cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance impacts of look-ahead execution in the conversation scheme

The look-ahead execution approach, which allows participant processes that exist early to exit from a conversation before other participants finish their conversation activities, is presented here as a fundamental approach to reducing the synchronization overhead. Queuing network models are developed for both the system operating under the basic conversation execution scheme and the system operating under the look-ahead execution scheme. Based on the models, various performance indicators such as the system throughput, the average number of processors idling inside a conversation due to the synchronization required, and the average time spent in conversation, are evaluated numerically for different application environments. The performance under the look-ahead execution scheme is compared with that under the basic conversation execution scheme. The results provide insights into the extent of benefits provided by the look-ahead execution approach. >
Oxygen-reducing enzyme cathodes produced from SLAC, a small laccase from Streptomyces coelicolor.

Abstract The bacterially-expressed laccase, small laccase (SLAC) of Streptomyces coelicolor , was incorporated into electrodes of both direct electron transfer (DET) and mediated electron transfer (MET) designs for application in biofuel cells. Using the DET design, enzyme redox kinetics were directly observable using cyclic voltammetry, and a redox potential of 0.43 V (SHE) was observed. When mediated by an osmium redox polymer, the oxygen-reducing cathode retained maximum activity at pH 7, producing 1.5 mA/cm 2 in a planar configuration at 900 rpm and 40 °C, thus outperforming enzyme electrodes produced using laccase from fungal Trametes versicolor (0.2 mA/cm 2 ) under similar conditions. This improvement is directly attributable to differences in the kinetics of SLAC and fungal laccases. Maximum stability of the mediated SLAC electrode was observed at pH above the enzyme's relatively high isoelectric point, where the anionic enzyme molecules could form an electrostatic adduct with the cationic mediator. Porous composite SLAC electrodes with increased surface area produced a current density of 6.25 mA/cm 2 at 0.3 V (SHE) under the above conditions.
DIHYDROTACHYSTEROL (A.T.10) AND MINERAL METABOLISM; A METABOLIC STUDY

SINCE 1933 when Holtz (1) introduced the substance A.T. 10 (dihydrotachysterol) for the control of hypoparathyroid tetany, numerous reports have appeared in the foreign literature confirming his excellent results. Arnold and Blum (2) in 1936 were apparently the first to use A.T. 10 in this country. They reported relief of all symptoms and a return of the serum calcium to normal in 28 cases. Three of these cases were so severe that they could not be maintained free from tetany or even convulsions by the usual methods of treatment, including large doses of vitamin D, intravenous calcium, low phosphorus diet, and parathyroid hormone. Since then reports (3, 4, 5) have been published which are in agreement with the excellent clinical results noted by foreign investigators. All authors have demonstrated that dihydrotachysterol is an ideal drug for the treatment of tetany when certain precautions are kept in mind. In this regard they have stressed the importance of individualizing the dosage as only small amount...
Turbulent Sediment Transport Over a Flat Bottom Using Momentum Balance

The turbulent flow of a sediment-fluid mixture over a flat bottom is studied using momentum balance. The in-the-small forces included are gravity, buoyancy, and a linear drag. A turbulent average is applied and mixing length theory is used for the resulting Reynolds stresses. Assuming small concentrations and small still water settling velocity, the resulting velocity profile is logarithmic; the sediment concentration profile is relatively constant near the bottom, and drops off rapidly above a certain level predicted by the theory. Numerical and asymptotic results are discussed.
Relation between myocardial injury and postextrasystolic potentiation of regional function measured by two-dimensional echocardiography

An experimental study was designed to validate postextrasystolic potentiation assessment of myocardial viability or functional reserve of cardiac segments after acute coronary occlusion. Segmental systolic fractional area changes and wall thickening in pacing-induced postextrasystolic beats were mapped in 12 closed chest dogs by two-dimensional echocardiography during a control period and from 20 minutes to 3 hours after occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The extent of myocardial ischemic and necrotic zones was evaluated in left ventricular slices and subsegements corresponding to echographic cross sections. During two-dimensional echocardiography, left ventricular segments that were found to be neither ischemic nor necrotic always exhibited a significant augmentation of both fractional area change and wall thickening during the postextrasystolic beat that followed an induced premature contraction with a 42.4% coupling interval. In segments without necrosis but with varying degrees of ischemia, significant postextrasystolic potentiation was also demonstrated, even after 3 hours of occlusion. In contrast, segments that developed more than 80% necrosis failed to potentiate systolic fractional area change after 2 hours, and systolic wall thickening, even after 20 minutes of coronary occlusion. Statistical evaluation revealed a characteristic threshold at 41 to 60% necrosis, beyond which no potentiation of function could be elicited 3 hours after occlusion. Extrapolation from the experimental data suggests that when two-dimensional echographic studies in myocardial ischemia indicate postextrasystolic augmentation of segmental left ventricular function, the latter segments may be assumed to contain only small infarcts or to consist of reversibly ischemic and normal myocardium. Conversely, segments that fail to exhibit postextrasystolic potentiation can be assumed to be more than 60% necrotic.
Competing phases, strong electron-phonon interaction, and superconductivity in elemental calcium under high pressure

