cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utilization and timeliness of an inpatient penicillin allergy evaluation.

Background A history of penicillin allergy is associated with an increased risk of nosocomial infections because patients are exposed to non-beta lactam antibiotics. Ruling out inaccurate penicillin allergy during hospitalization decreases prescription of beta lactam antibiotics. However, the utilization of penicillin allergy testing and timeliness in relation to initiation of antibiotics is not known. Objective Our aim was to describe the proportion and characteristics of patients who underwent inpatient penicillin allergy testing in a hospital without a guideline or infrastructure for inpatient penicillin allergy testing. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of patients admitted to our institution between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2015, who underwent penicillin allergy testing. Results Forty-nine patients were identified; 27 (55.1%) were women. The median age was 61.5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 48.5-71 years). The median Charlson-Comorbidity index score was 4 (IQR, 2-5.5). Of these patients, 42.86% (21) were admitted to the intensive care unit, 79.6% of allergy consults were requested by infectious disease physicians, and 87.8% of patients were receiving non-beta lactam antibiotics at the time of testing. The patients received a median of 5 days of antibiotics before testing (range, 0-16 days; IQR, 3-7 days). Antimicrobial therapy was changed in 78.0% of the patients (32), of whom 68.3% (21/32) was attributable to penicillin allergy testing. Conclusion Inpatient penicillin allergy testing is a critical component of antibiotic stewardship; however, an adequate infrastructure is essential for timely evaluation. Inpatient penicillin allergy evaluation requires a multidisciplinary approach focused on patient selection; risk stratification; and optimization of a timely, safe, and cost-effective approach to optimize patient outcomes.
Undocumented Students in Higher Education: A Review of the Literature, 2001 to 2016:

This article presents a critical review of the recent literature on undocumented students in higher education, placing it in the context of recent anti-immigrant sentiment and policy revisions. The...
Hotspots, rifts, reefs, deltas, and cratonic basins: Views from space

Keywords Hotspots, Rifts, Reefs, Deltas, Cratons, Imagery, Astronaut-acquired images, Apollo program, International Space Station, Shuttle (Space Transport System), Photographs, Oceanic islands, Volcanism, Plateaus, Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Africa, North America, South America, India, Eurasia, United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Guyana, Venezuela, Italy, France, Ukraine, China, Pakistan, Russia, Egypt, Spain, Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Transform faults, East African Rift, Dead Sea transform zone, NASA images, satellite images.
Abstract WMP96: Racial Variation in Comfort Measures Only Status in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Introduction: Prior studies of critically ill patients found that non-whites are less likely to pursue comfort measures only status (CMOs). We sought to identify determinants of CMOs in a large mul...
Fibular groove morphology and measurements on MRI: correlation with fibularis tendon abnormalities

Fibular (peroneal) groove morphology may influence fibularis tendon pathology, including tendinosis, tears, and luxation. The study goal was to evaluate the inter-reader agreement of morphologic characterization and measures of the fibular groove at two different levels on MRI and correlation with fibularis tendon pathology. 47 ankle MRIs in patients without lateral ankle pain were reviewed by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Fibular groove morphology and various measurements were assessed at both the level of the tibial plafond and 1 cm proximal to the tip of the lateral malleolus. Fibularis tendon pathology and other variants were also recorded. Intraclass correlation (ICC) and kappa statistic (κ) were applied to assess inter-observer agreement. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) analysis were performed to determine correlation between fibular groove morphometry and fibularis (peroneus) brevis tendon tears. Between readers, there was fair-to-excellent agreement (ICC = 0.61–0.95) for performed fibular groove measurements and moderate-to-very good agreement for identification and description of fibular groove and fibularis tendon morphology and pathology and normal variants in this region (κ = 0.46-1), with the exception of fibular groove morphology at 1 cm proximal to the lateral malleolar tip (κ = 0.34). Individually, no measurement or description of pathology could discriminate between patients with or without fibularis brevis tendon tears except fibularis brevis tendinosis (AUC = 0.87 for reader 1). There is overall moderate-to-excellent inter-reader agreement for various measurements and descriptors of fibular groove and fibularis tendon morphometry and pathology, including novel measurements introduced in this study.
Pericardial effusion due to pembrolizumab-induced immunotoxicity: A case report and literature review

The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment. These novel agents have provided promising treatment options in patients with different types of cancers. One of these agents is pembrolizumab, which works by blocking the binding of T-lymphocytes to programmed cell death ligand 1 receptors on tumor cells, thus enabling immune activation of T-lymphocytes against tumor cells. Pembrolizumab is commonly used in metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer and melanoma. However, despite the remarkable efficacy this agent has achieved, multiple immune-related adverse events have been reported including hepatitis, colitis, thyroid dysfunction, and pneumonitis. Only 2 other cases of pericardial effusion as a side effect of pembrolizumab have been cited in the literature; however, its incidence may be on the rise. Despite the rarity of this side effect, its complications are potentially life threatening and no clear platform currently exists to help guide healthcare professionals in the management of these adverse events. Herein we present the case of a 66-year-old female who developed pericardial effusion as a side effect of pembrolizumab and review the data currently available to assist in the management of this life-threatening condition.
Influence of gas modifiers on the TIMS analysis of familiar explosives

