cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A security methodology for computer networks

The world's businesses, industries, and governments are beginning to rely on computer networks for timely transmission of sensitive data between geographically distributed sites. To ensure the security integrity of the entire complex, the networks that bind these distributed facilities must be integral to all security considerations. The methodology described here provides a framework for developing the planning documentation and procedures for network security. It also bounds five security documentation and analysis problems that were previously unbounded. This methodology separates a computer network's “security life” into two phases. The first phase — design, review, and accreditation — deals with system-security planning, implementation, certification, and accreditation for operation. The second — or operational — phase involves processing unusual events that may be of security interest during the operation of a computer network. The various elements, relationships, and decisions for each phase are examined.
Cytoskeleton proteins previously considered exclusive to Ganglion Cells are transiently expressed by all retinal neuronal precursors

Background Understanding the mechanisms governing cell fate specification remains one of the main challenges in the study of retinal development. In this context, molecular markers that identify specific cell types become crucial tools for the analysis and interpretation of these phenomena. In studies using the developing chick retina, expression of the mid-size neurofilament (NF-M) and a chick-specific microtubule associated protein recognized by the RA4 antibody (MAP(RA4)), have been broadly used to selectively identify ganglion cells and their committed precursors. However, observations in our laboratory suggested that the expression of these proteins may not be restricted to cells of the ganglion cell lineage. Because of its potential significance in the field, we pursued a detailed analysis of the expression of these two molecules in combination with an array of proteins that allowed precise identification of all retinal cell-type precursors throughout the development of the chick retina.
Locally fluidizing feeder for powder transport

Abstract Solid fuel delivery systems form an essential component of laboratory type experimental apparatus. In the past feeders have been developed for feeding
The Influence of Prosodic Stress Patterns and Semantic Depth on Novel Word Learning in Typically Developing Children.

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of prosodic stress patterns and semantic depth on word learning. Twelve preschool-aged children with typically developing speech and language skills participated in a word learning task. Novel words with either a trochaic or iambic prosodic pattern were embedded in one of two learning conditions, either in children's stories (semantically rich) or picture matching games (semantically sparse). Three main analyses were used to measure word learning: comprehension and production probes, phonetic accuracy, and speech motor stability. Results revealed that prosodic frequency and density influence the learnability of novel words, and that there are prosodic neighborhood density effects. The impact of semantic depth on word learning was minimal and likely depends on the amount of experience with the novel words.
Gender differences in the reemployment status of displaced workers human capital as signals that mitigate effects of bias

Abstract Data from the Current Population Survey's Displaced Workers Supplement for year 2000 indicate that after job loss, women become reemployed less frequently than do men. To explain this difference, we test sets of hypotheses derived from Human Capital and Gender Queuing theories. The results support the theory that in their hiring of displaced workers, employers tend to place men in a higher labor queue than women. Net of human capital factors, women are significantly less likely than men to be reemployed following the loss of a job. However, results also show that for women only, certain human capital characteristics substantially improve their reemployment chances. Unmarried women displaced from full-time and white-collar high-level occupations were significantly more likely to become reemployed than were women without these characteristics. The results suggest that queuing processes interact with human capital characteristics in a gender specific manner. Because employers lack perfect information about job applicants, they rely on certain human capital characteristics that signal the extent to which women in the labor market depart from prevailing negative stereotypes about women workers. To employers, unmarried women displaced from full-time managerial and professional jobs may appear more productive and committed to work than do women lacking these types of human capital. Thus, the possession of certain types of human capital among women can mitigate the effects of gender bias in the hiring of displaced labor.
Topographic map of the HLA-A2 CREG epitopes using human alloantibody probes

The topographic architecture of the epitopes expressed on the HLA-A2 glycoprotein using murine monoclonal antibody (mAb) probes indicates at least two sterically distinct domains. Previously, we have demonstrated using human HLA alloantibodies (aAb) that multiple determinants are expressed on each HLA antigen: the highly polymorphic private epitopes and the public determinants that are shared within a family of crossreactive groups (CREG). Our objectives now focus on probing the antigenic structure of the HLA-A2-28-9-B17 CREG using highly specific aAb in conjunction with mAb that have previously been used for structural studies. Both mAb-mediated blockage of complement-dependent cytotoxic aAb and reciprocal antibody (Ab) binding inhibition assays with quantitation by fluorescence flow cytometry have been utilized. We have found that xenogeneic mAb directed against A2-69, A2-B17, and A2-28 crossblock aAb of the same serologic specificity, and vice versa, indicating that the epitopes they respectively recognize are at least in close steric proximity. However, additional HLA-A2, A28, and B17 aAb of private specificity and A2-28-9 aAb of public specificity, for which there are no known mAb counterparts, paint an additional complexity not previously known. We conclude that at least four different alloepitopes can be expressed by each serologically defined HLA antigen. Based on the primary sequence data, we have assigned the location and the amino acid substitutions which most likely account for these discrete epitopes. The unique private determinants are located on the alpha 1 domain together with the interlocus A2-B17 epitope while the public epitopes A2-69, A2-28-9 and A2-28 are located on the alpha 2 domain.
EM and 3D-Reconstruction of Thin Filaments Reconstituted with Truncated Troponin I Associated with Myocardial Stunning

