cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial therapy for asymptomatic bacteriuria or candiduria in advanced cancer patients transitioning to comfort measures

Among 300 advanced cancer patients with potential urinary tract infection (UTI), 19 had symptomatic UTI. Among remaining patients (n = 281), 21% had asymptomatic bacteriuria or candiduria, and 14% received inappropriate therapy for 279 antimicrobial days. Bacteriuria or candiduria predicted antimicrobial therapy. At 10,000 to <100,000 CFU/mL, the incidence rate ratio [IRR] was 16.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.0–47.2), and at ≥100,000 CFU/mL, the IRR was 27.9 (95% CI, 10.9–71.2).
Toward a typology of integration: Examining the documents model framework

Abstract Drawing on the Documents Model Framework, in two studies we investigate the types of multiple text models (e.g., mush model, separate representations model, documents model) reflected in students’ written responses, composed based on multiple texts. In among the first studies to holistically code written responses for the type of multiple text models they reflect, we find evidence for all of the multiple text representations specified in the Documents Model. We further examine the types of integration, or cross-textual connections, featured in students’ responses, including evidentiary (i.e., corroborating evidence), thematic (i.e., comparing main ideas across texts), and contextual (i.e., comparing meta-textual information, like author expertise) connections. Finally, we associate the types of multiple text models reflected in students’ written responses with various measures of integration, including the number of discourse connectives and citations included and self-reports of strategy use (Study 1), as well as with integrative utterances reported during a cued think-aloud (Study 2).
Chains of Persuasion in the Deliberative System: Addressing the Pragmatics of Religious Inclusion (Penultimate Version)

If one accepts that religious arguments ought to be included in democratic deliberations, three problems immediately arise. First, religious arguments will not persuade those who do not accept the religious premises, so religious arguments do not seem to contribute to deliberative opinion and will formation. Second, democratic arguments will not persuade religious citizens who prioritize their religious commitments ("integralists"), who seem to be excluded from deliberative opinion and will formation. Third, if an integralist makes a religious argument intending to persuade, then she seems to be appealing to an invidious double standard: she expects her fellows to be potentially persuaded by her religious argument when she is not reciprocally open to persuasion on the basis of their comprehensive views. I argue that approaching deliberation from a deliberative systems view provides a powerful approach to each of these three problems unavailable to more traditional understandings of deliberative democracy.
Interplay of Lorentz-Berry forces in position-momentum spaces for valley-dependent impurity scattering in α − T 3 lattices

The Berry-phase mediated valley-selected skew scattering in $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{-}{T}_{3}$ lattices is demonstrated. The interplay of Lorentz and Berry forces in position and momentum spaces is revealed and analyzed. Many-body screening of the electron-impurity interaction is taken into account to avoid overestimation of back and skew scattering of electrons in the system. Triplet peak from skew interactions at two valleys is found in near-vertical and near-horizontal forward- and backward-scattering directions for small Berry phases and low magnetic fields. Magnetic-field dependence in both nonequilibrium and thermal-equilibrium currents is also presented for valley-dependent longitudinal and transverse transports mediated by a Berry phase. Mathematically, two Boltzmann moment equations are employed for computing scattering-angle distributions of nonequilibrium skew currents by using microscopic inverse energy- and momentum-relaxation times. Meanwhile, a valley-dependent unbalanced thermal-equilibrium anomalous Hall current induced by the Berry force in momentum space, due to different mobilities for two valleys, is also computed for comparisons.
Peace-building from the inside

A deeper understanding of the role embodied intelligence can play in social change is vitally important if we are to be successful in creating and maintaining a more just and sustainable world. A key component of any change process, peace-building being one example of such a process, is developing inwardly focused bodily intelligence. A phenomenologically oriented understanding of social change, and by extension peace-building, is one in which bodily felt recognition must take a special place. Change that is bodily recognized has a different character and functions distinctly from the change that is experienced during a change of mind. A change of mind may stem solely from assimilating new information, (e.g. reading the latest book or professional journal), while bodily experienced change registers along broader lines than cognition alone. Although both processes are kinds of change, the embodied change, which is felt from the inside, is far more generative than change that involves merely altering or shuffling around existing schema or concepts. To assist in further exploration of peace-building as inherently both a personal and social event, I have developed an approach based in part on Gendlin's philosophical works, in particular his Process Model (Gendlin, 1997). I refer to this approach as a process model for peace-building because this articulates how intrapersonal, interpersonal, and social agency can be framed as one movement, a single ongoing process of human life. However, it must be admitted that this approach with its emphasis on developing embodied knowledge and practices is not as yet readily associated with such externally focused work as that which is found in peace-building as an academic field or social action activity. Embodied interior intelligence as a theoretically rich concept, although known in phenomenology and recognized in emerging theories of cognition, is not as yet sensible to many of those working in the peace-building arena.
CAPOTE’S FROZEN CATS: sexuality, hospitality, civil rights

