previous studies have shown that obesity markedly decreases lymphatic function, the cellular mechanisms that regulate this response remain unknown. In addition, it is unclear whether the pathological effects of obesity on the lymphatic system are reversible with behavioural modifications. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to analyse lymphatic vascular changes in obese mice and to determine whether these pathological effects are reversible with aerobic exercise. We randomized obese mice to either aerobic exercise (treadmill running for 30 min per day, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks) or a sedentary group that was not exercised and analysed lymphatic function using a variety of outcomes. We found that sedentary obese mice had markedly decreased collecting lymphatic vessel pumping capacity, decreased lymphatic vessel density, decreased lymphatic migration of immune cells, increased lymphatic vessel leakiness and decreased expression of lymphatic specific markers compared with lean mice (all P < 0.01). Aerobic exercise did not cause weight loss but markedly improved lymphatic function compared with sedentary obese mice. Exercise had a significant anti-inflammatory effect, resulting in decreased perilymphatic accumulation of inflammatory cells and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. In addition, exercise normalized isolated lymphatic endothelial cell gene expression of lymphatic specific genes, including VEGFR-3 and Prox1. Taken together, our findings suggest that obesity impairs lymphatic function via multiple mechanisms and that these pathological changes can be reversed, in part, with aerobic exercise, independent of weight loss. In addition, our study shows that obesity-induced lymphatic endothelial cell gene expression changes are reversible with behavioural modifications.
Public Opinion and Multi-Level Climate Change Governance

A substantial effort has been launched over the past decade to gauge the views of the American public on climate change. Much of this survey research has focused on whether the public believes that human generation of carbon dioxide and related greenhouse gas emissions is in fact triggering changes in the global climate. This in turn has led to surveys that ask citizens to rank climate change as a societal problem in comparison to other issues such as the economy, medical care, and foreign policy. A good deal of this analysis has been conducted by organizations such as the Gallup Poll and the Pew Research Center over a decade or more, allowing for a longitudinal look at how American attitudes on this topic have evolved. Important scholarly work is now in print that examines these key findings and trends across the range of published surveys (Nisbet and Myers 2007; Bannon et al 2007). We know less about public views on various policy options that might mitigate the threat of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, although a number of surveys have been commissioned in recent years that begin to explore public response to policy alternatives. This analysis has examined both responsiveness to competing policy tools as well as citizen “willingness to pay” for various strategies that might serve to reduce emissions.
Lessons learned with the use of CentriMag as short-term ventricular assist device in a child

The CentriMag ventricular assist device is an extracorporeal, third-generation, continuous flow device. The rapidity and simplicity of operation along with low priming volume make it attractive for use in children with refractory heart failure. We report the successful use of CentriMag as a bridge to recovery in a child and discuss issues that are unique to its use in children.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Formation Mechanism of Crystalline Cu and Ni Metallic Nanowires under Ambient, Seedless, Surfactantless Conditions

In this report, crystalline elemental Cu and Ni nanowires have been successfully synthesized through a simplistic, malleable, solution-based protocol involving the utilization of a U-tube double diffusion apparatus under ambient conditions. The nanowires prepared within the 50 and 200 nm template membrane pore channels maintain diameters ranging from ∼90–230 nm with lengths attaining the micrometer scale. To mitigate for the unwanted but very facile oxidation of these nanomaterials to their oxide analogues, our synthesis mechanism relies on a carefully calibrated reaction between the corresponding metal precursor solution and an aqueous reducing agent solution, resulting in the production of pure, monodisperse metallic nanostructures. These as-prepared nanowires were subsequently characterized from an applications’ perspective so as to investigate their optical and photocatalytic properties.
A Mid-Holocene Record for the Heather Vole, Phenacomys cf. Intermedius, in the Central Great Basin and its Biogeographic Significance

Two specimens of Phenacomys cf. intermedius are reported from Gatecliff Shelter, in the Toquima Range of central Nevada. The presence of the heather vole in the central Great Basin at about 5,300 B.P. provides support for Brown's model of the biogeography of Great Basin boreal mammals and suggests that these voles were widespread in the Great Basin during late Pleistocene and early Holocene times.
Mechanism of Amyloid-β Fibril Elongation