Myocardial “stunning”, a condition resulting from a short period of ischemia followed by reperfusion, can cause cardiac dysfunction, despite the absence of tissue necrosis. Stunning can be associated with rapid proteolytic truncation of the C-terminal 17 acids of TnI (to form “TnI1-192”). Expression of TnI1-192 in transgenic mice is sufficient to account for the stunning phenotype (Murphy et al., 2000), where for example myofibrils containing TnI1-192 and otherwise normal troponin-tropomyosin display increased Ca2+-sensitivity (Narolska et al., 2006; also Foster et al., 2003). In the current study, electron microscopy and 3D-image reconstruction of thin filaments containing cTnI1-192 and control TnC, TnT and tropomyosin was performed to determine if the truncation causes an imbalance in the tropomyosin distribution between different regulatory states. Negatively stained “mutant” filaments showed characteristic periodic troponin projections and tropomyosin strands. Both helical reconstruction and single particle analysis indicated that at low-Ca2+ the tropomyosin localized on the inner aspect of the outer domain of actin. As expected, tropomyosin moves to the inner domain of actin in Ca2+ (Foster et al., 2003). However, truncated TnI appears to promote an extra transition of tropomyosin from the Ca2+- induced, closed position on actin toward the myosin-induced, open-state position. Here, tropomyosin in myosin-free thin filaments appears biased towards the open-state in the presence of only Ca2+. Cross-correlation of filament segments to models of the blocked-, closed-, and open-states (as in Pirani et al., 2005) confirms this open-state bias, which correlates well with the increase in Ca2+-sensitivity observed in in vitro and in fiber assays of function.
Trapped Null Geodesics in a Rotating Interior Metric

We consider trapped, null geodesies in an interior, rotating metric which matches the Kerr metric on a spheroidal surface. The interior metric is unphysical, but still useful for obtaining a qualitative understandng of the properties of the trapped, interior geodesies. We find, by numerical techniques, that the presence of rotation increases trapping for count-errotating orbits, but decreases it for corotating orbits.
Vitamin D levels and bone turnover in epilepsy patients taking carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine.

Summary: Purpose: Evidence suggests that enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may decrease serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels and increase bone turnover. We sought to determine whether these are affected by treatment with carbamazepine (CBZ) or oxcarbazepine (OXC). Methods: We measured serum levels of 25-OHD, parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin (OCLN), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and urinary N-telopeptides of type I collagen cross-links (NTX) in normal controls (n = 24) and in epilepsy patients taking CBZ (n = 21) or OXC (n = 24) in monotherapy. CBZ patients were subsequently switched overnight to OXC monotherapy, and after 6 weeks, the tests were repeated. Results: 25-OHD levels were lower in each drug-treated group (OXC, 19.4 ± 2.3 pg/ml; CBZ, 20.4 ± 2.4) than in the controls (27.5 ± 2.8) (ANOVA, p = 0.052). This difference was significant for the OXC group (p < 0.05). PTH, BAP, and NTX did not differ significantly among groups. OCLN levels were somewhat elevated in the OXC group (2.79 ± 0.47 ng/ml) and more clearly and significantly elevated in the CBZ group (3.63 ± 0.36) compared with controls (2.38 ± 0.41) (p = 0.053). Because the data were very similar between OXC and CBZ groups, they were combined to increase statistical power. The combined drug-treatment group had significantly higher BAP (p = 0.02) and lower 25-OHD (p = 0.015) than did controls. The latter remained significant even after accounting for the confounding effects of age on 25-OHD levels (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found after CBZ patients were switched to OXC. Conclusions: Epilepsy patients taking OXC or CBZ have significantly lower 25-OHD than do normal controls, with a pattern of changes in other bone biomarkers suggestive of secondary hyperparathyroidism. It may be prudent for patients taking CBZ or OXC to be prescribed 25-OHD replacement.
Thoracolumbar deformity arthrodesis to L5 in adults: the fate of the L5-S1 disc.

