cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone and highly active antiretroviral therapy for patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia.

BACKGROUND Patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-associated lymphoma/leukemia have a poor prognosis and are frequently treated with low-intensity therapy. The authors investigated the feasibility and efficacy of hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (hyper-CVAD), a dose-intensive chemotherapy regimen, in patients with AIDS-associated Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia, as well as the possible impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in these patients. METHODS Thirteen patients with AIDS-associated Burkitt lymphoma (six patients) or leukemia (acute lymphoblastic leukemia; seven patients) were treated with hyper-CVAD alternating with high-dose methotrexate and ara-C for a total of eight cycles. Nine patients received HAART from the start of induction chemotherapy (seven patients) or later in the course of chemotherapy (two patients). The median patient age was 43 years (range, 32–55). Nine patients were diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection at the time of diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia; the other 4 patients had been diagnosed with HIV infection for a median of 37 months (range, 18–137) prior to the diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia. The median absolute CD4 count from the 9 patients with evaluable counts was 77 cells/μL (range, 9–544); only one patient had a count > 200/μL. RESULTS Twelve patients (92%) achieved a complete remission (CR) and one achieved a partial response (PR). Eight patients continued in CR after a median of 31 months (range, 7–45) at the time of writing. Five patients were alive and in CR over two years later. The median survival was 12 months, with 48% of patients alive after 2 years. Six of seven patients who received HAART from the start of chemotherapy were alive and in CR after a median of 29 months (range, 7–45). The four patients who did not receive HAART died. The regimen was universally myelosuppressive, but the toxicity profiles, recoveries from myelosuppression, and incidences of infectious complications were similar to that of non-HIV patients with Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia treated with the same regimen. CONCLUSIONS Hyper-CVAD is an effective regimen for patients with AIDS-associated Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia, with acceptable toxicity. The combination of hyper-CVAD and HAART is associated with long-term survival in patients with the two diseases, which, until recently, were both considered invariably fatal and almost futile to treat medically. Cancer 2002;94:1492–9. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10365
Rehabilitation of Guillain-Barré syndrome

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is the most common cause of acute neuromuscular paralysis in developed countries. GBS is a significant cause of new long-term disability for at least 1,000 persons per year in the United States, and more elsewhere. Given the young age at which GBS sometimes occurs and the relatively long life expectancies following GBS, it is likely that at least 25,000 and perhaps 50,000 persons in the US are experiencing some residual effects of GBS. Approximately 40% of patients who are hospitalized with GBS will require admission to inpatient rehabilitation. For GBS persons necessitating admission to inpatient rehabilitation, the requirement of prior ventilator support most strongly predicts an extended length of stay on inpatient rehabilitation. Other issues that affect rehabilitation are dysautonomia, cranial nerve involvement, and various medical complications associated with GBS. Deafferent pain syndrome is common in the early stages of recovery. Multiple medical complications, including deep venous thrombosis, joint contractures, hypercalcemia of immobilization, and decubitii, may develop in the early stages of recovery and interfere with the rehabilitation program. Anemia is a frequent finding in the first few months of illness but does not appear to interfere with functional recovery. Therapy should not overfatigue the motor unit, which has been associated with paradoxical weakening. Little is known of the long-term implications of the disability caused by GBS. Work similar to that performed for postpolio syndrome and spinal cord injury should be started in the rehabilitation setting.
Temporal evolution of the equatorial K-corona

Observations of the equatorialK-coronal radiance at 2.5R ⊙ from Sun center and its variation with time, on a daily basis, during the Skylab mission (May 1973–February 1974) are presented. The observations are subdivided into three periods, each characterized by a different variation of the radiance pattern with time. During the initial period, encompassing two solar rotations, there are several data gaps, but the radiance pattern shows a more or less smooth variation with time; however, during the second period (also about two solar rotations duration) the radiance signal is neither persistent on the short term nor recurrent from one limb passage to the next. Finally, during the last period, of five solar rotations duration, the radiance signal exhibits an orderly periodic behavior of increasing intensity. These results are interpreted as indicating a general simplification of the coronal magnetic field through the mission and, in comparison with harmonic analysis of the surface magnetic field (Levine, 1977), as indicating a rapid response of equatorial outer coronal structures to abrupt changes in the global surface field structure.
A fucan specific lectin on teratocarcinoma stem cells

Summary Teratocarcinoma stem cells have a cell surface carbohydrate-binding component detected by rosetting of intact stem cells with erythrocytes. We now report a soluble hemagglutination activity in stem cell extracts with a carbohydrate- and erythrocyte-binding specificity almost identical to that of the cell surface rosette-mediating factor. We also report that fucoidan is an inhibitor of both rosetting and hemagglutination, thus defining a dual fucan/mannan specificity for the lectin.
High molecular weight DNA intermediates synthesized by permeabilized L cells