In the present work, we studied the influence of the bath composition (e.g., organic modifiers) on the mobility resolving power, resolution, and lifetime of familiar explosives during trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS). Experimental results showed the dependence of the mobility with the organic modifiers (mass and size) for the case of TIMS-MS. Different from trends observed in drift tube like IMS devices, no correlation between the mobility resolving power and resolution in TIMS was observed with the bath gas composition (e.g., air, air + methanol, air +2-propanol, and air + acetone). Time decay plots showed that common explosives with adduct complexes signal decrease over time as a function of the trapping time, without any significant improvement with the addition of the organic modifiers. Theoretical calculation of potential clustering and dissociation pathways supported the time decay findings since no major energetic differences between the pathways were observed as a function of the organic modifiers. Our findings suggest that beside the size of the collision partner, there are specific intermolecular dynamics that drive the trapping behavior of familiar explosives.
Adsorption mechanism of alkyl hydroxamic acid onto bastnäsite: Fundamental steps toward rational collector design for rare earth elements.

Rare earth element (REE) production is limited in part by inefficient strategies for beneficiation. Hydroxamic acid ligands are promising reagents for the selective flotation of bastnasite [(Ce,La)FCO3], a major REE ore mineral, but the mechanism and energetics of adsorption are not understood, interfering with the design of new, more efficient reagents. Here, the adsorption of octyl hydroxamic acid onto bastnasite was measured using a combination of experimental and computational methods. In-situ attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy revealed changes in the hydroxamate functional group vibrational frequencies, corresponding to chelation with cerium cations at the bastnasite surface. The results indicate a monodentate chemisorption mechanism at low surface loading that changes to bidentate chemisorption at higher concentrations. This interpretation is supported by molecular vibrational frequency shifts calculated using density functional theory (DFT), and orientation of the hydrocarbon chain measured by sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy. The binding enthalpies of octyl hydroxamic acid interacting with La and Ce-bastnasite surfaces were measured using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) revealing a stronger coordinating ability with bastnasite than with a common gangue mineral, calcite (CaCO3). Because octyl hydroxamate favors monodentate adsorption at low surface coverages, the relative chelating strength of metal ions could be a poor predictor for selectivity under monolayer adsorption conditions. At higher surface loadings, where the bidentate mode of adsorption is active, selectivity is likely to be limited by increased flotation of gangue ores.
Potential of Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae) as a Host Plant for Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Currently, the invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stal) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is considered an agricultural and nuisance pest in Georgia. The invasive chinaberry tree, Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae), commonly grows in dense thickets along roadsides, and in woodlands adjacent to agricultural crops across the southeastern USA. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the potential of M. azedarach to serve as a host plant of H. halys by examining mortality and feeding of first and second instars on M. azedarach leaves vs. carrot (i.e., a control diet), and documenting presence of H. halys on M. azedarach in woodlands at 2 locations in Georgia where this stink bug has become established. Over all sampling dates and locations, the number of H. halys in chinaberry was very low (0.1 per tree), and only 3 late instars and 1 adult were observed feeding on M. azedarach at 1 field site late in the season. Percentage feeding by second instars of H. halys was lower for individuals given M. azedarach leaves vs. those provided with carrot, most likely indicating that compounds in M. azedarach have an antifeeding effect. In fact, mortality for second instars on M. azedarach leaves was very high, and thus we conclude that M. azedarach is an unsuitable host plant for H. halys.
Tracking Attacks on Virtual Reality Systems

Virtual reality (VR) is a rapidly advancing technology with diverse applications. VR systems offer an immersive, life-like virtual experience by rendering interactive views on a head-mounted display. VR systems are vulnerable to various types of attacks, which could have dire consequences as they are designed to replace our perception of the physical world. However, there have been few studies on the security and integrity issues of the VR systems. We focus on the popular HTC Vive VR system and propose novel attack methods on blocking and manipulating its tracking subsystem. It is shown that simple attacks can jam or even manipulate the entire position and pose tracking process. Possible countermeasures are suggested to make VR systems safer and more secure.
Emotion differentiation and disordered eating behaviors: The role of appearance schemas