AbstractIn this late story, Truman Capote celebrates a peculiar form of object relations to expand definitions of sexuality beyond conventional identity categories and thus suggest a more expansive model of social inclusion and civil rights. Building on work in animal studies, queer theory, and the new materialities, I argue that the literalism of these object relations decenters the human and reimagines a wider ethics of belonging. The story describes an elderly widow who keeps all of her deceased cats in a freezer because she cannot bear to be parted from them. Although the story prepares us to expect that the frozen cats could be symbols or surrogates for her dead husband, it becomes clear that she loves her cats literally as cats and nothing more. Capote pushes us to acknowledge and accept this love for her cats just as it is. And by doing so, he invites us to imagine a more hospitable world in which we accommodate other kinds of object-choice beyond the confines of heterosexual marriage, including bu...
Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulation of Interface-Controlled Hafnia-Based Resistive Memory

Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of resistive memory devices have been performed by paying attention to the vacancy–interstitial generation near the Hafnia-metal electrode interface. In our model, an oxygen vacancy is generated in Hafnia near the interface, with the corresponding oxygen atom residing in the metal electrode. These oxygen atoms form a thin insulating oxide layer at the Hafnia-active electrode interface. This interfacial layer is essential to thicken the filament, even after the filament bridges the two metal electrodes at low current levels. This thickening of the conducting filament is captured by the model and it naturally explains the trend of resistance decrease with an increase in compliance current found in some experiments. Simulations results as a function of the bonding energy between vacancies show a large increase in retention time with an increase in bonding energy. We also find that as the compliance current increases, the morphology of the filament transitions from conical to dumbbell-shaped. Finally, using a single set of values for various energies, our simulations capture the SET, RESET, and retention processes.
Radical Hope: Truth, Virtue, and Hope for What Is Left in Extinction Rebellion

This paper examines expressed hopelessness among environmental activists in Extinction Rebellion. While activists claim that they have lost all hope for a future without global warming and species extinction, through despair emerges a new hope for saving what can still be saved—a hope for what is left. This radical hope, emerging from despair, may make Extinction Rebellion even more effective. Drawing from personal interviews with 25 Extinction Rebellion activists in the United Kingdom and the published work of other Extinction Rebellion activists, this paper identifies signs of radical hope. While activists have cast off false hope and passive hope, a new hope for what is still possible remains. This hope is based on virtue ethics: doing what is right in the moment, rather than being attached to a desired outcome. This drives forward activism despite the results. Through their principle of regenerative culture, Extinction Rebellion activists learn to support each other and be prepared for a more turbulent and challenging future. Through a regenerative culture they can salvage and repair what is left and sustain radical hope.
Using Distributed Practice to Improve Students’ Attitudes and Performance in Statistics:

Background:Research shows distributed practice enhances learning and skill development, but less is known about the effect on perceptions and attitudes toward the material being learned.Objective:T...
Karmic Versus Organic Evolution: The Hindu Encounter with Modern Evolutionary Science

Hindus today often affirm a belief in evolution and avow that the Hindu tradition is entirely compatible with evolutionary theory and modern science in general. Some Hindus go so far as to claim that their ancient sages actually discovered evolution long before Darwin. Others assert that Hindu teachings go beyond modern science and can complete it, accounting not just for the evolution of the physical body but also of consciousness. In the process of making such claims, these apologists at times declare that Hinduism is the most scientific religion in the world, certainly more scientific than Christianity. Closer examination of these pronouncements reveals that evolution has many meanings. For Hindus, it often refers to the spiritual evolution of the soul via the processes of rebirth and karmic development. It is this meaning that permeates the broad claims about the compatibility of Hinduism and evolution, rather than Darwin’s notion of organic evolution, thereby obscuring deep differences. This conflation of meanings thus generates considerable tension in attempts to reconcile the two explanatory evolutionary processes, karmic and organic, despite many superficial similarities. The tensions revolve around the three major challenges that confronted Christian theologians regarding purpose, morality, and human uniqueness, although in rather different terms. To investigate these tensions, I will first look at traditional teachings about karma and rebirth, both in popular literature and more philosophical treatises, including Hindu accounts of the origin and nature of species. I will then examine colonial and postcolonial Hindu responses to modern evolutionary theory.
Evolving extreme events caused by climate change: A tail based Bayesian approach for extreme event risk analysis:

Natural hazards are of significant concern for engineering development in the offshore environment. Climate change phenomena are making these concerns even greater. The frequency and extent of natu...
Tête, épaule ou poitrine : est-ce que le positionnement des caméras portatives a une incidence sur la visibilité d’informations cruciales ?

