cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cushing Syndrome in a 6-Month-Old Infant due to Adrenocortical Tumor

Cushing syndrome is rare in infancy and usually due to an adrenocortical tumor (ACT). We report an infant with Cushing syndrome due to adrenocortical carcinoma. The patient presented at six months of age with a three-month history of growth failure, rapid weight gain, acne, and irritability. Physical examination showed obesity, hypertension, and Cushingoid features. Biochemical evaluation showed very high serum cortisol, mildly elevated testosterone, and suppressed ACTH. Abdominal MRI revealed a heterogeneous right adrenal mass extending into the inferior vena cava. Evaluation for metastases was negative. The tumor was removed surgically en bloc. Pathologic examination demonstrated low mitotic rate, but capsular and vascular invasion. She received no adjuvant therapy. Her linear growth has improved and Cushingoid features resolved. Hormonal markers and quarterly PET scans have been negative for recurrence 24 months postoperatively. In conclusion, adrenocortical neoplasms in children are rare, but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of Cushing syndrome.
Shoot tissue pigment levels increase in ‘Florida Broadleaf’ mustard (Brassica juncea L.) microgreens following high light treatment

Abstract The xanthophyll cycle pigments [zeaxanthin (ZEA) + antheraxanthin (ANT) + violaxanthin (VIO)] in plants are vital for energy dissipation of excess absorbed light. It is possible to manipulate xanthophyll cycle pigment levels through exposure to light. The objective of this study was to increase ZEA concentrations in mustard ( Brassica juncea L. ‘Florida Broadleaf’) microgreens through exposure to high light just prior to tissue harvest. Mustard microgreen plants were cultured on growing pads in a controlled environment under a 14 h photoperiod under 275 μmol photons m −2 s −1 . Upon emergence of the first true leaf, light treatments of: (1) 275 μmol photons m −2 s −1 ; and (2) 463 μmol photons m −2 s −1 were initiated. Microgreen plants were harvested after light treatments had accumulated 36 h during the photoperiod. Shoot pigments were measured for pigments using HPLC separation. Significant decreases in chlorophyll a ( P ≤ 0.001) and b ( P ≤ 0.01) concentrations under the 463 μmol photons m −2 s −1 light treatment indicated high light stress had occurred. There were significant decreases in β-carotene ( P ≤ 0.01) and neoxanthin ( P ≤ 0.001) in the 463 μmol photons m −2 s −1 light treatment; however, lutein concentrations were unchanged. Increases in ZEA ( P ≤ 0.001), and ANT ( P ≤ 0.01) occurred under the 463 μmol photons m −2 s −1 light treatment. Increasing the ZEA levels in microgreens with a simple change in light management may be an effective way for producers to enhance the nutritional value of this increasingly popular specialty crop.
Increased cardio-respiratory coupling evoked by slow deep breathing can persist in normal humans.

Slow deep breathing (SDB) has a therapeutic effect on autonomic tone. Our previous studies suggested that coupling of the cardiovascular to the respiratory system mediates plasticity expressed in sympathetic nerve activity. We hypothesized that SDB evokes short-term plasticity of cardiorespiratory coupling (CRC). We analyzed respiratory frequency (fR), heart rate and its variability (HRH mean arterial pressure decreased; but HR varied; increasing (n = 3), or decreasing (n = 2) or remaining the same (n = 5). After SDB, short-term plasticity was not apparent for the group but for individuals differences existed between baseline and recovery periods. We conclude that a repeated practice, like pranayama, may strengthen CRC and evoke short-term plasticity effectively in a subset of individuals.
Restructuring Japanese business through Kyosei: Capitalizing on international strategic alliances at the consumer level

Japan of the “post-bubble era” is the object of much reflection and speculation pertaining to risutora or restructuring of the economy. This study provides a novel, analytical perspective on the fundamental issues involved in the shift of momentum that characterizes Japan business and economic restructuring. After examining the economic and corporate dimensions of the transitional forces that shape Japan’s restructuring process, this study focuses on two powerful, yet often ignored, agents of change: the emergence of a new class of collaborative mandates, kyosei, and the rise of consumer power. The study further emphasizes the importance of planning and managing corporate-level restructuring activities with the interests of end-users in mind, by demonstrating empirically the significance of strategic alliances, as a corporate restructuring option, on consumers. The results show that consumers’ impressions of alliances with Japanese firms have a strong effect on future attitudes toward each partnering brand.
Association between maternal periapical lesions and brain inflammation in rat pups.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to determine whether the presence of maternal tooth periapical lesions was associated with foetal brain inflammation in a pregnant rat model. Methods Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into two groups: pregnant rats with induced periapical abscesses (E, n = 8) and sham-operated control pregnant rats (S, n = 8). The pulps of the first and second maxillary right molars had been exposed and the tooth left open to the oral environment for two weeks prior to initiation of the pregnancy. Following delivery of the pups (E, n = 99; S, n = 101), each pup was decapitated and the brain was removed and immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen. The tissues were solubilized in PBS containing a protease inhibitor, and norepinephrine (NE), IL-6, IL-1-β, TNF-α, and myelin basic protein (MBP) were determined by ELISA. Group means were compared by factorial analysis of variance, a post hoc Tukey test, and Pearson's correlation test. p Results E pups were significantly heavier than S pups. Brain tissue concentrations of IL-6, IL-1-β, and TNF-α were significantly higher and MBP and norepinephrine concentrations significantly lower in E pups than S pups. Concentrations of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1-β were significantly correlated between E serum, pup birthweight, and E pup brain tissue. MBP, NE and IL-6 were significantly correlated within the brain tissues of E pups. Conclusion The data suggest that brain inflammation may be associated with maternal periapical inflammation. This association identifies a modifiable risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Dehydrogenation and amination of cyclohexanol by Pt catalysts

