cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ailing voters advance attractive congressional candidates.

Among many benefits of facial attractiveness, there is evidence that more attractive politicians are more likely to be elected. Recent research found this effect to be most pronounced in congressional districts with high disease threat—a result attributed to an adaptive disease avoidance mechanism, whereby the association of low attractiveness with poor health is particularly worrisome to voters who feel vulnerable to disease. We provided a more direct test of this explanation by examining the effects of individuals' own health and age. Supporting a disease avoidance mechanism, less healthy participants showed a stronger preference for more attractive contenders in U.S. Senate races than their healthier peers, and this effect was stronger for older participants, who were generally less healthy than younger participants. Stronger effects of health for older participants partly reflected the absence of positive bias toward attractive candidates among the healthiest, suggesting that healthy older adults may ...
Shakedown of Rolling Wheel under Hub Loading

A consistent finite element model for a circular wheel is developed based on triangular and quasi-triangular elements and a piecewise-linear displacement field. The minimum stress-rate principles of plasticity are used to obtain solutions of two-dimensional continuum problems with internal unloading. A piecewise-linear approximation of the Tresca yield condition is used. Elastic-plastic solution of a wheel with a hub load rolling on a rigid track is obtained for the first few revolutions until a steady-state condition is reached. A shakedown condition for the wheel is demonstrated.
Homology cloning: A molecular taxonomy of the archaea

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the homology cloning. The chapter describes the amplification of a very well-studied gene, namely, the 16S rRNA gene. This gene, here, has been used as the methodological framework. From this framework, other genes can be amplified and cloned in a similar manner. This is done in order to develop a molecular taxonomy of the Archaea. Now, it has been estimated that perhaps only 1% of the microbial world has been grown in pure culture. Thus, it become important to considering both archaeal isolates and archaeal diversity associated with naturally occurring communities to establish a molecular taxonomy of the domain. In this chapter, both approaches for cloning environmental and laboratory isolate deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)s are considered and discussed. Also, the general scheme for homology cloning is outlined using figures. Finally, the chapter outlines certain applications related to studies of gene homologs within the Archaea.
A region of interest strategy for minimizing resolution distortions in quantitative myocardial PET studies.

The distortions inherent in PET images of the human heart due to finite image resolution and cardiac motion limit the capability to evaluate physiology quantitatively. A method based on a simple geometrical model of region of interest representations in physical space has been developed to minimize these distortions. In this paper, simulation studies have been performed to evaluate the noise characteristics of the method. This study demonstrates that unbiased estimates of kinetic model parameters which describe myocardial physiology can be measured with an accuracy of 7%–5% for scale-related parameters and 4%–16% for shape-related parameters of kinetic models in studies with the equivalent of 1 million events. Application of the techniques developed in this paper for the measurement of myocardial blood flow in eight dogs (14 independent flow states) shows a strong correlation with microsphere determined blood flow in the same animals (slope = 1.022, intercept = −0.18, r = 0.96).
A Newborn Has Swelling Under the Tongue

A newborn presents with swelling underneath the tongue. ### Prenatal History ### Birth History and Presentation The infant was delivered via spontaneous vaginal delivery. She cried spontaneously, was placed under a radiant warmer, and was dried and stimulated. Apgar scores were 8 at 1 minute and 9 at 5 minutes. A swelling under the tongue was noted immediately. Pediatrics was called to the delivery room, and the infant was transferred to the well baby nursery. ### Vital Signs ### Physical Examination
Exophytic growths on the back.

A man with a history of significant acne presented with exophytic growths on his back and extensive scarring on his chest.
The Civilian Conservation Corps in Arizona: A Context for Erosion-Control Features

ABSTRACTInformation concerning the nomenclature, classification, and function of Civilian Conservation Corps soil-erosion features has been derived from archival sources and informant interviews. Included are feature classes, terminology, construction techniques, and function, as explained by the soils experts at the time they were built. A historic context is included here as a baseline for future work.
Intervening at the bottom: Can a health and safety committee intervention influence management commitment?

AbstractAn intervention was conducted in a small high-hazard firm, which employed a largely Latino immigrant workforce, to determine if the health and safety committee could improve health and safety performance on the site, despite there being no strong commitment to such improvements from upper management. It was assumed that any improvements would be sustained only if the committee’s activities produced a change in management’s commitment.
Quantitative analysis of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy of Rhodamine 6G using a composite graphene and plasmonic Au nanoparticle substrate

Abstract A novel type of substrate for quantitative surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) composed of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) graphene and in-situ fabricated rounded gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was designed. SERS was measured on samples of different concentrations of Rhodamine 6G (R6G) on the AuNPs/graphene substrates using a low power 632.8 nm laser. Finite element simulations were carried out for a system of two gold hemiellipsoids under various conditions such as with R6G analyte covering the surface and with graphene underneath the nanoparticles. Graphene or R6G being present between the two nanoparticles caused a redshift in the plasmonic resonance frequency, and the graphene dampened the electric field of the surface. Regardless of the weakened electric field, the synergy of the AuNPs and graphene still enhanced the Raman signature of R6G to a greater extent than the nanoparticles or graphene alone could, which is attributed to the charge transferring mechanism effect of graphene on SERS. The lowest concentration of solid phase R6G deposited in this manner that could be detected was 8 × 10−7 M. Higher analyte concentrations and the characteristic peak intensities of the analyte showed a logarithmic relation as anticipated from the plasmonically enhanced Raman scattering.
Towards an EEG search engine

