cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating Amoxicillin Influx/Efflux in Chinchilla Middle Ear Fluid and Simultaneous Measurement of Antibacterial Effect

Understanding the transport process and the factors that control the influx/efflux of antibiotics between plasma and middle ear fluid is essential in optimizing the antimicrobial efficacy in the treatment of acute otitis media. In this study, an experimental chinchilla model with the application of a microdialysis technique was utilized to evaluate amoxicillin middle ear distribution kinetics. Amoxicillin solutions at various doses were instilled into the middle ear with a simultaneous intravenous bolus dose. Unbound amoxicillin levels were monitored by microdialysis in both ears. Serial phlebotomy provided samples for the measurement of unbound amoxicillin concentration in plasma ultrafiltrates. In infected chinchillas, discrete middle ear fluid samples were plated and cultured to characterize Streptococcus pneumoniae growth-kill kinetics. Noncompartmental analysis was used to estimate distributional and elimination clearances assuming linear pharmacokinetics. A nonlinear Michaelis-Menten equation was also used to determine the efflux clearance (from middle ear fluid to plasma) in a mammillary compartment model. No difference was observed in amoxicillin pharmacokinetics between control and infected chinchillas. Influx clearance was (4.6 ± 2.4) × 10−3 ml/min-kg and significantly lower than the efflux clearance estimated as (19.2 ± 9.7) × 10−3 ml/min-kg (P < 0.002). Nonlinear kinetics was observed in the locally dosed ear. The microdialysis procedure did not interfere with the bacterial growth-kill profile, thereby enabling pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation concurrently. In conclusion, the results suggested that the distribution equilibrium of amoxicillin in the middle ear favors efflux to plasma over influx. An active transport mechanism across middle ear mucosal epithelium may be involved in amoxicillin distribution.
Ethnicity: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) differences among black, white, and Hispanic veterans who differ in degrees of exposure to combat in Vietnam.

Clinical observations and empirical evidence suggest that, among Vietnam combat veterans, Blacks are more maladjusted than Whites (e.g., Parsons, 1985; Penk et al., 1985). The prediction that minority group status is associated with poorer post-war adjustment and higher rates of PTSD was examined among Vietnam combat veterans who were seeking treatment for addiction disorders. Adjustment scores among groups comparable in combat exposure were found to be similar for both Whites and Hispanics; Blacks, however, score significantly higher on both PTSD symptoms on MMPI scales. These findings indicate that ethnicity contributes importantly to PTSD in selected instances, but that minority group status alone does not account for observed differences. Additional research is indicated in which careful attention is given to the complicating and interacting role of addiction disorders in sampling.
Herbert Chanan Brichto. The Names of God: Poetic Readings in Biblical Beginnings. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998. xvii, 462 pp.

This book, by the late professor of biblical studies at Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati, is a companion volume to his Toward a Grammar of Biblical Poetics (Oxford, 1992), in which, by utilizing rhetorical or poetic techniques, he first made the case for the aesthetic wholeness of the Hebrew Bible. Whereas the first volume analyzed narrative texts relating to the prophets, in this volume Herbert Brichto devotes his literary analysis to the early Genesis narratives, including the Creation, Flood, and Abraham stories.
Micronuclei in peripheral blood and bone marrow cells of mice exposed to 42 GHz electromagnetic millimeter waves

Abstract Vijayalaxmi, Logani, M. K., Bhanushali, A., Ziskin, M. C. and Prihoda, T. J. Micronuclei in Peripheral Blood and Bone Marrow Cells of Mice Exposed to 42 GHz Electromagnetic Millimeter Waves. Radiat. Res. 161, 341–345 (2004). The genotoxic potential of 42.2 ± 0.2 GHz electromagnetic millimeter-wave radiation was investigated in adult male BALB/c mice. The radiation was applied to the nasal region of the mice for 30 min/day for 3 consecutive days. The incident power density used was 31.5 ± 5.0 mW/cm2. The peak specific absorption rate was calculated as 622 ± 100 W/kg. Groups of mice that were injected with cyclophosphamide (15 mg/kg body weight), a drug used in the treatment of human malignancies, were also included to determine if millimeter-wave radiation exposure had any influence on drug-induced genotoxicity. Concurrent sham-exposed and untreated mice were used as controls. The extent of genotoxicity was assessed from the incidence of micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes of peripheral bloo...
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY: X. FILMED DIALOGUES WITH NOTABLE CONTRIBUTORS TO PSYCHOLOGY

A series of films which involves dialogues with notable contributors to psychology is being completed. Included in the series so far are 30-to 50-min. films featuring Carl Jung, Ernest Jones, Erich Fromm, B. F. Skinner, Erik Erikson, Gardner Murphy, Raymond Cartell, Henry Murray, Nevitt Sanford, Ernest R. Hilgard, Gordon Allport, and playwright Arthur Miller. The rationale for this series is discussed both in terms of its use as an instructional device in psychology courses and its archival value. Also described is the procedure utilized in completing these films.
The isoform-specific region of the Na, K-ATPase catalytic subunit: Role in enzyme kinetics and regulation by protein kinase C