Abstract The reaction paths for dehydrogenation and amination of cyclohexanol over Pt C catalysts have been studied in a continuous-flow microreactor. Dehydrogenation in the absence of adsorbed hydrogen results in parallel path formation of cyclohexanone and phenol. With adsorbed hydrogen, products are limited to cyclohexane, benzene, and cyclohexanediol. Amination proceeds via a strongly adsorbed cyclohexylamine intermediate produced from reaction of vapor-phase cyclohexanol with adsorbed NH species. Deactivation is due to surface fouling by strongly held polymeric material.
KAP1 Protein: An Enigmatic Master Regulator of the Genome

In mammalian cells, multiple cellular processes, including gene silencing, cell growth and differentiation, pluripotency, neoplastic transformation, apoptosis, DNA repair, and maintenance of genomic integrity, converge on the evolutionarily conserved protein KAP1, which is thought to regulate the dynamic organization of chromatin structure via its ability to influence epigenetic patterns and chromatin compaction. In this minireview, we discuss how KAP1 might execute such pleiotropic effects, focusing on genomic targeting mechanisms, protein-protein interactions, specific post-translational modifications of both KAP1 and associated histones, and transcriptome analyses of cells deficient in KAP1.
Donor-specific unmodified bone marrow transfusion does not facilitate intestinal engraftment after bowel transplantation in a porcine model

Abstract Background. The immune/suppression required to prevent rejection of intestinal transplants causes a high rate of infection and lymphoma. It is crucial that immunomodulatory strategies be developed to facilitate intestinal engraftment. Methods. We prospectively examined the effect of unpurified donor-specific bone marrow transfusions (DSBMTs) on rejection, infection, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and survival after intestinal transplantations in 44 Yorkshire Landrace pigs. Four groups that differed according to presence or abscence of treatment with FK506 and DSBMT were analyzed. Results. In nonimmunosuppressed pigs, DSBMTs had no effect on survival (8 days versus 9 days in controls; p = 0.9). In FK506 pigs, DSBMTs tended to reduce survival (21 days versus 37 days in FK506 controls; p = 0.1); no difference was seen between two bone marrow dosages, 5 sx 107 or 5 × 108 bone marrow cells/kg. No difference in the incidence of death caused by rejection was seen between DSBMTs and controls, but there was a marked tendency toward more deaths caused by rejection in DSBMTs + FK506 versus FK506-only pigs (p = 0.09). Daily stomal assessment showed a higher rate of moderate and severe interstitial rejection in DSBMT + FK506 versus FK506-only pigs; DSBMT was also associated with increased vascular rejection. Finally, groupwise comparison showed an order of susceptibility to lethal GVHD and infection as follows: DSBMT + FK506 > FK506 > DSBMT > controls. Conclusions. Rather than promoting engraftment, DSBMT can sensitize recipients and cause rejection after intestinal transplantation. It aggravates the risks of generalized GVHD and infection and tends to reduce graft and recipient survival. Before being applied clinically, DSBMT needs to be refined to increase its tolerogenic potential without causing GVHD.
Effect of temperature upon the conformations of carboxypeptidase A (Anson), AγLeu, AγVal, and Aα+β

Abstract 1. 1. The conformations of several bovine carboxypeptidase A (peptidyl- l -amino acid hydrolase, EC 3.4.2.1) preparations were compared using the circular dichroism (CD) spectra from 200 to 330 nm. Carboxypeptidase AγVal, AγLeu and Aα+β (70% AαLeu and 30% AβVal) have nearly identical CD spectra. After considering the origin of the various CD bands, it is suggested that these species have similar backbone conformations and similar environments for their tryptophanyl side chains. 2. 2. The CD spectrum of carboxypeptidase A (Anson) differes in one respect from that of the homogeneous species (AγVal and AγLeu). In the Anson preparation the broad, positive CD band between 255 and 270 nm is about twice as intense as that in either carboxypeptidase AγVal or AγLeu. The intensification of this CD band in the Anson preparation may possibly be due to an impurity. Alternatively the conformation of the carboxypeptidase Aγ molecules may be altered during their isolation from the Anson preparation. 3. 3. The effect of temperature upon the conformations of carboxypeptidase AγVal, AγLeu, Aα+β and A (Anson) was examined by recording CD spectra between 24 and −196°. The far ultraviolet CD bands of these carboxypeptidase preparations are not altered by cooling, which suggests that the peptide backbone conformation is relatively rigid. In contrast, the CD fine structure arising from the tryptophanyl side chains is greatly intensified upon cooling the various preparations. This behavior results because the tryptophanyl side chains of carboxypeptidase A exist in multiple conformations at 24°. Cooling shifts more side chains into the conformer having the lowest energy. Apparently some side chains of carboxypeptidase A possess appreciable motility at room temperature.
The Effect of mGluR5 Antagonism During Binge Drinking on Subsequent Ethanol Intake in C57BL/6J Mice: Sex‐ and Age‐Induced Differences