Mouse L cells rendered permeable to deoxynucleoside triphosphates synthesize DNA as an extension of replication forks that were active in the intact cells. The permeabilization process does not affect the size of the bulk cell DNA. Intermediate molecular weight DNA, synthesized in the intact cells, is neither degraded to small molecular weight DNA nor processed into bulk cell DNA following the permeabilization process. DNA synthesized by the permeable cells demonstrates a heterogenous distribution in alkaline sucrose gradients, with peaks at 26 S and 71 S. Pulse-chase experiments demonstrate that these two classes of DNA intermediates do not have a precursor product relation. They appear to be synthesized independently and at the same rate. The results are compatible with continuous synthesis of DNA along one template strand and discontinuous synthesis along the opposite strand. DNA synthesis in isolated L cell nuclei was compared to the process in permeabilized cells with the results demonstrating that the rate of DNA synthesis is slower in the nuclei than it is in the permeable cells. Alkaline sucrose gradient studies demonstrate that the DNA synthesized by isolated nuclei is smaller than the DNA synthesized by the permeable cells.
Performance Optimization of Data Structures Using Memory Access Characterization

Program performance optimization is generally based on measurements of execution behavior of code segments. However, an equally important task for performance optimizations is understanding memory access behaviors and thus, data structure access patterns and properties. Because memory-related problems in multi-core applications can have a significant impact on overall performance, optimizations in data access patterns will likely give a big boost to application performance. But effective diagnosis of performance bottlenecks requires that the memory measurements be related to high-level data structures (C, C++ arrays, structures, etc.). In this work, we present a low-overhead tool that captures memory traces and computes several metrics for performance characteristics of source-level data structures. Explicit consideration is given to measurement and diagnosis for multicore chips. Case studies which include (manual) use of the data structure memory access metrics to select and implement optimizations are given.
An optically pumped polarized lithium ion source

Abstract A laser-optically-pumped polarized lithium ion source is being developed to provide beams of nuclear polarized 6,7Li− for injection into the FSU tandem Van de Graaff-linac. Electro-optically modulated, circularly polarized light optically pumps a lithium atomic beam into a single magnetic substate, M I = I, M J = 1 2 . No inhomogeneous magnetic field (sextupole or quadrupole Adiabatic rf transitions enable the polarization to be changed by transferring the population into different magnetic substates. Using a second electro-optic to modulate a second beam from the same laser, and Zeeman tuning, the polarization of the atomic beam is obtained by laser induced fluorescence. The polarized atomic beam is ionized to Li+ and then charge exchanged to Li−.
ATP binds to proteasomal ATPases in pairs with distinct functional effects implying an ordered reaction cycle

In the eukaryotic 26S proteasome, the 20S particle is regulated by six AAA ATPase subunits and, in archaea, by a homologous ring complex, PAN. To clarify the role of ATP in proteolysis, we studied how nucleotides bind to PAN. Although PAN has six identical subunits, it binds ATPs in pairs, and its subunits exhibit three conformational states with high, low, or no affinity for ATP. When PAN binds two ATPγS molecules or two ATPγS plus two ADP molecules, it is maximally active in binding protein substrates, associating with the 20S particle, and promoting 20S gate opening. However, binding of four ATPγS molecules reduces these functions. The 26S proteasome shows similar nucleotide dependence. These findings imply an ordered cyclical mechanism in which two ATPase subunits bind ATP simultaneously and dock into the 20S. These results can explain how these hexameric ATPases interact with and "wobble" on top of the heptameric 20S proteasome.
Mitigating the Effects of Process Variation in Ultra-low Voltage Chip Multiprocessors using Dual Supply Voltages and Half-Speed Units

Energy efficiency is a primary concern for microprocessor designers. One very effective approach to improving processor energy efficiency is to lower its supply voltage to very near to the transistor threshold voltage. This reduces power consumption dramatically, improving energy efficiency by an order of magnitude. Low voltage operation, however, increases the effects of parameter variation resulting in significant frequency heterogeneity between (and within) otherwise identical cores. This heterogeneity severely limits the maximum frequency of the entire CMP. We present a combination of techniques aimed at reducing the effects of variation on the performance and energy efficiency of near-threshold, many-core CMPs. Dual Voltage Rail (DVR), mitigates core-to-core variation with a dual-rail power delivery system that allows post-manufacturing assignment of different supply voltages to individual cores. This speeds up slow cores by assigning them to a higher voltage and saves power on fast cores by assigning them to a lower voltage. Half-Speed Unit (HSU) mitigates within-core variation by halving the frequency of select functional blocks with the goal of boosting the frequency of individual cores, thus raising the frequency ceiling for the entire CMP. Together, these variation-reduction techniques result in almost 50% improvement in CMP performance for the same power consumption over a mix of workloads.
Designing nanostructures for sensor applications