The current EEG analysis-publication workflow mostly documents qualitative descriptions of event-related EEG dynamics. This makes it difficult to look for comparable results in the literature since search options are limited to textual descriptions and/or similar-appearing results depicted in the paper figures. We demonstrate a method for quantitative comparison of source-resolved results (e.g., ERPs, ERSPs) across different EEG studies. Our proposed source-resolved EEG measure search engine receives search queries composed of event-related EEG measures, each associated with an estimated brain source location to be compared using Measure Projection Analysis (MPA) to all records in the search engine database accumulated by automated data analysis workflows applied to data of multiple studies. A similarity-ranked list of events from other studies that have elicited similar EEG dynamics in nearby source-locations is then returned to the user along with their experiment and event metadata. We performed a search query using this method through 52 event-related ERSP measures from four studies for Left Precentral Gyrus source measures similar to an input ERSP pattern associated with RSVP target detection, obtaining results consistent with the EEG literature and giving information about the interpretation of the phenomenon of interest not possible to infer from the single input study.
Resistance and Overmotivation in Achievement-Oriented Activity

What is stressful in the everyday effort to achieve? We get two answers from experimental work that has been designed to sharpen our conception of how individual differences in personality influence motivation and its expression in action: viz., resistance and overmotivation.
More point set topology

In Chapter 1 we dealt with topological concepts where it was not particularly important whether open sets were plentiful or scarce. However, the topological spaces usually encountered in applications have plenty of open sets, almost always enough to “separate” points, and often enough to “separate” closed sets.
Grapevine Red Blotch: Molecular Biology of the Virus and Management of the Disease

Red blotch is a recently recognized disease of grapevine for which the graft-transmissible grapevine red blotch-associated virus (GRBaV), a proposed member of a new genus within the family Geminiviridae, is the causal agent. The virus affects fruit quality, delays ripening, and probably reduces yield and vigor. Estimated economic losses range from $2,213 to $68,548 per hectare over a 25-year productive life span of a vineyard. The genome of GRBaV is circular and consists of a single molecule of single-stranded DNA with seven predicted open reading frames. Foliar symptoms consist of red blotches that expand and coalesce in late summer and fall and irregular chlorotic areas that become necrotic later in the season in red-berried and white-berried Vitis vinifera cultivars, respectively. Visual diagnosis is often unreliable due to several confounding abiotic and biotic factors, including similarities with leafroll disease symptoms; therefore, PCR-based assays are recommended for an accurate diagnosis. Although red blotch disease was only recognized in 2008, GRBaV was detected in archival grapevine leaves sampled in 1940 in California and kept in a herbarium collection, suggesting the virus was present in vineyards more than 70 years prior to its identification. Surveys of vineyards revealed the occurrence of GRBaV in some of the major grape-growing regions in the USA and Canada. Outside of North America, the virus was found so far in Switzerland in material introduced from the USA and in South Korea. An early account of the Virginia creeper leafhopper as a vector of GRBaV was not confirmed; instead, the three-cornered alfalfa treehopper was shown to be a likely vector of epidemiological significance. Disease management strategies almost exclusively rely on roguing and replacing vineyards using planting material derived from clean, virus-tested stocks. Advancing our understanding of disease epidemiology and viral gene expression are important future research topics for red blotch disease and GRBaV.
A model for nonlinear viscoelastic torsional response of an elastomeric bushing

An elastomeric bushing is a device used in automotive suspension systems to cushion the loads transmitted from the wheel to the frame of the vehicle. A bushing is essentially an elastomeric hollow cylinder which is bonded to a solid metal shaft at its inner surface and a metal sleeve at its outer surface. The shaft is connected to the suspension and the sleeve is connected to the frame. The elastomeric cylinder provides the cushion when it deforms due to relative motion between the shaft and the sleeve. The relation between the force or moment applied to the shaft or sleeve and the relative displacements or rotations is nonlinear and exhibits features of viscoelasticity. A force(moment)-displacement(rotation) relation for elastomeric bushings is important for multibody dynamics numerical simulations. A boundary value problem for the bushing response leads to a relation which requires extensive computation time to implement and is hence unsuitable. In a separate study, a force(moment)-displacement(rotation) relation for single mode response has been proposed which can be used in multi-body dynamics simulations. The relation is expressed in terms of a force (moment) relaxation function for the bushing, and a method for its determination by experiments on bushings has been presented. The applicability of this relation for torsional mode bushing response is evaluated in the present work. A boundary value problem is formulated for torsional mode bushing response. Numerical solutions of the boundary value problem represent the exact bushing response and act as numerically generated experimental data. The proposed moment-rotation relation is constructed using this data. Numerical solutions of the boundary value problem also allow for comparison between the exact moment-rotation behavior and that predicted by the proposed model. It is shown that the method for determining the bushing relaxation function and the predictions of the proposed moment-rotation relation are in very good agreement with the exact results.
Cruising Faery: Queer Desire in Giles, Niggle, and Smith