Amyloid-β is an intrinsically disordered protein that forms fibrils in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. To explore factors that affect the process of fibril growth, we computed the free energy associated with disordered amyloid-β monomers being added to growing amyloid fibrils using extensive molecular dynamics simulations coupled with umbrella sampling. We find that the mechanisms of Aβ40 and Aβ42 fibril elongation have many features in common, including the formation of an obligate on-pathway β-hairpin intermediate that hydrogen bonds to the fibril core. In addition, our data lead to new hypotheses for how fibrils may serve as secondary nucleation sites that can catalyze the formation of soluble oligomers, a finding in agreement with recent experimental observations. These data provide a detailed mechanistic description of amyloid-β fibril elongation and a structural link between the disordered free monomer and the growth of amyloid fibrils and soluble oligomers.
Effects of chronic in-vivo treatments with protease-activated receptor 2 agonist on endothelium function and blood pressures in mice.

Short-term treatments with protease-activated receptor 2-activating peptides (PAR2-AP) induce endothelium-dependent vasodilation and decrease blood pressure. In this study, we tested the effect of chronic in-vivo treatment with PAR2-AP on the blood pressure and endothelium function of mice. Male PAR2 wild-type (WT) and par2-deficient (KO) mice received subcutaneous infusions of either saline, low (PAR2-LD), or high (PAR2-HD) doses of 2-furoyl-LIGRLO-amide for 1 or 2 weeks. In each treatment group, endothelium function was assessed in isolated arteries. Blood pressure, heart rate, and locomotor activity were recorded by radiotelemetry, and levels of tumour nercrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interkeukin 1β (IL-1β) were measured in plasma samples by ELISA. The relaxation of WT aortas and mesenteric arteries induced by PAR2-AP was decreased by PAR2-LD and PAR2-HD. In mesenteric arteries, PAR2-LD and PAR2-HD decreased the relaxation induced by acetylcholine, but not by nitroprusside; in aortas, PAR2-LD and PAR2-HD...
Permeation of "Hydromer" Film: An Elastomeric Hydrogen-Capturing Biopolymer.

This report analyzes the permeation resistance of a novel and proprietary polymer coating for hydrogen isotope resistance that was developed by New Mexico State University. Thermal gravimetric analysis and thermal desoprtion spectroscopy show the polymer is stable thermally to approximately 250 deg C. Deuterium gas-driven permeation experiments were conducted at Sandia to explore early evidence (obtained using Brunauer - Emmett - Teller) of the polymer's strong resistance to hydrogen. With a relatively small amount of the polymer in solution (0.15%), a decrease in diffusion by a factor of 2 is observed at 100 and 150 deg C. While there was very little reduction in permeability, the preliminary findings reported here are meant to demonstrate the sensitivity of Sandia's permeation measurements and are intended to motivate the future exploration of thicker barriers with greater polymer coverage.
A fluorescence-based method to directly quantify antibodies immobilized on gold nanoparticles

The ability to evaluate antibody immobilization onto gold nanoparticles is critical for assessing coupling chemistry and optimizing the sensitivity of nanoparticle-enabled biosensors. Herein, we developed a fluorescence-based method for directly quantifying antibodies bound onto gold nanoparticles. Antibody-modified gold nanoparticles were treated with KI/I2 etchant to dissolve the gold nanoparticles. A desalting spin column was used to recover the antibody released from the nanoparticles, and NanoOrange, a fluorescent dye, was used to quantify the antibody. We determined 309 ± 93 antibodies adsorb onto a 60 nm gold nanoparticles (2.6 × 10(10) NP mL(-1)), which is consistent with a fully adsorbed monolayer based on the footprint of an IgG molecule. Moreover, the increase in hydrodynamic diameter of the conjugated nanoparticle (76 nm) compared to that of the unconjugated nanoparticle (62 nm) confirmed that multilayers did not form. A more conventional method of indirectly quantifying the adsorbed antibody by analysis of the supernatant overestimated the antibody surface coverage (660 ± 87 antibodies per nanoparticle); thus we propose the method described herein as a more accurate alternative to the conventional approach.
Cost and radiation exposure in the workup of febrile pediatric urinary tract infections.