Comparisons of the primary structures of the Na,K-ATPase R-isoforms reveal the existence of regions of structural divergence, suggesting that they are involved in unique functions. One of these regions is the isoform-specific region (ISR), located near the ATP binding site in the major cytoplasmic loop. To evaluate its importance, we constructed mutants of the rodent wild-type R1 and R3 isoforms in which the ISR was replaced with irrelevant sequences, i.e., the analogous region from the rat gastric H,K-ATPase catalytic subunit or a region from the human c-myc oncogene. Opossum kidney (OK) cells were transfected with wild-type rat R1, R3, or their corresponding chimeras and selected in ouabain. Introduction of either mutant produced ouabain-resistant colonies, consistent with functional expression of the chimeric protein and indicating that the ISR is not essential for overall Na,K-ATPase function. The introduced chimeras were then characterized enzymatically by measuring the relative rate of K + and Li + deocclusions. Results showed that exchanges of both R1 and R3 ISRs significantly modified the sensitivity for the enzyme to either K + or Li + . Subsequent treatment of the cells with phorbol esters revealed an altered Na,K-ATPase transport in response to protein kinase C activation for the R1 chimeras. No changes were observed for the R3 isoform, suggesting that it is not sensitive to PKC regulation. These results demonstrated that the ISR plays an important role in ion deocclusion and in the response to PKC (only for the R1 isoform).
A Biological Global Positioning System: Considerations for Tracking Stem Cell Behaviors in the Whole Body

Many recent research studies have proposed stem cell therapy as a treatment for cancer, spinal cord injuries, brain damage, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions. Some of these experimental therapies have been tested in small animals and, in rare cases, in humans. Medical researchers anticipate extensive clinical applications of stem cell therapy in the future. The lack of basic knowledge concerning basic stem cell biology-survival, migration, differentiation, integration in a real time manner when transplanted into damaged CNS remains an absolute bottleneck for attempt to design stem cell therapies for CNS diseases. A major challenge to the development of clinical applied stem cell therapy in medical practice remains the lack of efficient stem cell tracking methods. As a result, the fate of the vast majority of stem cells transplanted in the human central nervous system (CNS), particularly in the detrimental effects, remains unknown. The paucity of knowledge concerning basic stem cell biology—survival, migration, differentiation, integration in real-time when transplanted into damaged CNS remains a bottleneck in the attempt to design stem cell therapies for CNS diseases. Even though excellent histological techniques remain as the gold standard, no good in vivo techniques are currently available to assess the transplanted graft for migration, differentiation, or survival. To address these issues, herein we propose strategies to investigate the lineage fate determination of derived human embryonic stem cells (hESC) transplanted in vivo into the CNS. Here, we describe a comprehensive biological Global Positioning System (bGPS) to track transplanted stem cells. But, first, we review, four currently used standard methods for tracking stem cells in vivo: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bioluminescence imaging (BLI), positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and fluorescence imaging (FLI) with quantum dots. We summarize these modalities and propose criteria that can be employed to rank the practical usefulness for specific applications. Based on the results of this review, we argue that additional qualities are still needed to advance these modalities toward clinical applications. We then discuss an ideal procedure for labeling and tracking stem cells in vivo, finally, we present a novel imaging system based on our experiments.
PROTEIN DISULFIDE BOND FORMATION IN PROKARYOTES

▪ Abstract Disulfide bonds formed between pairs of cysteines are important features of the structure of many proteins. Elaborate electron transfer pathways have evolved Escherichia coli to promote the formation of these covalent bonds and to ensure that the correct pairs of cysteines are joined in the final folded protein. These transfers of electrons consist, in the main, of cascades of disulfide bond formation or reduction steps between a series of proteins (DsbA, DsbB, DsbC, and DsbD). A surprising variety of mechanisms and protein structures are involved in carrying out these steps.
Patterns of plasma human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RNA response to antiretroviral therapy

Early identification of treatment failure among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1--infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy could enable clinicians to modify inadequate regimens and to improve treatment response. Clinical definitions of treatment failure, however, may not be ideally suited for this purpose. This study empirically characterizes the patterns of HIV-1 RNA response to antiretroviral therapy in patients in 4 AIDS clinical trials. The approach assumed 2 patterns of HIV-1 response: "on track," for eventual suppression to HIV-1 RNA levels below the limit of quantification, and "off track," for deviation from this response. The results of this on- or off-track classification generally agreed with the protocol-defined outcomes of virologic success and failure, thus validating these commonly used definitions. Overall, only a minority of patients went off track because of suboptimal HIV-1 RNA response by the first follow-up visit. Most patients who went off track did so at later time points and had sharp unexpected rebounds without prior indication of a suboptimal response.
The role of medical comorbidity in outcome of major depression in primary care: the PROSPECT study.