Three short works written early and late in J. R. R. Tolkien’s career (“Farmer Giles of Ham” and “Leaf by Niggle” 1937-39; “Smith of Wootton Major,” 1967) reveal not simply the author’s passion for Faery, but also his preoccupation with the queer edges of mainstream society. Tolkien’s eponymous heroes, Giles, Niggle, and Smith, are not typically invoked by critics as markers of non-heteronormativity, but their varying degrees of queerness (modeling same-sex intimacy and serving as spokespersons for misunderstood desires), ultimately champion a radical message of inclusion that evolved over Tolkien’s life. As a philologist, Catholic, Anglo-Saxonist, and fantasy author, J. R. R. Tolkien understood the complexity of inhabiting multiple marginalized positions, and it is precisely these memberships (despite some of their conservative roots) that allowed him to access a breadth of queer imagery. This imagery, in turn, provided an essential foundation onto which he could graft a lifelong, evolving project of valuing disenfranchised individuals and ideas.
Indian childhood cirrhosis and copper toxicity or copper storage disorders

This chapter discusses pathology, prevalence and epidemiology, clinical features, prevention, and treatment of Indian childhood cirrhosis. It also discusses copper toxicity or copper storage disorders. The four classic histological features of Indian childhood cirrhosis are: (1) accumulation of hyaline within necrotic hepatocytes, (2) distinctive coarse brown aggregates of orcein-stained copper-associated protein in hepatocytes, (3) marked pericellular fibrous tissue accumulation isolating single groups of liver cells producing a micro-micronodular cirrhosis, and (4) a striking lack of regeneration nodules. These may develop later in survivors. Early in the disease, there is swelling and vacuolation of hepatocytes with focal polymorphonuclear inflammatory cell infiltrate around necrotic cells. There is minimal infiltration and inflammation of the portal tracts. Hepatocytes contain Mallory's hyaline bodies, which are distinct reddish-purple bodies with smooth or irregular outlines seen in the perinuclear region of hepatocytes when stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Standard tests of liver function show changes compatible with hepatocellular necrosis. There is a generalized amino aciduria, glycosuria, and frequently other features of a renal tubular lesion.
Interleukin-6 as a biomarker in patients with hepatobiliary cancers.

Background: The role of inflammation has been well established in many cancers, including hepatobiliary cancers. Elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory marker, are associated with poor overall survival (OS) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Methods: We performed a study to establish the role of IL-6 as a prognostic biomarker in both HCC and biliary cancer patients and further assessed the impact of IL-6 on pain score and performance status, two parameters that affect the quality of life. We evaluated 91 patients with newly diagnosed unresectable hepatobiliary cancer and compared them with age, gender and BMI matched healthy controls. Results: We found that IL-6 levels were elevated in hepatobiliary cancer patients compared to healthy controls. Higher levels of IL-6 were associated with poor prognosis, elevated pain scores and poor performance status in patients. Interestingly, we found an association between elevated IL-6 levels and the presence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) at the time of cancer diagnosis. Conclusions: This study suggests that IL-6 is an important prognostic biomarker in hepatobiliary cancers, where elevated levels are not only associated with a worse survival but also linked to an inferior quality of life.
Heavy Hadron Spectroscopy and Production at Tevatron

Using data from proton - antiproton collisions at Ecms = 1.96 TeV recorded by the CDF II and D0 detectors at the Fermilab Tevatron, we present the recent results on charm and bottom hadrons. We report the most recent CDF results on properties of the four bottom baryon resonant states Sigma_b(*)-, Sigma_b(*)+. The new results on exotic Y(4140) state observed by CDF are reported. A precise measurement of production rates of the basic lowest lying bottom baryon Lambda_b produced in the DZero detector is presented.
Urban total phosphorus loads to the St. Clair-Detroit River System