Les cameras portatives sont devenues monnaie courante dans les forces de l’ordre. La plupart de la recherche sur le sujet s’est interessee a l’effet des cameras sur le comportement des policiers et leur incidence sur le taux de plaintes des citoyens envers la police alors que peu d’etudes se sont penchees sur les facteurs humains et les problemes ergonomiques lies au deploiement de ces appareils, notamment celui du positionnement des cameras portatives. Cette question est d’interet puisque le positionnement peut avoir un effet sur la qualite des sequences filmees. Jusqu’a maintenant, il y a peu de directives fondees sur des donnees probantes quant au positionnement optimal des cameras. La presente etude a donc comme but d’analyser le degre de visibilite d’une cible a partir de differents positionnements d’installation des cameras portatives. Trois policiers ont effectue 31 exercices de tir sur une cible statique avec une arme de poing, un fusil d’assaut et une carabine. Les exercices ont ete faits en variant les positions de depart, les positions du corps des policiers, les facons de tenir l’arme et les mouvements. Des cameras portatives ont ete installees des deux cotes d’un chapeau, des lunettes et des epaules, ainsi que sur la poitrine. Une camera a aussi ete installee sur chaque arme a feu. Nous avons code, et utilise comme mesure principale, le pourcentage des images filmees ou la cible etait entierement visible pendant les exercices. Chaque exercice a ete divise par phases, soit pre-tir, tir et post-tir, et un regroupement de toutes les phases a aussi ete fait. Dans l’ensemble, pour toutes les phases, les cameras portees a la tete (chapeau et lunettes) et la camera portee sur la poitrine ont montre une visibilite superieure (~80 % de visibilite complete) aux cameras installees sur une arme a feu (68 % de visibilite complete) et sur l’epaule (~12 % de visibilite complete). Durant la phase de pre-tir, toutes les cameras portees a la hauteur de la tete (chapeau et lunettes) avaient une visibilite superieure (~70 % de visibilite complete) a tous les autres positionnements (14-41 % de visibilite complete). Cette etude laisse entendre que les cameras portees a la tete, situees a gauche ou a droite d’un chapeau ou de lunettes, offrent une meilleure optimisation de la visibilite de la cible.
Entrepreneur fund-seeking: toward a theory of funding fit in the era of equity crowdfunding

Why do entrepreneurs prefer to seek one equity form of funding over another? To address this question, we develop a contingency-based model of perceived funding fit that delineates several factors that influence strategic fund-seeking decisions by entrepreneurs. In prior research, entrepreneur fund-seeking has largely been explained using models that rely on rule-based approaches (e.g., the pecking order assumption) or value capture considerations. In contrast, we propose a dynamic contingency-based model that delineates several factors that influence entrepreneur perceptions of funding fit over and above transactional efficiency, including atypical value creation from the fundraising process itself and external stakeholder values. We inductively assess our model in the context of equity crowdfunding (ECF) and find that perceived funding fit can motivate some strategic fund-seekers to opt to pursue ECF, even when they have a reasonable opportunity to obtain other more established sources of funding such as angel or seed-stage venture capital. This indicates that ECF in several cases is not a funding mode of last resort as proposed in prior literature. Plain English Summary Raising capital is a complex and dynamic process. Strategic entrepreneurs seek “funding fit” for their particular ventures leading some to opt for less established forms of funding such as equity crowdfunding for a variety of reasons beyond efficiency. Prior venture funding research has largely taken the view of the investor, emphasizing what entrepreneurs must do to win the favor of angel investors and other seed funders, and deeming equity crowdfunding (ECF) a funding mode of last resort for discouraged entrepreneurs. Inductively analyzing hundreds of regulatory filings, entrepreneur interviews, public information, and media pieces about ECF-funded firms, we find evidence that in several cases, strategic entrepreneurs may prefer to opt for ECF if they perceive it to be a better fit due to novel forms of nonfinancial value. We explain our findings by proposing an emergent contingency-based model of “funding fit.”
Energetics of Ambulation

Operation of a prosthesis, either upper or lower limb, generally costs more energy than operation of the natural limb. This chapter outlines the physical energetics of gait and ways to reduce the power consumption of prostheses.
Cell-based and cell-free firefly luciferase complementation assay to quantify Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 Rev-Rev interaction

Abstract Rev is an essential regulatory protein of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV) that is found in the nucleus of infected cells. Rev multimerizes on the Rev-response element (RRE) of HIV RNA to facilitate the export of intron-containing HIV mRNAs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, and, as such, HIV cannot replicate in the absence of Rev. We have developed cell-intact and cell-free assays based upon a robust firefly split-luciferase complementation system, both of which quantify Rev-Rev interaction. Using the cell-based system we show that additional Crm1 did not impact the interaction whereas excess Rev reduced it. Furthermore, when a series of mutant Revs were tested, there was a strong correlation between the results of the cell-based assay and the results of a functional Rev trans-complementation infectivity assay. Of interest, a camelid nanobody (NB) that was known to inhibit Rev function enhanced Rev-Rev interaction in the cell-based system. We observed a similar increase in Rev-Rev interaction in a cell-free system, when cell lysates expressing NLUC-Rev or CLUC-Rev were simply mixed. In the cell-free system Rev-Rev interaction occurred within minutes and was inhibited by excess Rev. The levels of interaction between the mutant Revs tested varied by mutant type. Treatment of Rev lysates with RNAse minimally reduced the degree of interaction whereas addition of HIV RRE RNA enhanced the interaction. Purified GST-Rev protein inhibited the interaction. The Z-factor (Z’) for the cell-free system was ~0.85 when tested in 96-well format, and anti-Rev NB enhanced the interaction in the cell-free system. Thus, we have developed both cell-intact and cell-free systems that can reliably, rapidly, and reproducibly quantify Rev-Rev interaction. These assays, particularly the cell-free one, may be useful in screening and identifying compounds that inhibit Rev function on a high throughput basis.
Chapter 4 Molecular Properties and Physiological Roles of the Renal Na+-H+ Exchanger