Emotion differentiation, or the ability to distinguish between discrete emotions in the moment, has been linked to maladaptive behaviors, including disordered eating. Appearance schemas may impact this relationship, as it has been suggested that individuals who are preoccupied with appearance-related information in their environment have limited attentional resources to devote to other internal processes. This study sought to expand existing research by examining: 1) the relationships between emotion differentiation and self-reported eating disorder symptomatology, and 2) strength of implicit appearance schemas as a moderator of these relationships. Participants were 118 female undergraduate students who completed a self-report disordered eating symptomatology questionnaire and a word stem completion task (measuring implicit appearance schemas) at baseline. Participants then reported their daily disordered eating behaviors and emotions through ecological momentary assessment for seven days. Emotion differentiation indices were calculated from negatively-valenced (NED) and positively-valenced (PED) daily affect ratings using intraclass correlation coefficients. Analyses demonstrated significant relationships between NED, severity of eating disorder symptomology, and frequency of compensatory behaviors; however, these relationships did not emerge with PED. Strength of appearance schemas was a moderator, suggesting that poor NED paired with stronger appearance schemas resulted in more severe eating disorder symptoms and more frequent engagement in compensatory behaviors. Multilevel models revealed that better NED predicted daily engagement in dietary restriction. By examining the relationship between emotion differentiation and disordered eating symptoms, this study contributes clinically significant information regarding a facet of emotional experience that may be important to our understanding of eating disorder symptomatology.
Postoperative "Rescue" Use of Erector Spinae Plane Block After Lumbar Spine Fusion: A Report of 2 Cases.

Pain after lumbar spine fusion surgery is often difficult to control in the immediate postoperative period. Historically, opioids have been the mainstay of treatment, but are associated with many unwanted side effects as well as increased hospital length of stay. The ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESP) is a relatively safe and simple regional option for the management of acute postoperative pain after spine surgery without the technical difficulty or complications noted with paravertebral injection (eg, pneumothorax, hematoma). To date, there have been reports of preoperative placement of ESP block prior to spine surgery with some success. We present a report of two cases that highlight the efficacy of the ESP block as an early postoperative "rescue" regional anesthetic technique in lumbar spine surgery. These cases demonstrate the potential effectiveness of a "rescue" use of the ESP block in patients having uncontrolled or poorly controlled pain in the early postoperative period with no evidence of significant side effects.
Skill of Mesoscale Models in Forecasting Springtime Macrophysical Cloud Properties at the Savannah River Site in the Southeastern US

Predicting boundary layer clouds is important for the accurate modeling of pollutant dispersion. Higher resolution mesoscale models would be expected to produce better forecasts of cloud properties that affect dispersion. Using ceilometer observations, we assess the skill of two operational mesoscale models (RAMS and WRF) to forecast cloud base altitude and cloud fraction at the Savannah River Site in the southeastern US during the springtime. Verifications were performed at small spatial and temporal scales necessary for dispersion modeling. Both models were unreliable with a 50% (RAMS) and a 46% (WRF) rate of predicting clouds observed by the ceilometer which led to low cloud fraction predictions. Results indicated that WRF better predicted daytime cloud bases from convection that occurred frequently later in the period and RAMS better predicted nighttime cloud bases. Using root mean squared error (RMSE) to score the forecast periods also highlighted this diurnal dichotomy, with WRF scores better during the day and RAMS scores better at night. Analysis of forecast errors revealed divergent model cloud base biases—WRF low and RAMS high. A hybrid solution which weighs more heavily the RAMS nighttime forecasts and WRF daytime forecasts will likely provide the best prediction of cloud properties for dispersion.
A three-year retrospective on offering an embedded systems course with a focus on cybersecurity

The fast pace of advancement in fields of computer science and engineering creates enormous opportunities for the use and application of computing devices. The internet of things (IoT) constitutes an area experiencing significant growth. If IoT systems are not configured and used correctly, there is potential for widespread disruption and harm due to cyberattacks. Hence, the new generation of professionals in the field of computer technology needs to be conversant with cybersecurity and the design of protection of computer systems. Cybersecurity is not restricted to a specific domain such as hardware or software and needs to address all aspects of operation of computer systems. Consequently, we have found it beneficial to introduce students to cybersecurity through an embedded systems course. Based on three years of teaching cybersecurity to students in an embedded systems course, we observe that students are excited and motivated to participate in hands-on lab exercises. We have taken special care to orient these lab exercises to breaking news articles about developments related to safety and cybersecurity. We also found it helpful to unify multiple lab exercises around a specific target application domain such as healthcare or retail. Our results over a three-year period demonstrate that it is possible to teach essential cybersecurity concepts within a one-semester course to students who do not have prior exposure to this area. This knowledge needs to be expanded upon in other courses, thereby weaving a thread of cybersecurity through the students’ educational experience.
Response by Herman L. Marshall

