cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Challenges during diapause and anhydrobiosis: Mitochondrial bioenergetics and desiccation tolerance

In preparation for the onset of environmental challenges like overwintering, food limitation, anoxia, or water stress, many invertebrates and certain killifish enter diapause. Diapause is a developmentally-programed dormancy characterized by suppression of development and metabolism. For embryos of Artemia franciscana (brine shrimp), the metabolic arrest is profound. These gastrula-stage embryos depress oxidative metabolism by ~99% during diapause and survive years of severe desiccation in a state termed anhydrobiosis. Trehalose is the sole fuel source for this developmental stage. Mitochondrial function during diapause is downregulated primarily by restricting substrate supply, as a result of inhibiting key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism. Because proton conductance across the inner membrane is not decreased during diapause, the inference is that membrane potential must be compromised. In the absence of any intervention, the possibility exists that the F1 Fo ATP synthase and the adenine nucleotide translocator may reverse, leading to wholesale hydrolysis of cellular ATP. Studies with anhydrobiotes like A. franciscana are revealing multiple traits useful for improving desiccation tolerance that include the expression and accumulation late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins and trehalose. LEA proteins are intrinsically disordered in aqueous solution but gain secondary structure (predominantly α-helix) as water is removed. These protective agents stabilize biological structures including lipid bilayers and mitochondria during severe water stress. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(12):1251-1259, 2018.
Diffprivlib: The IBM Differential Privacy Library

Since its conception in 2006, differential privacy has emerged as the de-facto standard in data privacy, owing to its robust mathematical guarantees, generalised applicability and rich body of literature. Over the years, researchers have studied differential privacy and its applicability to an ever-widening field of topics. Mechanisms have been created to optimise the process of achieving differential privacy, for various data types and scenarios. Until this work however, all previous work on differential privacy has been conducted on a ad-hoc basis, without a single, unifying codebase to implement results. In this work, we present the IBM Differential Privacy Library, a general purpose, open source library for investigating, experimenting and developing differential privacy applications in the Python programming language. The library includes a host of mechanisms, the building blocks of differential privacy, alongside a number of applications to machine learning and other data analytics tasks. Simplicity and accessibility has been prioritised in developing the library, making it suitable to a wide audience of users, from those using the library for their first investigations in data privacy, to the privacy experts looking to contribute their own models and mechanisms for others to use.
How Many Copies Are Enough? Using Citation Studies to Limit Journal Holdings

Mr. Brown introduces the University of Michigan Law Library�s use of citation study literature to develop a new policy regarding the number of duplicate copies of law review titles to be held in the library�s collection. The specifics of the new policy are described.
Clinical Impact of BioFire Film Array in Pediatric Sepsis

Objective Rapid molecular tests are important components of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) and for early and accurate diagnosis of sepsis etiology. Their utility in helping providers to de-escalate therapy remains a subject of debate, especially among patients with chronic conditions and indwelling devices. Methods We have conducted a retrospective cohort study of medical records from August 1, 2016 to July 31, 2018, following the implementation at our institution of the BioFire FilmArray blood culture identification panel (BioFire Diagnostics, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States). We have assessed the clinical impact of the assay looking at antimicrobial optimization and time needed to make this change in different pediatric wards. Results Two hundred and twenty-nine patients were included in our analysis. We identified a significant statistical difference between different pediatric wards regarding antimicrobial therapy optimization (p Conclusion Our study suggests that BioFire Film Array does not help de-escalating the therapy in patients with chronic disorders. Physician education and level of confidence in the assay remains an essential obstacle in maximizing the test performance in clinical practice. In recent years, the market for more sensitive and comprehensive rapid molecular diagnostic tests has evolved rapidly, requiring effective ASP to optimize the management of infectious diseases.
Smart Electronic Materials: Fundamentals and Applications

Smart materials respond rapidly to external stimuli to alter their physical properties. They are used in devices that are driving advances in modern information technology and have applications in electronics, optoelectronics, sensors, memories and other areas. This book fully explains the physical properties of these materials, including semiconductors, dielectrics, ferroelectrics, ferromagnetics and organic polymers. Fundamental concepts are consistently connected to their real-world applications. It covers structural issues, electronic properties, transport properties, polarization-related properties and magnetic properties of a wide range of smart materials. The book contains carefully chosen worked examples to convey important concepts and has many end-of-chapter problems. It is written for first year graduate students in electrical engineering, materials science or applied physics programs. It is also an invaluable book for engineers working in industry or research laboratories. A solution manual and a set of useful viewgraphs are also available for instructors.
Experimental studies on airway smooth muscle responses.