Background Binge ethanol (EtOH) intake during adolescence leads to an array of behavioral and cognitive consequences including elevated intake of EtOH during adulthood, with female mice showing greater susceptibility than males. Administration of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) antagonist 3-((2-Methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)ethynyl)pyridine (MTEP) has been shown to reduce EtOH self-administration in adult male mice, but little is known about its effect on female and adolescent mice. Methods MTEP (0, 10, 20 mg/kg, i.p.) was repeatedly administered to female and male, adult and adolescent C57BL/6J mice during binge sessions using the scheduled high alcohol consumption paradigm. Next, we assessed whether MTEP administration during binge altered the subsequent 24-hour EtOH intake following a period of abstinence. Finally, we investigated whether MTEP administration during binge followed by an abstinence period altered mRNA of glutamatergic genes within the nucleus accumbens of female mice. Results MTEP significantly decreased binge EtOH intake in all mice, but only female mice exhibited altered subsequent 24-hour EtOH intake. Interestingly, the alteration in subsequent EtOH intake in female animals was age dependent, with adolescent exposure to MTEP during binge decreasing 24-hour intake and adult exposure to MTEP during binge increasing 24-hour intake. Finally, while there were no effects of MTEP pretreatment on the genes examined, there was a robust age effect found during analysis of mGluR1 (Grm1), mGluR5 (Grm5), the NR2A subunit of the NMDA receptor (Grin2a), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (Pik3r1), mammalian target of rapamycin (Mtor), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Mapk1) mRNA, with adolescent female animals having lower expression than their adult counterparts. Conclusions Collectively, the present findings add to existing evidence implicating the contribution of long-term effects of adolescent binge drinking to enhance alcohol abuse in adulthood, while suggesting that mGluR5 antagonism may not be the best pharmacotherapy to treat binge alcohol consumption in female and adolescent animals.
Mirror mode expansion in planetary magnetosheaths: Bohm-like diffusion.

Observed scale sizes of mirror modes in planetary magnetosheaths tend to be equal or larger than those that correspond to the maximum growth rate of the mirror instability: 9 ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{p}$ (proton gyroradius). These phenomena can be accounted for by introducing a diffusion process (Bohm) that shifts the spectra to lower wave numbers as the mode convects away from the source to the observation point. The theory is applied to data obtained in the magnetosheaths of Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, and the heliosheath, and shown to provide reasonable agreement to past spacecraft observations. Further observational tests of the theory are suggested.
Isolation and characterization of a β-1-O-acyl-β-1,2-diglucosyl glycoside from the membranes of a gram positive bacterium Sarcina ventriculi

Abstract A new β-1-O-acyl-β-1,2-diglucosyl glycoside has been isolated from the membranes of the gram positive bacterium Sarcina ventriculi. Its levels are regulated by environmental conditions such as pH and temperature. The structure was determined by 2-D-NMR spectroscopy and by mass spectrometry.
β-Adrenergic Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and β-Blocker Treatment Outcomes in Hypertension

Numerous studies have demonstrated that beta(1)- and beta(2)-adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB1 and ADRB2) variants influence cardiovascular risk and beta-blocker responses in hypertension and heart failure. We evaluated the relationship between ADRB1 and ADRB2 haplotypes, cardiovascular risk (death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and nonfatal stroke), and atenolol-based vs. verapamil sustained-release (SR)-based antihypertensive therapy in 5,895 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. After an average of 2.8 years, death rates were higher in patients carrying the ADRB1 Ser49-Arg389 haplotype (hazard ratio (HR) 3.66, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.68-7.99). This mortality risk was significant in patients randomly assigned to verapamil SR (HR 8.58, 95% CI 2.06-35.8) but not atenolol (HR 2.31, 95% CI 0.82-6.55), suggesting a protective role for the beta-blocker. ADRB2 haplotype associations were divergent within the treatment groups but did not remain significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. ADRB1 haplotype variation is associated with mortality risk, and beta-blockers may be preferred in subgroups of patients defined by ADRB1 or ADRB2 polymorphisms.
An Experimental Study of the Precision of Fluorescence Measurements