The observed ``simple cubic'' (sc) phase of elemental Ca at room temperature in the 32\char21{}109 GPa range is, from linear-response calculations, dynamically unstable. By comparing first-principles calculations of the enthalpy for five sc-related (nonclose-packed) structures, we find that all five structures compete energetically at room temperature in the 40\char21{}90 GPa range, and three do so in the 100\char21{}130 GPa range. Some competing structures below 90 GPa are dynamically stable, i.e., no imaginary frequency, suggesting that these sc-derived short-range-order local structures exist locally and can account for the observed (average) ``sc'' diffraction pattern. In the dynamically stable phases below 90 GPa, some low-frequency phonon modes are present, contributing to strong electron-phonon coupling as well as arising from the strong coupling. Linear-response calculations for two of the structures over 120 GPa lead to critical temperatures in the 20\char21{}25 K range as is observed, and do so without unusually soft modes.
Fundamentals and practice for ultrasensitive laser‐induced fluorescence detection in microanalytical systems

Laser-induced fluorescence is an extremely sensitive method for detection in chemical separations. In addition, it is well-suited to detection in small volumes, and as such is widely used for capillary electrophoresis and microchip-based separations. This review explores the detailed instrumental conditions required for sub-zeptomole, sub-picomolar detection limits. The key to achieving the best sensitivity is to use an excitation and emission volume that is matched to the separation system and that, simultaneously, will keep scattering and luminescence background to a minimum. We discuss how this is accomplished with confocal detection, 90 degrees on-capillary detection, and sheath-flow detection. It is shown that each of these methods have their advantages and disadvantages, but that all can be used to produce extremely sensitive detectors for capillary- or microchip-based separations. Analysis of these capabilities allows prediction of the optimal means of achieving ultrasensitive detection on microchips.
INCREASED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MEDIAL TEMPORAL LOBE VOLUMES AND A NOVEL OBJECT-LOCATION ASSOCIATION THAN A STANDARDIZED MEMORY TEST IN OLDER CONTROLS AND MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

were between the left ACC and the right precentral gyrus and the left precuneus and bilateral middle occipital gyrus. Decreases were found between the left precuneus and parahippocampal gyrus. We also found correlations between FC and Stroop scores. Conclusions: The AD group showed more posterior DMN activity and the HC group showed more frontal activity preceding errors on the Stroop task, suggesting that the neural activity surrounding errors of SA differs between AD and HC. In AD, task related changes observed in the precuneus resulted in FC changes that correlated with poor performance on the Stroop task. These findings help identify neural correlates underlying SA deficits in AD.
Local observability of nonlinear differential-algebraic equations (DAEs) from the linearization along a trajectory

The main results of this note establish sufficient rank conditions for local observability of nonlinear differential-algebraic equations (DAE) systems near a known trajectory associated with a given control. Verification of the observability rank condition is addressed, and the relationship with previous work on observability of DAE is indicated.
Using response to kindergarten and first grade intervention to identify children at-risk for long-term reading difficulties

Entry-level kindergartners in classrooms from five middle class school districts were given a test of letter identification and children who scored at or below the 30th percentile on the test were classified as “at risk” for early reading difficulties. Half of these children were randomly assigned to a project-based intervention condition where they received supplementary intervention in small groups until the end of their kindergarten year. The other half received whatever remedial services were available at their home schools and literacy skills development in both groups was tracked throughout kindergarten. All available at-risk children were again assessed at the beginning of first grade and dichotomized into a “continued-risk” group and a “no-longer-at-risk” group using a composite measure of basic word level skills. Normal reader controls were also identified using the same measure. Children in the continued-risk group received either project-based intervention (one-to-one tutoring 30 min daily) or school-based intervention throughout first grade. Intervention for project treatment children was discontinued at the end of first grade and literacy development in all groups was tracked until the end of third grade. The present study focused on literacy development in children who received only project-based kindergarten intervention or both (project-based) kindergarten and first grade intervention, relative to the normal reader controls. Of special interest was the question of whether measures of response to intervention would more effectively distinguish between continued-risk and no-longer-at-risk children than would kindergarten screening measures, measures of intelligence, or measures of reading-related cognitive abilities. Results indicated that the RTI measures more effectively and more consistently distinguished between these two groups than did the psychometric measures.
Higher radix recoded arithmetic using optoelectronic symbolic substitution

A simple parallel optical computing technique using recoded quaternary signed-digit arithmetic is presented in this paper. A shared content-addressable memory based optical implementation employing a fixed number of minterms for any operand length is suggested.
Primary brain T-cell lymphoma of the lymphoblastic type presenting as altered mental status.