Abstract The St. Clair-Detroit River System watershed is a large, binational watershed draining into the connecting channel between lakes Huron and Erie. In addition to extensive agricultural lands, it contains large urban areas that discharge phosphorus from point source facilities, runoff of impervious surfaces, and overflows of combined sewers. To help guide actions to reduce phosphorus input to Lake Erie, we analyzed the spatial and temporal dynamics of loads from the three largest urban areas in the watershed (southeast Michigan; Windsor, Ontario; and London, Ontario), and used a previously calibrated storm water management model (SWMM) to explore options for reducing loads around metro Detroit. Point sources in these three urban areas contribute, on average, 81% of the total urban load and 19% of the Detroit River’s total phosphorus (TP) load to Lake Erie, while combined sewer overflows and runoff both contribute about 10% each to the urban load and about 2.5% each to the Detroit River’s load to Lake Erie. Most of the urban load (56%) comes from a single point source, the wastewater treatment facility in Detroit; however, TP loads from that facility have decreased by about 51% since 2008 due to improvements in wastewater treatment. Model simulations suggest that increasing pervious land area or implementing green infrastructure could help reduce combined sewer overflows in certain upper portions of the metro Detroit sewer system, but reductions were much less expressed for wet-weather discharge from the system.
Why Atlanta?: a case study of how place produces intersectional social movement groups

The role of place is undertheorized in the literature on intersectional social movements; this study uses Atlanta, Georgia as an exemplary case study of how the characteristics of geographical area...
Assessment of zeolite-based Low temperature NOx adsorbers: Effect of reductants during multiple sequential cold starts

Abstract Low temperature NOx adsorbers (LTNA) are designed to adsorb NOx from a diesel engine during a cold start and then release the stored NOx when the downstream SCR catalyst is above 200 °C and able to reduce the NOx with NH3. Monolithic catalysts with washcoats containing beta (BEA), chabazite (CHA), or ZSM5 zeolites with Pt and Pd (4.2 g/L at 1:4) were prepared, degreened, and evaluated for NOx storage performance with different reductants (C2H4, a CO/H2 mixture, both, or none). The reductants improved the NOx storage efficiency of all three zeolites. CHA provided the best NOx storage and release performance, as BEA released all of the stored NOx below 200 °C with or without reductants, and ZSM5 released most of the stored NOx below 200 °C with most feedgas compositions. After aging 80 h at high temperatures (650–800 °C) under lean conditions, BEA was the most thermally durable of the three zeolites, while ZSM5 was the least durable. The NOx storage performances of the three degreened zeolites were stable during multiple NOx storage tests without reductant, with C2H4 alone, and with H2 alone, but the performance degraded from test to test when the feedgas contained CO. This performance degradation was attributed to reduction of the Pd by the CO. Lean CH4 lightoff tests performed after the NOx storage tests confirmed that the Pd in all three zeolites was not reduced after multiple tests with C2H4, H2, or no reductant, but the Pd was significantly reduced after multiple tests with CO. The decrease in NOx storage capacity was less for ZSM5 than for BEA and CHA during multiple tests with 900 ppm CO/300 ppm H2, and the Pd in ZSM5 was also less reduced. However, tests with 3600 ppm CO/1200 ppm H2 reduced the Pd in ZSM5 much more rapidly and consequently caused a more rapid deterioration of the NOx storage performance.
Abstract P197: Health Information Technology Use Among Patients With Diagnosed Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Evidence From The 2010-2018 National Health Interview Survey

Introduction: Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Health Information Technologies (HIT) have recently emerged as a viable inter...
Differential Effects of 'Resurrecting' Csp Pseudoproteases During Clostridioides Difficile Spore Germination

Clostridioides difficile is a spore-forming bacterial pathogen that is the leading cause of hospital-acquired gastroenteritis. C. difficile infections begin when its spore form germinates in the gut upon sensing bile acids. These germinants induce a proteolytic signaling cascade controlled by three members of the subtilisin-like serine protease family, CspA, CspB, and CspC. Notably, even though CspC and CspA are both pseudoproteases, they are nevertheless required to sense germinants and activate the protease, CspB. Thus, CspC and CspA are part of a growing list of pseudoenzymes that play important roles in regulating cellular processes. However, despite their importance, the structural properties of pseudoenzymes that allow them to function as regulators remain poorly understood. Our recently solved crystal structure of CspC revealed that its pseudoactive site residues align closely with the catalytic triad of CspB, suggesting that it might be possible to 'resurrect' the ancestral protease activity of the CspC and CspA pseudoproteases. Here, we demonstrate that restoring the catalytic triad to these pseudoproteases fails to resurrect their protease activity. We further show that the pseudoactive site substitutions differentially affect the stability and function of the CspC and CspA pseudoproteases: the substitutions destabilized CspC and impaired spore germination without affecting CspA stability or function. Thus, our results surprisingly reveal that the presence of a catalytic triad does not necessarily predict protease activity. Since homologs of C. difficile CspA occasionally carry an intact catalytic triad, our results indicate that bioinformatic predictions of enzyme activity may underestimate pseudoenzymes in rare cases.
Integrating HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis into Family Planning Care: A RE-AIM Framework Evaluation