The precision of fluorescence measurements by the SLM 22 fluorometer was calculated with the use of fluorescein solutions of varying concentrations. Relative standard deviations for 10 replicate fluorescence measurements, each integrated over five seconds, are not observably affected by the changing of bandpasses from 1 to 8 nm, by the changing of cell orientation, or by fluorescein concentration at levels of 1.0 × 10−9M and above. Fluctuations in source intensity are shown to be the primary source of noise. Statistical fluctuations in photon and photoelectron flux do not seem to be a significant source of variability. Because of this, the precision of single-channel intensity measurements is poorer than for intensity measurements ratioed directly to source intensity. However, the precisions of the ratio of fluorescence intensities measured by dual detectors on opposite sides of the cell were often found to be better than for intensity measurements ratioed to the source. It is hypothesized that this is observed because the measurements of source intensity and fluorescence are not identically affected by fluctuations in the source. At fluorescein concentrations in the 10−9M range and above, percent RSDs for single channel measurements typically fall in the range of 0.2% to 0.5%, although occasionally larger values are observed. The percent RSDs for the ratio of simultaneous fluorescence measurements are typically in the range of 0.1 to 0.2% at higher concentrations.
Female Sexual Dysfunction: New Perspectives on Anatomy, Physiology, Evaluation and Treatment

Abstract Female sexual dysfunction is age-related, progressive and highly prevalent, affecting 30–50% of American women. While there are emotional and relational elements to sexual function, it has become increasingly evident that female sexual dysfunction can occur secondary to medical problems and has an organic basis. A plethora of different female sexual dysfunctions exist and in order to obtain a greater understanding of the possible treatments for these problems, it is essential to have a strong knowledge base of female pelvic anatomy, the neurogenic mediators of female sexual response, the impact of hormones on female sexual function and the etiologies of female sexual dysfunction. Currently, there are potential therapeutic options for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction and these options include both hormonal and pharmacological therapy. However, therapeutic agents may not prove to be enough and the ideal approach to female sexual dysfunction is thus a collaborative effort between therapists and physicians, which should include a complete medical and psychosocial evaluation, as well as inclusion of the partner or spouse in the evaluation and treatment process.
Cloning and characterization of the bleomycin biosynthetic gene cluster from Streptomyces verticillus ATCC15003.

Bleomycin (BLM) biosynthesis has been studied as a model for hybrid peptide−polyketide natural product biosynthesis. Cloning, sequencing, and biochemical characterization of the blm biosynthetic gene cluster from Streptomyces verticillus ATCC15003 revealed that (1) the BLM hybrid peptide−polyketide aglycon is assembled by the BLM megasynthetase that consists of both nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) and polyketide synthase (PKS) modules; (2) BlmIX/BlmVIII/BlmVII constitute a natural hybrid NRPS/PKS/NRPS system, serving as a model for both hybrid NRPS/PKS and PKS/NRPS systems; (3) the catalytic sites appear to be conserved in both hybrid NRPS/PKS and nonhybrid NRPS or PKS systems, with the exception of the KS domains in the hybrid NRPS/PKS systems that are unique; (4) specific interpolypeptide linkers may play a critical role in intermodular communication to facilitate the transfer of the growing intermediates between the interacting NRPS and/or PKS modules; (5) post-translational modification of the ...
Networks for attentional control and selection in spatial vision

Visual selective attention is a powerful cognitive ability that involves the interactions of widespread cortical networks, resulting in modulations of sensory processing at early stages of visual information processing. Visual attention can be directed voluntarily based on the goals and intentions of the individual or captured reflexively by bottom-up processes that are driven by the nature of sensory inputs. Attention can be focused based on spatial (i.e., location) or non-spatial (i.e., color or form, etc.) information, or their conjunction. In this chapter, the focus is on voluntary visual spatial attention, and in particular on the neural mechanisms involved in the control of the focus of attention for spatial versus non-spatial information. Although many models posit that voluntary attention relies on supramodal attentional control networks, evidence presented here will challenge this view, and will argue that attentional control for location and motion information involves partly specialized neural mechanisms in frontal and parietal cortex. The result of activity in these specialized networks is to tune visual cortex to select some information over other competing inputs, facilitating actions in response to relevant sensory information.
The role of FAST-1 and Smads in transcriptional regulation by activin during early Xenopus embryogenesis.

Smads are signal transducers for the transforming growth factor-β superfamily of factors. In early Xenopus embryos, the transforming growth factor-β member activin induces the gene Mix.2 by stimulating the formation of a multiprotein complex, activin-responsive factor (ARF). This complex contains Smad2 or Smad3, Smad4, and a novel forkhead transcription factor, FAST-1, and binds to an enhancer (activin-responsive element; ARE) that confers activin regulation of Mix.2 transcription. Both FAST-1 and Smads can bind directly to the ARE; we have investigated 1) the role of FAST-1 and Smad DNA binding sites in ARF recognition of the ARE, 2) the contributions of FAST-1 and Smad binding to ARF binding in vitro and to ARE regulation in early Xenopus embryos, 3) the extent to which different Smads can replace Smad4 in regulation of the ARE. We find that ARF binds to ARE through both FAST-1 and Smad binding sites. FAST-1 recognition of the ARE is essential both for ARF binding in vitro and activin regulation in vivo. In contrast, Smad binding of ARE is unnecessary for ARF binding or activin regulation but does enhance the binding and regulatory activity of ARF. Also, Smad3 can partially substitute for Smad4 in the regulation of the ARE. These observations elucidate how broadly expressed signal transducers (Smads) regulate a developmentally specific transcriptional response in conjunction with a temporally restricted transcription factor, FAST-1.
Fidelity to and comparative results across behavioral interventions evaluated through the RE-AIM framework: a systematic review.

The reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance (RE-AIM) framework was developed to determine potential public health impact of interventions (i.e., programs, policy, and practice). The purpose of this systematic review was to determine (1) comparative results across accurately reported RE-AIM indicators, (2) relevant information when there remains under-reporting or misclassification of data across each dimension, (3) the degree to which authors intervened to improve outcomes related to each dimension, and (4) the number of articles reporting RE-AIM dimensions for a given study. In April 2013, a systematic search of the RE-AIM framework was completed in PubMed, PSYCHInfo, EbscoHost, Web of Science, and Scopus. Evidence was analyzed until January 2015. Eighty-two interventions that included empirical data related to at least one of the RE-AIM dimensions were included in the review. Across these interventions, they reached a median sample size of 320 participants (M = 4894 ± 28,256). Summarizing the effectiveness indicators, we found that: the average participation rate was 45 % (±28 %), 89 % of the interventions reported positive changes in the primary outcome and 11 interventions reported broader outcomes (e.g., quality of life). As for individual-level maintenance, 11 % of studies showed effects ≥6 months post-program. Average setting and staff adoption rates were 75 % (±32 %) and 79 % (±28 %), respectively. Interventions reported being delivered as intended (82 % (±16 %)) and 22 % intervention reported adaptations to delivery. There were insufficient data to determine average maintenance at the organizational level. Data on costs associated with each dimension were infrequent and disparate: four studies reported costs of recruitment, two reported intervention costs per participant, and two reported adoption costs. The RE-AIM framework has been employed in a variety of populations and settings for the planning, delivery, and evaluation of behavioral interventions. This review highlights inconsistencies in the degree to which authors reported each dimension in its entirety as well as inaccuracies in reporting indicators within each dimension. Further, there are few interventions that aim to improve outcomes related to reach, adoption, implementation, and maintenance.
Detection in magnetic recording with cross-track interference

The authors analyze the simple case of an isolated pulse with a single interfering pulse to get insight into the cross-track interference problem. They treat the problem in signal space to gain an intuitive geometric interpretation. The maximum likelihood (ML) detector, the linear minimum mean squared error (LMMSE) detector, and the minimum probability of error (MPE) linear detector are derived. The MPE detector was found to closely approach the performance of the optimal ML nonlinear detector, and to significantly improve on the performance of the LMMSE detector as well as a detector naively designed to match a channel without cross-track interference. >
Endocervical component: is it a determinant of specimen adequacy?

There is controversy in the literature concerning the presence or absence of an endocervical component as a determinant of the adequacy of cervical cellular samples. The purpose of this retrospective 2-yr study (January 1, 1999-December 31, 2000) was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ThinPrep Pap Tests with the presence or absence of an endocervical component from 151 women with subsequent tissue-verified cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) II/III. Of the 138 Pap Tests containing an endocervical component, 100 (73%) showed exact cyto/histologic correlation and 38 (27%) were discordant. Of the 13 Pap Tests lacking an endocervical component, 10 (77%) showed exact correlation and 3 (23%) were discordant. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the detection of a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) in those ThinPreps that contained an endocervical component from those that did not (P > 0.5). Further analysis of the 41 discordant ThinPrep Pap Tests showed no significant difference between negative Pap Tests and discordant, yet abnormal Pap Tests (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions) and the presence or absence of an endocervical component (P = 0.25). The results of this study seem to indicate that the issue of the lack of an endocervical component as a determinant of cervical specimen adequacy should be revisited.
Reflection and transmission of optical narrow-extent pulses by axially excited chiral sculptured thin films

Chiral sculptured thin films (STFs) have unidirectionally periodic electromagnetic constitutive properties and therefore exhibit the circular Bragg phenomenon. The time-domain Maxwell equations are solved using finite difference calculus in order to establish the spatiotemporal anatomy of the action of axially excited, chiral STF slabs on optical narrow-extent pulses (NEPs) modulating circularly polarized carrier waves. A Lorentzian model was adopted for the permittivity dyadics of the chiral STFs. The time-domain manifestation of the circular Bragg phenomenon is focussed on. First, on examining the refraction of NEPs by a chiral STF half-space, a light pipe and the pulse bleeding phenomenon are shown to occur -when the handednesses of the carrier wave and the chiral STF coincide and the carrier wavelength is in the vicinity of the center-wavelength of the Bragg regime. Next, pulse bleeding inside a chiral STF slab is shown to be responsible for the long wakes of reflected pulses and low energy contents of transmitted pulses, when the incident wave spectrums significantly overlap with the Bragg regime and the carrier waves have the same handedness as the chiral STF slab. Thus, a chiral STF slab can drastically affect the shapes, amplitudes, and spectral components of femtosecond pulses.
Word level confidence measurement using semantic features