The authors present a case of a 56-year-old man with altered mental status. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed non-enhancing abnormalities on T2 and FLAIR imaging in the brainstem, cerebellum, and cerebrum. Immunohistochemisty demonstrated precursor T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. After treatment with methotrexate, he improved clinically without focal sensorimotor deficits and with improving orientation. MRI showed almost complete resolution of brainstem and cerebral lesions. To the authors’ knowledge, there are only five previous reports of primary central nervous system T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. Since treatable, it deserves consideration in patients with altered mental status and imaging abnormalities that include diffuse, non-enhancing changes with increased signal on T2-weighted images.
Just a Matter of Fairness: What the Federal Recognition of California Registered Domestic Partners Means in the Fight for Tax Equity

INTRODUCTION 615 I. BACKGROUND 618 A. History of Outrage: The Tax Treatment of Families in the United States 618 i. Tax Rates Go up and Taxpayers in Community Property States Find a Way to Pay Less 619 ii. Disparate Tax Treatment of Similarly Situated Taxpayers Raises Ire 621 iii. The Supreme Court Weighs in 622 iv. Congress Saves the Day: Married Filing Jointly 623 B. New Kind of Family: California Domestic Partnership Legislation 624
Structural and functional injury in minipig salivary glands following fractionated exposure to 70 Gy of ionizing radiation: an animal model for human radiation-induced salivary gland injury

This study explored the feasibility of developing an animal model for radiation-induced salivary gland injury with a radiation protocol identical to current clinical practice. Three male Hanford minipigs were subjected to fractionated daily irradiation with a total dose of 70 Gy; structural and functional measures were compared with those of a control group of minipigs. We found that irradiated submandibular and parotid glands were one-third to one-half the gross size of control glands. Whereas no pathologic changes were noted in control glands, irradiated glands consistently demonstrated significant parenchymal loss with extensive acinar atrophy and interstitial fibrosis, enlarged nuclei in remaining acinar cells, and ductal dilatation and proliferation. Stimulated salivary flow was reduced by 81% in irradiated animals compared with preirradiation flow (P <.001); salivary flow in the control group increased by 30% during the same period (P <.001). The observed radiation-induced structural and functional salivary gland changes are comparable in every respect to those observed following irradiation of human salivary glands.
Rhetoric of Risk

Some individuals can’t bear the thought of a transhuman future. They can’t see a place for themselves among the transcended and transformed. Nor can they see transhumanity supporting their beliefs and values. They feel an anticipatory anomie—an expectation of being displaced from a changing culture and society. The possibility of physical harm, the type of risk that comes quickest to mind, is not a primary consideration. In other words, absent personal risk they still would oppose transhumanity. Others can’t bear the thought of a future without transhumanity. Their hope for self-transformation is kept alive by this prospect. It would be better if risks were low, but they would accept elevated risks in light of expected rich returns.
Cell tracing dyes significantly change single cell mechanics.

Cell tracing dyes are very frequently utilized in cellular biology research because they provide highly sensitive fluorescent tags that do not compromise cellular functions such as growth and proliferation. In many investigations concerning cellular adhesion and mechanics, fluorescent dyes have been employed with the assumption of little impact on the results. Using the single cell compression technique developed by our team, the single cell mechanics of MDA-MB-468 and MLC-SV40 cells were investigated as a function of dye uptake. Cell tracing dyes increase living cell stiffness 3−6 times and cell-to-probe adhesion up to 7 times. These results suggest a more significant effect than toxins, such as thrombin. A simple analytical model was derived to enable the extraction of the Young’s moduli of the cell membrane and cytoskeleton from the force−deformation profiles measured for individual cells. The increase in Young’s modulus of the membrane is 3−7 times, which is more significant than that of the cytoskele...
Modeling seagrass landscape pattern and associated ecological attributes