Airway smooth muscle in vivo is exposed to stimuli from chemical mediators, neurotransmitters, prostaglandins and exogenous drugs. Contractile responses of airway smooth muscle, in asthma and in experimental guinea pig anaphylaxis, may depend to a large extent on the balance between these contractile and relaxant stimuli, and on their interactions.
Negative Roche cobas HPV testing in cases of biopsy-proven invasive cervical carcinoma, compared with Hybrid Capture 2 and liquid-based cytology

Introduction The objective of this study was to conduct a retrospective analysis of results of cytology and Roche cobas (RC) and Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) human papillomavirus (HPV) screening tests in cases of biopsy-proven invasive cervical carcinoma. Materials and methods The clinical data were obtained at a university hospital in New York, NY, between 2004 and 2017. Results of cytology, reported per Bethesda classification system, and HPV screening in 177 identified cases with cytology and biopsy-proven diagnosis of cervical carcinoma were included in the analysis. Results Two cohorts were analyzed. Of the 177 identified cases, cotesting was performed for 100 patients. Among these 100, cotesting screening results would not trigger immediate colposcopy in 6%; HPV screening results were reported as negative in 16% (16% of all RC, 16% of all HC2, 16% total) and, if HPV was the only screening modality, would not trigger a colposcopy. Of the 177 total cases, 128 patients underwent cytology screening prior to biopsy, with a cytology diagnosis that, alone, would not trigger immediate colposcopy in 14%. Conclusions The HPV DNA screening and cytology screening alone were negative for 16% and 14%, respectively, of patients with biopsy-proven diagnoses of invasive carcinoma of cervical origin, without a significant difference in failure rates between cytology, HC2, and RC. The cotesting approach had a significantly lower failure rate (6%) compared with the 2 other screening modalities alone.
Methods for Copy Number Aberration Detection from Single-cell DNA Sequencing Data

Abstract Single-cell DNA sequencing technologies are enabling the study of mutations and their evolutionary trajectories in cancer. Somatic copy number aberrations (CNAs) have been implicated in the development and progression of various types of cancer. A wide array of methods for CNA detection has been either developed specifically for or adapted to single-cell DNA sequencing data. Understanding the strengths and limitations that are unique to each of these methods is very important for obtaining accurate copy number profiles from single-cell DNA sequencing data. Here we review the major steps that are followed by these methods when analyzing such data, and then review the strengths and limitations of the methods individually. In terms of segmenting the genome into regions of different copy numbers, we categorize the methods into three groups, select a representative method from each group that has been commonly used in this context, and benchmark them on simulated as well as real datasets. While single-cell DNA sequencing is very promising for elucidating and understanding CNAs, even the best existing method does not exceed 80% accuracy. New methods that significantly improve upon the accuracy of these three methods are needed. Furthermore, with the large datasets being generated, the methods must be computationally efficient.
Surgical intervention for mechanical large bowel obstruction at a tertiary hospital: Which patients receive a stoma and how often are they reversed?

Abstract Background The surgical management of large bowel obstruction (LBO) is heterogeneous and influenced by multiple variables. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the surgical interventions and outcomes of patients necessitating surgery for LBO. Methods Patients with LBO between 2000 and 2017 were included. Main outcomes measures are intraoperative findings, operative management, post-operative outcomes and stoma closure rates. Results 133 patients were included with predominately left-sided obstruction (82%). The most common etiology was colorectal cancer (44%) followed by extrinsic malignant compression (29%). The most common operation performed was fecal diversion without resection (46%). This group had significantly more stage 4 carcinoma, carcinomatosis and had the lowest stoma closure rate (16%). Eighty-six percent of the operated patients underwent fecal diversion, of these, 27% had stoma reversal at 6 months. Patients that had a resection and anastomosis with diverting loop ileostomy were most likely to undergo stoma reversal (p = 0.005) and had the lowest number of patients with stage-IV carcinoma. Conclusions In this single institution analysis, the management of LBO entails high operative and stoma rates, with less than 30% of patient undergoing stoma closure. Resection, anastomosis and DLI had the highest chance of stoma reversal.
[Infliximab in infantile Takayasu arteritis: a case report and literature review]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of infantile Takayasu arteritis and the efficacy of infliximab (IFX). Methods: Clinical manifestations, laboratory investigations and infliximab intervention of a case with infantile Takayasu arteritis, who was admitted to Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics in January 2018, were reviewed and analyzed. The related literature published from the beginning to March 2020 were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang, SinoMed and PubMed with the keywords of"Takayasu arteritis","Infant" in both Chinese and English. Results: This case was a 70-day-old boy admitted due to recurrent fever for 20 days. On admission, his blood pressure were 104/90, 95/59, 125/80, and 152/125 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) in the right arm, left arm, right leg, and left leg, respectively. The complete blood cell count showed leukocytosis (22.6×109/L), thrombocytosis (858×109/L) and mild anemia (80 g/L). He also had elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (119 mm/1h), serum ferritin (598 μg/L) and C-reactive protein (112 mg/L). Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) showed narrowing of the thoracic and abdominal aorta, with thickening and heterogenous enhancement of the vessel wall. Coronary artery ultrasound detected dilatation and wall thickening of the bilateral coronary arteries, and uneven dilatation of the middle segment of the right coronary artery, showing bead-like change. Vessel wall thickening was also found in the other main arteries, including both femoral arteries, axillary arteries, carotid arteries, and subclavian arteries, and both superficial femoral arteries were slightly narrowed in the distal segments. The diagnosis of TA was confirmed, and the boy was treated with infliximab monotherapy (5 mg/(kg·every time), a total of 13 times). Then his body temperature and all inflammatory markers were normalized, and the vascular pathology was resolved according to the radiography. No side effects such as allergy or infection were noted during the treatment. During the 2 years and 6 months of follow-up, the boy maintained normal growth and development. Literature review found 8 related articles, and one of them was in Chinese but had limited information. In the other 7 papers, a total of 7 infants with TA were reported. The most common symptom was fever (5 cases), and inflammatory markers usually elevated, and the most common affected artery was abdominal aorta (6 cases). Most cases were treated with glucocorticoid. Conclusions: TA is a rare disease in infants, usually presents with fever and increased inflammatory markers. At the early stage, infliximab monotherapy could effectively control the symptoms and ensure normal growth and development.
Correlates of injection-related wounds and skin infections amongst persons who inject drugs and use a syringe service programme: A single center study.