Publisher Summary Microvillus membrane vesicles isolated from renal cortex have subsequently served as a useful model system for characterizing the kinetic and biochemical features of a Na + –H + exchanger whose properties are largely representative of plasma membrane Na + –H + exchangers in general. This chapter reviews studies on the molecular properties of the renal microvillus membrane Na + –H + exchanger. Additional transport systems for the transfer of acids or bases exist in parallel with the Na + –H + exchanger on the luminal membrane of proximal tubule cells. The chapter describes the kinetics of the renal Na + –H + exchanger. As the imidazolium ring of histidine is the principal ionic group in proteins that is titratable at near-neutral pH values, in the study described in the chapter, this helped to evaluate the effect of histidine-specific reagents on the activity of the renal microvillus membrane Na + –H + exchanger. The carboxyl-activating reagent N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy- 1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ) inhibits Na + –H + exchange in renal microvillus vesicles. Also, The observations that N,N' -dicyclohexyl-carbodiimide (DCCD) inactivates the renal Na + –H + exchanger irreversibly and that amiloride protects against this inactivation suggested a strategy for covalently labeling the transport protein or one of its subunits. The renal Na + –H + exchanger helps in facilitating anion transport by HCO − 3 reabsorption, organic anion reabsorption, Cl − reabsorption, and anion transport and maintaining intracellular pH.
Improved Transducer for External Recording of Arterial Pulse Waves

This paper describes a new instrument with excellent low frequency response for recording arterial pulse wave forms. It uses a fluid filled chamber and a stiff diaphragm to which a set of semiconductor strain gages are cemented.
The "Interior" Revenue Service: The Tax Code as a Vehicle for Third-Party Enforcement of Conservation Easements

Conservation easements are increasingly popular. They protect undeveloped land by removing the development right from the landowner’s “bundle of sticks” and giving it to the party holding the easement. These easements confer a public benefit by protecting undeveloped land, dedicating it to use as a park, or preserving its ecosystem services. The Internal Revenue Code (the Tax Code) recognizes the public benefit, offering tax incentives for their donation to qualified organizations. However, the public does not have a vehicle to enforce the easements’ terms. Standing to enforce an easement is generally limited to the parties to the easement and, in some instances, the state attorneys general. This Note proposes a vehicle for collateral enforcement through the Tax Code. It proposes a citizen suit against the Commissioner of Internal Revenue for approving income tax deductions for conservation easements as a way to ensure an easement is beneficial to the public.
γ-Aminobutyric Acid Inhibits T Cell Autoimmunity and the Development of Inflammatory Responses in a Mouse Type 1 Diabetes Model

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is both a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS and a product of beta cells of the peripheral islets. Our previous studies, and those of others, have shown that T cells express functional GABAA receptors. However, their subunit composition and physiological relevance are unknown. In this study, we show that a subset of GABAA receptor subunits are expressed by CD4+ T cells, including the delta subunit that confers high affinity for GABA and sensitivity to alcohol. GABA at relatively low concentrations down-regulated effector T cell responses to beta cell Ags ex vivo, and administration of GABA retarded the adoptive transfer of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in NOD/scid mice. Furthermore, treatment with low dose of GABA (600 microg daily) dramatically inhibited the development of proinflammatory T cell responses and disease progression in T1D-prone NOD mice that already had established autoimmunity. Finally, GABA inhibited TCR-mediated T cell cycle progression in vitro, which may underlie GABA's therapeutic effects. The immunoinhibitory effects of GABA on T cells may contribute to the long prodomal period preceding the development of T1D, the immunological privilege of the CNS, and the regulatory effects of alcohol on immune responses. Potentially, pharmacological modulation of GABAA receptors on T cells may provide a new class of therapies for human T1D as well as other inflammatory diseases.
RISK AND VALUATION IN THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY

When the original contracts between the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Arabian‐American Oil Companies (ARAMCO) were signed, the price per barrel of crude was less than $3.00. The prices were stated in U.S. dollars because the dollar was “the” international currency and because it was “as good as gold”. Governments accumulating dollar reserves could convert them into gold at the rate of $35.00 per ounce of gold (guaranteed by the U.S. Government). This tie between the dollar and gold was eliminated by President Nixon's “New Economic Policy” (NEP) enunciated on 15 August 1971.
The use of multiple scenarios in sales forecasting: An empirical test☆