A predictive model for seagrass bed coverage (presence/absence at 1-m res- olution) and ecological attributes of the bed, such as biomass and shoot density, would be a valuable management tool. But forming such a predictive model is complicated by a number of factors that strongly influence seagrass bed structure and our interpretation of its ecological function. The factors include the effects of waves and water depth (hydro- dynamic setting) and the spatial and temporal scales of the sampling technique itself. In this study, we examined the coherence of predictions of seagrass cover and ecological attributes of temperate, mixed-species seagrass derived from two common sampling tech- niques, (video) line transect (commonly used by biologists) and grid-sampled surveys (often used in remote sensing). Mapping resolution was held constant at 1 m, and the two tech- niques applied across seagrass beds of varying coverage that reflected the effect of a hydrodynamic gradient ranging from patchy, high-energy beds to continuous cover, low- energy beds. We found that the prediction of seagrass coverage as a function of hydro- dynamic setting can be improved not only by increasing the spatial extent of sampling at a fixed resolution (1 m), but also by ensuring that data for both dependent (e.g., percent cover) and independent (e.g., wave exposure) variables are averaged over similar scales (spatial extent and resolution). Large-scale features of the landscape, such as patches several meters in width, appeared to be best quantified by sampling over a large spatial extent, as with the video transects. Therefore, contiguous sampling over a broad spatial extent, as opposed to our numerous, somewhat smaller sampling (grid-sampled, 50 3 50 m areas) is the more appropriate strategy for predicting the probability of seagrass bed cover. Con- versely, we found that ecological attributes of the seagrass bed (biomass, shoot density, and sediment composition) were best characterized by sampling over a shorter spatial extent (i.e., ,50 m), indicating that very localized conditions may have influenced patterns of seagrass community attributes. Generalizing information about seagrass bed ecological attributes obtained from high-resolution samples (fine scale) taken over a broad spatial extent (coarse or landscape scale), as may occur with resource surveys and impact assess- ments, has the potential to be highly misleading, especially in patchy environments. The influence of sampling scale and survey method on the prediction of coverage and ecological attributes of seagrass beds reveals the need to carefully choose sampling designs to evaluate seagrass distribution and their associated ecological characteristics in the Beaufort, North Carolina (USA) area, and perhaps in other like habitats.
Isolation and Identification of an Enterobacter cloacae Strain Producing a Novel Subtype of Shiga Toxin Type 1

We describe here the isolation and identification of a Shiga toxin 1 (Stx1)-producing Enterobacter cloacae strain, M12X01451, from a human clinical specimen. The bacterial isolate was identified as E. cloacae using a polyphasic approach that included phenotypic, genetic, and proteomic analyses. The M12X01451 stx1 was sequenced, and the holotoxin was found to share only 87% amino acid sequence identity with the nearest Stx1 subtype reference sequence. Sequence analysis of the regions immediately flanking stx1 displayed similarities with bacteriophage-related sequences, suggesting a prophage origin. The stx1 gene was a stable element within the M12X01451 genome, as demonstrated by real-time PCR detection following successive subculturing of the bacterial isolate. Culture supernatant from M12X01451 was cytotoxic to Vero cells but was not neutralized by an anti-Stx1 monoclonal antibody. In addition, Stx1 from M12X01451 demonstrated limited antigenicity with two commercially available lateral flow immunoassays. The M12X01451 Stx represents a new Stx1 subtype based on the degree of sequence dissimilarity with Stx1 subtype reference sequences and its limited reactivity with anti-Stx1 antibodies.
Living standards trends in the new economy era: what can we learn?:

This article reviews wage trends in the USA during the 1990s. Positive findings include rising living standards and a narrowing of the pronounced income inequality, particularly at the bottom. Explanations discussed include sustained low unemployment, �new economy effects', government policy (e.g. minimum-wage increases), and the limited role of the stock market boom. Problems are identified, such as the increased (paid) work effort required. The article closes with an evaluation of the likely consequences of the recent downturn.
Cost analysis of dental services needed before hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Objective Streptococcal bacteremia occurs during hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), and treatment of active oral disease may reduce this risk. The objective of this study was to determine the type, number, and costs of pre-transplantation dental procedures in this population. Study Design Data were collected retrospectively from the records of patients who were to undergo HCT. The type, number, and costs of dental procedures were determined based on median charges of MassHealth (the Medicaid program in Massachusetts) and also on the median “usual and customary” fees charged by dentists in Massachusetts. Results A total of 405 patients were evaluated. There were 243 men (60%) and 162 women, with a median age of 53 years. The median and average costs (in US dollars) of dental treatment before HCT were $275 and $384, respectively, for patients covered by MassHealth and $368 and $522, respectively, for those with private insurance, adjusted to 2012 levels. Conclusions Dental evaluation before HCT is an economical way for patients to minimize the risk of localized infection and possibly reduce the risk of bacteremia that may prolong the length of hospitalization.
Impaired Neutrophil Function in 24p3 Null Mice Contributes to Enhanced Susceptibility to Bacterial Infections

Lipocalin 24p3 (24p3) is a neutrophil secondary granule protein. 24p3 is also a siderocalin, which binds several bacterial siderophores. It was therefore proposed that synthesis and secretion of 24p3 by stimulated macrophages or release of 24p3 upon neutrophil degranulation sequesters iron-laden siderophores to attenuate bacterial growth. Accordingly, 24p3-deficient mice are susceptible to bacterial pathogens for which siderophores would normally be chelated by 24p3. Specific granule deficiency (SGD) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by complete absence of proteins in secondary granules. Neutrophils from SGD patients, who are prone to bacterial infections, lack normal functions, but the potential role of 24p3 in neutrophil dysfunction in SGD is not known. In this study, we show that neutrophils from mice genetically deficient for lipocalin 24p3 (24p3(-/-)) are defective in many neutrophil functions. Specifically, neutrophils in 24p3(-/-) mice do not extravasate to sites of infection and are defective for chemotaxis. A transcriptome analysis revealed that genes that control cytoskeletal reorganization are selectively suppressed in 24p3(-/-) neutrophils. Additionally, small regulatory RNAs (microRNAs) that control upstream regulators of cytoskeletal proteins are also increased in 24p3(-/-) neutrophils. Further, 24p3(-/-) neutrophils failed to phagocytose bacteria, which may account for the enhanced sensitivity of 24p3(-/-) mice to both intracellular (Listeria monocytogenes) and extracellular (Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus) pathogens. Listeria does not secrete siderophores, and additionally, the siderophore secreted by Candida is not sequestered by 24p3. Therefore, the heightened sensitivity of 24p3(-/-) mice to these pathogens is not due to sequestration of siderophores limiting iron availability, but is a consequence of impaired neutrophil function.
Cross-country variation in additive effects of socio-economics, health behaviors, and comorbidities on subjective health of patients with diabetes