Risk factors associated with wounds and skin infections amongst persons who inject drugs may have changed in the era of fentanyl and now stimulant coinjection. We assessed the number of injection site wounds and skin infections and associated factors amongst 675 persons who inject drugs in a syringe services programme. Of this sample, 173 participants reported a total of 307 wounds and skin infections. Significant factors associated with increased number of wounds and skin infections were age 30 or older, female gender, ever experiencing homelessness, cocaine injection, and injecting between 5 and 10 years. Wounds and skin infections were common amongst syringe services programme clients and are associated with certain risk factors that may help to design effective interventions. Given the high prevalence of wounds in syringe services programme clients, wound care clinicians can make a significant difference and improve outcomes. We also shed light on correlates of wounds and skin infections in persons who inject drugs in order to spur further research to devise efficacious interventions for this underserved group.
Creating the right environment

Highly selective CO2 reduction electrodes are essential for the viability of CO2 electrolysis as a carbon utilization technology. New research demonstrates a strategy to control the selectivity of CO2 conversion by coating the electrocatalyst with thin bilayers of ionomers to tune the electrode microenvironment.
Which of the Three KABC-II Global Scores is the Least Biased?

In order to create fairer measures for the assessment of ethnic minority group children, the test authors of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children–Second Edition (KABC-II) created three different global indexes: the comprehensive Fluid-Crystallized Index (FCI); the Mental Processing Index (MPI), which excludes subtests that assess crystallized knowledge; and the Nonverbal Index (NVI), which excludes any subtest that requires verbal expression. The test authors encourage clinicians to use the MPI for children with cultural differences and the NVI for children with language differences. The implication is that the FCI is more biased than the MPI and NVI for assessing children from ethnic minorities. However, there has been no empirical evidence to support that hypothesis. Using structural equation modeling, we investigated the predictive validity of the three KABC-II global scores in predicting reading, writing, and math in a nationally representative sample of Caucasian, African-American, and Hispanic school-aged children across three grade groups (1–4, N = 724; 5–8, N = 743; and 9–12, N = 534). Contrary to the test authors’ predictions, the FCI emerged as the fairest predictor of achievement across all age and grade groups. Alternatively, the MPI and NVI showed a persistent intercept overprediction of African-American and Hispanic students’ achievements across grades 5–8. The results provide evidence that more comprehensive global scaled scores might, in fact, be fairer predictor variables than less culturally and linguistically influenced indexes when predicting the achievement of children and adolescents from ethnic minorities.
Environmental Interpretation for a Diverse Public: Nature Center Planning for Minority Populations:

The increasing cultural and ethnic diversity in the United States should challenge environmental interpreters to offer programs that attract a variety of audiences. This study investigated minority...
Turbulent flow and the effects of curvature

Multi-sensor measurements have been made in an axisymmetric Couette flow and in a curved mixing-layer formed by detachment of a thick boundary layer from the trailing edge of a plane surface. For the Couette flow, large eddies highly elongated in the flow direction are found for Reynolds numbers in the range 10 000 to 100 000, but they occur as equally spaced, toroidal eddies only for Reynolds numbers less than 40 000. At higher Reynolds numbers, the large eddy structure takes the form of helical eddies interspersed with occasional toroidal eddies and patches of unorganised flow. The curved mixing layer is a curiosity, being initially a mixture of a growing layer with periodic fluctuations of velocity whose phase changes with displacement across the width of the layer.
Compositional Trends and Eruptive Cycles at Mount St. Helens