Abstract Background Technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scans are often used in the evaluation of pediatric patients with febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs). Given the prevalence of febrile UTIs, we sought to quantify the cost, radiation exposure, and clinical utility of DMSA scans when compared with dedicated pediatric renal ultrasounds (RUSs). Materials and methods An institutional review board approved retrospective study of children under the age of 18 years evaluated at our institution for febrile UTIs between the years 2004-2013 was conducted. The patients had to meet all of the following inclusion criteria: a diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux, a fever >38°C, a positive urine culture, and evaluation with a DMSA scan and RUS. A chart review was used to construct a cost analysis of technical and professional fees, radiographic results, and radiation dose equivalents. Results Overall, 104 children met the inclusion criteria. A total of 122 RUS and 135 DMSA scans were performed. The technical costs of a DMSA scan incurred a 35% cost premium as compared to an RUS. The average effective radiation dose of a single DMSA scan was 2.84 mSv. New radiographic findings were only identified on 7% of those patients who underwent greater than 1 DMSA scan. Conclusions The utility of the unique information acquired from a DMSA scan as compared to a RUS in the evaluation of febrile UTI must be evaluated on an individual case-by-case basis given the increased direct costs and radiation exposure to the patient.
Recovery from dynamic exercise.

Minimal information is available on the basic interactions within the metabolic and cardiovascular systems during recovery from exercise. Nine men participated in three experiments: one control and two cost-equivalent (52 liters O2) exercise tests of 30 (EX30) and 45 (EX45) min. Exercise intensities were adjusted accordingly. During recovery, all parameters reestablished baseline levels within 10 min, except for heart rate (30 min). Correlations for each parameter for EX30 and EX45 were obtained by evaluating each subject's exercise cost and recovery "payback." A split, two-factor analysis of variance was run separately on the "fast" (minutes 1-7) and "slow" (minutes 10-60) phases of recovery to determine if the time course of recovery was related to exercise intensity. It was concluded that for a work cost of approximately 300 kcal, 1) the slow phase of recovery was unaffected by the exercise intensity, 2) the fast phase of cardiovascular recovery was unaffected by exercise intensity while minute ventila...
Human Bites to the Penis

Victims of human bites to the penis often do not seek timely medical attention and dangerous progression of infection may ensue. We present 5 cases, 1 of which evolved into necrotizing fasciitis of the lower abdomen. Recommendations for management of these wounds include aggressive local wound care, empiric antibiotics and careful observation for necrotizing complications.
Order in a Divided World

States, some eight score of them — large and small, powerful and weak, rich and poor, old and new — make up the world of the late twentieth century. Such a multistate system has built-in tendencies toward disorder; indeed, many scholars hold that such a system is inevitably and irremediably disorderly. The sheer number of the units that constitute the system, and the abruptness with which that number has recently been enlarged, may contribute to disorderly tendencies. The diversity of the units may be a problem; small states have notorious difficulties in coexisting with great powers, and differences of religion, culture, economic organization, and political ideology often complicate relationships among states. The special difficulties of managing international relations today may be attributed in considerable measure to rapid decolonization in the period since 1945, which has added as significantly to the disuniformity as to the multiplicity of the states composing the system.
Chinese gay men’s coming out narratives: Connecting social relationship to co-cultural theory

ABSTRACTTheorizing the intersection of queer identity and culture values, this study examines Chinese gay men’s coming-out experiences through a narrative analysis of 60 self-reported stories online. It finds that Chinese gay men’s decision to come out, their communication orientations, and the outcomes of their coming out are influenced by traditional Chinese cultural values such as family, marriage, and duty. Assertive assimilation, assertive accommodation, and nonassertive accommodation are the most used communication orientations. The study adds to co-cultural theory by demonstrating that types of social relationships affect the communication orientations adopted, at least in the context of China.
Uncertainty Management in Health