Abstract Nearly 500 annual sales forecasts were generated from the responses of 82 subjects who were presented with either a time-series plot of historical sales data by itself or with the same plus three scenarios, and were then asked to make forecasts. Sales forecasts were made in either a stable or an unstable environment. The findings did not support the claims made by scenario advocates. Scenarios did not make unexpected outcomes less surprising. Instead, scenarios were found to increase confidence in a favored forecast. Furthermore, no support was found for the contention that scenarios improved upon ‘eyeball’ extrapolations or made judgmental sales forecasts more accurate than quantitative extrapolations. Scenarios were found to be tainted by many of the same biases previously identified by cognitive psychologists.
Agent-Based Software Engineering

It has previously been claimed that agent technologies facilitate software development by virtue of their high-level abstractions for interactions. We address a more specific characterization and utility.We believe that it is important to distinguish agent technologies from other software technologies by virtue of a set of unique software characteristics. This is in contrast to much in the literature that concentrates on high-level characteristics that could be implemented with a variety of software techniques. Agent-based software engineering (ABSE), for at least an important class of agents and applications, can be characterized by both model and inner/outer language components. Our experience in developing applications based on longterm asynchronous exchange of agent messages, similar to typical email usage, leads us to believe these unique characteristics facilitate useful software development practices. The utility derives from a stratification of change among the components, ease of collaborative change and debugging even during runtime due to asynchronous text parsing-based message exchange, and reuse of the outer language as well as generic agents as a programming environment.
Identification of a sequence element on the 3' side of AAUAAA which is necessary for Simian virus 40 late mRNA 3'-end processing

Abstract Our previous studies of the 3'-end processing of simian virus 40 late mRNAs indicated the existence of an essential element (or elements) downstream of the AAUAAA signal. We report here the use of transient expression analysis to study a functional element which we located within the sequence AGGUUUUUU, beginning 59 nucleotides downstream of the recognized signal AAUAAA. Deletion of this element resulted in (i) at least a 75% drop in 3'-end processing at the normal site and (ii) appearance of readthrough transcripts with alternate 3' ends. Some flexibility in the downstream position of this element relative to the AAUAAA was noted by deletion analysis. Using computer sequence comparison, we located homologous regions within downstream sequences of other genes, suggesting a generalized sequence element. In addition, specific complementarity is noted between the downstream element and U4 RNA. The possibility that this complementarity could participate in 3'-end site selection is discussed.
State of Awakeness During Visual Fixation in Preterm Infants

To demonstrate the presence of discriminable awake states in preterm infants, facial behaviors and visual fixation to a single patterned stimulus were recorded. Five healthy preterm infants born at a mean of 29 weeks' gestation were followed from 30 to 35 weeks' postmenstrual age. Behaviors (eye openness, movements, mouthing, and vocalizations) were recorded simultaneously with visual fixation measured by the corneal reflection technique. Test time was determined by the duration of time the infant remained awake before crying or closing eyes. The presence of both quiet awakeness and drowsiness was demonstrated. Younger infants spent more time in drowsiness, whereas older infants had more quiet awakeness. Visual pattern fixation was observed as early as 30 weeks. Fixation time increased with increasing postmenstrual age. More fixation was observed during quiet awakeness than during drowsiness.
The First Overtone of the Hydrogen Bending Mode of Chloroform: Enhancement by Hydrogen Bonding

Vapor mixtures of chloroform and triethylamine were rapidly frozen at 77°K for infrared spectral study. The spectra of mixtures show an intense absorption at 2528 cm−1 which is not present in the spectrum of either pure chloroform or pure triethylamine. This band, which was first reported by Buswell, Rodebush, and Roy (1938) and by Gordy (1939) shifts to 1880 cm−1 when CDCl3 is used. This band is not readily attributed to a double minimum potential function for the C-H stretching mode. The data are consistent with the interpretation that the band is caused by the first overtone of ν4, though for CHCl3 it has greater intensity than ν4 itself. Consideration of the dipole moment expansion shows that this enhancement of the intensity of 2ν4 can be attributed to the same hydrogen bond effect which causes the enhancement of the C-H stretching mode of chloroform. A simple model of the dipole moment suggests that the origin of both of these intensity anomalies is in polarization of the base electrons.
Human Herpesvirus 8 and Kaposi's Sarcoma