We aimed to systematically evaluate the feasibility of integrating HIV prevention services, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), into a family planning setting in a high-prevalence community. We used the RE-AIM Framework (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) to evaluate the integration of HIV prevention services into a family planning clinic over 6 months. Before the integration, PrEP was not offered. We implemented a staff training program on HIV PrEP. We determined the proportion of women presenting to the clinic who were screened, eligible for, and initiated PrEP through chart review. We assessed staff comfort with PrEP pre- and post-integration. We compared planned and actual implementation, interviewed staff to determine barriers and facilitators, and tracked systems adaptations. We assessed maintenance of PrEP after the study concluded. There were 640 clinical encounters for 515 patients; the rate of HIV counseling and PrEP screening was 50%. The rate was 10% in month 1 and peaked to 65% in month 3. Nearly all screened patients were eligible for PrEP (98.4%) and 15 patients (6%) initiated PrEP. Staff knowledge and comfort discussing PrEP improved after education. Facilitators included partnering with local experts, continuing education, clinical tools for providers, and patient education materials. Barriers included competing priorities during clinical encounters, limited woman-centered patient education materials, and insurance-related barriers. Embedding HIV prevention services in the family planning setting was feasible in this pilot. The proportion of women screened for PrEP rapidly increased. In this high HIV prevalence community, nearly all screened women were eligible and 6% initiated PrEP.
Planning for Natural Gas Pipelines in Ohio: Governance and Other Complexities

In addition to crossing state lines, networks of natural gas transmission pipelines in the US cross multiple local jurisdictions, each potentially with its own local comprehensive plans and zoning ...
Management of the patient with incidental bilateral adrenal nodules

Abstract Bilateral incidental adrenal nodules represent 10–23% of all incidental adrenal nodules. The general approach to these nodules follows the same premise as for unilateral incidental adrenal nodules however there are features unique to bilateral nodules including the differential diagnosis, the diagnostic approach as well as the management. The majority (75%) of bilateral truly incidental adrenal nodules are benign nonfunctioning adenomas however bilateral lesions are more likely to display hormone excess than unilateral lesions with subclinical Cushing's being the most prevalent abnormality followed by Cushing's syndrome, Hyperaldosteronism as well as Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). Though bilateral pheochromocytomas are less common, a patient presenting with bilateral pheochromocytomas will usually have a germline pathogenic variant and be syndromic. The overall diagnostic approach to bilateral nodules involves determining based on the patients' clinical history and examination as well as the imaging phenotype of each lesion whether the lesions could represent a malignancy, exhibit hormonal excess and whether they could represent a familial syndrome. In patients with bilateral infiltrative lesions, adrenal insufficiency needs to be excluded. In patients with bilateral myelolipomas, screening for CAH should be considered. We present an illustrative case of a patient with incidental bilateral nodules and review the systematic approach to the patient including the key radiographic diagnostic features of adrenal nodules (unenhanced CT attenuation, adrenal washout and chemical shift MRI) to best determine the etiology of these lesions. An overview of the management of patients with such bilateral adrenal nodules is provided with a particular focus on pheochromocytomas.
Sequence of Testing for Monoclonal Gammopathies Serum and Urine Assays

○ The first test for recognition of monoclonal gammopathies should be serum protein electrophoresis with high-resolution agarose gel. Serum protein electrophoresis should be performed whenever multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, primary amyloidosis, or a related disorder is suspected. Immunofixation is critical for the differentiation of a monoclonal from a polyclonal increase in immunoglobulins. Quantitation of immunoglobulins should be performed with a rate nephelometer. The viscosity of serum should be measured if the patient has signs or symptoms of hyperviscosity syndrome. A 24-hour urine specimen should be obtained for determination of the total amount of protein excreted each day. Immunofixation of the urine should be performed on every patient who has an M-protein level greater than 1.5 g/dL (15 g/L) in the serum or in whom multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, primary amyloidosis, or a related disorder is suspected.
CYP2C19 phenotype and body weight-guided voriconazole initial dose in infants and children after hematopoietic cell transplantation

Prophylactic voriconazole use is recommended for children undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Dosing considerations are essential, due to the narrow therapeutic window of voriconazole. Known covariates do not sufficiently explain the large interindividual pharmacokinetic (PK) variability of voriconazole. Moreover, knowledge of voriconazole PK for age 30 kg); doses were 33 to 50% lower for CYP2C19 poor/intermediate phenotypes and 25 to 50% higher for CYP2C19 rapid/ultrarapid phenotypes. We propose a new starting-dose regimen, combined with therapeutic drug monitoring, for intravenous voriconazole therapy in children of all ages. Future studies should validate this dosing regimen.
Loss of RhoA Exacerbates, Rather Than Dampens, Oncogenic K-Ras Induced Lung Adenoma Formation in Mice