This study explored cross-country differences in the additive effects of socio-economic characteristics, health behaviors and medical comorbidities on subjective health of patients with diabetes. The study analyzed data from the Research on Early Life and Aging Trends and Effects (RELATE). The participants were 9,179 adults with diabetes who were sampled from 15 countries (i.e. China, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, United States, Mexico, Argentina, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Uruguay, India, Ghana, South Africa, and Russia). We fitted three logistic regressions to each country. Model I only included socio-economic characteristics (i.e. age, gender, education and income). In Model II, we also included health behaviors (i.e. smoking, drinking, and exercise). Model III included medical comorbidities (i.e. hypertension, respiratory disease, heart disease, stroke, and arthritis), in addition to the previous blocks. Our models suggested cross-country differences in the additive effects of socio-economic characteristics, health behaviors and comorbidities on perceived health of patients with diabetes. Comorbid heart disease was the only condition that was consistently associated with poor subjective health regardless of country. Countries show different profiles of social and behavioral determinants of subjective health among patients with diabetes. Our study suggests that universal programs that assume that determinants of well-being are similar across different countries may be over-simplistic. Thus instead of universal programs that use one protocol for health promotion of patients in all countries, locally designed interventions should be implemented in each country.
Genome Sequence-Based Discriminator for Vancomycin-Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus

Vancomycin is the mainstay of treatment for patients with Staphylococcus aureus infections, and reduced susceptibility to vancomycin is becoming increasingly common. Accordingly, the development of rapid and accurate assays for the diagnosis of vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) will be critical. We developed and applied a genome-based machine-learning approach for discrimination between VISA and vancomycin-susceptible S. aureus (VSSA) using 25 whole-genome sequences. The resulting machine-learning model, based on 14 gene parameters, including 3 molecular typing markers and 11 genes implicated in reduced vancomycin susceptibility, is able to unambiguously distinguish between the VISA and VSSA isolates analyzed here despite the fact that they do not form evolutionarily distinct groups. As such, the model is able to discriminate based on specific genomic markers of antibiotic susceptibility rather than overall sequence relatedness. Subsequent evaluation of the model using leave-one-out validation yielded a classification accuracy of 84%. The machine-learning approach described here provides a generalized framework for the application of genome sequence analysis to the classification of bacteria that differ with respect to clinically relevant phenotypes and should be particularly useful in defining the genomic features that underlie antibiotic resistance.
Nanosecond Pulse Generator with Scalable Pulse Amplitude

The design and operation of a pulse generator capable of delivering a 5 ns pulse with a variable amplitude into a 50 Omega load is described. Experimental studies have shown that nanoelectropulses of sufficiently short rise time and duration can affect intracellular structures such as the nucleus and mitochondria without permanently damaging the outer cell membrane. This process, known as electroperturbation, has been shown to trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death), and research is currently underway at USC to develop a high-voltage pulsing system that is capable of killing cancer cells [1]. The pulse is formed by a novel single stage architecture composed of an LC network and a diode opening switch. The omission of saturable core inductors and transformers enhances performance by allowing the pulse's amplitude to be adjusted independently of its shape. The scalability of the generator's pulse amplitude will simplify the setup for experiments that require pulses with different electric field strengths but the same rise time and duration.
cis and trans elements differ among mouse strains with high and low extrahepatic complement factor B gene expression.