Uncertainty management is a prominent aspect of illness experiences. In particular, research has demonstrated that acknowledging different sources of uncertainty may lead to developing better management strategies both for the person coping with the illness and for his or her social network. Further, research has explicated the roles of information management and social support as important communicative aspects in the process of uncertainty management. Keywords: applied communication; communication theory; health communication; uncertainty
THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT OF 2010 AND THE EMERGING MODELS OF HEALTHCARE DELIVERY: THE CRITICAL ROLE OF HEALTH ECONOMIST IN ASSESSING THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS AND COSTS OF IMPLEMENTING THE DELIVERY MODELS IN THE UNITED STATES

T landscape of healthcare delivery in the United States is changing at a rapid pace with the introduction of The Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA). The new insurance exchange marketplace is expected to provide over 25 million uninsured with a low-cost coverage. ACA’s extension of eligibility for Medicaid to adults with incomes less than 138% of the federal poverty level has enabled states to cover an additional 13 million people through Medicaid expansion. The sizable expansion of the potential patient base has called for new and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery – approaches that are focused on cost reduction coupled with increased access to high-quality care. A cost-efficient care delivery approach requires building a solid provider workforce to specifically meet the ambulatory and primary care needs of the population and to avoid preventable hospitalizations and expensive emergency visits. Improved communications through health information technology across a wider spectrum of provider types and between patients and providers, effective implementation of a multitude of delivery models, such as the patient-centred medical home model, nurse-managed health centre model, and team-based approach to care coordination are some of the key initiatives under consideration as possible candidates for future mode of cost-efficient delivery. The new models, however, are sustainable if and only if they pass the economic cost-benefit tests as per the guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Health economists, with training and experience in evaluating the economic impacts of these initiatives, can play a critically important role in helping policymakers with appropriate policy prescriptions that have economy-wide implications.
Reading and Writing Between the Lines: Lady Eleanor Douglas, a Midland Visionary and her Annotated Pamphlets

In the first half of the 17th century, Lady Eleanor Douglas earned notoriety for pouring tar on the Lichfield altar and flooding London with controversial pamphlets. While she published her tracts for a public audience, she saved some of her most scathing comments for a private readership. Just before her 1652 death, Lady Eleanor bound 44 of her pamphlets together and gifted the volume to her daughter, Lucy Hastings, 6th Countess of Huntingdon. While Lady Eleanor was a religious and political pariah, her daughter was the matriarch of the prominent Leicester Hastings family, earls of Huntington, a leading royalist family during the civil war. This volume, now at the Folger Shakespeare Library, contains line-by-line edits and personal commentaries in Lady Eleanor’s hand. By reading the text and annotations alongside Lady Eleanor’s private correspondence to her daughter, these annotations provide a crucial lens that allows us to better perceive the voice of this infamous woman. A close reading of this volume...
The Shift in Emphasis From Risk-Based to Age-Based Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Testing in the US Tends to Remove Injection Drug Use From Discourse on HCV

ABSTRACTBackground: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is hyperendemic among people who inject drugs; nonsterile drug injection is the principle risk for HCV acquisition. Due to gaps in the HCV care continuum, there have been recommendations in the United States emphasizing age—rather than risk-based testing strategies. The central research focus of this project is to explore the meanings and implications of the shift in emphasis from risk-based to age-based HCV testing with regard to people who use drugs. Methods: Content analysis and critical discourse analysis, informed by eco-social theory, were used to examine relevant documents. Results: Fifteen documents were assessed for eligibility; 6 documents comprised the final set reviewed. In content analysis, age-based testing was both mentioned more frequently and was supported more strongly than risk-based testing. Risk-based testing was frequently mentioned in terms minimizing its use and drug use was often mentioned only euphemistically. The reframed emp...
On a consistent procedure for distributed recursive nonlinear least-squares estimation

This paper studies recursive nonlinear least squares parameter estimation in inference networks with observations distributed across multiple agents and sensed sequentially over time. Conforming to a given inter-agent communication or interaction topology, distributed recursive estimators of the consensus + innovations type are presented in which at every observation sampling epoch the network agents exchange a single round of messages with their communication neighbors and recursively update their local parameter estimates by simultaneously processing the received neighborhood data and the new information (innovation) embedded in the observation sample. Under rather weak conditions on the connectivity of the inter-agent communication and a global observability criterion, it is shown that the proposed algorithms lead to consistent parameter estimates at each agent. Furthermore, under standard smoothness assumptions on the sensing nonlinearities, the distributed estimators are shown to yield order-optimal convergence rates, i.e., as far as the order of pathwise convergence is concerned, the local agent estimates are as good as the optimal centralized nonlinear least squares estimator having access to the entire network observation data at all times.
Hydration status influences the measurement of arterial stiffness.