Nanostructured materials have shown great potential in improving the sensitivity and reliability of chemical and biological sensors. The ability to control the geometric shape (size, separation, orientation, alignment, etc.) of nanostructures and to integrate nanostructures from different materials becomes one of the great challenges for sensor fabrication. Glancing angle deposition techniques can fabricate well-aligned three-dimensional nanostructures through computer programming. By rotating the substrate in both polar and azimuthal directions, one can fabricate desired nanostructures, such as nanorod arrays with different shapes, nanospring arrays, and even multilayer nanostructures. This method offers full three-dimensional control of the nanostructure with the additional capability of self-alignment and can be easily integrated into microdevices and optical devices. With the high surface area and high aspect ratio of those nanostructures, different sensors such as enzyme-based biosensors and optical sensors with higher sensitivity have been demonstrated.
Ileal atresia with total colonic aganglionosis

This is the 17th report of the case of an infant who had ileal atresia associated with Hirschsprung's disease, and the second with ganglion cells distal to the atresia. Experience suggests that Hirschsprung's disease should be suspected in all forms of bowel atresia.
Direct Electrochemical Transduction of Biorecognition at Viologen-Containing Monolayer Surfaces†

We describe a new, direct electrochemical means of detecting biorecognition at modified electrodes. Ternary self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) were formed on gold electrodes by coadsorption of biotin, viologen, and oligo(ethylene glycol)-functionalized alkanethiols. These SAMs exhibit electroactivity of the viologen moieties, biospecificity of the biotin moieties, and inhibition of nonspecific adsorption by the oligo(ethylene glycol) moieties. Changes in electrochemical behavior of the immobilized viologen observed by cyclic voltammetry accompanying biospecific adsorption of an anti-biotin antibody to biotin can be used to transduce biorecognition on the surface rapidly and reproducibly. Surface plasmon resonance measurements are consistent with the electrochemical responses that result from the partially reversible adsorption of the antibody to the SAM surface.
Microbiome, Sex Hormones, and Immune Responses in the Reproductive Tract: Challenges for Vaccine Development Against Sexually Transmitted Infections

The female and male reproductive tracts are complex eco-systems where immune cells, hormones, and microorganisms interact. The characteristics of the reproductive tract mucosa are distinct from other mucosal sites. Reproductive tract mucosal immune responses are compartmentalized, unique, and affected by resident bacterial communities and sex hormones. The female and male genital microbiomes are complex environments that fluctuate in response to external and host-associated stimuli. The female vaginal microbiota play an important role in preventing colonization by pathogenic organisms. Sex hormones and their duration of exposure affect the composition and stability of the microbiome as well as systemic and mucosal immune responses. In addition to the characteristics of the pathogen they are targeting, successful vaccines against sexually transmitted pathogens must take into account the differences between the systemic and mucosal immune responses, the compartmentalization of the mucosal immune responses, the unique characteristics of the reproductive tract mucosa, the role of the mucosal bacterial communities, the impact of sex hormones, and the interactions among all of these factors.
A STUDY OF THE MELANOPHORE-CONCENTRATING EFFECT OF MAMMALIAN THYROID EXTRACT IN RAINBOW TROUT*

THE only clearly recognized function of the thyroid gland in fishes and amphibians is that of the control of metamorphosis. An actively functioning thyroid gland or its equivalent in increased concentration of thyroid hormone in the body has been shown to be necessary for the transformation of the larval into the adult stage in a number of amphibians and several teleosts. However, since not all fishes pass through a larval stage, it may be said that the role of the thyroid gland in the body economy of this class of vertebrates is still largely unknown.1 Recent studies by the author (Robertson 1948, 1949) on the transformation of the parr to the silvery smolt stage in rainbow trout have revealed two manifestations of increased activity of the thyroid gland in this species of fish: one is the deposition of a thick layer of guanine crystals on the scales which gives the trout a silvery appearance;
Design of a fuzzy controller using input and output mapping factors

A complete design procedure for a fuzzy three-term PID controller is presented. A plant model is not required to achieve this design. A reduced look-up table containing the rules along with the quantization and tuning procedures by means of input and output mapping factors are introduced. The scaling factors of the output error time sequences are preselected arbitrarily and the search for an optimal input-to-output mapping factors ratio is performed through a phase diagram analysis. the applicability of the design procedure is demonstrated through computer simulations. >
Hrem Investigation on the Interface Between a Monocrystalline Substrate and a Doped Polysilicon Layer

Arsenic doped polysilicon was deposited on a oriented Si wafer. Cross-section TEM specimen preparation was performed, giving the vertical structure of the stack. The observation was done with a zone axis to ensure that the interface is strictly oriented under the electron beam. High resolution imaging on the very interfacial region proved the existence of an ultrathin regular amorphous layer running along the interface (thickness 1 rim). Complementary analytical investigations showed that the layer was really amorphous (EELS) and that the dopant was overconcentrated in this layer (EDXS linescan and SIMS profile). Therefore, a slight amorphization of the interface added to an abnormal migration of the dopant gives a well detectable layer separating both crystalline phases.
Neurosecretory Vesicles Contain Soluble and Membrane-Associated Monofunctional and Bifunctional Peptidylglycine α-Amidating Monooxygenase Proteins

Peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) catalyzes the COOH-terminal amidation of neuropeptides in a reaction requiring the sequential action of two enzymes contained within this bifunctional protein. The CNS contains primarily transcripts encoding rPAM-1 and rPAM-2, integral membrane proteins differing by the presence or absence of a noncatalytic domain separating the two enzymes. Subcellular fractionation of adult rat hypothalamus and hippocampus demonstrated the localization of both enzymatic activities to fractions enriched in neurosecretory vesicles. Upon separation of the soluble contents from the membranes of neurosecretory vesicles, 30-40% of both enzymatic activities was recovered in the soluble fraction. Over 40% of both enzymatic activities remained membrane-associated following removal of peripheral membrane proteins. Antisera specific to different regions of PAM were used to identify intact rPAM-1 and rPAM-2, a monofunctional integral membrane peptidyl-alpha-hydroxy-glycine alpha-amidating lyase protein generated from rPAM-1, and a noncatalytic COOH-terminal fragment as the major PAM proteins in carbonate-washed membranes. Endoproteolytic processing generated large amounts of soluble, monofunctional forms of both enzymes from rPAM-1 and smaller amounts of a soluble, bifunctional PAM protein from rPAM-2. A significant amount of both monofunctional enzymes lacking the transmembrane domain was tightly associated with membranes. Whereas soluble mono- and bifunctional enzymes may be released upon exocytosis of neurosecretory vesicles, membrane-associated PAM proteins may remain on the cell surface or be internalized.
Dicyclopenta[cd,jk]pyrene based acceptors in conjugated polymers

A series of reduced band gap donor–acceptor copolymers that contain electron accepting 1,2,6,7-tetra(4-dodecylphenyl)dicyclopenta[cd,jk]pyrene were prepared. The hydrocarbon acceptor relies on its cyclopenta-fused polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (CP-PAH) character to access a relatively reduced lowest unoccupied molecular orbital. The donor unit was varied between thiophene, bithiophene, and 1,4-diethynyl-2,5-bis(octyloxy)-benzene producing polymers with band gaps between 1.69–1.74 eV. The synthetic methodology as well as the optoelectronic properties of the donor–acceptor copolymers, including thin-film absorption and cyclic voltammetry, are presented.
Work in progress - assessing adaptive expertise in physiology using online challenge modules in biofluids

The approaches biomedical engineering programs use to meet ABET criteria related to physiology vary. This study will test approaches to teaching physiology based on mathematical approach (quantitative vs. qualitative) and the way the content is structured (concepts-based vs. systems-based). After completing a physiology learning module presented in one of four ways: Quantitative, Concepts-based; Quantitative, Systems-based; Qualitative, Concepts-based; or Qualitative, Systems-based, participants will be observed collaborating on a challenge-based learning module centered on a topic in biofluids. Adaptive expertise in physiology will be assessed by observing how participants transfer the physiology content they have acquired. The learning management system Moodle™ and online virtual world Second Life™ are used to create a rich environment for data collection.
Work in progress - promoting conceptual understanding through effective peer discussions in large classes

Using personal response systems (PRS) in large lecture classes has been suggested as one way to encourage the active involvement of students in this challenging pedagogical environment. Positive correlations between PRS use and course grades have been shown, but few have attempted to determine what components of the active learning are most effective. Some factors that may contribute to the positive correlation include: increased time in which students are actively applying concepts in class, increased exposure to the type of questions asked by a particular instructor, and peer discussion opportunities that often accompany PRS use. We are most interested in the latter factor, as we believe that knowledge construction is social and peer discussion is an effective technique to promote conceptual understanding. By studying peer discussions, we can gain information on how to structure these social interactions so they lead to the most conceptual understanding. We have initiated a study of peer discussions with an experienced PRS instructor. This instructor has included several classroom scenarios where students respond to a PRS question, discuss the question with a peer, and then vote again. We are tracking several characteristics of the peer team (gender, comfort level in discussing with peer, familiarity with peer, comfort level with material) and we will determine the effectiveness of these discussions by 1) correlating them with the number of correct PRS responses and 2) listening to the recorded discussions of five groups.
Temperature requirements for dormancy break and seed germination vary greatly among 14 wetland Carex species