I am very interested in seeing how the Bayes rule approach might be applied to the problem I have outlined, but the particular analysis Prof. Gleser performed appears to be inapplicable here. The critical step is in the definition of the quantity p which represents the fraction of all tested cells that have a source in them. The value of this quantity is unknowable in the general astronomical survey because it depends on the extrapolation of the intrinsic source distribution to (effectively) zero flux, which may be too far below the survey limit to be valid. The method I outlined can be applied once the total number of sources in the survey itself is known or can be estimated and depends only weakly on this number. The only requirement is that the fitted relation between source number and flux can be extrapolated a relatively short ways below the survey limit and depends somewhat on the steepness of the relation. Details of this extrapolation were investigated by Murdoch et al. (1973, see text). It is an interesting question as to whether the Bayes formulation can be applied to analyses of surveys into unknown territory. My statements concerning desiderata governing survey completeness were directed at the unknowability of the intrinsic fluxes for specific sources; the prior information that one may have before a survey is performed is certainly useful in the method I described.
Hepatitis C-positive Black patients develop hepatocellular carcinoma at earlier stages of liver disease and present with a more aggressive phenotype.

BACKGROUND In the United States, mortality after a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is higher in patients who are Black than in patients of other racial groups. The objective of this study was to clarify factors contributing to this disparity by analyzing liver and tumor characteristics in patients with HCC who have a history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS Records of patients with HCV and HCC at the authors' institution from 2003 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Race and ethnicity were self-identified. Imaging, laboratory, and pathologic features were compared between Black and non-Black cohorts. RESULTS Among 1195 individuals with HCC, 390 identified as Black. At the time of HCC diagnosis, Black patients had better liver function, as measured by Child-Pugh score, Model of End-Stage Liver Disease score, histology of nontumor tissue, and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score (all P < .05). FIB-4 scores were <3.25 in 31% of Black patients. In addition, Black patients had less early stage HCC (20.2% vs 32.3%; P < .05), larger tumors (median [interquartile range]: 3.5 cm [2.2-6.2 cm] vs 3.1 cm [2.1-5.1 cm]; P < .01), more multiple tumors (median, [interquartile range]: 1 tumor [1-3 tumors] vs 1 tumor [1-2 tumors]; P = .03), more poorly differentiated tumors (30.3% vs 20.5%; P < .05), and more microvascular invasion (67.2% vs 56.5%; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Black patients with HCV exposure develop HCC at earlier stages of liver disease than members of other racial groups. Nearly one-third would not qualify for HCC screening using the common FIB-4 cirrhosis threshold. Practice guidelines that stress HCC surveillance for cirrhotic patients with HCV may need to be revised to be more inclusive for Black patients. In addition, tumors in Black patients carry worse prognostic features, and molecular studies are needed to characterize their biologic properties.
Left lateral segment liver volume is not correlated with anthropometric measures.

Abstract Background Liver transplantation is definitive therapy for end stage liver disease in pediatric patients. Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) with the left lateral segment (LLS) is often a feasible option. However, the size of LLS is an important factor in donor suitability – particularly when the recipient weighs less than 10 kg. In the present study, we sought to define a formula for estimating left lateral segment volume (LLSV) in potential LLS donors. Methods We obtained demographic and anthropometric measurements on 50 patients with Computed Tomography (CT) scans to determine whole liver volume (WLV), right liver volume (RLV), and LLSV. We performed univariable and multivariable linear regression with backwards stepwise variable selection (p Results Our study found that previously reported anthropometric and demographics variables correlated with volume were significantly associated with WLV and RLV. On univariable analysis, no demographic or anthropometric measures were correlated with LLSV. On multivariable analysis, LLSV was poorly predicted by the final model (R2 = 0.10, Coefficient of Variation [CV] = 42.2) relative to WLV (R2 = 0.33, CV = 18.8) and RLV (R2 = 0.41, CV = 15.8). Conclusion Potential LLS living donors should not be excluded based on anthropometric data: all potential donors should be evaluated regardless of their size.
Depression and Grief in Older Women

Depression is common in older women. It can present with both physical and behavioral changes. Clinicians should evaluate older women for medical causes of depression and should screen for cognitive impairment. Nonpharmacologic treatment options include psychotherapy, exercise and light therapy and community support. This chapter delineates the antidepressants that are safest in older women. Clinicians are encouraged to start with low doses of antidepressants and to increase the dose slowly until a therapeutic effect is seen. The chapter also reviews differences between normal and complicated grief and presents treatment options.
Lateral shift mapping metrology for X-ray telescope mirrors