Objective The authors described the influence of specific medical conditions on clinical remission and response of major depression (MDD) in a clinical trial evaluating a care-management intervention among older primary-care patients. Methods Adults age 60 years and older were randomly selected and screened for depression. Participants were randomly assigned to Usual Care or to an Intervention with a depression care-manager offering algorithm-based care for MDD. In all, 324 adults meeting criteria for MDD were included in these analyses. Remission and response was defined by a score on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression Results In Usual Care, rates of remission were faster in persons who reported atrial fibrillation (AF) than in persons who did not report AF and slower in persons who reported chronic pulmonary disease than in persons who did not report chronic pulmonary disease; rates of response were less stable in persons with MMSE Conclusions Because disease-specific findings were observed in persons who received Usual Care but not in persons who received more intensive treatment in the Intervention condition, our results suggest that the association of medical comorbidity and treatment outcomes for MDD may be determined by the intensity of treatment for depression.
The Barium Site in a Potassium Channel by X-Ray Crystallography

X-ray diffraction data were collected from frozen crystals (100°K) of the KcsA K+ channel equilibrated with solutions containing barium chloride. Difference electron density maps (Fbarium − Fnative, 5.0 A resolution) show that Ba2+ resides at a single location within the selectivity filter. The Ba2+ blocking site corresponds to the internal aspect (adjacent to the central cavity) of the “inner ion” position where an alkali metal cation is found in the absence of the blocking Ba2+ ion. The location of Ba2+ with respect to Rb+ ions in the pore is in good agreement with the findings on the functional interaction of Ba2+ with K+ (and Rb+) in Ca2+-activated K+ channels (Neyton, J., and C. Miller. 1988. J. Gen. Physiol. 92:549–567). Taken together, these structural and functional data imply that at physiological ion concentrations a third ion may interact with two ions in the selectivity filter, perhaps by entering from one side and displacing an ion on the opposite side.
Omalizumab in paediatric asthma: Importance of multi-disciplinary assessment to identify the eligible patients

Omalizumab is effective treatment for patients with severe asthma. It is reserved for patients with truly severe disease as it is expensive and associated with significant treatment burden. Identifying this small number of patients in problematic severe asthma (PSA) group is challenging. We evaluated the impact of multi-disciplinary severe asthma (SA) protocol on identifying those with severe disease and on potential use of omalizumab. After initial clinic visit, 19 patients aged between 6-15yrs with PSA underwent specialist nurseled SA protocol which included: assessment of clinical status, lung function, atopy, inhaler technique, asthma control test (ACT), quality of life (QoL); home visit for further assessment of environment, adherence and psychosocial comorbidities; school contact to address impact on education. Before SA protocol, 17/19 patients met criteria for use of omalizumab. After SA protocol, only 7 (41%) were eligible as modifiable factors were identified in 12 (59%). They included poor adherence (50%), ongoing allergen exposure (42%), hyperventilation (25%), psychology referral (8%). 6/7 patients received omalizumab and 5 (83%) improved. Of other 12 patients, clinical status improved in 7 (58%), unchanged but stable in 4 (33%), worsened in 1 (8%) after assessment. SA protocol identified modifiable factors in significant proportion of PSA children limiting omalizumab use to those with truly severe disease. Home visit assessment is essential to identify these factors which would otherwise be unrecognized. We hypothesise that proper recognition and management of these factors might not only ensure appropriate use of omalizumab but also improve its effectiveness.
Computed Tomography in Abscess or Meningitis

Sir .—Fischer et al noted that computed tomographic (CT) scanning has "increased the ease and accuracy of diagnosis..." of cerebral abscesses (Journal1981;135:746-749). However, the presenting problems listed by the authors, ie, headache, neurological symptoms or signs, fever, and leukocytosis, are also consistent with acute bacterial meningitis. Because the diagnosis of meningitis is confirmed by examination of CSF, 1-3 clinicians should not necessarily regard CT as the procedure of choice when faced with a child whose clinical picture may be consistent with either abscess or meningitis. Physicians caring for such children may wish to use CT to ensure the safety of the lumbar puncture (LP) by ruling out the presence of a mass lesion, since lumbar puncture performed on a child with cerebral abscess poses the risk o[ill] CNS herniation. 4-6 Such a diagnostic strategy may be appropriate in nonurgent situations; however, the potential for very rapid deterioration in meningitis
Nitrogen Cycle in the Marine Environment

Nitrogen Inputs and Outputs Marine Nitrogen Pools Processes Concepts in Marine Nitrogen Cycle Dynamics Contrasting Systems Global Perspectives How We Study the Nitrogen Cycle Keywords: marine environment; marine environment, nitrogen cycle in; nitrogen cycle
Empathy: Its ultimate and proximate bases.