This paper proposes two principled methods to incorporate semantic information into word level confidence measurement. The first technique uses tag and arc probabilities obtained from a statistical classer and parser tree. The second technique uses a maximum entropy based semantic structured language model to use semantic structure of a sentence to assign semantic probabilities to each word. Semantic features provide significant improvements over a posterior probability based confidence measure when used together in an air travel reservation task.
An Overview of RFID System Interfaces and Reader Protocols

RFID system deployments require the configuration, monitoring and data management of RFID readers. This paper provides an overview of different services deployed in intra-organizational RFID systems and analyzes system architectures implemented today. We also compare emerging standards developed by the EPCglobal community that aim to standardize system interfaces and reader protocols in RFID deployments. Our analysis distinguishes a centralized architecture, where a controller device or a software component on an application server locally controls the RFID readers, and an autonomous architecture, where the RFID readers execute application logic and are managed by enterprise IT management systems.
A generalizability analysis of score consistency for the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding.

Our goal in this investigation was to evaluate the reliability of scores from the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (BIDR) more comprehensively than in prior research using a generalizability-theory framework based on both dichotomous and polytomous scoring of items. Generalizability coefficients accounting for specific-factor, transient, and random-response error ranged from .64 to .75 for the BIDR’s Self-Deception Enhancement (SDE) and Impression Management (IM) subscale scores, and these values were systematically lower than corresponding alpha (.66 to .83) and 1-week test–retest (.78 to .86) coefficients. Polytomous scoring provided higher reliability than dichotomous scoring on nearly all indexes reported. Random-response (8%–17%) and specific factor error (11%–17%) exceeded transient error (3%– 6%) for both subscales and scoring methods. Doubling the number of items on a single occasion provided greater improvements in generalizability (.76 –.83) than aggregating scores across 2 administrations (.72–.81). Both scoring methods provided reasonably high indexes of consistency ( coefficients .91) at cut scores on the IM scale for detecting faked responses when all sources of error were taken into account. Implications of these results for common uses of the BIDR are discussed.
Dispersion engineering with CRLH metamaterials

Composite right/left-handed (CRLH) metamaterials have demonstrated unique and advantageous features when employed in microwave and millimeter-wave circuits and systems. In this paper, an overview of the CRLH metamaterials is addressed by introducing the dispersion-engineerable property from the equivalent unit-cell circuit model. Thereafter, several examples based on the CRLH structures are examined to validate the feasibility and superiority of the proposed works in terms of the compactness and functionality which are found constrained using conventional materials.
Lower back pain is reduced and range of motion increased after massage therapy.

Study Design: A randomized between-groups design evaluated massage therapy versus relaxation for chronic low back pain.Objectives: Treatment effects were evaluated for reducing pain, depression, an...
Determinants and Efficacy of Social Capital in Lake Associations

The hundreds of lake associations in Minnesota are examples of voluntary collective action organizations. Although these groups are organized for several purposes, their main concern is environmental management and specifically the improvement or preservation of lake water quality. Social capital probably affects organizational effectiveness. Survey and biophysical data were used to examine the determinants and efficacy of social capital in lake associations. Social capital production in lake associations was associated with water quality, lake size, recreational preferences, seasonality of residents, location, information sharing, per caput budget and relations with local government. Social capital also had a significant but small positive relationship with lake water clarity. Natural resource policy makers might consider investments in social capital as part of their strategy portfolio. Although statistical analyses of the role of social capital in local environmental management using large sample sizes are promising, several measurement and methodological difficulties remain.
Cabergoline Decreases Alcohol Drinking and Seeking Behaviors Via Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

Background Cabergoline is an ergotamine derivative that increases the expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in vitro. We recently showed that GDNF in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) reduces the motivation to consume alcohol. We therefore set out to determine whether cabergoline administration decreases alcohol-drinking and -seeking behaviors via GDNF. Methods Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) were used to measure GDNF levels. Western blot analysis was used for phosphorylation experiments. Operant self-administration in rats and a two-bottle choice procedure in mice were used to assess alcohol-drinking behaviors. Instrumental performance tested during extinction was used to measure alcohol-seeking behavior. The [ 35 S]GTPγS binding assay was used to assess the expression and function of the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R). Results We found that treatment of the dopaminergic-like cell line SH-SY5Y with cabergoline and systemic administration of cabergoline in rats resulted in an increase in GDNF level and in the activation of the GDNF pathway. Cabergoline treatment decreased alcohol-drinking and -seeking behaviors including relapse, and its action to reduce alcohol consumption was localized to the VTA. Finally, the increase in GDNF expression and the decrease in alcohol consumption by cabergoline were abolished in GDNF heterozygous knockout mice. Conclusions Together, these findings suggest that cabergoline-mediated upregulation of the GDNF pathway attenuates alcohol-drinking behaviors and relapse. Alcohol abuse and addiction are devastating and costly problems worldwide. This study puts forward the possibility that cabergoline might be an effective treatment for these disorders.
Optically Activated 4H-SiC p-i-n Diodes for High-Power Applications