Currently, high-resolution X-ray telescope mirrors, such as for the Lynx X-Ray Observatory concept, are measured using a Fizeau interferometer with a cylindrical null corrector. Uncertainties in the null wavefront directly couple into the surface measurement uncertainty, including the axial figure and cone angle variation. We extend the absolute surface metrology method of lateral shift mapping for measuring X-ray telescope mirror segments. Lateral shift mapping involves laterally shifting the surface under test relative to the null to multiple positions. The null wavefront can be extracted from the difference between these shifted measurements, leaving only the surface under test. Accurately extracting quadratic terms of the surface under test requires measuring its tilt during shifting. We will show surface metrology results of optical flats measured by Fizeau-based lateral shift mapping with the required angle measured using an autocollimator and compare these results against a three-flat test. We will show how we plan to extend this method to conical X-ray telescope mirror metrology. The lateral shift mapping method reduces the uncertainty introduced by the cylindrical null, a critical step toward making high-resolution X-ray telescope mirrors.
Sociodemographic Predictors of Stage IV Breast Cancer Presentation in a Vulnerable Patient Population.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Socially disadvantaged populations in the United States experience worse outcomes compared to the general population when diagnosed with breast cancer. One potentially vulnerable population includes patients under age 65 that qualify for Medicare due to debilitation. This group includes patients who have received social security disability insurance for at least 2 years and those who have been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; current literature suggests this population experiences worse oncologic outcomes. The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was analyzed to determine what factors among patients under the age of 65 who qualify for Medicare predict for a higher likelihood of presenting with stage IV breast cancer. MATERIALS/METHODS The NCDB was queried for breast cancer patients diagnosed from 2004-2014 who were below the age of 65 and qualified for Medicare. Patients were excluded if they presented with noninvasive disease or if their AJCC stage was unknown. Patients were excluded if any social determinants (race, income quartiles, Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score, travel distance) or hospital factors (facility type, facility location) were unknown. Pearson chi-square test was used to identify associations between categorial variables and stage. Univariate analysis of sociodemographic factors was performed. Statistically significant factors were included in a multinomial logistic regression model to determine independent covariates associated with stage IV presentation. RESULTS 56,964 patients met study criteria. Based on P values (P < 0.05) and strength of odds ratios, the following variables were included in the final model: race, income, comorbidity score, travel distance, facility type, and facility location. All covariates except facility location and distance were significant predictors of metastatic disease presentation. Race was a significant predictor, with white patients less likely to have stage IV presentation (OR 0.73, P < 0.001) compared to black patients. Individuals earning < $38,000 annually were significantly more likely to present at stage IV (OR 1.15, P < 0.001). Patients who traveled shorter distances to treatment facility had non-significantly higher odds of presenting at stage IV (OR 1.37, P = 0.608). Higher comorbidity score was a significant predictor of Stage IV disease at presentation. CONCLUSION Multiple sociodemographic factors were powerful predictors of a stage IV breast cancer presentation in this select population of patients under 65 years old who qualify for Medicare due to debilitation. A deeper understanding of these factors can help identify patients at high risk of a metastatic cancer presentation in order to provide screening and preventative services at an earlier stage in this vulnerable population.
Micropropagation of White Flowering Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. alba L.)

Abstract A white flowering Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis var. alba L.) has been successfully micropropagated. Two node explants collected from the initial flush of spring growth were cultured on woody plant medium (WPM). Increased shoot multiplication occurred at 10,15 and 20 μM (2.3, 3.4 and 4.5 ppm) benzyladenine (BA). Microshoots were rooted in vitro on half strength WPM with a 15-day treatment of 100 and 300 μM (18.6 and 55.9 ppm) α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) or 100 and 300 μM (20.3 and 60.9 ppm) indolebutyric acid (IBA) prior to being moved to full strength WPM without growth regulators. Percentage rooting and the mean number of roots per cutting were comparable between NAA and IBA treated microcuttings, however, the subsequent root morphology differed between the two treatments. NAA treated plants developed a coarse, unbranched root system, while IBA treated cuttings developed a more desireable fine, branched root system. Rooted microshoots were successfully acclimated to greenhouse conditions.
Introduction to Estimation Methods

The general aim of statistics is to infer something about the source that gave rise to given data. An ultimate aim is to find exact numerical values for the source. There is a large body of literature on this subject, called estimation theory. Estimation is both an art and a science — typical of most subjects in statistics. Hence, there are passionate devotees of one approach or another, to a given problem, especially economic problems. Personally, we like the following motivation for the subject: If Adam and Eve were expelled from Paradise for attempting to Know, then the least we can do, having lost our chance at earthly Paradise, is to find out just how well we can Know.
Selection and characterization of Yersinia pestis YopN mutants that constitutively block Yop secretion