There is disagreement in the literature about the exact nature of the phenomenon of empathy. There are emotional, cogni- tive, and conditioning views, applying in varying degrees across species. An adequate description of the ultimate and proximate mecha- nism can integrate these views. Proximately, the perception of an object's state activates the subject's corresponding representations, which in turn activate somatic and autonomic responses. This mechanism supports basic behaviors (e.g., alarm, social facilitation, vicar- iousness of emotions, mother-infant responsiveness, and the modeling of competitors and predators) that are crucial for the reproduc- tive success of animals living in groups. The Perception-Action Model (PAM), together with an understanding of how representations change with experience, can explain the major empirical effects in the literature (similarity, familiarity, past experience, explicit teach- ing, and salience). It can also predict a variety of empathy disorders. The interaction between the PAM and prefrontal functioning can also explain different levels of empathy across species and age groups. This view can advance our evolutionary understanding of empa- thy beyond inclusive fitness and reciprocal altruism and can explain different levels of empathy across individuals, species, stages of de- velopment, and situations.
Romantic involvement and depressive symptoms in early and late adolescence: The role of a preoccupied relational style

Two studies examined the association between depressive symptoms and romantic involvement in adolescence and tested the hypothesis that romantic involvement is associated more strongly with symptoms among adolescents who have a more preoccupied style of relating, compared to adolescents who have a less preoccupied style of relating. Study 1 (N ¼ 96 early adolescent females) examined concurrent associations and Study 2 (N ¼ 80 late adolescent males and females) examined longitudinal associations. In both age groups, romantic involvement was associated with greater depressive symptoms and this was most true among adolescents with a preoccupied style of relating. Implications for models of depression and adolescent romantic functioning are discussed.
Kalrn promoter usage and isoform expression respond to chronic cocaine exposure

The long-term effects of cocaine on behavior are accompanied by structural changes in excitatory glutamatergic synapses onto the medium spiny neurons of the striatum. The Kalrn gene encodes several functionally distinct isoforms; these multidomain guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) contain additional domains known to interact with phosphatidylinositides as well as with a number of different proteins. Through their activation of Rho proteins and their interactions with other proteins, the different Kalirin isoforms affect cytoskeletal organization. Chronic exposure of adult male rodents to cocaine increases levels of Kalirin 7 in the striatum. When exposed chronically to cocaine, mice lacking Kalirin 7, the major adult isoform, fail to show an increase in dendritic spine density in the nucleus accumbens, show diminished place preference for cocaine, and exhibit increased locomotor activity in response to cocaine. The use of alternate promoters and 3'-terminal exons of the mouse Kalrn gene were investigated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. While the two most distal full-length Kalrn promoters are used equally in the prefrontal cortex, the more proximal of these promoters accounts for most of the transcripts expressed in the nucleus accumbens. The 3'-terminal exon unique to the Kalirin 7 isoform accounts for a greater percentage of the Kalrn transcripts in prefrontal cortex than in nucleus accumbens. Western blot analyses confirmed these differences. Chronic cocaine treatment increases usage of the promoter encoding the Δ-Kalirin isoforms but does not alter full-length Kalirin promoter usage. Usage of the 3'-terminal exon unique to Kalirin 7 increases following chronic cocaine exposure. Kalrn promoter and 3'-terminal exon utilization are region-specific. In the nucleus accumbens, cocaine-mediated alterations in promoter usage and 3'-terminal exon usage favor expression of Kalirin 7 and Δ-Kalirin 7. The Δ-isoform, which lacks a Sec14p domain and four of the nine spectrin-like repeats found in full-length Kalirin isoforms, increases spine headsize without increasing dendritic spine numbers. Thus cocaine-mediated changes in alternative splicing of the Kalrn gene may contribute importantly to the behavioral, morphological and biochemical responses observed.
Connection-level scheduling in wireless networks using only MAC-layer information

The paper studies throughput-optimal scheduling in wireless networks when there are file arrivals and departures. In the case of single-hop traffic, the well-studied Max Weight algorithm provides soft priorities to links with larger queue lengths. If packets arrive in bursts during file arrival instants, then large variances in file sizes would imply that some links will have very large queue lengths while others will have small queue lengths. Thus, links with small queue lengths may be starved for long periods of time. An alternative is to use only MAC-layer queue lengths in making scheduling decisions; in fact, typically only this information is available since scheduling is performed at the MAC layer. Therefore the questions we ask in this paper are the following: (i) is scheduling using only MAC-layer queue length information throughput-optimal? and (ii) does it improve delay performance compared to the case where scheduling is performed using the total number of packets waiting at a link? We affirmatively answer both questions in the paper (the first theoretically and the second using simulations), making minimal assumptions on the transport-layer window control mechanism.
The future of yogurt: scientific and regulatory needs