Factor B (Bf), an enzyme of the alternative pathway of complement activation, is one of four major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class III genes. To ascertain the genetic mechanism for tissue-specific constitutive and regulated expression of Bf, we sequenced the regulatory regions 5' of the gene from mice of different H-2 MHC haplotypes and assessed trans-acting factors, specific DNA binding nucleoproteins, in liver and kidney. Striking tissue-specific differences in constitutive expression of Bf were demonstrated in mice of H-2f or H-2z haplotypes when compared with H-2d or H-2u (kidney and intestinal Bf in H-2d or H-2u much greater than H-2f or H-2z). These differences correlated with a point nucleotide substitution 3 bp downstream of the upstream Bf initiation site that affects interaction with a DNA binding protein. This and additional cis differences localize the sequence substitutions responsible for previously identified restriction fragment length polymorphisms among inbred mouse strains and also reveal two previously unrecognized polymorphisms generated by SmaI and HinfI digestion. Evidence for differences in trans was found in a comparison of DNA binding nucleoproteins from kidney, but not liver, of B10.PL when compared with B10.M. These data, together with the high degree of sequence homology between human and mouse Bf 5' flanking regions, should prompt a search for polymorphic restriction sites and cis binding elements in the Bf promoter that could serve as markers of human MHC-associated renal pathology and variants in local MHC class III gene expression.
Telling Our Stories: The Importance of Women’s Narratives of Resistance

While more research is emerging on women's capacity for successful resistance and the benefits of self-defense training for women, "resistance" to the idea of women's resistance remains high. In this note, I describe the importance of bringing true accounts of successful resistance to both academic and lay communities, and the benefits to women of recounting their own experiences of successful resistance to violence and harassment. Such accounts provide new scripts for women's options in responding to violence, mark attempted but thwarted rape as a visible event, and remind women of their own agency in the face of assault.
Replication and Clearance of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus from the Brains of Animals Vaccinated with Chimeric SIN/VEE Viruses

Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an important, naturally emerging zoonotic pathogen. Recent outbreaks in Venezuela and Colombia in 1995, involving an estimated 100,000 human cases, indicate that VEEV still poses a serious public health threat. To develop a safe, efficient vaccine that protects against disease resulting from VEEV infection, we generated chimeric Sindbis (SIN) viruses expressing structural proteins of different strains of VEEV and analyzed their replication in vitro and in vivo, as well as the characteristics of the induced immune responses. None of the chimeric SIN/VEE viruses caused any detectable disease in adult mice after either intracerebral (i.c.) or subcutaneous (s.c.) inoculation, and all chimeras were more attenuated than the vaccine strain, VEEV TC83, in 6-day-old mice after i.c. infection. All vaccinated mice were protected against lethal encephalitis following i.c., s.c., or intranasal (i.n.) challenge with the virulent VEEV ZPC738 strain (ZPC738). In spite of the absence of clinical encephalitis in vaccinated mice challenged with ZPC738 via i.n. or i.c. route, we regularly detected high levels of infectious challenge virus in the central nervous system (CNS). However, infectious virus was undetectable in the brains of all immunized animals at 28 days after challenge. Hamsters vaccinated with chimeric SIN/VEE viruses were also protected against s.c. challenge with ZPC738. Taken together, our findings suggest that these chimeric SIN/VEE viruses are safe and efficacious in adult mice and hamsters and are potentially useful as VEEV vaccines. In addition, immunized animals provide a useful model for studying the mechanisms of the anti-VEEV neuroinflammatory response, leading to the reduction of viral titers in the CNS and survival of animals.
On-axis defocus characteristics of the paraboloidal reflector

Lack of an adequate test site often requires the use of on-axis defocusing to obtain simulated Fraunhofer radiation patterns in the optical-Fresnel region from microwave reflector-type antennas. This note presents a way of determining the required amount of defocus from the viewpoint of aperture phase correction. It is shown that the important part of the main lobe of the radiation pattern can be approximately reproduced in the optical-Fresnel region with proper amount of defocus. For a given amplitude illumination function, the change in beamwidth with the position of the primary source can also be predicted.
Depression in Children and Adolescents

CASE HISTORY Ted is a 10-year-old only child who was brought to his pediatrician with the following history. He was well until about two months before referral at which time he began to lose interest in things. This was manifested by poor concentration, a falling off of school performance, a disinterest in friends, and a decrease in appetite. Ted9s teacher was the first to note the personality change and urged the parents to get a medical checkup. Physical examination findings were normal, but Ted seemed sad. History revealed no recent illnesses or incidents likely to be disturbing, but it was learned that Ted9s mother and maternal grandfather had suffered multiple depressions, and each had been hospitalized for this on one occasion. Ted said that he felt sad lately, but did not know why. He commented that he never felt this way before and had never thought of hurting himself. When asked, he said he feared he would never feel better, but hoped that he would. The pediatrician diagnosed a major depressive episode. After a discussion with Ted and his mother about depression, the pediatrician made the referral to a child psychiatrist. Every adult has felt depressed. It is part of the human condition. Sometimes the cause of the depression is clear; sometimes the depression seems to appear for no apparent reason.
Differentiation of engrafted multipotent neural progenitors towards replacement of missing granule neurons in meander tail cerebellum may help determine the locus of mutant gene action