The 40,000-year eruptive history of Mount St. Helens reveals an overall compositional trend from rhyodacite to andesite, with basalt at ~1.9 and ~1.6 ka. A cyclic eruption pattern is superimposed on this trend. Cycles comprised a repose interval, when compositional and thermal gradients developed in the underlying magma body, followed by an eruption interval in which progressive tapping of magma beheaded these gradients. Recovery of gradients varied with duration of the ensuing repose period. Eruption sequences follow the pattern: (1) eruptive progression from Plinian eruptions to dome growth accompanied by pyroclastic flows and tephra, followed (in some cases) by lava flows punctuated by pyroclastic outbursts; (2) a mineralogic progression from hydrous Fe-Mg phenocrysts (hb, cm, bi) toward pyroxenes; (3) a magmatic compositional progression from rhyodacite or dacite to andesite. Progressions 1 and 2 stem mainly from volatile gradients in the magma reservoir whereas progression 3 (and to some extent 2) reflects gradients of melt composition and crystal content. Three eruption cycles within the last 4,000 years follow this pattern. Earlier cycles are probable but only dimly perceived, mainly from the partial record of tephras and pyroclastic flows.
Quantitative evaluation of increase in surface dose by immobilization thermoplastic masks and superficial dosimetry using Gafchromic EBT film and Monte Carlo calculations

Purpose To investigate the increase in surface dose under immobilization thermoplastic masks by measurements and calculation in the build-up region using Gafchromic films and Monte Carlo simulation. Materials and methods Surface doses were measured underneath three thermoplastic masks in open fields using 6 and 18 MV photon beams. These masks are used to immobilize patients for head and neck (H&N), pelvis and thoracic treatment. Gafchromic EBT films were placed on the top of the flat surface of a phantom partially underneath the mask and exposed in open 10 x 10 cm2 photon fields. The depth doses were calculated using BEAMnrc Monte Carlo code for water-equivalent film detectors with different layers of thickness ranging from 50 microm to 2.5 mm and compared with film measurements. Results Surface dose increased by a factor of 3 to 4 underneath the mask relative to the open areas and 6 MV beam delivers more skin dose than 18 MV. H&N mask increased surface dose by a factor of 3 using 18 MV and a factor of 4 using 6 MV. In addition, increase in surface dose depended on the type of the mask, the size of openings, and the amount of stretching performed during the mask preparation. The measured depth doses were compared with BEAMnrc Monte Carlo calculation for water-equivalent detectors using different sizes. The calculated depth dose depended significantly on the thickness of film detector and varies by more than 15% using layer thickness of 2.5 mm compared to 50 microm. Surface doses measured by Gafchromic EBT films agreed within 3% with the Monte Carlo calculations using a small detector layer of 50 microm. Conclusion Thermoplastic masks used for patient immobilization can significantly increase skin doses by up to a factor of 4 more than that without the mask using 6 MV beams. The skin reactions resulting from thermoplastic masks should be monitored and corrective measures should be taken during treatment such as partially removing the mask over skin areas with complications and optimizing the skin dose in IMRT planning. Gafchromic EBT films provide accurate skin dosimetry which agrees within 3% with Monte Carlo calculations. Gafchromic EBT film makes an excellent tool for measuring depth doses in the buildup region and these data can be applied for treatment planning calculations and IMRT optimization.
The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court

A Book Review of Jeffrey Toobin's book, The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court (2007). The Review discusses the main themes in Jeffrey Toobin's book, particularly his analysis of the various personalities and political predispositions of the Justices.
Systems Software for Multimedia Computing

In this paper, we take a macroscopic look and identify the emerging needs of the internet and worldwide computing domain driven by multimedia and instant communications. We then take a microscopic look at a few system software solutions that act as basic building blocks to satisfy end-user requirements. Specifically, we identify the application level requirements expected by users in an interconnected world and then translate them to system-level requirements within the infrastructure. In the Real-Time and Multimedia Laboratory at the Department of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, we are addressing a vertical range of problems, solutions to which will enable predictable and well-behaved interconnected systems. As illustrative examples, we provide an overview of the resource kernel approach and distributed real-time objects. Among the other solutions we have developed are analytical support for tradeoffs across multiple QoS dimensions, many-to-many communications services and scalable real-time kernels. These solutions serve as essential building blocks for flexible construction of the various layers in an interconnected world of computing and communications.
Critical signal transduction pathways in CLL

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are cell-surface transmembrane receptors that contain regulated kinase activity within their cytoplasmic domain and play a critical role in signal transduction in both normal and malignant cells. Besides B cell receptor (BCR) signaling in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), multiple RTKs have been reported to be constitutively active in CLL B cells, resulting in enhanced survival and resistance to apoptosis of the leukemic cells induced by chemotherapeutic agents. In addition to increased plasma levels of various types of cytokines/growth factors in CLL, we and others have detected that CLL B cells spontaneously produce multiple cytokines in vitro which may constitute an autocrine loop of RTK activation on the leukemic B cells. Moreover, aberrant expression and activation of non-RTKs, for example, Src/Syk kinases, induce resistance of the leukemic B cells to therapy. Based on current available knowledge, we detailed the impact of aberrant activities of various RTKs/non-RTKs on CLL B cell survival and the potential of using these signaling components as future therapeutic targets in CLL therapy.
LUMBAR EPIDURAL ANAESTHESIA IN LABOUR AND DELIVERY: ONE YEAR'S EXPERIENCE