Lactation biology, microbial selection, and human diversity are central themes that could guide investment in scientific research, industrial innovation, and regulatory policy oversight to propel yogurt into the central role for health-promoting food products. The ability of yogurt to provide the nourishing properties of milk together with the live microorganisms from fermentation provides a unique combination of food assets. Academic research must now define the various targets on which these biological assets act to improve health and develop the metrics that can quantitatively document their benefits. The food industry must reconcile that yogurt and its microorganisms cannot be expected to provide measurable benefits for all consumers, at all doses, and at all times. A supportive regulatory oversight must demand safety and yet encourage innovations that support a value proposition for yogurt in health. Health valuation in the marketplace will be driven by parallel innovations, including accurate assessment technologies, validated microbial ingredients, and health-aware consumers.
Melanin Concentrating Hormone Is a Novel Regulator of Islet Function and Growth

Melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide known to play a critical role in energy balance. We have previously reported that overexpression of MCH is associated with mild obesity. In addition, mice have substantial hyperinsulinemia and islet hyperplasia that is out of proportion with their degree of obesity. In this study, we further explored the role of MCH in the endocrine pancreas. Both MCH and MCHR1 are expressed in mouse and human islets and in clonal β-cell lines as assessed using quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Mice lacking MCH (MCH-KO) on either a C57Bl/6 or 129Sv genetic background showed a significant reduction in β-cell mass and complemented our earlier observation of increased β-cell mass in MCH -overexpressing mice. Furthermore, the compensatory islet hyperplasia secondary to a high-fat diet, which was evident in wild-type controls, was attenuated in MCH-KO. Interestingly, MCH enhanced insulin secretion in human and mouse islets and rodent β-cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Real-time PCR analyses of islet RNA derived from MCH-KO revealed altered expression of islet-enriched genes such as glucagon, forkhead homeobox A2, hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)4α, and HNF1α. Together, these data provide novel evidence for an autocrine role for MCH in the regulation of β-cell mass dynamics and in islet secretory function and suggest that MCH is part of a hypothalamic-islet (pancreatic) axis.
Can We Close The Income And Wealth Gap Between Specialists And Primary Care Physicians

Over their lifetimes, primary care physicians earn lower incomes—and accumulate considerably less wealth—than their specialist counterparts. This gap influences medical students, who are choosing careers in primary care in declining numbers. We estimated career wealth accumulation across specialists, primary care physicians, physician assistants, business school graduates, and college graduates. We then compared specialists, represented by cardiologists, to primary care physicians in four scenarios. The wealth gap is substantial; narrowing it would require substantial reductions in specialists’ practice income or increases in primary care physicians’ practice income, or both, of more than $100,000 a year. Current proposals for increasing primary care physician supply would do little to lessen these differences.
Effects of Different Pyrethroids on Landing Behavior of Female Aedes aegypti, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, and Culex quinquefasciatus Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)

Mosquitoes from three genera, Aedes aegypti L., Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say, and Culex quinquefasciatus Say, were tested for facultative landing and resting behavior on pyrethroid-treated surfaces paired with adjacent untreated surfaces. The three pyrethroids tested were bifenthrin, deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin. Landing and resting behavior was video recorded and quantified using Observer XT software. Untreated control treatments were tested to show behavior in the absence of insecticides. In controls, the three species had different activity levels, with An. quadrimaculatus being the most active and Cx. quinquefasciatus being the least active. The three species had unique responses to different compounds tested. Landing frequency on adjacent untreated and treated filter papers did not differ for any compound or species at any time during the experiment. However, landing frequencies did differ between treatments and over time. Differences between treated and untreated sides were largely caused by changes in the length of time mosquitoes rested on each side. An. quadrimaculatus had a unique response to the presence of deltamethrin compared with the other species or compounds in which it spent an increased amount of time in contact with both treated and adjacent untreated surfaces. Cx. quinquefasciatus avoided all three compounds by the end of the experiment and rested longer on untreated sides. In most cases, modification of landing and resting behaviors occurred only after mosquitoes had the opportunity to come into contact and acquire a dose of pyrethroid. Bifenthrin had the fastest TK50 for all species. Other differences between compounds for each species are described. The term excito-repellency has produced confusion in the literature, and it is revisited and discussed with respect to the results, which justify the use of alternative terminology. The term "locomotive stimulant" is offered as an acceptable alternative.
Heterogeneity of the 3' portion of sequences related to immunoglobulin kappa-chain mRNA