Summary Consensus guidelines have attempted to standardize the measurement and interpretation of pulse wave velocity (PWV); however, guidelines have not addressed whether hydration status affects PWV. Moreover, multiple studies have utilized heat stress to reduce arterial stiffness which may lead to dehydration. This study utilized two experiments to investigate the effects of dehydration on PWV at rest and during passive heat stress. In experiment 1, subjects (n = 19) completed two trials, one in which they arrived euhydrated and one dehydrated (1·2[1·0]% body mass loss). In experiment 2, subjects (n = 11) began two trials euhydrated and in one trial did not receive water during heat stress, thus becoming dehydrated (1·6[0·6]% body mass loss); the other trial subjects remained euhydrated. Using Doppler ultrasound, carotid-to-femoral (central) and carotid-to-radial (peripheral) PWVs were measured. PWV was obtained at a normothermic baseline, and at a 0·5°C and 1°C elevation in rectal temperature (via passive heating). In experiment 1, baseline central PWV was significantly higher when euhydrated compared to dehydrated (628[95] versus 572[91] cm s−1, respectively; P 0·05). However, starting euhydrated and becoming dehydrated during heating in experiment 2 did not affect PWV measures (P>0·05), and independent of hydration status peripheral PWV was reduced when rectal temperature was elevated 0·5°C (−74[45] cm s−1; P<0·05) and 1·0°C (−70[48] cm s−1; P<0·05). Overall, these data suggest that hydration status affects measurements of central PWV in normothermic, resting conditions. Therefore, future guidelines should suggest that investigators ensure adequate hydration status prior to measures of PWV.
HotSpot: automated server hopping in cloud spot markets

Cloud spot markets offer virtual machines (VMs) for a dynamic price that is much lower than the fixed price of on-demand VMs. In exchange, spot VMs expose applications to multiple forms of risk, including price risk, or the risk that a VM's price will increase relative to others. Since spot prices vary continuously across hundreds of different types of VMs, flexible applications can mitigate price risk by moving to the VM that currently offers the lowest cost. To enable this flexibility, we present HotSpot, a resource container that "hops" VMs---by dynamically selecting and self-migrating to new VMs---as spot prices change. HotSpot containers define a migration policy that lowers cost by determining when to hop VMs based on the transaction costs (from vacating a VM early and briefly double paying for it) and benefits (the expected cost savings). As a side effect of migrating to minimize cost, HotSpot is also able to reduce the number of revocations without degrading performance. HotSpot is simple and transparent: since it operates at the systems-level on each host VM, users need only run an HotSpot-enabled VM image to use it. We implement a HotSpot prototype on EC2, and evaluate it using job traces from a production Google cluster. We then compare HotSpot to using on-demand VMs and spot VMs (with and without fault-tolerance) in EC2, and show that it is able to lower cost and reduce the number of revocations without degrading performance.
Sildenafil Is Associated With Reduced Device Thrombosis and Ischemic Stroke Despite Low-Level Hemolysis on Heart Mate II Support.

Background: Persistent low-level hemolysis (LLH) during continuous-flow mechanical circulatory support is associated with subsequent thrombosis. Free hemoglobin from ongoing hemolysis scavenges nitric oxide (NO) to create an NO deficiency which can augment platelet function leading to a prothrombotic state. The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, sildenafil, potentiates NO signaling to inhibit platelet function. Accordingly, we investigated the association of sildenafil administration and thrombotic events in patients with LLH during Heart Mate II support. Methods and Results: A single-center review of all patients implanted with a Heart Mate II who survived to discharge (n=144). LLH was defined by a discharge lactate dehydrogenase level of 400 to 700 U/L. Patients were categorized as (1) LLH not on sildenafil, (2) LLH on sildenafil, (3) no LLH not on sildenafil, and (4) no LLH on sildenafil. Age, sex, platelet count, and mean platelet volume were similar between groups. Seventeen patients had either device thrombosis or ischemic stroke. Presence of LLH was associated with a greater risk of thrombosis (adjusted hazard ratio, 15; 95% confidence interval, 4.5–50; P P =0.61). Device thrombosis and ischemic stroke were associated with an increase in mean platelet volume (9.6±0.5 to 10.9±0.8 fL, P P Conclusions: Sildenafil is associated with reduced device thrombosis and ischemic stroke during ongoing LLH on Heart Mate II support.
Chemical probes for dynein