Numerous cellular studies have indicated that RhoA signaling is required for oncogenic Ras-induced transformation, suggesting that RhoA is a useful target in Ras induced neoplasia. However, to date very limited data exist to genetically attribute RhoA function to Ras-mediated tumorigenesis in mammalian models. In order to assess whether RhoA is required for K-Ras-induced lung cancer initiation, we utilized the K-RasG12D Lox-Stop-Lox murine lung cancer model in combination with a conditional RhoAflox/flox and RhoC-/- knockout mouse models. Deletion of the floxed Rhoa gene and expression of K-RasG12D was achieved by either CCSP-Cre or adenoviral Cre, resulting in simultaneous expression of K-RasG12D and deletion of RhoA from the murine lung. We found that deletion of RhoA, RhoC or both did not adversely affect normal lung development. Moreover, we found that deletion of either RhoA or RhoC alone did not suppress K-RasG12D induced lung adenoma initiation. Rather, deletion of RhoA alone exacerbated lung adenoma formation, whereas dual deletion of RhoA and RhoC together significantly reduced K-RasG12D induced adenoma formation. Deletion of RhoA appears to induce a compensatory mechanism that exacerbates adenoma formation. The compensatory mechanism is at least partly mediated by RhoC. This study suggests that targeting of RhoA alone may allow for compensation and a paradoxical exacerbation of neoplasia, while simultaneous targeting of both RhoA and RhoC is likely to lead to more favorable outcomes.
Lessons of Vocal Coaching Shakespeare in Hollywood: A Production Analysis

v Introduction 1 Chapter 1 Pre-Production 3 Building an Aural Score 4 The Aural Score in Practice 6 A Search for Prototypes 7 Shakespearean Verse and “Ludwigese” 12 Wrapping Up the Research 17 2 Production 19 First Meeting with the Director 19 Getting a Feel for the Director’s Aesthetic Concerns 22 First Read Through 25 Damage Control 29 Diving Into Rehearsals 32 On Track At Last? 33
Hospital Contributions to the Delivery of Public Health Activities in US Metropolitan Areas: National and Longitudinal Trends

Objectives. We investigated changes in hospital participation in local public health systems and the delivery of public health activities over time and assessed the relationship between hospital participation and the scope of activities available in local public health systems.Methods. We used longitudinal observations from the National Longitudinal Survey of Public Health Systems to examine how hospital contributions to the delivery of core public health activities varied in 1998, 2006, and 2012. We then used multivariate regression to assess the relationship between the level of hospital contributions and the overall availability of public health activities in the system.Results. Hospital participation in public health activities increased from 37% in 1998 to 41% in 2006 and down to 39% in 2012. Regression results indicated a positive association between hospital participation in public health activities and the total availability of public health services in the systems.Conclusions. Hospital collaborat...
Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Adrenocorticotropic Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenomas: Outcomes and Analysis of Remission Rates and Tumor Biochemical Activity with Respect to Tumor Invasiveness.

Objective The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcomes and complications of the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) performed on patients with Cushing disease at our Pituitary Center during the past 11 years. Methods Clinical information and imaging in electronic medical records were reviewed for patients who underwent EEA. Statistical analysis was performed with χ 2 testing and Student's t -test. Results Remission was achieved in 39 patients (79.6%) at initial evaluation within 2 weeks of surgery. At last follow-up, remission persisted in 70% of 50 patients with EEA alone (mean follow-up time, 37.5 ± 4.6 months; median, 26.2 months; range, 2.5–155.0 months). At last follow-up, remission rates were 80% among magnetic resonance imaging-negative adenomas, 70.6% among noninvasive or minimally invasive adenomas (Knosp 0, 1, 2), and 50% among invasive adenomas (Knosp 3, 4). There were no statistical differences in the remission rates among these categories ( P = 0.444). Women had higher proportions of initial remission than men ( P = 0.033) and patients who had no initial remission were older ( P = 0.046). Higher preoperative normalized adrenocroticotropic hormone level was associated with a greater degree of invasiveness ( P = 0.021). However, there was no association between preoperative normalized urine-free cortisol levels and degree of invasiveness ( P = 0.582). Complications included panhypopituitarism (n = 3), hypothyroidism (n = 3), growth hormone deficiency (n = 1), hypogonadism (n = 1), postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak (n = 2), and transient diabetes insipidus (n = 4). Conclusions The EEA for Cushing disease resulted in remission and complication rates comparable with previous analyses of EEA, as well as microsurgical series. Preoperative adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were associated with invasiveness.
Ligand activation causes a phosphorylation-dependent change in platelet-derived growth factor receptor conformation.

Abstract The effect of ligand binding on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor conformation was examined using peptide antibodies directed against specific receptor domains. Antiserum 83, which was directed to the receptor's carboxyl terminus (residues 934-951), preferentially immunoprecipitated the ligand-activated form of the PDGF receptor from 35S-labeled BALB/c 3T3 cells. By contrast, two antisera directed against other receptor sequences precipitated unactivated and activated receptors equally well. Denatured receptors were recognized equally by all antisera, even 83. Thus, ligand activation caused a change in PDGF receptor conformation that enhanced accessibility of the antibody to the carboxyl terminus. The activated receptor conformation was induced by three different forms of PDGF (AA and BB homodimers and AB heterodimers) and was reversed by suramin, a polyanionic compound that dissociates PDGF from the receptor. The inhibitory effect of suramin on receptor conformation was abolished by the phosphatase inhibitor, sodium orthovanadate, suggesting that receptor phosphorylation mediated the conformational change. In a cell-free assay, the change in receptor conformation was induced by PDGF only in the presence of ATP and was inhibited by adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate, a nonhydrolyzable analog of ATP. The functional significance of receptor conformation was examined in Chinese hamster ovary fibroblasts transfected with wild-type or mutated forms of the PDGF receptor. When receptor tyrosine kinase activity was abolished by a mutation of the ATP binding site the receptor no longer underwent PDGF-induced conformational change and did not mediate PDGF-induced mitogenesis even though 125I-PDGF binding was normal. These findings show that ligand binding elicits a phosphorylation-dependent change in PDGF receptor conformation that may be important for receptor function.
The Epworth Score in African American Populations