Summary Secretion of Yop effector proteins by the Yersinia pes- tis plasmid pCD1-encoded type III secretion system (T3SS) is regulated in response to specific environ- mental signals. Yop secretion is activated by contact with a eukaryotic cell or by growth at 37 ∞ C in the absence of calcium. The secreted YopN protein, the SycN/YscB chaperone and TyeA form a cytosolic YopN/SycN/YscB/TyeA complex that is required to prevent Yop secretion in the presence of calcium and prior to contact with a eukaryotic cell. The mechanism by which these proteins prevent secretion and the subcellular location where the block in secretion occurs are not known. To further investigate both the mechanism and location of the YopN-dependent block, we isolated and characterized several YopN mutants that constitutively block Yop secretion. All the identified amino-acid substitutions that resulted in a constitutive block in Yop secretion mapped to a central domain of YopN that is not directly involved in the interaction with the SycN/YscB chaperone or TyeA. The YopN mutants required an intact TyeA-bind- ing domain and TyeA to block secretion, but did not require an N-terminal secretion signal, an intact chap- erone-binding domain or the SycN/YscB chaperone. These results suggest that a C-terminal domain of YopN complexed with TyeA blocks Yop secretion from a cytosolic, not an extracellular, location. A hypothet- ical model for how the YopN/SycN/YscB/TyeA com- plex regulates Yop secretion is presented.
Pulsed and cw Optically Pumped Lasers for Novel Applications in Spectroscopy and Kinetics

There is a recent explosion of interest in optically pumped gas phase, electronic transition, diatomic lasers. Over the past year, the number of experiments performed on such lasers has increased tremendously. Table 1 is a brief historical outline of the development of diatomic molecular lasers. Both pulsed and cw optical pumped lasers have been demonstrated.
Diversity of cascading failure processes in electrical grids

Investigation of the cascading failure is of great importance to understanding wide-scale power outages in electrical grids. In the current literature, researchers mainly evaluate the severity of a cascading failure process based on assessing its final damage, e.g., blackout size, to the grid. Generally speaking, the larger the final damage value is, the more severe the cascading process is. However, it is insufficient to understand the sophisticated cascading phenomenon merely from the perspective of the final damage. Cascading processes are diverse, and have multifarious features. In this paper, we focus on demonstrating the diversity of cascading processes. In particular, we exploit three important features of the cascading process, which are blackout size, system failure time and number of eruption periods. In addition, we adopt the Polish transmission system as the test benchmark, and use these three features to analyze all cascading processes triggered by N — 1 contingency on transmission lines. Finally, we find six categories of cascading processes. Our classification and discoveries can help people better understand the inherent characteristics of cascading processes and develop the ways to reduce the chances of massive blackouts.
Approximation Algorithms for Budget-Constrained Auctions

Recently there has been a surge of interest in auctions research triggered on the one hand by auctions of bandwidth and other public assets and on the other by the popularity of Internet auctions and the possibility of new auction formats enabled by e-commerce. Simultaneous auction of items is a popular auction format. We consider the problem of maximizing total revenue in the simultaneous auction of a set of items where the bidders have individual budget constraints. Each bidder is permitted to bid on all the items of his choice and specifies his budget constraint to the auctioneer, who must select bids to maximize the revenue while ensuring that no budget constraints are violated. We show that the problem of maximizing revenue is such a setting is NP-hard, and present a factor-1.62 approximation algorithm for it. We formulate the problem as an integer program and solve a linear relaxation to obtain a fractional optimal solution, which is then deterministically rounded to obtain an integer solution. We argue that the loss in revenue incurred by the rounding procedure is bounded by a factor of 1.62.
Direct needle fixation in endoscopic facial rejuvenation

Abstract Background: Several authors have described the application of video endoscopy to facial rejuvenation to minimize incisions. Methods of fixation used in this technique include miniplates, tunnels in the outer tissues, and tissue glues. Objective: In this study, we examined the efficacy of endoscopic facial rejuvenation with direct transcutaneous needle fixation. Methods: Detailed preoperative markings were placed to outline important anatomical structures for the dissection. Dissection was performed through use of endoscopic visualization. Direct needle fixation was performed through a temporal incision. Results: In a series of 50 patients, we found that subperiosteal lifting with direct needle fixation allows more precise repositioning of the inferior, periorbital, and frontal regions. In 30 patients undergoing additional treatment for the midface, this technique eliminated the need for midface intraoral and/or infracilliary incisions. Conclusions: Endoscopic facial rejuvenation through use of direct needle fixation provides safe and aesthetically pleasing results with a high level of patient satisfaction at 24 months' postoperative follow-up.
SPORE KILLER POLYMORPHISM IN FUSARIUM MONILIFORME

A Spore killer trait, which exhibits genetic and cytological properties analogous to those previously found in Neurospora, exists in natural populations of the fungal plant pathogen Fusarium moniliforme . The genogeography of the polymorphism in F. moniliforme differs from the situation in Neurospora intermedia . It is more akin to the situation in N. sitophila , although more extreme with respect to the prevalence of killer alleles: more than 80% of tested isolates of F. moniliforme carry the killer allele. Nevertheless, sensitive alleles are widely distributed and have been found in California, Italy, Greece and Central America.
Abdominal adiposity change in white and black midlife women: The study of women's health across the nation