STUDY DESIGN A retrospective clinical and radiographic analysis of long adult deformity fusions terminating at L5. OBJECTIVES To define the results of thoracolumbar fusions to L5 in adult deformity patients with critical evaluation for potential subsequent L5-S1 disc degeneration and L5 implant loosening. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Few studies have reported the results of long adult fusions to L5 and the potential for subsequent advanced L5-S1 disc degeneration is unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-four consecutive patients fused from the thoracic spine to L5 at a single institution were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 5.6 years (2.1-14.3 years). SRS-24 functional outcome questionnaire results were obtained for all patients at most recent follow-up. RESULTS By latest follow-up, subsequent advanced L5-S1 disc degeneration (SAD) developed in 19 of 31 patients (61%) assessed as having "healthy" discs before surgery. SAD was associated with a forward shift in sagittal balance (P = 0.02) and need for revision surgery (P = 0.02). Risk factors for the development of SAD were preoperative positive sagittal balance (P = 0.01), younger age (P = 0.03), and the presence of even mild radiographic degeneration before surgery (P = 0.004). Loss of L5 implant fixation occurred in six patients (18%) and was associated with deep seating of L5 within the pelvis (P = 0.0001). Inferior SRS-24 outcome measures were associated with preoperative advanced L5-S1 disc degeneration and the development of postoperative sagittal imbalance. CONCLUSIONS Subsequent L5-S1 DDD developed in 61% of patients after long adult fusions to L5 and was associated with a significant loss of sagittal alignment and an increased likelihood for or definite need for another operation. Loss of L5 implant fixation is not uncommon, especially in patients with a deep-seated L5 vertebra.
Glycoprotein Biosynthesis in Human Reticulocytes: A Lesion in Thalassemia

The rate of incorporation of glucosamine into the glycoprotein of reticulocyte stroma is greatly increased in thalassemia. This increase suggests a major enzymic disorder in the buildup of cellular membrane and reconciles the accumulation of material showing a positive reaction with periodic acid Schiff reagent with the clinical picture of oligocythemia and microcytosis.
Down-Regulation of Renal Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression in Experimental Glomerular Thrombotic Microangiopathy

Infection with certain strains of Escherichia coli and endotoxemia results in renal glomerular thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) characterized by endothelial swelling and prominent glomerular microthrombus formation. Nitric oxide (NO) is an endogenous biologic modulator with diverse physiologic functions including vasodilation and inhibition of platelet adhesion and aggregation. NO is synthesized from conversion of L-arginine to L-citrulline by a family of NO synthases (NOS), which include constitutive and inducible isoforms. Indirect evidence supports the hypothesis that TMA is associated with depressed intrarenal NO production. However, the effect of TMA on renal tissue NOS expression has not been fully elucidated. We studied rats with TMA induced by iv bolus injection of high dose (20 mg/kg) E. coli endotoxin. Subgroups of six animals each were sacrificed before or at 30, 90, 180, 360, and 720 minutes after the administration of endotoxin. Renal histology and tissue expression of endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthases (eNOS and iNOS) were examined. Additionally, we examined the effect of endotoxin on glomerular NO production, and eNOS and iNOS protein expression in vitro. Glomerular capillary thrombosis developed by 180 minutes after endotoxin administration in approximately half of the animals. The glomeruli without thrombotic lesions apparent by light microscopy disclosed early signs of TMA characterized by endothelial swelling, platelet accumulation/adhesion, and patchy fibrinogen deposition. These morphologic changes were associated with a marked reduction of renal tissue eNOS expression beyond 180 minutes after the endotoxin administration. The fall in eNOS expression was coupled with a significant rise in iNOS protein abundance, which was expressed largely by glomerular circulating neutrophils and endothelial cells, peritubular vascular endothelium, and collecting ducts of cortex and medulla. In vitro incubation of isolated glomeruli with endotoxin also resulted in a marked reduction in eNOS expression and a significant rise in iNOS content. Administration of E. coli endotoxin leads to a sustained fall in renal eNOS expression both in vivo and in vitro. The associated decline in intrarenal endothelial NO production/availability may result in renal vasoconstriction and a hypercoagulative state, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of endotoxin-induced TMA.
Post-genomic science: converting primary structure into physiological function

Abstract Exobiology, the study of the origin, evolution and distribution of life (including life on earth) within the context of cosmic evolution, is being given a remarkable boost by genome sequencing projects, which are now making the evolutionary histories of protein families routinely available. These histories comprise a multiple alignment for their protein sequences and the corresponding DNA sequences, an evolutionary tree showing the pedigree of these sequences, and reconstructed ancestral sequences for each node in the tree. In a post-genomic world having genomic sequences from an unlimited number of organisms, these histories will be used to connect structure, chemical reactivity, and physiological function to these families. This paper describes several “post-genomic” tools that exploit these evolutionary histories. They can be used to confirm or deny long distance homology between two protein families, identify proteins within a family that have new functions, and identify specific in vitro properties of the protein that are important for its physiological role. Evolution-based data structures for organizing large sequence databases are also described.
Chemical ecology of the luna moth : Effects of host plant on detoxification enzyme activity.