This chapter reviews the association between the recently recognized virus human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) and Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), the most common malignancy seen in persons with AIDS. Other malignancies associated with HHV- 8 are also reviewed. The chapter illustrates the use of epidemiologic methods to indicate an infectious agent as the cause of a disease of unknown etiology and the use of molecular biologic methods to identify infectious agents that may have remained undetectable by more conventional approaches. KS is by far the most common malignancy found in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons. Paucity of KS cases among HIV-infected transfusion recipients, hemophiliacs, and injection drug users argues against KS agent's being a blood-borne pathogen. Even before the increased incidence of KS associated with HIV infection, researchers had been looking for a possible infectious agent as a cause of KS. Use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect HHV-8 DNA is one of the primary methods of determining HHV-8 infection. PCR-based studies have also examined the rate of positivity of KS biopsies based on the stage of the lesion. If HHV-8, like many other human herpesviruses, were ubiquitous among American and European adults, questions would remain regarding the connection between HHV-8 and KS. Several epidemiologic studies have examined the effect of antivirals active against herpesviruses on the development of KS. Knowledge about HHV-8 also may provide insights which may be useful to treat existing disease.
Enhanced Fuel Cell Catalyst Durability with Nitrogen Modified Carbon Supports

Abstract : This work illustrates the utility and improved performance of nitrogen-modified catalyst supports for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications. A unique two-step vapor-phase synthesis procedure is used to achieve the N-modification and Pt-Ru decoration of high surface-area carbon powders relevant to integration as electrocatalysts in fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). First, nitrogen surface moieties are incorporated into a commercial high surface area carbon support via a N-ion implantation technique, followed by Pt-Ru nanoparticle deposition via magnetron sputtering. The nitrogen-ion implantation of high surface area carbon supports yields superior Pt-Ru catalyst particle stability and performance as compared to industry standards. Specifically, results indicate a higher retention of metal catalyst surface area and electrochemical activity after accelerated electrochemical degradation testing. Further, characterization of catalyst materials before, during and after the electrochemical cycling provides insight into the catalyst particle coarsening and/or catalyst surface area loss mechanisms that dominate this fuel cell catalyst system.
The effect of diethylcarbamazine on microfilariae of Litomosoides carinii in vitro and in vivo.

Culture-derivedLitomosoides carinii microfilariae (MFF) were used in in vitro and in vivo systems to investigate the effect of diethylcar-bamazine (DEC) on these MFF. In vivo: Male rats,Mastomys natalensis, all of the same age, were injected intrathoracically (12) or intraperitoneally (36) with 103 or 104 MFF. After 30 min one half of each group of rats was given DEC per os. At 30, 60, and 120 min after DEC administration, two rats from the treated and two from the untreated group were bled and killed. The pleural or peritoneal cavities were rinsed with warm saline (0.15m NaCl) to recover MFF. In both the intrathoracic and intraperitoneal experiments, equal numbers of MFF were recovered from treated and control rats at 30 and 120 min. However, at 60 min 85.5% fewer were recovered from the treated than from the nontreated animals. MFF were not found in the blood. In vitro: MFF were added to tissue culture dish wells (Linbro Div., Flow Labs, Hamden, Conn) prepared as follows: DEC-Serum (serum from normal rats given DEC at 500 mg/kg), DEC+Serum (serum with added DEC), serum only, RPMI 1640 only, and RPMI 1640+DEC. Furthermore, the five treatments were prepared either with or without unstimulated peritoneal exudate (PE) cells. At 30 min in the DEC-Serum wells 45% of the MFF had adherent PE cells; in the remaining wells these cells adhered to 11% or fewer MFF. We interpret the aforementioned phenomena as representing the first step in the trapping and elimination of MFF after DEC treatment ofL. carinii-infectedM. natalensis.
Variants in the gene encoding aldose reductase (AKR1B1) and diabetic nephropathy in American Indians.

Aims The aldose reductase gene (AKR1B1) is a strong candidate for diabetic nephropathy, and the T allele at rs759853 and the Z-2 allele at an [AC]n microsatellite are associated with diabetic kidney disease in some populations. As AKR1B1 is located on 7q35, where we have previously reported linkage to diabetic nephropathy in Pima Indians, this study examined the association of AKR1B1 variants with diabetic nephropathy in this population. Methods AKR1B1 variants were identified by sequencing and genotyped using allelic discrimination and pyrosequencing. Genotype distributions were compared between 107 cases with diabetic end-stage renal disease and 108 control subjects with diabetes for ≥ 10 years and no evidence of nephropathy, and between 141 individuals with nephropathy and 416 individuals without heavy proteinuria in a family study of 257 sibships. Results We identified 11 AKR1B1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the [AC]n microsatellite polymorphism. Three SNPs were rare and two were in 100% genotypic concordance; thus, eight polymorphisms were genotyped. No variant was associated with diabetic kidney disease in the case-control or family-based study. For example, the T allele at rs759853 had an allele frequency of 0.165 in cases and 0.171 in control subjects (OR = 0.96, 95% CI, 0.57–1.59, P = 0.86); in the family study its frequency was 0.140 and 0.169 in affected and unaffected individuals, respectively (OR = 0.90, 95% CI, 0.53–1.54 P = 0.71). Corresponding values for the Z-2 allele at the [AC]n microsatellite were OR = 1.09 (95% CI 0.72–1.66, P = 0.67) and OR = 1.25 (95% CI 0.81–1.95, P = 0.31) in the case-control and family studies, respectively. Conclusions Common AKR1B1 polymorphisms are unlikely to be major determinants of diabetic nephropathy in this population. Diabet. Med. 23, 367–376 (2006)
Methylxanthine levels in breast milk of lactating women of different ethnic and socioeconomic classes