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that immunoglobulin κ -chains consist of a v-region, the portion that combines with antigen, located in the NH 2 -half of the molecule, and a c-region in the COOH-half, each comprising approximately 110 residues. The c-region is generally identical in all κ -chains and is coded for by unique genes. To determine whether T-lymphocytes have the potential for immunoglobulin synthesis, the presence in T-cells of RNA molecules was searched related to c κ 1 mRNA by the use of a cDNA probe. In the course of these experiments, evidence was obtained that c κ genes, although “unique,” represent a small family of sequences that diverge by as much as 12%. The chapter reviews that immunoglobulin κ -chain mRNA was prepared from membrane-bound ribosomes of MOPC-41 mouse myeloma tumors by hot phenol extraction, oligo (dT)-cellulose chromatography, sucrose gradient centrifugation, and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The κ -mRNA appeared as a single band of approximately 13 S in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and was translationally pure in the wheat-germ system. The results reported indicate that a unique gene may be a member of a relatively small family of closely related genes.
The Relevance Of Firms Accounting And Market Performance For CEO Compensation

This paper investigates the relationship between several different CEO compensation components and several firm performance metrics using canonical correlation analysis (CCA). The principal findings presented in this paper offer evidence supporting the pay-performance relationship in corporate America. CEOs bonuses are closely associated with accounting measures of performance whereas CEO’s long-term compensation is directly linked to firm’s market performance. Furthermore, a substantial portion of the variance in CEOs bonus is explained by firm performance variables. Firm performance measures have some predictive power for CEO bonus but very little predictive power for other compensation measures.
Understanding a large-scale iptv network via system logs

Recently, there has been a global trend among the telecommunication industry on the rapid deployment of IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) infrastructure and services. While the industry rushes into the IPTV era, the comprehensive understanding of the status and dynamics of IPTV network lags behind. Filling this gap requires in-depth analysis of large amounts of measurement data across the IPTV network. One type of the data of particular interest is device or system log, which has not been systematically studied before. In this dissertation, we will explore the possibility of utilizing system logs to serve a wide range of IPTV network management purposes including health monitoring, troubleshooting and performance evaluation, etc. In particular, we develop a tool to convert raw router syslogs to meaningful network events. In addition, by analyzing set-top box (STB) logs, we propose a series of models to capture both channel popularity and dynamics, and users' activity on the IPTV network.
0224 Direct exposure to metalworking fluid aerosols and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a cohort of U.S. automotive industry workers

Objectives Exposure to metalworking fluid (MWF) causes respiratory outcomes such as asthma and chronic bronchitis, as well as symptoms including phlegm and wheezing. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompasses these outcomes, and so is a potential result of MWF exposure. Recent evidence based on g-estimation suggests that reducing exposure to MWF would substantially decrease years of life lost due to COPD. The objective of this analysis is to examine the exposure-response relationship between direct exposure to MWF and COPD mortality in a large occupational cohort. Method Hazard ratios were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models for the association between cumulative exposure to the thoracic fraction (PM 9.8 ) of straight, synthetic, or soluble MWF and COPD mortality. Subjects directly exposed to each fluid type were compared to those who were never directly exposed (assembly workers). Results Hazard ratios for exposure quartiles increased in a non-monotonic fashion, with a maximum of 1.6 for straight, 1.4 for soluble, and 1.5 for synthetic, reflecting an increased risk of COPD for exposed subjects. However, none of the HRs were significant at the 95% confidence level. Indirect adjustment for cigarette smoking (based on smoking rates in a cross-sectional survey) did not influence the estimates. Conclusions While the results of this analysis did not reach statistical significance, they provide evidence supporting previous studies showing a risk of COPD associated with MWF exposure. The hazards presented are likely to be underestimates of the true association between COPD and MWF, due to the healthy worker effect.
The religious origins of class coalitions: Elite participation in religiously motivated peasant rebellions in Mexico, Zimbabwe, and India:

This article explains why elite classes participate in religiously motivated peasant rebellions. This question is important because, although elite resources are required to overcome collective act...
Detection of Circulating T-Activating Enzyme in the Serum of a Patient Having Hemolytic–Uremic Syndrome and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

A three-and-a-half-year old boy suffering from streptococcal pneumonia developed hemolytic-uremic syndrome and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). His red blood cells (RBC) were shown to be T- and Tk-activated; serial testing showed his mature RBCs as well as neocytes remained T-activated at 40 days. Anti-T was detected in his serum, with only one of two T-activated RBC samples. T-activating enzyme was shown to be present in his serum.
Mitigation of sparsely sampled nonstationary jammers for multi-antenna GNSS receivers