Previously we observed that stable clones of multipotent neural progenitor cells, initially isolated and propagated from the external granular layer of newborn wild-type mouse cerebellum, could participate appropriately in cerebellar development when reimplanted into the external granular layer of normal mice. Donor cells could reintegrate and differentiate into neurons (including granule cells) and/or glia consistent with their site of engraftment. These findings suggested that progenitors might be useful for cellular replacement in models of aberrant neural development or neurodegeneration. We tested this hypothesis by implanting clonally related multipotent progenitors into the external granular layer of newborn meander tail mice (gene symbol=mea). mea is an autosomal recessive mutation characterized principally by the failure of granule cells to develop in the cerebellar anterior lobe; the mechanism is unknown. We report that approximately 75% of progenitors transplanted into the granuloprival anterior lobe of neonatal mea mutants differentiated into granule cells, partially replacing or augmenting that largely absent neuronal population in the internal granular layer of the mature meander tail anterior lobe. (The ostensibly ‘normal’ meander tail posterior lobe also benefited from repletion of a more subtle granule cell deficiency.) Donor-derived neurons were well-integrated within the neuropil, suggesting that these progenitors9 developmental programs for granule cell differentiation were unperturbed. These observations permitted several conclusions. (1) That exogenous progenitors could survive transplantation into affected regions of neonatal meander tail cerebellum and differentiate into the deficient cell type suggested that the microenvironment was not inimical to granule cell development. Rather it suggested that mea9s deleterious action is intrinsic to the external granular layer cell. (Any cell-extrinsic actions--albeit unlikely--had to be restricted to readily circumventable prenatal events.) This study, therefore, offers a paradigm for using progenitors to help determine the site of action of other mutant genes or to test hypotheses regarding the pathophysiology underlying other anomalies. (2) In the regions most deficient in neurons, a neuronal phenotype was pursued in preference to other potential cell types, suggesting a ‘push’ of undifferentiated, multipotent progenitors towards compensation for granule cell dearth. These data suggested that progenitors with the potential for multiple fates might differentiate towards repletion of deficient cell types, a possible developmental mechanism with therapeutic implications. Neural progenitors (donor or endogenous) might enable cell replacement in some developmental or degenerative diseases--most obviously in cases where a defect is intrinsic to the diseased cell, but also, under certain circumstances, when extrinsic pathologic forces may exist.
Limit cycles in periodically switched circuits

Examines the existence, uniqueness, and stability of limit cycles in periodically switched circuits, such as those used in power electronic and power conditioning applications. The main results relate the existence and uniqueness of limit cycles in these switched circuits to the analogous properties of equilibrium points in nonswitched averaged models for these circuits. The results are applicable to two types of circuits. First, the author considers circuits built from incrementally passive (or locally passive) elements including DC sources and ideal switches in which the switches are operated periodically in an open-loop manner. Second, the author introduces an averaging procedure based on the describing function method. This procedure is then used to study limit cycle stability in closed-loop DC-DC converters. >
Palliative oncology: identity, progress, and the path ahead

Palliative care is a rapidly growing subspecialty of medicine entailing expert and active assessment, evaluation and treatment of the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of patients and families with serious illnesses. It provides an added layer of support to the patient's regular medical care. As cancer is detected earlier and its treatments improve, palliative care is increasingly playing a vital role in the oncology population. Because of these advances in oncology, the role of palliative care services for such patients is actively evolving. Herein, we will highlight emerging paradigms in palliative care and attempt to delineate key education, research and policy areas that lie ahead for the field of palliative oncology. Despite the critical need for improving multi-faceted and multi-specialty symptom management and patient–physician communication, we will focus on the interface between palliative care and oncology specialists, a relationship that can lead to better overall patient care on all of these levels.
Vascular development in the mouse embryonic pancreas and lung

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the formation of blood vessels in the developing mouse pancreas and lung by studying two ligands, angiopoietin-1 (ang1) and angiopoietin-2 (ang2), which are thought to play a role as angiogenesis-activating factors in development. Understanding the role of vasculogenic peptides in normal embryonic development also may have important implications for common clinical problems regarding neonatal pulmonary vasculature. Methods: Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as well as Southern blotting was used to determine the ontogeny of angiopoietin-1 and angiopoietin-2 gene expression in the embryonic mouse pancreas and lung. Immunohistochemistry was performed for von Willebrand factor, a known marker of endothelial cells, to chronicle the development of the vasculature in these organs. Results: The authors determined the temporal expression of angiopoietin-1 and angiopoietin-2 as a function of gestational age. RT-PCR data demonstrated expression of ang1 and ang2 in the developing mouse lung between gestational day E9.5 and postnatal day 1, and in the developing pancreas between gestational days E12.5 and E18.5. Southern blot analysis confirmed PCR data for ang2 expression in both the lung and pancreas. The authors also traced the spatial development of the vascular system by von Willebrand factor staining. For both lung and pancreas specimens, no blood vessels were identifiable by immunohistochemistry until embryonic day 12.5. With increased gestational age, the blood vessel networks grew larger. Conclusion: The authors have demonstrated that ang1 and ang2 may be involved in the mechanisms of vascular development in the embryonic mouse lung and pancreas.
Structural characterization of solid lipoproteic colloid gels by ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering and the relation with sodium release