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dietary caffeine and dimethylxanthine concentrations in breast milk of 40 mothers from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Their diets and drug intake were not restricted in any way. Each nursing mother provided a fasting and a combined breast-milk sample each day for 3 consecutive days. No significant differences were found in intake levels of any of the methylxanthines among the groups tested. No significant differences were found among the four groups in breast-milk levels of caffeine, theobromine, or paraxanthine. However, the mean theophylline milk levels were significantly higher on 2 of the 3 days examined in Anglo-American woman compared to Hispanic-American women. Socioeconomic and ethnic variables were also compared among the four groups. The daily amounts of methylxanthines found in the breast milk of this free-living population of mothers do not appear to present clinically significant amounts to the infant.
Far-infrared to visible optical conductivity of single-wall carbon nanotubes

Abstract The reflectance of unoriented single-wall carbon nanotube films has been measured over a wide wavelength range (far-IR–UV). The results are consistent with the film being a mixture of conducting (armchair), small bandgap ( n ≡ m , mod 3) and semiconducting nanotubes. The optical conductivity shows peaks corresponding to transitions between density-of-states peaks of these tubes, at energy locations consistent with 1.4 nm diameter tubes. In addition optical absorption spectroscopy of aligned single-wall carbon nanotubes shows that the optical transitions are well-aligned along the tube axis. This behavior is consistent with polarized resonant Raman and electronic structure calculations.
Teaching an introductory course in data mining

The goal is to supply the participant with the tools to teach a course or unit about data mining and knowledge discovery. A basic understanding of the benefits and limitations of data mining as a problem-solving strategy will be offered. Several data mining techniques will be discussed. Prior knowledge about data mining and the knowledge discovery process is not necessary.
Kinetic Evaluation of Cell Membrane Hydrolysis during Apoptosis by Human Isoforms of Secretory Phospholipase A2

Some isoforms of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) distinguish between healthy and damaged or apoptotic cells. This distinction reflects differences in membrane physical properties. Because various sPLA2 isoforms respond differently to properties of artificial membranes such as surface charge, they should also behave differently as these properties evolve during a dynamic physiological process such as apoptosis. To test this idea, S49 lymphoma cell death was induced by glucocorticoid (6–48 h) or calcium ionophore. Rates of membrane hydrolysis catalyzed by various concentrations of snake venom and human groups IIa, V, and X sPLA2 were compared after each treatment condition. The data were analyzed using a model that evaluates the adsorption of enzyme to the membrane surface and subsequent binding of substrate to the active site. Results were compared temporally to changes in membrane biophysics and composition. Under control conditions, membrane hydrolysis was confined to the few unhealthy cells present in each sample. Increased hydrolysis during apoptosis and necrosis appeared to reflect substrate access to adsorbed enzyme for the snake venom and group X isoforms corresponding to weakened lipid-lipid interactions in the membrane. In contrast, apoptosis promoted initial adsorption of human groups V and IIa concurrent with phosphatidylserine exposure on the membrane surface. However, this observation was inadequate to explain the behavior of the groups V and IIa enzymes toward necrotic cells where hydrolysis was reduced or absent. Thus, a combination of changes in cell membrane properties during apoptosis and necrosis capacitates the cell for hydrolysis differently by each isoform.
Light Intensity Required for Maximum Egg Production in Hens

Abstract Two experiments were conducted with a medium weight, brown egg hen to investigate the effects of various intensities of illumination upon egg production, feed consumption and mortality over a 50-week production period. Intensities of 5.38, 21.53 and 53.82 lux and a treatment consisting of a three month progressive increase on each intensity with the final period utilizing 107.64 lux were tested. In each of two trials, the birds exposed to 5.38 lux had the highest egg production; but the differences in egg production between the various treatments were not statistically significant. Feed consumption per hen and laying house mortality were not significantly influenced by light intensity.
An Item Factor Analysis of Intrafamilial Attitudes of Parents

Summary The purpose of this study was to provide a large sample validation of the Family Attitude Measure (FAM) developed by Delhees et al. (7). The FAM was given to the parents of 250 junior high school children, and the items factored. The results of the analyses on two of the subtests were found to be interpretable and are described in detail. Few of the factors identified were as interpretable in the sense of the Delhees et al. factors, but this could be due to the fact that this study involved the factoring of items rather than the “packages” which served as variables in the Delhees article.
Polymer-monovalent salt-induced DNA compaction studied via single-molecule microfluidic trapping

Polymer-monovalent salt-induced single-molecule DNA compaction/condensation in a microfluidic stagnation point flow was studied by analyzing both DNA compaction images and time trajectories. For the whole DNA compaction process we observed three successive steps: Step I, a relaxation process of the stretched DNA that occurs slowly along the whole DNA chain, Step II, nucleus formation and growth, and Step III, corresponding to a rapid compaction of the chain. A memory effect was observed between Steps I and III, and a new (intruder-induced) nucleation mode was observed for the first time. This study extends the use of the microfluidic stagnation point flow, which we have previously used for sequence detection and to measure enzyme kinetics site-specifically.
WHAT DOES DIFFERENTIATION MEAN

The nature of definitions is discussed, and a working definition of “biochemical differentiation” proposed. Using this definition, the sequential and parallel events controlling “biochemical differentiation” in four systems is described, and the similarities to secondary metabolism noted.
Developing and applying heterogeneous phylogenetic models with XRate.