In this paper, we address the suppression of frequency modulated jammers in a multi-sensor Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. In particular, we consider the case of sparsely sampled signals and compressed observations. In this case, applying conventional time-frequency (TF) analysis for jammer characterization produces noise-like artifacts which, if not properly considered, would obscure the jammer TF representation and lead to considerable errors in jammer signal estimation and excision. In the proposed approach, a multi-sensor data-dependent TF kernel is applied for effective mitigation of artifacts due to missing samples. Sparse reconstruction methods are then applied to obtain nonparametric instantaneous frequency estimation. We apply the continuous-structure aware Bayesian compressive sensing method to exploit the contiguous nature of the jammer TF signature, leading to enhanced localization and suppression.
Examining Nurses’ Decision Process for Medication Management in Home Care

Article-at-a-Glance Background The process of medication management within home care agencies was prospectively described, with a focus on the nurse's role and critical points in the process. The process the nurse must follow includes preparing, checking, and administering medications; updating knowledge of medications; monitoring the effectiveness of treatment; reporting adverse reactions; and teaching patients about their drugs. Processes for Medication Management in Home Health Care The steps that home health nurses (HHNs) go through with families and the system changes that could be developed to decrease errors were identified. The approach was based on Failure Mode and Effects Analysis—a method to identify and prevent process problems before they occur. The medication management process was divided into drug utilization review (DUR) for duplicative and harmful interactions; drug administration by the patient, family member, and/or caregiver; and side effects. Failure modes were developed for a DUR for duplicative and harmful interactions. Discussion Home health agencies should analyze the medication management process in their own agencies and identify system solutions. The difficulty encountered by HHNs in contacting physicians to discuss changes to the drug regimen following the assessment of potential drug interactions or duplications is an ongoing problem. Careful monitoring by HHNs could decrease the impact of adverse drug effects.
Full heaps over affine Dynkin diagrams

It will turn out that the correspondence of Theorem 5.5.6 extends to a bijection between the isomorphism types of full heaps over untwisted affine Dynkin diagrams and the isomorphism classes of minuscule modules; the latter were classified in Theorem 5.1.5. In order to do this we need to construct a corresponding full heap for each minuscule representation of a simple Lie algebra. Most of Chapter 6 is devoted to constructing the necessary heaps. We first deal with the difficult (nonranked) case of type A in Section 6.1, and classify the relevant full heaps in Theorem 6.1.18. The related problem of classifying the proper ideals in type A is considered in Section 6.2. The full heaps corresponding to the spin representations in type D are constructed in Section 6.3, and in turn this enables the constructions in types B and twisted D in Section 6.4. The three exceptional full heaps are constructed in Section 6.5. The main result of Chapter 6 is Theorem 6.6.2, which classifies all full heaps over affine Dynkin diagrams. (There are other examples of full heaps, some of which are described in Section 6.1.) In addition to giving a construction of all minuscule representations, this theorem has a number of other interesting corollaries, such as a description of all the lowest weights of minuscule representations in Proposition 6.6.8. Many of the constructions in this chapter will be of key importance when studying particular examples later on.
Reconciling soil-water retention properties and shear strength parameters of compacted clayey soils via suction-controlled ring shear testing

A preliminary experimental program has been undertaken to assess suction-controlled peak and residual shear strength properties of a statically compacted, moderate plasticity clayey soil. The experimental program was accomplished in a fully servo/suction-controlled ring shear apparatus, suitable for testing unsaturated soils under large deformations via the axis-translation technique. The test results highlight the important role played by matric suction on residual shear strength behaviour of compacted clayey soils. For the range of net normal stresses and suction states investigated, the increase in peak shear strength with increasing suction was found to be significantly nonlinear for the clayey soil. A distinct correspondence was also observed between the nonlinear nature of peak shear strength envelope, with respect to increasing matric suction, and the soil-water retention curve. The residual failure envelope, however, remains reasonably linear for the range of suction values induced in the present work via axis-translation.
Considering Diversity in Collaborative Video Game Design Work

The highly collaborative world of video game design involves a number of key cooperative work issues. However, relatively little research thus far has examined this particular form of creative work-especially understanding and supporting diversity within the field. In this paper, I highlight three aspects of diversity where further research could produce valuable insights for the field of video game design work: the inclusion of diverse groups of people, especially underrepresented groups; the effect that organizational structure may have in supporting both diverse individuals and diverse perspectives; and the potential relationship of work tool selection to supporting diverse users' work. I also propose potential research questions that might be addressed by applying a lens of diversity to studying video game design work.
Montesquieu's Complex Natural Right and Moderate Liberalism: The Roots of American Moderation

The diversity in twentieth-century scholarship on Montesquieu's The Spirit of Laws helps to confirm his own appreciation for complexity, synthesis, and balance in both political theory and practice. This is the overlooked meaning of "moderation," the key to his labyrinthine masterwork. His liberalism sought to capture the multiple dimensions of politics and the equilibrium, or moderation, in nature and human nature. Moderation informs his constitutionalism of balanced powers but also a natural right encompassing individual interest and humane sympathy for fellows. Reading the entire work, as Montesquieu requests, reveals that moderation and complexity provide its very plan and coherence-from its title, to its six-part structure, to its balancing of philosophy with humane letters. His natural right emphasizes tranquillity and political moderation, tempering modern liberalism with classical and medieval elements. Montesquieu's synthesis of such alternatives, and of the individual and social dimensions of ou...
Error compensation and accuracy improvements in 5-axis machine tools using the global offset method