The effects of food plant on larval performance and midgut detoxification enzymes were investigated in larvae of the luna moth,Actias luna. Neonate larvae were fed leaves of black cherry, cottonwood, quaking aspen, white willow, red oak, white oak, tulip tree, paper birch, black walnut, butternut, or shagbark hickory. First instar survival, larval duration, and pupal weights were monitored as indices of food quality. Midgut enzyme preparations from fifth instars were assayed for β-glucosidase, quinone reductase, polysubstrate monooxygenase, esterase, and glutathione transferase activities. Larval survival on seven of the 11 plant species, including several recorded host plants, was extremely poor. Larvae performed well, and quite similarly, on birch, walnut, butternut, and hickory. Activities of all enzyme systems except β-glucosidase were significantly influenced by larval host plant. Of the systems assayed, quinone reductase and glutathione transferase activities were especially high. Comparisons of these values with published values for other Lepidoptera support the hypothesis that these enzyme systems are involved in conferring tolerance to juglone and related quinones occurring in members of the plant family Juglandaceae. Results suggest that host plant utilization by luna is more specialized at the individual or population level than at the species level and that biochemical detoxification systems may play a role in such specialization.
Individual differences as predictors of work, educational, and broad life outcomes

Ongoing research on measures of individual differences (personality, cognitive ability, and admissions tests) has revealed their importance in academic success (including outcomes beyond college grades), work success (including objective and subjective measures of job performance), and everyday life (including divorce and mortality). Despite the body of evidence, confusion remains about foundational empirical questions including their strength, importance beyond a threshold, and independence from social class and other confounds. We first discuss the likely sources of confusion when considering the literature. We then review a series of large-scale studies and meta-analyses conducted to unambiguously address nine common, but false, assertions about the relationship between intelligence and personality measures with life outcomes.
Enhanced Radiative Emission Rate and Quantum Efficiency in Coupled Silicon Nanocrystal-Nanostructured Gold Emitters

We report local-field-enhanced light emission from silicon nanocrystals close to a film of nanoporous gold. We resolve photoluminescence as the gold-Si nanocrystal separation distance is varied between 0 and 20 nm and observe a fourfold luminescence intensity enhancement concomitant with increases in the coupled silicon nanocrystal/nanoporous gold absorbance cross section and radiative decay rate. A detailed analysis of the luminescence data indicated a local-field-enhanced quantum efficiency of 58% for the Si nanocrystals coupled to the nanoporous gold layer.
Cohesive Swarming under Consensus

This paper studies the cohesion of multi-agent swarms moving under the control of a consensus filter. This paper's main result shows that swarming under consensus is cohesive. We establish specific bounds on the degree of cohesion and consensus as a function of the attraction/repulsion fields, swarm size, and connectivity in the communication network.
A selective fluorescence turn-on sensor for trace vapor detection of hydrogen peroxide

A fluorescence turn-on sensor molecule (C6NIB) has been synthesized and fabricated into a porous matrix to enable trace vapor detection of hydrogen peroxide. The detection limit was projected to be below 5 ppb.
Influence of Lithium Upon Dental Caries in the Rat

Two studies were performed on rats to determine the post-eruptive cariostatic effects of lithium alone and in combination with fluoride. The results failed to demonstrate any cariostatic effects of lithium when evaluated in this manner, nor any enhancement by lithium of the cariostatic activity of fluoride.
Detection of paraquat-induced in vivo lipid peroxidation by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and high-pressure liquid chromatography.

The cyclic oxidation-reduction of paraquat results in the formation of oxygen free radicals, which are believed to mediate the toxic manifestations of this herbicide. Because of paraquat's profound effects on lipid peroxidation, the effect of oral administration of 75 mg paraquat/kg to rats has been examined on the urinary excretion of the lipid metabolites malondialdehyde (MDA), formaldehyde (FA), acetaldehyde (ACT), and acetone (ACON) over 48 hours post-treatment. The urinary metabolites were identified by gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry and quantitated by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Time-dependent increases in the urinary excretion of the four metabolites were observed after paraquat administration. Over the 48 hours of the study, the paraquatInduced urinary excretion of MDA, FA, ACT, and ACON Increased by approximately 218, 155, 331, and 995%, respectively, relative to control animals. The data were expressed in nmollkg body weightJ4.5 h. The results clearly demonstrate that paraquat increases the urinary excretion of four lipid metabolites, which may have widespread applicability as biomarkers of altered lipid metabolism in disease states and cases of exposure to environmental pollutants and xenobiotics that induce enhanced lipid peroxidation.
THEMES FROM 1972

Although 1972 was the year that Winograd published his now classic natural language Study of the blocks world, that fact had not yet penetrated to the ACL. At that time people with AI computational interests were strictly in a minority in the association and it was a radical move to appoint Roger Schank as program chairman for the year's meeting. That was also the year that we didn't have a presidential banquet, and my "speech" was a few informal remarks at the roadhouse restaurant somewhere in North Carolina reassuring a doubtful few members that computational understanding of natural language was certainly progressing and that applied natural language systems were distinctly feasible.
The maximum useful doping concentration of the pinched base of SiGe HBTs: a theory study