Introduction:African Americans have elevated scores on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) compared to whites. The reason for this difference is not clear.Methods:Responses to the ESS were assessed ...
International Law and Private Actor Active Cyber Defensive Measures

American legal theorists and policy analysts are increasingly considering whether it would be appropriate to authorize private sector actors to take active measures in their own cyber self-defense, a concept known colloquially as "hack back." But none, to date, have given any consideration to how authorized American hack back might implicate international law. This short article seeks to fill that gap with some preliminary thoughts regarding the application of non-American law to American private sector hack back. The fundamental conclusions are two-fold: 1) To the extent any customary international law exists at all it is likely to discourage private sector self-help outside the framework of state-sponsored action; and 2) Almost certainly, hack back by an American private sector actor will violate the domestic law of the country where a non-US computer or server is located. In light of these twin conclusions, American companies considering offensive cyber operations would do well to proceed with caution.
Toward constraining regional‐scale fluxes of CO2 with atmospheric observations over a continent: 1. Observed spatial variability from airborne platforms

[1] We analyze the spatial variability of CO2 measurements from aircraft platforms, including extensive observations acquired over North America during the CO2 Budget and Rectification Airborne (COBRA) study in 2000. The COBRA data set is unique in its dense spatial coverage and extensive profiling in the lower atmosphere. Strong signatures of CO2 fluxes at the land surface were observed in the active and relic mixed layers of the atmosphere (up to ∼20 ppm gradients). Free tropospheric CO2 exhibited significantly less variability except in areas affected by convective transport. Statistical analyses of the COBRA data indicate that CO2 mixed-layer averages can be determined from vertical profiles with an accuracy of approximately ±0.2 ppm, limited by atmospheric variance. Analysis of the associated representation error suggests that models require horizontal resolution smaller than ∼30 km to fully resolve spatial variations of atmospheric CO2 in the boundary layer over the continent. To provide a global context for these data, we analyzed the GLOBALVIEW marine boundary layer (MBL) reference CO2. Comparison of the MBL reference with extensive aircraft data extending over 20 years, covering the whole troposphere over the northern Pacific, shows significant seasonal biases of up to 2 ppm in the free troposphere, indicating that the MBL reference is a suitable boundary condition only for some applications. The spatial variability of CO2 revealed by the COBRA-2000 calls for a suitable analysis framework to derive regional and continental fluxes, presented in a companion paper. The problem requires boundary conditions constrained by both surface and upper tropospheric observations and constraints on terrestrial fluxes that exploit the information content of the highly variable CO2 distribution over land.
Negative ions in the ionospheres of planetary bodies without atmospheres

It is noted that negative ions may be formed in the ionospheres of Mercury, the moon, and Jupiter's satellites with densities of a few percent of the ionospheric electron density. Negative ions result from three mechanisms at the planetary surface: charge inversion during energetic proton scattering, with simultaneous secondary negative ion emission, and micrometeorite impacts. The density and distribution of negative ions around planetary bodies depends primarily on the negative ion lifetimes determined through photodetachment by solar radiation.
Relationship between Body Composition Measures and AAHPER Test Performances in Young Boys.

Abstract Relationships between total body density, total body potassium, skinfold thickness measurements and aahper Youth Fitness Test performances were determined on 49 prepubescent boys, 8 to 11 yr of age. Zero-order correlations between body composition measures and performance scores were low or moderate; however, using multiple regression analysis it was found that body composition measures significantly (p < .05) increased the variance accounted for above that explained by age, height, and weight in predicting all performance items except sit-ups. In general, body density, body potassium, and skinfold thickness predicted performances equally well when age, height, and weight were held constant. A canonical correlation analysis of the relation between the aahper Test items and the physical development variables demonstrated that there was a large proportion of common variance between the two sets of variables and significant relationships existed along two independent dimensions. It was concluded tha...
Episodically Remitting Akinetic Mutism Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Akinetic mutism is characterized by alertness with near complete absence of volitional activity. The authors report a case of episodically remitting akinetic mutism following subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Case vignettes of movement disorders

This paper reports five movement disorders cases to serve as a basis for discussion of the problems encountered in the clinical management of these cases, and the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in these disorders as presented. Case 1 is a description of the subjective experience of a patient with acute orofacial dystonia from promethazine. Case 2 is the use of clonazepam is post-head injury tics. Case 3 is the complication from discontinuation of haloperidol and benztropine mesylate treatment. Case 4 is myoclonus in subacute sclerosing Panencephalitis, and Case 5 is rebound tremor from withdrawal of a beta-adrenergic blocker.
Platelet Concentrates from Acidified Plasma

A method is described which takes advantage of the calculated 16 per cent excess of ACD-A anticoagulant in routine blood collection in order to lower the pH of Platelet-Rich Plasma. This permits the preparation of unaggregated Platelet Concentrates in a closed system without additives.
The Loss Inventory: preliminary reliability and validity data for a new measure of emotional and cognitive responses to disability.