Abstract To enhance the machine tool accuracy, the Global offset method is developed for compensating the five-axis machine tool errors based on the measurement results of one or more identical machined parts. The machined features of a part are measured in a CMM and evaluated by a compensation processor, based on which the Global offset parameters, representing the machine tool errors, are estimated. The methodology is capable of compensating the overall effect of all position-dependent and position-independent systematic errors which contribute to particular workpiece accuracy. The developed technique and software are based on the Global offset method which interprets the computed deviations between the measured and nominal dimensions of the part through the analysis, synthesis and modeling of a fixture and rotary tables errors. The proposed model-based error compensation method is simple enough to be implemented in five-axis CNC machine tools. Production results exhibit effective compensation and remarkable improvement in the workpiece accuracy of the five-axis machine tools.
Detection and quantitation of right ventricular reversible perfusion defects by stress SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging: A proof-of-principle study

In patients with right dominant coronary circulation, the right ventricular (RV) myocardium and the inferior region of the left ventricular (LV) myocardium share a common source of blood flow. We hypothesized that stress/rest SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) could detect reversible perfusion defects in the RV in some patients with LV inferior wall perfusion abnormalities. We identified 2 groups of patients with LV inferior wall perfusion defects (with or without defects in other regions of LV myocardium) from our database. Patients in group 1 (n = 17) had reversible perfusion defects in the RV free wall by visual analysis, while patients in group 2 (n = 17) did not. The images were processed with filtered back projection and, separately, with iterative reconstruction. The images were then re-processed using an automated quantitative software that is specifically designed to include the RV in the region of interest. There were 76% men in group 1 and 94% in group 2 (P <0.05). The mean age was 65±20 in group 1 vs. 63±18 years in group 2 (P < 0.05). The stress type was exercise in 30% in group 1 and 35% in group 2, with the remaining patients studied with pharmacological stress testing (P = NS). The presence of RV reversible perfusion defects using filtered back projection was more evident in 13 patients (75%), while it was better seen with iterative reconstruction in 4 patients (25%). By automated analysis, the RV reversible perfusion defect size was 19 ± 14% of RV myocardium. This proof-of-principle study demonstrates that reversible RV perfusion defects suggestive of ischemia can be detected by SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging in some patients with LV inferior ischemia by visual analysis and can be quantitated by automated programs. Further studies on the diagnostic and prognostic relevance of assessing RV ischemia on SPECT MPI are needed.
Astrocyte Senescence and Metabolic Changes in Response to HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Drugs

With the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) survival rates among patients infected by HIV have increased. However, even though survival has increased HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) still persist, suggesting that HAART-drugs may play a role in the neurocognitive impairment observed in HIV-infected patients. Given previous data demonstrating that astrocyte senescence plays a role in neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, we examined the role of HAART on markers of senescence in primary cultures of human astrocytes. Our results indicate treatment HAART induces cell cycle arrest, senescence-associated beta-galactosidase and the cell cycle inhibitor p21. HAART treatment is also associated with the induction of reactive oxygen species and upregulation of mitochondrial oxygen consumption. These changes in mitochondria correlate with increased glycolysis in HAART drug treated astrocytes. Taken together these results indicate that HAART drugs induce the senescence program in human astrocytes, which is associated with oxidative and metabolic changes that could play a role in the development of HAND.
Interventions that may prevent or mollify supervolcanic eruptions

Abstract A supervolcanic eruption of 1015 kg could block the sun for years, causing mass starvation or even extinction of some species, including humans. Despite awareness of this problem for several decades, only five interventions have been proposed. In this paper, we increase the number of total possible interventions by more than an order of magnitude. The 64 total interventions involve changing magma characteristics, venting magma, strengthening the cap (rock above the magma), putting more pressure on the magma, stopping an eruption in progress, containing the erupted material, disrupting the plume, or provoking a less intense eruption. We provide qualitative evaluations of the feasibility and risk of 38 of the more promising interventions. The two most promising interventions involve putting more pressure on the magma and delaying the eruption with water dams or soil over the magma chamber. We perform a technical analysis, accurate to within an order of magnitude, and find that water dams and soil and could statistically delay the eruption for a century with 1 and 15 years of effort, respectively. All actions require essentially untested geoengineering challenges along with economic, political and general public acceptance. Further work is required to refine the science, provide cost estimates, and compare cost effectiveness with interventions focusing on adapting to a supereruption.