Abstract We evaluated dormancy loss in seeds of 14 Carex species (C. atherodes, C. brevior, C. comosa, C. cristatella, C. cryptolepis, C. granularis, C. hystericina, C. lacustris, C. pellita, C. scoparia, C. stipata, C. stricta, C. utriculata, C. vulpinoidea) under growing season and stratification conditions and determined the temperature requirements for germination. Seeds were germinated for 1 year at a diel temperature regime (5/1 °C, 14/1 °C, 22/8 °C, or 27/15 °C) or a seasonal regime (seeds moved among the four diel regimes to mimic seasonal temperatures). All species had conditionally dormant seeds at maturity. The optimal temperature for germination of most species was 27/15 °C. The 14 species were grouped by their seed viability, dormancy, and germination with a Seed Regeneration Index (SRI; range 0–1) using the results of this study and a previously published paper on stratification effects on Carex seed dormancy and germination. The eight species that had an SRI value >0.5 (C. brevior, C. comosa, C. cristatella, C. cryptolepis, C. hystericina, C. scoparia, C. stipata, C. vulpinoidea) had high seed viability (>60%) and required little to no stratification to germinate readily over a broad range of temperatures. The six species with an SRI value
DIRECTIONAL EVOLUTION OF STOCKINESS COEVOLVES WITH ECOLOGY AND LOCOMOTION IN LIZARDS

Although studied in many taxa, directional macroevolution remains difficult to detect and quantify. We present an approach for detecting directional evolution in subclades of species when relatively few species are sampled, and apply it to studying the evolution of stockiness in Phrynosomatine lizards. Our approach is more sensitive to detecting the tempo of directional evolution than other available approaches. We use ancestral reconstruction and phylogenetic mapping of morphology to characterize the direction and magnitude of trait evolution. We demonstrate a directional trend toward stockiness in horned lizards, but not their sister groups, finding that stockier species tend to have relatively short and wide bodies, and relatively short heads, tails, and limbs. Ornstein-Uhlenbeck models show that the directional trend in horned lizards is due to a shift in selective regime and stabilizing selection as opposed to directional selection. Bayesian evolutionary correlation analyses indicate that stockier species run more slowly and eat a larger proportion of ants. Furthermore, species with larger horns tend to be slower and more ant-specialized. Directional evolution toward a stocky body shape has evolved in conjunction with changes in a suite of traits, representing a complex example of directional macroevolution.
Depressed lymphocyte transformation in a whole blood culture system after oral glucose ingestion

Abstract Twelve healthy volunteers (20 to 40 years old) were evaluated to determine the effect of oral glucose ingestion on in vitro lymphocyte transformation induced by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM). Whole blood transformation induced by PHA or PWM was depressed in all subjects from 0.5–1.0 h post-glucose ingestion. By 2.0 h, the mean transformation response had returned to near fasting levels. There was no significant difference in the mitogenic response of purified peripheral lymphocytes isolated from fasting and nonfasting samples. These findings suggest that utilization of whole blood lymphocyte cultures to assess immune function, should be restricted to fasting patients.
pH Regulates Genes for Flagellar Motility, Catabolism, and Oxidative Stress in Escherichia coli K-12†

Gene expression profiles of Escherichia coli K-12 W3110 were compared as a function of steady-state external pH. Cultures were grown to an optical density at 600 nm of 0.3 in potassium-modified Luria-Bertani medium buffered at pH 5.0, 7.0, and 8.7. For each of the three pH conditions, cDNA from RNA of five independent cultures was hybridized to Affymetrix E. coli arrays. Analysis of variance with an α level of 0.001 resulted in 98% power to detect genes showing a twofold difference in expression. Normalized expression indices were calculated for each gene and intergenic region (IG). Differential expression among the three pH classes was observed for 763 genes and 353 IGs. Hierarchical clustering yielded six well-defined clusters of pH profiles, designated Acid High (highest expression at pH 5.0), Acid Low (lowest expression at pH 5.0), Base High (highest at pH 8.7), Base Low (lowest at pH 8.7), Neutral High (highest at pH 7.0, lower in acid or base), and Neutral Low (lowest at pH 7.0, higher at both pH extremes). Flagellar and chemotaxis genes were repressed at pH 8.7 (Base Low cluster), where the cell's transmembrane proton potential is diminished by the maintenance of an inverted pH gradient. High pH also repressed the proton pumps cytochrome o (cyo) and NADH dehydrogenases I and II. By contrast, the proton-importing ATP synthase F1Fo and the microaerophilic cytochrome d (cyd), which minimizes proton export, were induced at pH 8.7. These observations are consistent with a model in which high pH represses synthesis of flagella, which expend proton motive force, while stepping up electron transport and ATPase components that keep protons inside the cell. Acid-induced genes, on the other hand, were coinduced by conditions associated with increased metabolic rate, such as oxidative stress. All six pH-dependent clusters included envelope and periplasmic proteins, which directly experience external pH. Overall, this study showed that (i) low pH accelerates acid consumption and proton export, while coinducing oxidative stress and heat shock regulons; (ii) high pH accelerates proton import, while repressing the energy-expensive flagellar and chemotaxis regulons; and (iii) pH differentially regulates a large number of periplasmic and envelope proteins.
Synchronization of simple chaotic flows