Objective The principal objective of this investigation was to compare the naturalistic intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT) change among black and white women during midlife. Methods A cohort of 222 (56%) white and 171 (44%) black midlife women were investigated in the Fat Patterning Study at the Chicago site of the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. The subjects' total body fat was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and IAAT by a planimetric computed tomography (at the level of L4-L5) annually over up to 4 years. Results The total body fat at initial evaluation was higher in black women (45.1% ± 8.2%) when compared with white women (41.3% ± 8.7%, P < 0.001) and did not significantly change over the longitudinal follow-up. No significant racial differences were found in the mean annualized gain of IAAT (4.4% ± 0.5%) in models adjusted for total body fat, initial IAAT, age, race, time and race interaction, physical activity, depressive symptoms, menopausal status, and menopausal hormone therapy. Conclusions During a naturalistic observation, black and white midlife women had similar abdominal fat gain adjusted for differences in baseline adiposity. These data inform future research aimed to prevent IAAT gain during the critical midlife period of rising cardiovascular risk.
Mormonism and its Historians: The State of the Field

This article introduces the history of the Mormon tradition – those churches which claim to descend from Joseph Smith – as well as, concurrently, the main currents of scholarship on Smith and Mormonism. It particularly focuses on the tensions between Mormon ecclesiastical leadership and scholars of Mormonism over the ownership of the past of a faith tradition very dependent upon a sacred history. Relatedly, it also discusses the broadening of Mormon scholarship from the first devotional histories produced during Smith’s own lifetime through the so-called New Mormon History of the middle 20th century to the recent surge of interest in interdisciplinary studies of Mormonism.
The natural history of affective disorders—I. Symptoms of 72 patients at the time of index hospital admission

Abstract Fifty-four patients hospitalized with primary affective disorder (depression) were compared with eighteen patients hospitalized with secondary affective disorder (depression). Primary affective disorder was defined as an affective illness occurring in a patient who had no previous psychiatric history other than that compatible with affective illness. Secondary affective disorder was defined as a depression occurring in a patient with a pre-existing, non-affective, psychiatric illness. The distribution and prevalence of affective symptoms in the current episode of illness was found to be the same among the two groups. This investigation indicates that the cross-sectional picture does not serve to distinguish primary from secondary affective disorders among hospitalized patients.
A re-investigation of the decay of Eu147 to Sm147

Abstract A re-investigation of the decay of Eu 147 has been undertaken; gamma-ray intensity measurements and gamma-gamma directional correlations have been performed using an isotopically and chemically pure source. Gamma-gamma directional correlations were measured for the 680-122 and 957-122 keV cascades; the data were consistent with the predominantly M1 assignment for the 680 keV transition based on internal conversion data. Evidence has been found for seven new gamma-ray transitions with energies of 1122, 1195, 1250, 1320, 1326, 1423 and 1448 keV. Gamma-gamma coincidence measurements performed on a chemically but not isotopically pure source of Eu 147 showed that the 1122 and 1250 keV transitions are in coincidence with the 198 keV transition and that the 1195, 1326 and 1423 keV transitions are in coincidence with the 122 keV transition. The energy of the previously reported 881 keV transition was measured and found to be 862 keV. This transition is shown to proceed from a level of 1060 keV; internal conversion coefficient data and gamma-gamma directional correlations indicate that the spin and parity of this level would be 3 2 + assuming a spin sequence for the three lowest levels of 7 2 − , 5 2 − and 3 2 − . The total positon feeding was determined to be (0.54±0.08)% of the total decay. The experimental results are compared with the theoretical results obtained by Schima employing quasi-particle states to account for the short-range forces and zero, one and two phonon states for the collective effects.
Removal of TNT and RDX from water and soil using iron metal

Contaminated water and soil at active or abandoned munitions plants is a serious problem since these compounds pose risks to human health and can be toxic to aquatic and terrestrial life. Our objective was to determine if zero-valent iron (Fe(0)) could be used to promote remediation of water and soil contaminated with 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). As little as 1% Fe(0) (w/v) removed 70 mg TNT litre(-1) from aqueous solution within 8 h and removed 32 mg RDX litre(-1) within 96 h. Treating slurries (1:5 soil:water) of highly contaminated soil (5200 mg TNT and 6400 mg RDX kg(-1) soil) from the former Nebraska Ordnance Plant (NOP) with 10% Fe(0) (w/w soil) reduced CH(3)CN-extractable TNT and RDX concentrations below USEPA remediation goals (17.2 mg TNT and 5.8 mg RDX kg(-1)). Sequential treatment of a TNT-contaminated solution (70 mg TNT litre(-1) spiked with (14)C-TNT) with Fe(0) (5% w/v) followed by H(2)O(2) (1% v/v) completely destroyed TNT and removed about 94% of the (14)C from solution, 48% of which was mineralized to (14)CO(2) within 8 h. Fe(0)-treated TNT also was more susceptible to biological mineralization. Our observations indicate that Fe(0) alone, Fe(0) followed by H(2)O(2), or Fe(0) in combination with biotic treatment can be used for effective remediation of munitions-contaminated water and soil.
Information technology: human impacts and federal policy