To realize the benefits of SiC power electronics and optically controlled device technology, we present in this letter optically activated SiC p-i-n diodes for high-temperature and high-power applications. The diodes were fabricated on an n-type 4H-SiC substrate, and measurements show that, when tested at a reverse bias of 1000 V, the diode was switched on by a single UV (337.1 nm) laser pulse with 1.2-mJ optical energy. The FWHM is about 180 ns with a rise time of less than 10 ns and a fall time of about 200 ns. The response time is primarily limited by the RC time constant from the junction capacitance of the diode and the current-limiting resistor in the test circuit. This initial work forms the basis for the further development of high-power high-speed SiC bistable switches.
EDA and the network

Digital computer networks are playing an increasingly important role in the evaluation, distribution, integration and management of EDA systems. Tools, libraries, design data, and a variety of both design and manufacturing services are accessible today via networks. Networks are also playing a central role in the integration of system design teams, teams that involve a variety of both business and technical disciplines as well as widely distributed geographical locations. Throughout the history of EDA, the architectures used to integrate and distribute computation and interaction have played a central role in the overall design methodology and so have had a major, indirect impact on the choice of the most effective tools, algorithms, and data structures. In this paper, a number of the factors involved in the choice of a suitable architecture for EDA integration are reviewed and a number of ongoing developments and challenges are presented.
Anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy in a patient with HLA-B27 associated anterior uveitis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Editor,—HLA-B27 positivity occurs in 40%–50% of patients with anterior uveitis.1 ,2 HLA-B27 associated anterior uveitis is typically non-granulomatous, recurrent, and unilateral or alternatingly bilateral. The most frequent systemic disease associations in HLA-B27 positive patients with anterior uveitis include ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriatic arthritis.1 ,2 Ocular complications are more common in HLA-B27 positive patients with anterior uveitis compared with HLA-B27 negative patients,2 and include cataract formation, pupillary synechiae, secondary glaucoma, and cystoid macular oedema.1 ,2 Although severe vitreous inflammation and optic disc oedema can be seen in 15%–20% of patients with HLA-B27 associated anterior uveitis, ischaemic optic neuropathy is rare.3-6 We describe a patient who developed anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy in the setting of known HLA-B27 associated recurrent, anterior uveitis and ankylosing spondylitis. ### CASE REPORT A 29 year old white …
Mechanism of Poliovirus Resistance to Host Phosphatidylinositol-4 Kinase III β Inhibitor

Phosphatidylinositol-4 kinase III β (PI4KB) and oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) family I have been identified as the major targets of anti-enterovirus drug candidates. Resistance mutations in poliovirus (PV) to these inhibitors have been identified in viral 3A protein, represented by a G5318A (3A-Ala70Thr) mutation, but the mechanism of viral resistance to host PI4KB/OSBP inhibitors remained unknown. In this study, we found that a G5318A mutation enhances the basal levels of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) and of the 3A protein and decreases the levels of the 3AB protein during PV replication. The 3A protein acted as a major effector responsible for the resistance to PI4KB inhibitor, but did not enhance the PI4KB activity in vitro in contrast to the 2C, 2BC, 3AB, and 3D proteins. The 3AB protein acted as the primary target of a G5318A mutation and also as an effector. We identified novel resistance mutations to a PI4KB inhibitor [C5151U (3A-T14M) and C5366U (3A-H86Y) mutations] and found that the...
Shore-up Tax Breaks for Weather-related Casualty Losses