Modeling sequence evolution on phylogenetic trees is a useful technique in computational biology. Especially powerful are models which take account of the heterogeneous nature of sequence evolution according to the “grammar” of the encoded gene features. However, beyond a modest level of model complexity, manual coding of models becomes prohibitively labor-intensive. We demonstrate, via a set of case studies, the new built-in model-prototyping capabilities of XRate (macros and Scheme extensions). These features allow rapid implementation of phylogenetic models which would have previously been far more labor-intensive. XRate 's new capabilities for lineage-specific models, ancestral sequence reconstruction, and improved annotation output are also discussed. XRate 's flexible model-specification capabilities and computational efficiency make it well-suited to developing and prototyping phylogenetic grammar models. XRate is available as part of the DART software package: http://biowiki.org/DART.
OMS-TL: a framework of online multiple source transfer learning

Transfer learning has benefitted many real-world applications where labeled data are abundant in source domains but scarce on the target domain. As there are usually multiple relevant domains where knowledge can be transferred, Multiple Source Transfer Learning (MSTL) has recently attracted much attention. Most existing MSTL methods work in an offline fashion in that they have to store all the data on the target domain before learning. However, in some time-critical applications where the data arrive sequentially in large volume, a fast and scalable online method that can transfer knowledge from multiple source domains is much needed. To achieve this end, in this paper, we propose a new framework of Online Multiple Source Transfer Learning (OMS-TL). The framework is based on a convex optimization problem where knowledge transferred from multiple source domains are guided by the information on the target domain. The proposed method is fast, scalable and enjoys the theoretical guarantees of standard online algorithms. Extensive experiments are conducted on three real-life data sets. The results show that the performance of OMS-TL is close to that of its offline counterpart, which bears comparable performance to existing baseline methods. Furthermore, the proposed method has great scalability and fast response time.
Photocatalytic decomposition of organophosphonates in irradiated TiO2 suspensions

Abstract Kinetic analyses of the TiO 2 -catalyzed photodegradation of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) and diethyl methylphosphonate (DEMP) in oxygenated aqueous solutions are described. The effects of substrate concentration and solution pH are investigated. A number of kinetic models appear to be applicable in accordance with the initial kinetic parameters. The major products formed from the photocatalytic decomposition of DMMP are methylphosphonic acid, phosphoric acid, formaldehyde and formic acid.
Effect of bee envenomation on local tissue response in varicella.

Abstract A case of chickenpox is presented, occurring in a 9-year-old boy in whom the skin of the left forearm had been injured by bee stings one week prior to varicella vesiculation. The alteration in the response to the disease in the area of prior injury is discussed, and some of the factors involved in this response are presented.
The open reading frame 3 (ORF3) of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is dispensable for virus infection but evidence of reduced pathogenicity is limited in pigs infected by an ORF3-null PCV2 mutant

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the primary causative agent of porcine circovirus-associated diseases (PCVAD) in pigs. The open reading frame (ORF) 3 of PCV2 reportedly induces apoptosis and is associated with PCV2 pathogenicity. In this study, we first created an ORF3-null PCV2 mutant (muPCV2) by site-directed mutagenesis and demonstrated that the dimerized plasmid DNA of muPCV2 clone is infectious when injected intramuscularly (I.M.) into pigs. Subsequently, by using a well-characterized pig model we compared the pathogenicity of the muPCV2 and the wildtype PCV2. Thirty-one pigs were divided into 3 groups of 11, 10, and 10 each: group 1 pigs were each inoculated I.M. with PBS buffer as negative controls, group 2 pigs each with 200 microg of muPCV2 infectious DNA clone, and group 3 pigs each with 200 microg of wildtype PCV2 infectious DNA clone. Blood was collected prior to inoculation and weekly thereafter, and tested for PCV2 antibodies by ELISA and serum viral DNA loads by quantitative PCR. All pigs were necropsied at 35 days post-inoculation. The results showed that pigs inoculated with muPCV2 had a delayed seroconversion and lower serum viral load. However, there was no significant difference in the average scores of the histological or gross lesions or the amount of PCV2-specific antigen in tissues between wildtype PCV2- and muPCV2-inoculated groups. Thus, the data from this study do not fully support the conclusion of a previous report regarding PCV2 attenuation by abrogation of ORF3 although the results did show that ORF3 is dispensable for PCV2 replication in pigs.