Summary A series of 739 obstetrical patients who received lumbar epidural anaesthesia for labour and delivery has been reviewed. Satisfactory anaesthesia was produced in 78·8 per cent of all patients despite relative inexperience by many operators. The effect on the fetus is minimal. The technique, although somewhat complicated, is easily learned and provides safe, effective anaesthesia. Physicians wishing to use this technique must pay close attention to detail, monitor their patients carefully, and be proficient in forceps delivery.
Life in the middle: An analysis of information centers from the perspective of their major stakeholders

Abstract Information Centers (ICs), in their mission of supporting end-user computing, find themselves in the middle of two different constituencies, users and Information Systems (IS) managers. A conceptual model, based on role theory, is presented here to explore the special challenges of “life in the middle”, such as different expectations about the roles that should be performed by IC professionals, different criteria for evaluating their performance, and different perceptions of their success. These special challenges were empirically studied through in-depth interviews with users, IS Managers and IC Managers, in a random national sample of forty-seven Fortune 500 companies. The results indicate that, given the multiple expectations surrounding Information Centers, IC professionals need to be flexible in adopting different roles, skilled in coping with different sets of performance criteria, and keenly aware of the highly subjective nature of the evaluations received from their diverse constituents.
The Quantum Cellular Automaton as a Markov Process

Abstract The dynamical behavior of the Quantum Cellular Automaton (QCA) is described here as a Markov Process. Ergodicity and recurrence, emergent properties of the discrete dynamical QCA system, are defined in the context of the characteristic polynomial of the Markov transition matrix. Except for a few anomalous cases, the transition matrix can be used to predict recurrence times. Finally, a correspondence between recurrence and elementary particle mass is proposed as an example of an emergent property of the QCA system. © 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Multiple return times theorems for weakly mixing systems

Abstract We prove the pointwise convergence of weighted averages 1 N ∑ N n=1 a n g(R n z) where (Z, K ,ν,R) is an ergodic dynamical system.The sequence an is given by expression of the form a n =a n (x,y 1 ,y 2 ,…,y J )=( ∏ H i=1 f i (T b i n x))·( ∏ J j=1 g j (S n j y j )), where (b 1 ,b 2 ,…,b H )∈ Z H and J is a positive integer. The functions fi and gj are bounded and the systems (X, F ,μ,T) and (Y j , G j ,m j ,S j ) are weakly mixing.
X-ray-induced recombination in the fourth chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster females. I. Kinetics and brood patterns.

Abstract X-ray-induced recombination in the fourth chromosome exhibited a greater than linear dose-response and occured predominantly in the heterochromatic regions spanning the centromere. In brooding experiments recombinant fourth chromosomes were recovered in all broods with no apparent relationship between the recovery of recombinant chromosomes and the recovery of triplo-4 and detachment-bearing progeny. There was no evidence of clustering in either early or late broods. We have concluded that X-ray-induced recombination is a translocation-like process involving homologues.
695 ULTRASOUND (US) IN THE EVALUATION OF AN ABDOMINAL MASS

From 1976 to 1980, 482 consecutive patients with the clinical suspicion of an abdominal mass were evaluated with US, 119 (25%) had no mass or an anatomic variant felt as a mass; 363 with a mass are displayed below as to area and type of mass. Based on the data and results of other radiographic studies, an approach to the diagnosis was developed. Plain abdominal radiograph followed by intravenous urography (IVU) is appropriate when a mass is thought to be retroperitoneal in origin. If a tumor is diagnosed on the radiographs, US is used in its characterization and staging, A pelvic mass, if of gynecologic origin, is evaluated primarily with ultrasound. In young children and adolescent boys with a pelvic mass, US is coordinated with IVU. If the mass is anterior or associated with gastrointestinal bleeding or obstruction, plain radiographs followed by US and studies with barium are appropriate. An hepatic mass is evaluated with plain radiographs, US and, if necessary, nuclear scans and angiography.
The Effect of Single-Sex Secondary Schooling on Women's Choice of College Major:

This study examines the effect of attending an all-girls' high school on the sex-traditionality of women's choice of college major. Using data from the High School and Beyond study and multinomial ...
Interactive design of complex time dependent lighting

Visualizing complicated lighting sequences while designing large theatrical productions proves difficult. The author provides some techniques that achieve fast interaction regardless of scene and lighting complexity, even when used with costly rendering algorithms. >
Efficient high-speed current-mode links for network-on-chip performance optimization

We propose a novel cost-effective long-range NoC interconnect design based on current-mode signaling. The proposed CMOS based long-range link reduces the communication delay of long wires significantly without using traditional pipelined repeaters, making it a cost efficient alternative to wireless and optical interconnects. Spice simulations are performed to verify the performance of the proposed current-mode transceiver. The performance of the proposed interconnect is analyzed and compared with wireless, optical and existing CMOS based interconnects. Also a modified NoC simulator is utilized to demonstrate the benefit of current-mode long-range links.
Distal Femoral Osteoarticular Allografts: Long-term Survival, But Frequent Complications