The maximum useful base doping concentration that can be used to improve f/sub max/ of SiGe HBTs is investigated. 2D numerical device simulation and analytical results are compared to verify that f/sub max/ does not always increase with the base doping concentration. Instead, the extrinsic base resistance is found to be the device parameter that greatly influences the dependence of f/sub max/ on the base doping concentration. The proper approach to improving f/sub max/ of SiGe HBTs is discussed.
Specification of reproductive meristems requires the combined function of SHOOT MERISTEMLESS and floral integrators FLOWERING LOCUS T and FD during Arabidopsis inflorescence development

In Arabidopsisfloral meristems are specified on the periphery of the inflorescence meristem by the combined activities of the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT)‐FD complex and the flower meristem identity gene LEAFY. The floral specification activity of FT is dependent upon two related BELL1-like homeobox (BLH) genes PENNYWISE (PNY) and POUND-FOOLISH (PNF) which are required for floral evocation. PNY and PNF interact with a subset of KNOTTED1LIKE homeobox proteins including SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM). Genetic analyses show that these BLH proteins function with STM to specify flowers and internodes during inflorescence development. In this study, experimental evidence demonstrates that the specification of flower and coflorescence meristems requires the combined activities of FT‐FD and STM. FT and FD also regulate meristem maintenance during inflorescence development. In plants with reduced STM function, ectopic FT and FD promote the formation of axillary meristems during inflorescence development. Lastly, gene expression studies indicate that STM functions with FT‐FD and AGAMOUS-LIKE 24 (AGL24)‐SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONTANS1 (SOC1) complexes to up-regulate flower meristem identity genes during inflorescence development
Soft tissue injuries of the tarsocrural joint: a retrospective analysis of 30 cases evaluated arthroscopically.

Summary Reasons for performing the study Intra-articular soft tissue injuries of the equine tarsocrural joint have been poorly defined. Methods All horses that underwent arthroscopic surgery of a tarsocrural joint over a 10 year period were identified. Those with primary intra-articular soft tissue injuries were selected for inclusion and the cases evaluated retrospectively. Results Two hundred and eighty-one horses underwent tarsocrural joint arthroscopy during the study period, 30 of which met the inclusion criteria (30 joints). A combination of soft tissue lesions was more common than injury to a single structure. Injuries involved the joint capsule (n = 25), collateral ligaments (n = 20), dorsal plica (n = 8) and open communication between the tarsocrural joint and extensor bundle (n = 7). Following arthroscopic surgery and rehabilitation, 81% of horses were able to return to their previous function. Conclusion Intra-articular soft tissue injuries of the tarsocrural joint may be associated with localising clinical signs of inflammation. This series represented 11% of the total number of arthroscopic procedures undertaken on that joint in a single referral hospital. Arthroscopic surgery allows accurate definition of the injuries and facilitates lesion management. Case outcome following arthroscopic debridement and a subsequent period of rehabilitation is favourable. Potential relevance In lame horses with clinical signs localised to the tarsocrural joint, disrupted intra-articular soft tissues should be considered in the list of differential diagnoses. Attending clinicians should consider arthroscopic evaluation in cases where primary intra-articular soft tissue injuries are suspected to be causative.
Feasibility of telephone-based cognitive behavioral therapy targeting major depression among urban dwelling African-American people with co-occurring HIV

Given the burden of depression among those with HIV, and the impact of HIV on urban minority communities there is an urgent need to assess innovative treatment interventions that not only treat depression but do so in a way that allows for increased access to mental health care. This single site, uncontrolled, pilot study sought to determine the feasibility and depression outcomes of an 11-session telephone-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention delivered over 14 weeks targeting low-income, urban-dwelling, HIV-infected African-American people with major depression. The diagnosis of major depression was made using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. The primary outcome was the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and the secondary outcome was the Quick Inventory of Depression Symptomatology-Self Report (QIDS-SR). Feasibility and satisfaction were also assessed. Assessments occurred at baseline, midpoint and at study conclusion (14 weeks). Fifteen people were screened for the study. Six HIV-infected, low-income, African-American people individuals (five females and one male) were eligible and participated in the study. All patients finished the study. On average, participants completed nine sessions. The sessions lasted for an average of 48 min (SD = 11.5). Compared to mean HAM-D score at baseline (HAM-D = 22.8 (SD = 3.1), the mean HAM-D score was significantly reduced at study conclusion (HAM-D = 9.8 (SD = 7.4); (t (5) = 4.6, p = 0.006); (Cohen d = 1.9)). Compared to the mean QIDS-SR score at baseline (QIDS-SR = 15.5 (SD = 4.2) the mean QIDS score was significantly reduced at study conclusion (QIDS = 7.0 (SD = 5.4);(t (5) = 3.2, p = 0.02); (Cohen d = 1.3)).The mean satisfaction scores across all participants at post-treatment was 5.7 (SD = 0.3) with of a maximum score of 6. Telephone-based CBT can be delivered to low-income, urban-dwelling ethnic minority HIV-infected people resulting in significant reductions in depression symptoms with high satisfaction. The efficacy of this intervention will be assessed in a planned randomized control trial.
Repair of recurrent rectovaginal fistulas.