Abstract Nonlinear scalar third-order differential equation or jerky dynamics … x =J(x, x , x ) have recently attracted considerable interest since they constitute an important tool to identify and classify elementary chaotic flows. We investigate whether and under what conditions such systems can be synchronized by various coupling schemes such as the methods of Pecora–Carroll and Cuomo–Oppenheim, BK-coupling and active–passive decomposition. In particular, for the latter two schemes, we present specific, simplified coupling or decomposition approaches that allow for analytical estimates of the rapidity of the synchronization error.
THE CONSTRAINED EXTREMAL DISTRIBUTION SELECTION METHOD

Engineering design and policy formulation often involve the assessment of the likelihood of future events commonly expressed through a probability distribution. Determination of these distributions is based, when possible, on observational data. Unfortunately, these data are often incomplete, biased, and/or incorrect. These problems are exacerbated when policy formulation involves the risk of extreme events—situations of low likelihood and high consequences. Usually, observational data simply do not exist for such events. Therefore, determination of probabilities which characterize extreme events must utilize all available knowledge, be it subjective or observational, so as to most accurately reflect the likelihood of such events. Extending previous work on the statistics of extremes, the Constrained Extremal Distribution Selection Method is a methodology that assists in the selection of probability distributions that characterize the risk of extreme events using expert opinion to constrain the feasible values for parameters which explicitly define a distribution. An extremal distribution is then “fit” to observational data, conditional that the selection of parameters does not violate any constraints. Using a random search technique, genetic algorithms, parameters that minimize a measure of fit between a hypothesized distribution and observational data are estimated. The Constrained Extremal Distribution Selection Method is applied to a real world policy problem faced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Selected distributions characterize the likelihood of extreme, fatal hazardous material accidents in the United States. These distributions are used to characterize the risk of large scale accidents with numerous fatalities.
Family Caregiving to Elderly African Americans: Caregiver Types and Structures

Objectives. This study identified different types of caregivers who provide care to older African Americans, the types of caregiving structures created to provide care, and the factors that help predict caregiving structures. Methods. A community sample of 330 caregivers caring for 202 elderly African Americans was used. Multinomial logistic regression predicted what type of caregiving structure was created by families to provide care to older relatives. Results. Three types of caregivers were identified: 187 primary caregivers, who were connected to 79 secondary caregivers and 49 tertiary caregivers. Fifteen tertiary-only caregivers who were not connected to other caregivers were identified. Five caregiving structures were found: (i) primary, secondary, and tertiary, (ii) primary and secondary, (iii) primary and tertiary, (iv) primary only, and (v) tertiary-only. Characteristics of care recipients were predictive of caregiving structures. Discussion. Different types of caregivers with distinct roles and responsibilities provided care within defined caregiving structures to older African American family members. Caregiving structures may be individualistic (only one caregiver) or collectivist (two or more caregivers). Caregiving structure is predicted by the care recipients' conditions and situations, but not those of the primary caregiver.
Send in the Corps! The Peace Corps and the Popular Perception of the United States in Latin America

This article examines the role of the Peace Corps in U.S. foreign policy and specifically explores the role of the Peace Corps in improving the popular image of the United States. I empirically test the hypothesis that the presence of a Peace Corps program enhances a positive of view of the United States held by the people of that country. Using logistic regression analysis, I show that the presence of Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) in a country positively influences individuals' views toward the United States. I analyze survey research from the region of Latin America using datasets from the Latinobarometer public opinion survey. Furthermore, I present a theoretical explanation to understand how the presence of PCVs can lead to an improved perception of the United States. This explanation draws from the contact hypothesis originally proposed by Gordon Allport. Related Articles Garner, Andrew. 2013. “Ambivalence, the Intergroup Contact Hypothesis, and Attitudes about Gay Rights.” Politics & Policy 41 (2): 241-266. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12010/abstract Alejandro, San Francisco R., and Angel, Soto G. 2004. “Political and Economic Liberty in Latin America: Can They Coexist?” Politics & Policy 32 (1): 139-156. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2004.tb00179.x/abstract Sabia, Debra. 2003. “Community Service Learning: Bridging Education and Social Practice.” Politics & Policy 31 (2): 347-370. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2003.tb00152.x/abstract Related Media Documentaries: Peace Corps. 2010. “27 Months.” July 16. Parts 1 and 2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67X9QQT0ir8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgco9rR9wic ABC News. 2011. “20/20 Peace Corps Special.” Aired January 14. http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/obama-sign-kate-puzey-peace-corps-volunteer-protection/story?id=14998236#.UZUS8Up4Bbw Este articulo examina el papel que juegan el Cuerpo de Paz en la politica exterior estadounidense y especificamente explora el papel que juegan dichas fuerzas en mejorar la imagen publica de los Estados Unidos. A partir del uso del analisis de regresion logistica, el articulo demuestra que la presencia en el exterior de voluntarios del Cuerpo de Paz (PCV por sus siglas en ingles) influye positivamente en las opiniones que se tienen en el exterior de los Estados Unidos. La investigacion analiza datos de una encuesta aplicada en la region de America Latina denominada Latinobarometro. Adicionalmente presenta una explicacion teorica para entender como la presencia de PCV puede llevar a una mejor percepcion de los Estados Unidos. Esta explicacion se deriva de la hipotesis de contacto originalmente formulada por Gordon Allport.
Genetic Transformation of the Relapsing Fever Spirochete Borrelia hermsii: Stable Integration and Expression of Green Fluorescent Protein from Linear Plasmid 200

Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a spirochetal disease caused by at least 15 different Borrelia species. It is a serious human health concern in regions of endemicity throughout the world. Transmission to humans occurs through the bites of infected Ornithodoros ticks. In North America, the primary Borrelia species associated with human disease are B. hermsii and B. turicatae. Direct demonstration of the role of putative TBRF spirochete virulence factors in the disease process has been hindered by the lack of a genetic manipulation system and complete genome sequences. Expanding on recent developments in these areas, here we demonstrate the successful generation of a clone of B. hermsii YOR that constitutively produces green fluorescent protein (GFP) (B. hermsii YOR::kan gfp). This strain was generated through introduction of a kan-gfp cassette into a noncoding region of the 200-kb B. hermsii linear plasmid lp200. Genetic manipulation did not affect the growth rate or trigger the loss of native plasmids. B. hermsii YOR::kan gfp retained infectivity and elicited host seroconversion. Stable production of GFP was demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. This study represents a significant step forward in the development of tools that can be employed to study the virulence mechanisms of TBRF spirochetes.
T1 Hyperintense Renal Lesions: Characterization with Diffusion-weighted MR Imaging versus Contrast-enhanced MR Imaging

Purpose: To compare the performance of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurement obtained with diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the characterization of non–fat-containing T1 hyperintense renal lesions with that of contrast material–enhanced MR imaging, with histopathologic analysis and follow-up imaging as the reference standards. Materials and Methods: Institutional review board approval was obtained for this HIPAA-compliant retrospective study, and the informed consent requirement was waived. Two independent observers retrospectively assessed MR images obtained in 41 patients with non–fat-containing T1 hyperintense renal lesions. The MR examination included acquisition of DW and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images. For each index lesion, the observers assessed the (a) mean (± standard deviation) of ADC, (b) enhancement ratio, and (c) subtracted images for the presence of enhancement (confidence score, 1–5). Histopathologic analysis of renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) and fo...
Identifying the ‘inorganic gene’ for high-temperature piezoelectric perovskites through statistical learning

This paper develops a statistical learning approach to identify potentially new hightemperature ferroelectric piezoelectric perovskite compounds. Unlike most computational studies on crystal chemistry, where the starting point is some form of electronic structure calculation, we use a data-driven approach to initiate our search. This is accomplished by identifying patterns of behaviour between discrete scalar descriptors associated with crystal and electronic structure and the reported Curie temperature (TC) of known compounds; extracting design rules that govern critical structure–property relationships; and discovering in a quantitative fashion the exact role of these materials descriptors. Our approach applies linear manifold methods for data dimensionality reduction to discover the dominant descriptors governing structure–property correlations (the ‘genes’) and Shannon entropy metrics coupled to recursive partitioning methods to quantitatively assess the specific combination of descriptors that govern the link between crystal chemistry and TC (their ‘sequencing’). We use this information to develop predictive models that can suggest new structure/chemistries and/or properties. In this manner, BiTmO3–PbTiO3 and BiLuO3–PbTiO3 are predicted to have a TC of 730 ◦ C and 705 ◦ C, respectively. A quantitative structure–property relationship model similar to those used in biology and drug discovery not only predicts our new chemistries but also validates published reports.
Identification of Sound-Producing Hydrophilid Beetles (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) in Underwater Recordings Using Digital Signal Processing

Abstract Hydrophone recordings from three aquatic beetle species within the family Hydrophilidae, Berosus pantherinus (LeConte), Tropisternus blatchleyi (d'Orchymont), and Tropisternus collaris (F.), were used to create an automated identification program. The identification program was designed using digital signal processing techniques and is capable of identifying which species is present from hydrophone recordings alone. Using features based on the frequency content of each beetle call and background sounds in reference recordings, half-second segments of audio recordings were classified as a specific beetle species call, a general beetle distress call, or as noise. Classification accuracy ranged from 87.5% for reference recordings. Training calls had accuracies of 98% and above between beetle species and noise. The majority of beetle recordings in a mesocosm environment were classified correctly. Often, T. blatchleyi was false-positively identified in recordings with non-beetle background noises, suc...
Phylogeny and Character Evolution of Hoffmannseggia (Caesalpinieae: Caesalpinioideae: Leguminosae)