Background Complications are frequent with osteoarticular allografts, and their long-term survivorship in the distal femur is unclear. Thus, the benefits of osteoarticular allografting remain controversial.
Collaborations for delivering the library to students through WebCT

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the findings of a faculty survey, collaborative efforts between the Library, the Information Technology Services, and the School of Nursing at Auburn University at Montgomery, and methods to persuade faculty to deliver the Library to their students using WebCT.Design/methodology/approach – A survey was distributed to 102 faculty with WebCT shells residing on the campus server. Follow‐up interviews were conducted, and the Library's server log was examined to determine the number of referrals to the Library originating from WebCT. A case study using the recommendations is included.Research limitations/implications – Research was limited to a single university campus. Similar studies elsewhere would likely support the need for librarian involvement in course management system supported courses.Findings – While a small percentage of faculty actually linked to the Library, a significant number indicated interest in doing so. Increase in Library access through S...
Efforts to Initiate Construction of a Disease Resistance Package on a Designer Chromosome in Tobacco

Gene cloning and transformation can be used to circumvent linkage drag effects that can plague conventional interspecific gene transfers. These techniques can also be used to create desirable genetic linkages. Use of Nicotiana glutinosa L. N-gene mediated TMV (tobacco mosaic virus) resistance in flue-cured tobacco, N. tabacum L., has been limited due to linkage drag effects. Transformation was used to introduce the cloned N-gene into NC152, a chromosome addition line possessing a chromosome pair from N. africana. This chromosome has been proposed to be used as a designer chromosome into which numerous transgenes could be inserted to form a desirable linkage package. The system could be used to shuttle a large number of transgenes from genotype to genotype. One hundred thirty-six primary transformants possessing the N transgene were produced and hybridized with TMV-susceptible Petite Havana.' These may serve as valuable TMV-resistant breeding materials. For each independent transformant, BC 1 F 1 families which segregated for TMV resistance and the addition chromosome were generated. Data from cosegregation, transmission, and molecular analyses were used to conclude that one transformant possessed an insertion of the N-gene in the addition chromosome. By inserting N in the chromosome, we initiated construction of a disease resistance package by linking the TMV resistance gene with a potyvirus resistance gene(s) native to the chromosome. Occasional loss of the transgene, however, may be evidence of previously undetected interchromosomal recombination, and may have implications for use of this system in cultivar development.
Immunologic Monitoring of Clinical Trials in Patients with Cancer: Technology Versus Common Sense

Monitoring of CTL or helper T -cell responses to tumor antigens in the course of clinical trials is an essential and necessary component of specific immunotherapy of cancer. While a variety of new immunologic or molecular technologies are now available for measuring these responses at a single-cell level, none has been standardized or validated to meet this need. The clinical investigator is thus faced with a selection of a method that is most likely to meet the desirable objective of establishing a correlation between clinical and immunologic responses to biotherapy. Selection of a relevant assay for this purpose is not a trivial task. Furthermore, few immunologic techniques can be easily adapted to reliable serial monitoring of patients on clinical protocols., The ELISPOT assay performs well in this setting, allowing for tracking of antigen specific T cells in the peripheral blood of cancer patients who receive tumor vaccines. In our hands, this assay is sensitive, accurate and cost effective. Its relia...
Decay of X-ray source A0535+26

The All-Sky Monitor aboard Ariel V is described, and observations with it are reported for the transient X-ray source A 0535+26. It is noted that the observations were conducted in such a way that the decay phase of this source could be studied. The source's overall light curve between 3 and 6 keV is presented, and some decay features are described. The decay effects are compared with those observed in other transient sources, including Cen X-4, 2U 1543-47, and A 1524-62.
Microbore Liquid Chromatography for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Toxicology: Clinical Analyses of Theophylline, Caffeine, Procainamide, and N-Acetyl Procainamide

Abstract With the recent technical advances in microbore liquid chromatography, routine applications, such as those in a clinical laboratory setting, may be possible. The present studies utilized readily available, commercial equipments and columns for clinical drug analyses for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Toxicology. Drugs would include an antiashmatic-theophylline, an antiarrhythmic-procainamide and its metabolite, N-acetyl procainamide, and caffeine-used for the treatment of neonatal apnea. Extraction procedures were modified from published methods, followed by optimized microbore liquid chromatographic analysis. The microbore liquid chromatograph consisted of a syringe pump, an injector, a 3 um C-18, 1 mm i.d. column and a variable wavelength detector with 1 uL cell volume. Flow rates and analysis times ranged from 80 to 100 ul/min. and 8 to 12 minutes respectively. Precision studies showed acceptable within-run and day-to-day coefficients of variation. For the measurement of patients' drugs conce...
Epidemiology of Gram-Negative Conjunctivitis in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Patients