Abstract Background. Recurrent rectovaginal fistulas (RRVFs) pose a challenging problem, which can be treated by different surgical procedures. We performed this study to determine the ultimate success rate of various repair techniques. Methods. Using a standard data collection form, we retrospectively reviewed charts of patients treated for RRVF. Results. Between 1991 and 2000, 57 procedures were performed in 35 women who presented with RRVF. Median follow-up was 4 months (interquartile range, 1,25). The causes of RRVF included obstetrical injury (n = 15), Crohn's disease (n = 12), fistula occurring after proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (for ulcerative colitis, n = 3; indeterminate colitis, n = 1; familial polyposis, n = 1), cryptoglandular disease (n = 2), and fistula occurring immediately after low anterior resection for rectal cancer (n = 1). The methods of repair used included mucosal advancement flap (n = 30), fistulotomy with overlapping sphincter repair (n = 14), rectal sleeve advancement (n = 3), fibrin glue (n = 1), proctectomy with colonic pull-through (n = 2), and ileal pouch revision (n = 6). Twenty-seven of 34 (79%) patients with adequate follow-up eventually healed after a median of 2 operations. Logistic regression was used to analyze outcome according to etiology of fistula, patient age, number of prior repairs, time interval between last repair and current repair, and presence of fecal diversion. Crohn's disease, the presence of a diverting stoma, and decreased time interval since prior repair were associated with a poorer outcome. Conclusions. Most RRVFs can be successfully repaired, although repeated operations may be necessary. Delaying repair may improve outcome. (Surgery 2001;130:753-8.)
Does doxycycline protect against development of Clostridium difficile infection

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), a common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, is an important problem in acute care hospitals [1]. Recent studies have shown hospital-acquired CDI rates of 6.5–8.5 per 10 000 patient-days, a 2- to 3-fold increase from older reports [1–3]. In addition, morbidity and mortality associated with CDI have increased, which is likely due to a combination of increased virulence of some strains of C. difficile and numerous risk factors among vulnerable hospitalized patients [4–6]. Attributable mortality of hospital-acquired CDI has been estimated at 5.7%–6.9% of cases [2, 7]. A population-based study in the United States reported that mortality due to CDI rose from 5.7 to 23.7 deaths per million people between 1999 and 2004 [4]. Diagnosis of CDI is estimated to raise costs of a hospitalization stay by 54% [8]. Antibiotic exposure is the major risk factor for development of CDI [9–12]. Recent data show that up to 63% of inpatients at academic medical centers in the United States receive at least 1 dose of antibiotics, and up to 7% of people receiving antibiotics develop CDI within 30 days [13–15]. Because inpatients receiving antibiotics are at high risk for the development of CDI, approaches to prevent infection in this population are needed. In addition to parsimonious use of antibiotics, use of lower-risk antibiotics may be one approach, as the risk of CDI varies among the different classes of antibiotics [9, 10, 16, 17]. Doxycycline is one antibiotic that may have less potential to cause CDI and possibly protects against infection. Several in vitro studies have shown that therapeutic levels of doxycycline inhibit C. difficile, though another study showed evidence of isolates resistant to tetracycline, a closely related antibiotic [18–20]. Tigecycline, a glycylcycline that is a tetracycline derivative, also has activity against C. difficile [18, 20]. This antibiotic has been used successfully in a small number of cases of refractory CDI [21]. The in vivo effects of doxycycline on CDI are unclear, though a recent large case-control study examining patients belonging to Kaiser Permanente of Northern California showed that doxycycline conferred protection against CDI in hospitalized patients receiving antibiotics [10]. Several other reports suggest that tetracyclines have little effect or may even predispose to CDI [11, 22]. To address these discrepancies, the goal of this study was to determine whether doxycycline receipt is associated with protection from CDI in a cohort of hospitalized patients receiving ceftriaxone, a high-risk antibiotic for CDI. At our hospital, the main use for doxycycline is in conjunction with ceftriaxone as a first-line therapy for treatment of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in patients admitted to the ward. Ceftriaxone is used for a number of different indications, including CAP, bone and joint infections, meningitis, endocarditis, and urinary tract infection.
TLR2 Signaling Is Critical for Mycoplasma pneumoniae-Induced Airway Mucin Expression

Excessive airway mucin production contributes to airway obstruction in lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respiratory infections, such as atypical bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp), have been proposed to worsen asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in part through increasing mucin. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in infection-induced airway mucin overexpression remain to be determined. TLRs have been recently shown to be a critical component in host innate immune response to infections. TLR2 signaling has been proposed to be involved in inflammatory cell activation by mycoplasma-derived lipoproteins. In this study, we show that TLR2 signaling is critical in Mp-induced airway mucin expression in mice and human lung epithelial cells. Respiratory Mp infection in BALB/c mice activated TLR2 signaling and increased airway mucin. A TLR2-neutralizing Ab significantly reduced mucin expression in Mp-infected BALB/c mice. Furthermore, Mp-induced airway mucin was abolished in TLR2 gene-deficient C57BL/6 mice. Additionally, Mp was shown to increase human lung A549 epithelial cell mucin expression, which was inhibited by the overexpression of a human TLR2 dominant-negative mutant. These results clearly demonstrate that respiratory Mp infection increases airway mucin expression, which is dependent on the activation of TLR2 signaling.
Nanoindentation investigation of asphalt binder and mastic viscoelasticity