Prior to 2004, only one state, Texas, had experienced four hurricanes in one year (1886). Unfortunately, Florida can now also lay claim to this dubious distinction and, in addition, can throw in a couple of tropical storms to boot. Of course, numerous other states besides Florida have experienced devastating results from storms. In fact, within the first nine months of 2004, thirty-six States and U.S. Possessions have counties that have been declared federal disaster areas by FEMA. As a result, many taxpayers will be contemplating how to file claims for losses, how to treat temporary living arrangements while they restore their casualties, and how to handle gains that may result from insurance payments that exceed their basis in the damaged property. Topics addressed in article: - What is a casualty - Section 165(c) allows individuals to deduct casualty losses. In general, a casualty is the loss or damage of property that results from an event that is sudden, unexpected or unusual in nature and can be identified. In addition, the loss must be permanent in nature and not just a temporary decline in value. - The amount of the casualty loss deduction - Once it is determined that a taxpayer has a deductible casualty, several important steps become necessary. The amount of the loss is the lesser of the adjusted basis of the property or the decrease in FMV due to the casualty. - Business Casualty Losses - A tax deduction for casualty losses to business property is allowed under IRC Sec. 165(c)(1). - Mixed use property - When property is destroyed that was used partly for business and partly for personal purposes, the property's basis must be bifurcated as if there were two separate assets. - Employee Property - Section 165(c)(2) governs the deduction for losses incurred in any transaction entered into for profit or for employee property that is used in performing services as an employee. - Effect of insurance proceeds and other relief payments - Once the amount of the casualty loss is determined, it must be reduced by expected insurance or other reimbursements. - Involuntary conversions - When a taxpayer uses all of the insurance proceeds that are received from a casualty event to purchase replacement property within two years, Section 1033 applies and the casualty gain will not be taxed. - Partial Gain Exclusion - A taxpayer who fails to meet the ownership and use requirements or the one-sale-in-two-years requirement under section 121 may still be eligible for partial gain exclusion. - Disaster losses - Regardless of when property is replaced or repaired, casualty losses are generally deductible in the year that they occurred. - Disaster Payments - Any amount received by an individual as a qualified disaster relief payment is excluded from gross income under Section 139. - Substantiation of the loss and the amount - The taxpayer must be ready to prove that a casualty loss has occurred and to prove the applicable amounts used in calculating the loss.
Asimco-Nanyue Joint Venture in China

This case is written for a course on emerging markets finance. It can be used to teach valuation, merger and acquisition, and financial forecasting in an emerging market setting. Intrigued by growth opportunities in China, Jack Perkowski, a retired Wall Street investment banker, raised a venture capital fund with the backing of two large U.S. institutions in 1994 to found Asian Strategic Investment Company (ASIMCO) to explore private equity investment opportunities in China. After visiting more than 100 automotive component factories in China, Perkowski and his partners identified a few state-owned factories as potential equity joint venture partners. On top of the list was Nanyue Fuel Injection Pump Assembly Company, Ltd. (Nanyue), one of Chinas largest fuel injection pump manufacturers. After three months of negotiation, the two parties struck a deal under which ASIMCO and Nanyue would enter into a joint venture with ASIMCO holding the majority ownership. Should Perkowski and his partners give this joint venture agreement their final approval? And if so, how should Perkowski integrate and restructure its state-owned partner, Nanyue? More generally, should ASIMCO invest in Chinas automotive component industry?
Generic attack approaches for industrial control systems

This report suggests a generic set of attack approaches that are expected to be used against Industrial Control Systems that have been built according to a specific reference model for control systems. The posed attack approaches are ordered by the most desirable, based upon the goal of an attacker. Each attack approach is then graded by the category of adversary that would be capable of utilizing that attack approach. The goal of this report is to identify necessary levels of security required to prevent certain types of attacks against Industrial Control Systems.
Firm Failure Timeline Prediction: Math Programming Approaches

Previous studies on firm failure prediction proposed models to predict only short-and fixed-term (normally one year) bankruptcies. Our study applies two math programming methods to predict firm failure timeline (i.e., longer-and variable-term bankruptcy): isotonic prediction and modified linear regression (a form of recurrence surface approximation). With these two methods, we also evaluate financial ratios that were previously used for fixed-term bankruptcy prediction. The experiments with actual firm data indicate that (1) both approaches generate good prediction outcomes but isotonic prediction performs better than modified linear regression and (2) the use of all twenty-three financial ratios for isotonic prediction result in the best prediction outcome after a feature selection preprocess is applied.
Phenomenology Is a Humanism: Husserl’s Hermeneutical-Historical Struggle to Determine the Genuine Meaning of Human Existence in The Crisis of the European Sciences and Transcendental Phenomenology

In The Crisis of the European Sciences and Transcendental Phenomenology (1936), Husserl expands his philosophical horizon to include the question about the genuine meaning of human existence. Understanding the crisis of the European sciences as a symptom of the crisis of European philosophy and as an expression of the life-crisis of European humanity, and interpreting European science, philosophy, and humanity as representative of their global-historical counterparts, Husserl argues that the life-crisis of European humanity is reflective of the critical condition of global-historical humanity. The crisis of “European” life emerges as a crisis of human existence, and Husserl’s phenomenology unfolds as a search for an answer to the question not only about the sense of the life-world but also about the meaning of human life. Thus phenomenology, as care for humanity, shares with existentialism, as a humanism in the broadest sense, the conviction that human beings live in a world not in which life makes sense, but in which they must make sense of life. Accordingly, the genuine essence of human existence is not passively “given” but actively “taken”, since it involves an entelechy that constitutes itself in an evolutionary achievement, and it is the evidentiary result of an existential struggle for meaning against annihilating forms of meaninglessness, namely, irrationalism, positivism, and skepticism. This paper examines Husserl’s hermeneutical-historical approach to the question about the meaning of human existence and suggests an understanding of phenomenology as a form of humanism, and perhaps even as a unique kind of “existentialism”, that is, an ethical philosophy that takes absolute moral responsibility for the presuppositionless application of reason to life.