Abstract For the last 150 years, the taxonomy of Hoffmannseggia has been variously entangled with Caesalpinia and Pomaria. Traditionally, Hoffmannseggia consisted of herbaceous or sub-shrubby perennials (rather than trees or vines) that lack spines and usually bear glandular trichomes on portions of the vegetative surfaces. However, the lack of correspondence of other characters such as flower shape, fruit type, and sepal persistence with habit and armament led to the repeated realignment of various species. Recent molecular work has shown that Hoffmannseggia forms a monophyletic group supported with several morphological synapomorphies and that it is not closely related to either Caesalpinia or Pomaria. Here we use molecular data from the nuclear ITS spacer regions, the trnL spacer and trnF intron chloroplast regions, and the rbcL gene to examine the relationships of Hoffmannseggia species. We show that there are two major clades in the genus that do not correspond to any previous infrageneric taxonomy. ...
Motion and volumetric change as demonstrated by 4DCT: The effects of abdominal compression on the GTV, lungs, and heart in lung cancer patients.

Abstract Purpose Lung tumors move during respiration, complicating radiation therapy. The abdominal compression plate (ACP) is thought to reduce respiratory motion. This study quantifies ACP efficacy on respiratory-induced motion by using 4-dimensional computed tomography to evaluate volume and displacement changes of the heart, lungs, and tumor with and without ACP. Methods and materials Lung cancer patients (n = 17) received 4-dimensional computed tomography simulations (10 computed tomography scans from 0% to 90% breathing phases) with and without ACP under maximally tolerated diaphragmatic pressure. Gross tumor volume (GTV), heart, and lungs were contoured in treatment planning software for each phase. Structures were exported for analysis. For each phase, with and without ACP, tumor and organ absolute centroid range of motion and volume were calculated. Results ACP did not significantly affect GTV, heart, or lung motion on the sample as a whole, but instead demonstrated patient-specific results. ACP reduced GTV motion in 3 (17.6%; 3 upper lobe tumors) by 2.9 mm (P Conclusions ACP efficacy was patient-specific, possibly because of pre-existing factors including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease severity, chest wall elasticity, tumor location, and patient comfort. Tumor lobe location does not predetermine compression efficacy; therefore, patients should be simulated with and without ACP, regardless of tumor location. GTV motion seems most important in determining suitability for compression. Alternative motion control should be considered in patients not benefited by compression. In patients who benefited, ACP may enhance tumor coverage while minimizing toxicity. Larger scale studies are necessary for definitive treatment recommendations.
“Still a Boys Club”: Perspectives on Female Sports and Sports Reporters in University Student Newspapers

Despite the growth of sports media, female athletes and sports reporters continue to struggle for recognition. This study builds on existing research that has documented the extent to which women are sidelined in sports media with an investigation of why this marginalization occurs. Interviews with student newspaper staff members suggest that, while intentional sexism and discrimination are uncommon, the male-dominated culture of sports and sports journalism continue to perpetuate the status quo and make meaningful change difficult.
Sonographic detection of synchronous occurrence of benign nodules in orthotopic and ectopic thyroid tissue.

Migration anomalies that occur during embryonic development may result in incompletely descended thyroid tissue. This tissue may be located at various locations in the anterior neck in the midline. The coexistence of a normally located or orthotopic thyroid gland and ectopic thyroid tissue is rare and is of uncertain etiology and clinical importance. This ectopic tissue may occur in the submandibular region in or lateral to the carotid space. Although some surgeons think that submandibular thyroid tissue represents regional metastases from occult primary thyroid tumors, we report on the synchronous occurrence and sonographic appearance of benign nodules located within both the orthotopic thyroid gland and in ectopic tissue located in the carotid space.
Biology and Control of the Pea Weevil in the Palouse Area of Idaho and Washington

The growing of dried peas for seed and commercial purposes has become a very profitable source of agricultural income in the Palouse territory of Washington and Idaho. At times, however, the crop is seriously damaged by the pea weevil, Bruchus pisorum (L.). The insect, through its feeding, makes the peas undesirable for human consumption; can reduce the germination to practically nothing, thus making the peas unfit for seed purposes; and renders the peas less valuable as stock feed.
Teaching patient-centered care.

(Fam Med 2002;34(9):644-5.) Editor’s Note: In this month’s column, Gary R. Gray, DO, a member of the faculty at Natividad Family Practice Residency in Salinas, Calif, presents information about a topic of importance to community teachers of family medicine: patient-centered care. I welcome your comments about this feature, which is also published on the STFM Web site at www.stfm.org. I also encourage all predoctoral directors to make copies of this feature and distribute it to their preceptors (with the appropriate Family Medicine citation). Send your submissions to williamh@bcm.tmc.edu. William Huang, MD, Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, 5510 Greenbriar, Houston, TX 77005-2638. 713-798-6271. Fax: 713-7988472. Submissions should be no longer than 3–4 double-spaced pages. References can be used but are not required. Count each table or figure as one page of text.