An exploratory nanoindentation technique for creep testing of two neat asphalt binders and one mastic at room temperature is developed, tested and verified. This work presents a new approach to obtain viscoelastic properties from low-load spherical (blunt) nanoindentation. Interconverted shear relaxation modulus mastercurves are determined from nanoindentation data. The magnitudes and trends of these mastercurves are found to be in reasonable agreement with Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) results in a stiffness range associated with the range of time and temperature used in nanoindentation testing. Nanoindentation creep data is transformed to develop a mastercurve of dynamic modulus. The portion of this mastercurve corresponding to the frequency and temperature range included in nanoindentation testing demonstrates reasonable agreement with DSR results. These initial results suggest the potential to expand nanoindentation testing to forensic investigations involving testing of preserved asphalt binder and m...
Arterivirus Structural Proteins and Assembly

This chapter reviews the structural characteristics of the Arteriviridae, including the basic molecular details of all of the proteins involved, the interactions of these proteins and where they occur, and further functional characterization. The arterivirus structural proteins discussed are E protein, glycoprotein 2, glycoprotein 3, glycoprotein 4, glycoprotein 5, M protein, and N protein. Most recent available literature has been focused on equine arteritis virus (EAV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and thus the review concentrates primarily on these viruses. The chapter also talks about lactate dehydrogenase elevating virus (LDV) and simian hemorrhagic fever virus (SHFV). In a study designed to lend understanding of the action of the N protein in viral assembly, PRRSV type 2 strain PA8 N protein oligomerization properties were studied. Finally, the chapter describes a current model of virus propagation.
Looking Through the Class and What Alice Found There : A Frustrated Analysis of Law School Admissions Policies and Practices

The article discusses, inter alia, the admission of at-risk students in legal education and methods to address their unique needs. This process is discussed in the context of privacy and access concerns inherent to any cohort analysis in the educational context. As a consequence, the paper presents an analysis of FERPA and FOIA and the difficulty in obtaining data regarding admissions, affirmative action, admissions preferences, etc.
Regeneration of new fibers in muscles of old rats reduces contraction-induced injury.

Skeletal muscles are injured by their own contractions. Compared with muscles in young animals, those in old animals are injured more easily and more severely and regenerate less well afterward. Injection of a myotoxin (bupivacaine) causes complete degeneration of fibers in extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of rats, followed by full regeneration within 60 days. We tested the specific hypothesis that, 3 days after a protocol of pliometric (lengthening) contractions, the newly regenerated muscle fibers in bupivacaine-treated EDL muscles in both young and old rats would show a lesser deficit in maximum force and fewer damaged fibers than muscles in nontreated EDL muscles. The treated and nontreated EDL muscles of young and old male Wistar rats were administered a protocol of 225 pliometric contractions and were evaluated 3 days afterward, when morphological damage to muscle fibers is most severe. In treated compared with nontreated EDL muscles of both young and old rats, the force deficit and the number of damaged fibers were each reduced by ∼75%. We conclude that newly regenerated fibers in muscles of young and old animals are resistant to injury and that maintenance of newly regenerated fibers by conditioning may prevent inadvertent damage, particularly in muscles of elderly people.
Evaluation of Known or Suspected Cardiac Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disorder of unknown cause, and cardiac sarcoidosis affects at least 25% of patients and accounts for substantial mortality and morbidity from this disease. Cardiac sarcoidosis may present with heart failure, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, AV block, atrial or ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Cardiac involvement can be challenging to detect and diagnose because of the focal nature of the disease, as well as the fact that clinical criteria have limited diagnostic accuracy. Nevertheless, the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis can be enhanced by integrating both clinical and imaging findings. This article reviews the various roles that different imaging modalities provide in the evaluation and management of patients with known or suspected cardiac sarcoidosis.
Search-Window Optimization for High-Speed Mobile CDMA Network

Based on study of CDMA high-speed mobile Internet search window and in combination of CDMA high-speed mobile network status and characteristics,the RTD(Round Trip Delay) based search window optimization method for CDMA high-speed mobile network is proposed.Through the statistics of background OMC RTD,the search-window optimization is studied and implemented,the search-time delay of high-speed mobile Internet reduced,the handoff success rate of high-speed mobile network improved,and the use perception of high-speed mobile users raised.
Application of PLC in the Production of Sake and Mirin