Purpose To describe the epidemiologic features, risk factors, and antibiotic susceptibilities for gram-negative conjunctivitis among neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients. Design Retrospective, observational study. Methods In a University Tertiary Care Hospital with a level III-IV NICU, 65 NICU infants ( Results One or more episodes of gram-negative conjunctivitis occurred in 38% (n = 25/65) of NICU infants. Predominant pathogens included Klebsiella species (23%), Escherichia coli (17%), Serratia marcescens (17%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3%), and Enterobacter species (2%). Birth weight and gestational age were significantly less in infants with gram-negative conjunctivitis than in infants without gram-negative conjunctivitis ( P = .008 and P = .008, respectively). With multivariate analysis, birth weight less than 1500 g (odds ratio [OR], 4.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42 to 13.36), and gestational age of 29 weeks or fewer (OR, 5.60; 95% CI, 1.88 to 16.66) were identified as risk factors for the development of gram-negative conjunctivitis. Antibiotic resistance of gram-negative organisms to ampicillin, cefazolin, gentamicin, and levofloxacin were 96%, 52%, 13%, and 7% respectively. Of the Klebsiella isolates, two (25%) of eight were resistant to gentamicin. Conclusions Low birth weight and low gestational age in NICU infants with clinical signs of conjunctivitis should raise the suspicion for a gram-negative cause. Given the observed resistance patterns of Klebsiella isolates, gentamicin resistance should be considered when designing empiric treatment.
Stable Cl isotopes and origin of high-Cl magmas of the Stillwater Complex, Montana

The first Cl isotopic determinations on biotite from the Ultramafic series and from the J-M reef of the Lower Banded series of the Stillwater Complex, Montana, have δ 37 Cl values (normalized to seawater, 95% confidence limit error is 0.2‰) ranging from 0.27‰ to −0.93‰; the average is −0.18‰. Assuming minimal fractionation on incorporation into biotite, these data imply an ultimate crustal source for the Cl. However, field, petrographic, and isotopic evidence suggests that high-Cl fluids did not infiltrate from the country rocks after emplacement of the Stillwater magma, nor was the Cl-isotopic signature the result of assimilation of Cl-rich crustal rocks. Stillwater parent magmas have boninitic affinities and can be modeled as second-stage melts from a metasomatically enriched, depleted mantle. We propose that the early melt-extraction event depleted the mantle in F and Cl. Subsequent metasomatism by a Cl-rich agent with a crustal Cl isotopic signature, probably a fluid, produced a source rock with a high Cl/F ratio. In modern magmas, high Cl/F weight ratios are associated with high overall volatile contents, suggesting that the Stillwater Complex and other high-Cl layered intrusions crystallized from magmas that may have contained in excess of 1 wt% water.
Household demand and willingness to pay for hybrid vehicles

Abstract This paper quantitatively evaluates consumers' willingness to pay for hybrid vehicles by estimating the demand of hybrid vehicles in the U.S. market. Using micro-level data on consumer purchases of hybrid and non-hybrid vehicles from National Household Travel Survey 2009, this paper formulates a mixed logit model of consumers' vehicle choices. Parameter estimates are then used to evaluate consumers' willingness to pay for hybrids. Results suggest that households' willingness to pay for hybrids ranges from $963 to $1718 for different income groups, which is significantly lower than the average price premium (over $5000) of hybrid vehicles, even when taking the fuel costs savings of hybrid vehicles into consideration. The differences reveal that although the market has shown increasing interest in hybrid vehicles, consumers' valuation of the hybrid feature is still not high enough to compensate for the price premium when they make new purchases. Policy simulations are conducted to examine the effects of raising federal tax incentives on the purchase of hybrid vehicles.
Colonization and Development of the Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) in the Purple Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea)

We report the expansion of the invasive container mosquito, Aedes albopictus, into pitchers of the carnivorous pitcher plant, Sarracenia purpurea, in southeastern Virginia. The community of aquatic Dipteran larvae commonly associated within S. purpurea pitchers was not present at our research site, creating an unoccupied rearing habitat. We monitored mosquito presence and development within pitchers through two growing seasons. Oviposition traps placed near pitchers confirmed the abundance of gravid A. albopictus in the study area. Females oviposited in both newly opened and in senescing pitchers and larvae matured to adulthood in S. purpurea. Successful development of an exotic mosquito species within unoccupied pitchers of S. purpurea reinforces the hypothesis that invasive species may invade natural communities and occupy vacant niches.
Potential mechanisms of minoxidil-induced hair growth in alopecia areata