Sodium reduction in protein/lipid-based products such as cheese is becoming increasingly important to the food industry. Understanding the structure critical to sodium release is one of the keys to effectively controlling the sensory quality of the product while lowering the sodium content. In this study, ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS), novel to food research, was used to characterize the structure of solid lipoproteic colloid (SLC) gels as a model food. The SLC gels were made via heat-induced gelation of emulsions of whey protein isolate and anhydrous milk fat. The gels varied in the contents of protein, fat, and NaCl and homogenization pressures. The gyration radii of the protein aggregates (rg,p) and the fat globules (rg,f) of the samples before and after the gelation were obtained via fitting the USAXS profiles to inspect the structure formation of the SLC gels. The effects of formulation and processing on the gel rg,p and the gel rg,f were analyzed. In addition, the gel rg,f and the hydrodynamic radius of the droplets (rh,e) in the emulsions were correlated with sodium release. The correlation suggested that gel rg,f is a better indicator of sodium release than the emulsion rh,e. The findings from this study indicated that USAXS is feasible for the structural investigation of protein/lipid-based foods.
Who Gets Price Improvement on the NYSE

Market orders sent to the NYSE may be executed at prices better than the specialists' quotes. This study investigates the conditions under which this price improvement occurs and whether it is available to everyone or only certain groups. Over 25% of NYSE SuperDot market orders in this study were filled at prices better than the quote, for an average price improvement of approximately $.04 per share. The rate of price improvement increases from about 10 percent with a one-tick spread to around 50 percent with a spread of two ticks or more. "Marketable limit" orders (limit orders with limit prices that could be filled immediately at the current quotes) receivesubstantially less price improvement than market orders, a result not explained by order size. Unlike on the London Stock Exchange, orders placed by individuals get approximately the same or better price improvement than orders placed by brokerage firms or institutions, although index arbitrageurs get less. If hidden SuperDot limit orders were exposed, the rate of price improvement would have decreased about 15 percent.
Chemotherapy in ovarian germ cell tumors: A systematic review.

Abstract Objective Ovarian germ cell tumors (OGCTs) are rare tumors that comprise a diverse group of histologic subtypes that can either be benign or malignant. Malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (OGCTs) historically carried a poor prognosis, especially among those diagnosed with advanced disease. With the advent of combination chemotherapy, risk of relapse has markedly decreased. There is limited prospective data on the efficacy of specific chemotherapy regimens in the treatment of malignant OGCTs. This article critically reviews the literature pertinent to the treatment of OGCTs with chemotherapy. Methods MEDLINE was searched for English language literature on prospective studies on the treatment of malignant OGCTs, focusing on publications since 1995. Results As modern chemotherapy regimens have evolved, risk of relapse has decreased with implementation of platinum based regimens in the adjuvant setting. However, the role of neoadjuvant platinum based regimens and treatment of metastatic or recurrent malignant OGCTs remains poorly understood due to lack of randomized control trials. Conclusions Malignant OGCTs represent a rare subset of ovarian neoplasms for which focused, prospective clinical trials are needed to determine the most effective therapies.
Four New Arizona Coleoptera (Cleridae, Corynetidae and Buprestidae)

Brunneus above and below; abdomen lighter; each elytron with three small yellow spots, one at base, a lateral one in front of middle and another back of middle along suture; legs and body with long hairs. Head convex, front confluently punctured, vertex transversely rugose; eyes coarsely granulate, hairy, emarginate; last joint of labial palpae triangular; maxillary palpi with last joint elongate; antennae reaching to humeral angles of elytra when laid along sides of pronotum, eleven jointed, scape stout, second joint short, third joint twice as long as second, joints four to ten inclusive serrate, last joint elongate.
Activity of the β-Exotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis var. thuringiensis against the Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and Bacterial Mutagenic Response as Determined by the Ames Test

The potential bacterial mutagenicity of the beta-exotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis var. thuringiensis was detennined by the Salmollella-microsomal assay (Ames test) and found to be nonmutagenic. The activity of three experimental preparations of B. thuringiensis var. thuringiensis were determined by feeding the preparations to house fly larvae and to neonateColorado potato beetle larvae, Leplinotarsa decemlineala (Say). Comparisons with controls were made as to food consumption and mortality rates, and the LDIOthrough LDQ, were calculated. In field tests of 0.05-ha plots of potatoes, an experimental preparation of B. lhuringiensis var. lhurillgiellsis provided excellent control of the Colorado potato beetle when applied weekly at the rate of 1,892 ml/O.4 ha.
The relationships between access to and use of a patient-centered medical home and healthcare utilization and costs: A cohort study using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data from 2007 to 2010

ObjectiveThe patient-centered medical home has emerged as an innovative healthcare delivery model that holds the conceptual promise to improve healthcare quality while reducing costs. This study is...