PLC technique has been used in the production of Sake and Mirin with its network using 10/100M self-adapting TCP/IP industry Ethernet,which could realize the control of the whole auto-control production system.One-year production practice proved that the application of PLC had the advantages including stable and reliable working,accurate and precise control of technical parameters,and high security(which completely accorded with the production requirements in yellow rice wine industry).Besides,its use could increase wine yield by 30 % and produce evident economic benefits for enterprises.(Tran.by YUE Yang)
Composite Analysis of Large-Scale Environments Conducive to Western Pacific Polar/Subtropical Jet Superposition

AbstractAlthough considerable research attention has been devoted to examination of the Northern Hemisphere polar and subtropical jet streams, relatively little has been directed toward understanding the circumstances that conspire to produce the relatively rare vertical superposition of these usually separate features. This study investigates the structure and evolution of large-scale environments associated with jet superposition events in the northwest Pacific. An objective identification scheme, using NCEP–NCAR Reanalysis 1 data, is employed to identify all jet superpositions in the western Pacific (30°–40°N, 135°–175°E) for boreal winters (DJF) between 1979/80 and 2009/10. The analysis reveals that environments conducive to western Pacific jet superposition share several large-scale features usually associated with East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) northerly cold surges, including the presence of an enhanced Hadley cell–like circulation within the jet entrance region. It is further demonstrated that s...
Conclusion: Big Questions and Small Answers from Da Fo

A FISSURED LEGITIMACY The story of Da Fo village, and its sister villages in this interior North China border area, sheds light on an important paradox of contemporary Chinese politics: the Communist Party–led Central government apparently has overall legitimacy nationally and yet hidden fissures in its legitimacy in the deep countryside. The case of Da Fo introduces us to political contention within one of these fissures. It tells us that we cannot grasp the genesis, or essence, of authoritarian China's unresolved legitimacy crisis without carefully studying the way in which memories of Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-inflicted suffering in the Mao era persist in the lives of rural people, providing the psychological and emotional bullet points that inform and direct defiance, resistance, and contention. Many Da Fo survivors of the Great Leap–era famine remember it as the most traumatic episode of one-party dictatorship, retaining smoldering resentments of its horror. Reform-era Central government policies, and their local implementation, delivered new injustices, stoking fears of a repeat of past loss. Da Fo's inhabitants drew on memories of regime misconduct in the Mao period to protect themselves from the renewal of party-structured aggrandizement and lawlessness in the present. These memories of the traumatic past constitute what James C. Scott calls “weapons of the weak,” and villagers relied on these weapons to bolster their quest for survival in the present. Da Fo's history calls us to reflect on how this process factors into a type of grass-roots contention that is suppressed but not fully controlled by the Central government, nor by its political base in the villages, towns, and markets of the unknown interior – many of which were decimated, if not devastated, in the Leap famine and shortchanged by the post-Mao center. THE FALSE PEACE OF REFORM AND THE ROLE OF EPISODIC MEMORY IN RESISTANCE Bringing in the missing variable of episodic memory and studying the case of Da Fo, we can begin to grasp how memory of the Great Leap and its famine influenced resistance in the post-Mao period. The Deng Xiaoping–conceived reform sailed Da Fo's villagers into the headwinds of the Great Leap past, raising villagers’ fears of once again being caught in a rapidly evolving political storm in which the sky would collapse and the land and life itself would be turned upside down. The fears fed into resistance, ongoing or otherwise.
Is Baby a Blessing? Wantedness, Age at First Birth, and Later‐Life Depression

Research has found that both unintended and nonnormatively timed births have negative consequences, yet little is known about how birth timing and intention jointly influence mothers' mental health. This study explored how the interaction between intention and age at first birth influenced depression 5 to 13 years later by analyzing the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (N = 2,573). We found that mistimed births, when compared with wanted births, were associated with depression, but only for normatively timed transitions to motherhood. Surprisingly, teen mothers who had unwanted births had better later-life mental health than teens who had wanted or mistimed births. Among women with wanted or mistimed first births, increasing age at birth was associated with lower probabilities of depression. Most, but not all, of these effects were explained by selection factors and life circumstances. Results show the importance of examining joint effects of first birth wantedness and timing.
A multi-agent system-based intelligent steady-state model for a power plant

A large-scale power system is required to have a new strategy to operate at a higher level of automation, flexibility, and robustness. It is a challenge to get the steady-state model for a high order complex nonlinear power plant. Moreover, the model should be adaptive under the changing environment. In this paper, a multi-agent system-based intelligent steady-state model (MAS-ISSM) is presented as an alternative methodology to identify the steady-state model in a large-scale 600 MW thermal power plant. Design of architectures for single agents and an organization of the multi-agent system will be described as the foundation of the intelligent steady-state model (ISSM). The MAS-ISSM will be utilized in the evaluation process and the set-point scheduler to map various control inputs to power and pressure set-points for multiobjective optimization in the power plant. The procedure is presented through a case study, and its feasibility is demonstrated with the simulation results