Abstract In this chapter we review chemical inhibitors and some recently developed approaches that can be used to probe the function of dynein, a microtubule minus end–directed motor protein that belongs to the AAA+ (ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities) superfamily. The discovery, utility, and limitations of these tools and approaches are discussed. The design of improved cell-permeable chemical probes is examined in the context of recent discoveries of chemical inhibitors for other AAA+ proteins.
Fungi and Fungal Disease

This chapter describes some of the biological features of key pathogenic fungi, their effect on their human host, and the changing face of fungal disease epidemiology in light of an increasing immunocompromised patient population. The status of treatment options and the clinical pharmacology of current and emerging antifungal agents are also described, together with future directions and new approaches for the discovery of new drugs. Over the last 50 years, diseases of fungal origin have become increasingly prevalent. This includes superficial mycoses of the skin, hair, and nails, but more dramatically and of great medical concern is the rapid increase in systemic and life-threatening mycoses due to the increase in the immunocompromised patient population. Ironically, this increase is largely due to progress in medical science that has led to treatments of cancer, transplants, corticosteroid use postsurgical intensive care, broad-spectrum antibiotic use, greater longevity (in particular in the presence of an underlying disease), and increased survival rates in neonates and trauma patients (e.g., burns). Such conditions and treatments often lead to neutropenia and leukopenia, which remove a formidable host defense to what are usually harmless or even commensal fungi, but under immunosuppression become life-threatening pathogens. The spread of HIV and AIDS has also greatly reduced the immune-based resistance of patients to opportunistic fungal pathogens, in particular Candida albicans and other Candida species. Increased worldwide travel has also contributed to the spread of mycotic disease from once-endemic regions. This emergence of fungi as an ever-increasing cause of morbidity and mortality has led researchers and medicinal chemists, in academia, medicine, and industry, toward the discovery and development of new antifungal drugs.
Aging associated declines in the antioxidant enzymes of human testis.

One potential factor in aging is a decline in antioxidant protection that would facilitate progressive accumulation of damage by reactive oxygen species. Testicular atrophy is commonly found in aged males but little is known about effects of aging on the antioxidant protection systems of human testis. Our first objective was to determine if aging was associated with changes in testicular activities of aldehyde dehydrogenase, GSSG reductase, and GSH peroxidase. Aldehyde dehydrogenase detoxifies malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal and related products of lipid peroxidation. GSH peroxidase detoxifies H2O2 and fatty acid peroxide product of lipid peroxidation. GSSG reductase regenerates GSSG to GSH. Our second objective was to determine if observed changes in antioxidant protection were associated with morphological characteristics of testicular atrophy.
Effect of Hypoxia on Fetal Brain

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the effect of hypoxia on fetal brain. The accumulation of lactate and its associated hydrogen ions in brain tissue above the threshold concentration of 17–20 μmol/g accounts for the development of brain edema and tissue necrosis. The concentrations to which lactate accumulates is determined by the magnitude of reduction in oxygen delivery to the brain and the availability of glucose and its storage form, glycogen, in brain tissue. A stasis of blood flow produces a metabolic locked-in state in which no substances are transported to or taken away from the brain. Exposure of food-deprived animals to circulatory arrest injures only those brain structures that contain glycogen in high concentrations. These structures accumulate lactate and hydrogen ions locally at high concentrations. The cerebral cortex and other hemispheral structures that contain glucose at similar concentrations but which are significantly lower in their glycogen contents generate these same metabolites but at below threshold concentrations.