Purpose: To examine the utility, reliability and validity of a new scale, The Loss Inventory (LI) for measuring symptoms unique to grief following disablement.Methods: Prospective survey study in which two self-report measures, the LI and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, were administered to 103 hospitalized rehabilitation patients. Correlational analyses, t tests, t score conversions of raw data, and analysis of variance used to determine reliability (internal consistency) of the LI and compare means of scores across several variables.Results: Cronbach's Alpha = 0.90 for the LI. The Zung and the LI correlated 0.59 but study subjects were significantly (p < 0.001) more likely to score higher on the LI than on the Zung. Certain LI items were significantly more frequently endorsed by depressed patients. Significant gender and ethnic differences were found.Conclusions: Rehabilitation patients sampled in this study were no more likely to be depressed than most people. Grief symptoms reported following funct...
JASN Adds a Fast Track – Request for Submissions

With the January 2005 issue, JASN will discontinue our relationship with our long-standing publisher Lippincott Williams and Wilkins and move to self-publication. This change will permit us to initiate several new features that will be described later and will debut in the January 2005 issue.
Meningeal diverticula treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

An infant with Chiari malformation developed respiratory distress due to progressive intrathoracic enlargement of multiple spinal meningeal diverticulae. Ventricu-loperitoneal shunting of the associated hydrocephalus temporarily halted the expansion of the intrathoracic diverticulae and permanently relieved respiratory symptoms. The role of hydrostatic pressure in the enlargement of meningoceles and other spinal meningeal diverticulae is discussed. Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is suggested as a surgical alternative for the treatment of symptomatic meningoceles.
TEICHOIC ACID SEROLOGY IN VARIOUS STAPHYLOCOCCAL COAGULASE POSITIVE INFECTIONS IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN

Counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) and Ouchterlony gel diffusion were used for the detection and titration of antibodies to staphylococcal teichoic acid (TAA) in various disease states caused by Staph. coag. positive (SC+) in infants and children. Serum samples were obtained on admission, at 2 weeks, and up to 12 weeks into the illness. TAA were found by CIE in 70% (7/10) of patients with invasive SC+ disease with bacteremia (group A), 14% (1/7) of patients with SC+ infection without bacteremia (group B), 0% (0/19) of patients with bacteremia and/or invasive infections not caused by SC+ (group C) and 0% (0/13) of non-infected, hospitalized patients and healthy children (group D). Gel diffusion was less sensitive than CIE, but was useful for titrating TAA in CIE positive sera. With successful therapy, TAA titer declined or disappeared in group A patients. TAA serology is specific for SC+ infections, and the determination of TAA by CIE and gel diffusion may help distinguish patients with deep-seated infections associated with SC+ bacteremia from all other patient groups studied.
Effect of sorbitol on interaction of phenolic preservatives with polysorbate 80

The effect of sorbitol on the binding of several commonly used phenolic preservatives (i.e., p-hydroxybenzoic acid, methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben) with the nonionic surfactant polysorbate 80 was investigated using an equilibrium dialysis technique. The binding data were expressed in the form of Scatchard plots utilizing a modified form of the Scatchard equation. The data analysis indicated that all four phenolic preservatives were bound to two distinct loci within the polysorbate micelle; one exhibited a high affinity and a low capacity for the preservative molecules, while the other appeared to have a near-zero affinity but an almost infinite binding capacity. The high affinity site was assumed to be located near the junction of the hydrocarbon core with the polyoxyethylene region of the micelle. The interaction of the preservatives with the second class of sites apparently involved a nonspecific and nonsaturable partitioning of the preservative molecules into the polyoxyethylene region of the micelle. Sorbitol was ineffective in displacing significant amounts of bound preservative from either binding site, presumably because it was too polar to partition into the micelle sufficiently to displace bound preservative.
Feedback Theory-Further Properties of Signal Flow Graphs

A way to enhance Writing gain at a glance. Dr. Tustin extended Proof appended. Examples illustrative Pray not frustrative.
Preface: founder of the second order

Purpose – To preface Part II of the special issue focusing on the work of Heinz von Foerster.Design/methodology/approach – Outlines the contribution made by Heinz von Foerster.Findings – Highlights his role as the founder of second order cybernetics.Originality/value – Provides an outline of the importance of Heinz von Foerster's contribution to cybernetics.