Educational discussions about computers invariably focus upon how to teach computing (literacy) and how to use computers in teaching. Unfortunately, this leaves both teacher and student with the erroneous impression that the computer is the proper focal point for study and that it is a value-free tool. Redefinition of the computer as a metamedium and evocative object, and recognition that it is but an element of information technology, lead to an examination of the human impacts---cultural and social---of information technology and the computer. They affect our language, our thoughts, our self-image, our values, and our world-view. They challenge our ethics, our organizations, the meaning and role of work, and the role of information and information systems in our welfare. Examination of some of these impacts leads to identification of these educational issues: education for change, education for an information society, and education in an information society. It then becomes clear that federal policies are required to support and encourage changes in teacher education and re-training to provide: role models for integrative thinking and lifelong learning; emphasis on values, value clarification, and ethical behavior; and the knowledge to use information utilities. Federal policy is also required to prevent a few large purchasers from defining the educational software to be available to all purchasers, and to maintain education as the universal (without regard to ability to pay) human service it must remain. Information utilities remain largely unregulated in this country and will have significant bearing upon the costs of all human services, especially education, yet their design is" ... no less than our design of the new individualism." Federal policy is required to provide assurance, to each of us, of equal access to the educational process and the best that it has to offer.
Gender, Mobility and the Financialisation of Development

This article challenges popular claims about the capacity for microfinance to reduce poverty and empower women in the global South. Instead, I posit microfinance as a contradictory development tool, one that creates possibilities for both the contestation and continuation of unequal social relations at multiple scales. The article is divided into two major sections. I begin by examining the assumptions embedded in mainstream financial mappings of global space since the 1980s. In particular, I show how they privilege the transnational mobility of corporate capital and elide the everyday, place-based work of social reproduction. I examine the expansion and commercialisation of microfinance in this context, as an alternative mechanism for enabling poor households to continue meeting their everyday needs by taking on more debt. In the second section, I draw on fieldwork in Andhra Pradesh, India, to show how these interlocking macro/micro financial flows interact with regional social histories to shape and dif...
Potentiation of Tumor Necrosis Factor-mediated Apoptosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells by Adenovirus-mediated Gene Transfer of NF-κB Inhibitor:

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant tumor which is often resistant to cancer-therapy-mediated apoptosis. The stress-responsive transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), which has been found to be associated with SCC development, plays an essential role in the suppression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-mediated apoptosis. Here, we report that an adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of NF-kappaB inhibitor, super-repressor I kappa B alpha (Adv-SR-IkappaBalpha), blocked TNF-induced NF-kappaB activation and sensitized oral SCC cells to TNF killing. Additionally, we found that the inhibition of NFkappaB by Adv-SR-IkappaBalpha enhanced TNF-mediated caspase-8 and -3 activation. These results suggest that NF-kappaB activation is a general mechanism by which oral squamous carcinoma cells are resistant to TNF killing and provide a molecular basis for gene therapy of oral cancer by IkappaBalpha gene transfer in vivo.
Purification of a hemagglutinin from Limulus polyphemus by affinity chromatography

Summary A. hemagglutinin has been isolated from the hemolymph of the common horseshoe crab ( Limulus polyphemus ) using affinity chromatography as the primary purification procedure. The hemagglutinin specifically binds to a bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM) affinity gel and is subsequently released upon the addition of Na citrate to the elution buffer. The purity of the final product was attested to by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, electron microscopic observation and by a greater than 1500-fold increase in specific activity as compared to the starting material. The purified hemagglutinin was able to give a precipitin reaction in immunodiffusion gels against purified BSM but not against desialated BSM.
Intravenous magnesium for acute asthma: failure to decrease emergency treatment duration or need for hospitalization.

Study objective: To evaluate the efficacy of routine early administration of IV magnesium to patients with acute asthma. Design: Prospective, randomized clinical trial. Setting: Urban teaching hospital emergency department. Type of participants: One hundred twenty consecutive patients aged 18 to 65 years with acute asthma unresponsive to a single albuterol treatment. Interventions: All patients received oxygen, 125 mg IV methylprednisolone, and hourly albuterol inhalation therapy. The study group also received 2 g IV magnesium sulfate infused over 20 minutes. Measurements and main results: Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar in both groups. Hospitalization was necessary in 13 of 58 patients who received magnesium (22%; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 13% to 32%) and 11 of 62 control patients (17%; 95% CI, 10% to 26%; P = .523). Duration of ED treatment in discharged patients was 224 ± 75 minutes in the magnesium group (95% CI, 208 to 240 minutes) and 228 ± 90 minutes in the control group (95% CI, 209 to 247 minutes, P = .832). In addition, changes in peak expiratory flow were not statistically different. Conclusion: Routine early administration of IV magnesium in acute asthma does not alter treatment outcome.