In vivo, topical minoxidil therapy is associated with changes in the follicular epithelium, tissue and blood lymphocyte populations, lymphocyte blastogenic response to mitogens, and perifollicular vasculature. Biopsy specimens taken from areas of terminal hair regrowth show a dose-dependent increase in hair follicle length, a decrease in tissue lymphocyte populations associated with a simultaneous increase in peripheral blood lymphocyte counts, and reopening of previously closed lumina of perifollicular vessels. Responder lymphocytes show pretreatment-increased concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin-induced blastogenesis, which decrease toward control values after treatment. In vitro, at concentrations approximating the range of tissue levels in patients treated topically with the 5% solution, minoxidil affects both epithelial cells and lymphocytes in tissue culture. Cultured murine epithelial cells show increased cell proliferation and delayed senescence. Cultured human lymphocytes show suppression of mitogen-induced blast transformation. Differential effects on responder, nonresponder, and control lymphocytes are seen. Minoxidil may induce hair regrowth in alopecia areata by a synergistic stimulatory effect on follicular epithelium and a suppressive effect on lymphocyte-mediated immunologic phenomena. A contributing role for its vasodilatory properties must also be considered.
Sequence characterization of 5S ribosomal RNA from eight gram positive procaryotes

The available comparative data on procaryotic 5S rRNA was extended through sequencing studies of eight gram positive procaryotes. Complete nucleotide sequences were presented for 5S rRNA fromBacillus subtilis, B. firmus, B.pasteurii, B.brevis, Lactobacillus brevis andStreptococcus faecalis. In addition, 5S rRNA oligonucleotide catalogs and partial sequence data were provided forB.cereus andSporosarcina ureae. These sequences and catalogs were discussed in terms of known features of procaryotic 5S rRNA architecture.
Association of ambulatory use of statins and beta‐blockers with long‐term mortality after vascular surgery

BACKGROUND The use of drugs to improve postoperative outcomes has focused on short-term end points and centered on beta-blockers. Emerging evidence suggests statins may also improve postoperative outcomes. OBJECTIVE We sought to ascertain if the ambulatory use of statins and/or beta-blockers was associated with a reduction in long-term mortality after vascular surgery. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study with a median follow-up of 2.7 years. SETTING Regional multicenter study at Veterans Affairs medical centers. PATIENTS Three thousand and sixty-two patients presenting for vascular surgery. MEASUREMENTS Patients were categorized as using statins or beta-blockers if they filled a prescription for the study drug within 30 days of surgery. Survival analyses, propensity score methods, and stratifications by the revised cardiac risk index (RCRI) were performed. RESULTS Propensity-adjusted ambulatory use of statins and beta-blockers was associated with a reduction in mortality over the study period compared with nonuse of these medications hazard ratio [HR] = 0.78 [95% CI: 0.67–0.92], P = .0021, and number needed to treat (NNT) = 22 for statins; HR = 0.84 [95% CI: 0.73–0.96], P = .0106, and NNT = 30 for beta-blockers. In addition, for propensity-adjusted use of both statins and beta-blockers compared with neither the HR was 0.56 [95% CI: 0.42–0.74] P < .0001, and NNT was 9. The RCRI confirmed combination statin and beta-blocker use was beneficial at all levels of risk. Use of the combination study drugs by the highest-risk patients was associated with a 33% decrease in mortality after 2 years (P = .0106). CONCLUSIONS The use of ambulatory statins alone or in combination with beta-blockers is associated with a reduction in long-term mortality after vascular surgery, and combination use benefits patients at all levels of risk. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2007;2:241–252. © 2007 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Non-Fermi liquid behavior in strongly correlated metals

Abstract A review of current research on theoretical and experimental avenues to non-Fermi-liquid behavior in correlated electron systems is given.
Detecting molecular selection on single amino acid replacements

Amino acid property methods have repeatedly proven more sensitive than nucleotide-based methods, especially to the subtle influences of selection on Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of population sampling and sliding window size on the sensitivity of one amino acid based method by assessing drug resistant SNPs from the HIV-1 gag-pol gene. The analysis of most of the SNPs produced positive results. There was not a trend in terms of properties affected most often, but sliding window size affected results more than population sampling.
Patterns and determinants of attitudes of psychiatric residents toward group therapy

The nature and origins of psychiatric residents' attitudes toward group psychotherapy were assessed by means of a semistructured interview. Subjects were 10 PGY-4 residents from five different residency training programs. Questions focused on subjects' perceptions of the possibilities and limitations of group therapy as a treatment modality, the efficacy and dangers of combined and conjoint treatment, the nature and extent of their training experiences in group approaches, the salient characteristics of their group therapy teachers and supervisors, and the attitudes of faculty about group psychotherapy that they were able to infer. Results suggest enormous variability of residents' attitudes. Hypotheses about the reasons for such variability are offered.
Changes in the Physicochemical Properties of Wheat- and Soy-containing Breads During Storage as Studied by Thermal Analyses

: Adding soy ingredients to baked products influences textural and sensorial properties. The changes in physical properties of bread modified with soy flour during 7-d storage at ambient temperature were investigated using thermoanalytical techniques (differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis). An increase in loaf density, moisture content, and FW content, and a decrease in amylopectin recrystallization were observed with increased addition of soy flour. Addition of soy shifted the main thermal transition (0 °C, mainly due to ice melting) to slightly lower temperatures (both in differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis analysis) and decreased its temperature range (increased homogeneity). These observations suggest a role for soy in modulating bread staling.