cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The morphogenesis of glomerular crescents in rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis

The morphogenesis of glomerular crescents in rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Kidney tissue obtained by needle biopsy from eight patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis was studied. Crescents were present in more than 80% of the glomeruli examined. Variations in the cellular composition of the crescents were present in each biopsy specimen, but were mostly epithelial in four and fibroepithelial in the others. Immunofluorescent staining of glomeruli for IgG, and β1C revealed a linear pattern of distribution in four, a focal nodular distribution primarily in the mesangial areas in three and no staining in one. Positive staining for fibrinogen in the epithelial crescents was present in all. A consistent finding on electron microscopy was the association of the crescents with a focal disruptive lesion (FDL) of the glomerular basement membrane. Intravascular contents appeared in various stages of extravasation through these focal defects with concomitant fibrin precipitation and epithelial cell proliferation. These findings suggest that FDL of the glomerular basement membrane is usually associated with immunologically initiated alterations due to either immune-complex or antiglomerular basement membrane glomerular disease, and that rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis is a syndrome probably resulting from FDL with consequent crescent formation, occurring in higher frequency than in other conditions in which the same lesions may be present. Morphogenese des croissants glomerulaires dans la glomerulonephrite rapidement progressive. Le tissu renal obtenu par biopsie a l'aiguille chez huit malades atteints de glomerulonephrite rapidement progressive a ete etudie. Des croissants ont ete observes dans plus de 80% des glomerules examines. Des variations dans la composition cellulaire des croissants ont ete observees d'une biopsie a l'autre, mais cette composition etait principalement epitheliale dans quatre cas et fibro-epitheliale dans les autres. L'immunofluorescence des glomerules pour l'IgG et le β1C a montre une distribution lineaire dans quatre cas, une distribution focale principalement dans les zones mesangiales pour trois cas et l'absence de fixation dans un cas. Du fibrinogene a ete observe dans tous les croissants epitheliaux. Une constation uniforme en microscopie electronique a ete l'association aux croissants de lesions disruptives focales (FDL) de la membrane basale glomerulaire. Le contenu intravasculaire est diversement exteriorise a travers ces interruptions focales avec lesquelles coincident les depots de fibrine et la proliferation epitheliale. Ces constations suggerent que les FDL de la membrane basale glomerulaire sont initialement associees a des alterations a point de depart immunologique dues soit a un complexe immun ou a une maladie glomerulaire anti-membrane basale. La glomerulonephrite rapidement progressive serait un syndrome resultant de l'apparition de FDL avec, par voie de consequence, formation de croissants avec une frequence plus elevee que dans les autres situations ou les memes lesions peuvent exister.
Selective blocking of somatic neuromuscular transmission in the larval wax moth, Galleria mellonella, by bromolysergic acid diethylamide.

Abstract Bromolysergic acid diethylamide (BOL-148) produces a reversible body-wall paralysis when injected into late instar wax moth larvae. Nerve and muscle electrical activity remain unaffected during paralysis. It is concluded that the drug blocks somatic neuromuscular transmission in this insect.
Epidemic Hysteria: A Review of the Published Literature

Epidemic hysteria, known by multiple synonymous terms, including mass hysteria, mass psychogenic illness, and mass sociogenic illness, has been defined as a constellation of symptoms suggestive of organic illness, but without an identifiable cause, that occurs between two or more people who share beliefs related to those symptoms (1). Rather than being viewed as a collection of people suffering from individual hysteria (or conversion disorder), epidemic hysteria is instead seen as a social phenomenon involving otherwise healthy people (2). It has been described in humans as "very similar to a stampede in the animal world" (3, p. 301). It has also been called a culture-bound stress reaction (4), in which two separate mechanisms are at work: an anxiety variant, in which abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea, and hyperventilation are the most common symptoms, and the motor variant, with common symptoms of hysterical dancing, convulsions, laughing, and pseudoseizures (5, 6). Although it has been proposed that in modern Western society the "more primitive" motor variant essentially has been replaced in form by the anxiety variant (7), examples of this motor variant continue to be reported (8). Numerous reports of this collective behavioral phenomenon date back to as early as 1374 (9). Over the years, concern about a number of issues—water pollution in Camelford, England (10); the phantom anesthetist of Matoon (11); the invasion from Mars (12); and the Royal Free epidemic of benign myalgic encephalomyelitis (13)—spawned large, diffuse outbreaks of epidemic illness. Such illnesses often occur after some environmental "trigger," a significant emergency response to that environmental event, and
The KpnI family of long interspersed nucleotide sequences is present on discrete sizes of circular DNA in monkey (BSC-1) cells

Discretely sized molecules of small circular DNAs in African green monkey kidney (BSC-1) cells contain nucleotide sequences homologous to the KpnI family of long interspersed repetitive nucleotide sequences. The size distribution of these KpnI family-containing circular DNAs differs markedly from those of BSC-1 cell circular DNAs containing either the Alu family of short interspersed nucleotide sequences or the α-satellite family of tandemly repeated sequences. The structures of several cloned, apparently whole, KpnI family-related circular DNAs of varying sizes were analyzed and compared with a compilation of chromosomal KpnI sequences. In general, it was found that the cloned DNAs all contained only KpnI sequences, and that the recombination events giving rise to them did not involve any noticeable gain of nucleotides.
Co-pigmentation effect of quercetin glycosides on absorption characteristics of cyanidin glycosides and color of Red Wing azalea

Abstract A quercetin 5-methyl ether and five quercetin glycosides were isolated from flowers of Red Wing azalea1 but were found only in trace amounts in an orange sport of this cultivar. The anthocyanins (cyanidin glycosides) extracted from the orange and red flowers were identical, even though the absorption spectra of the intact cells differed. The absorption spectrum of the orange sport was simulated with a 10−3 M aqueous solution of cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside at the pH of the tissue, 2·8. The absorption spectrum of Red Wing was matched with cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside at the same concentration and pH, co-pigmented with the 3-rhamnoside or galactoside of quercetin.
Estimates of the Error in the Initial-Time Geometry for a Parabolic Equation from Dynamo Theory

Abstract Continuous dependence on the initial-time geometry is derived for the solution of a parabolic equation from dynamo theory. Both the forward in time and the improperly posed backward in time problems are considered. For the former case, explicit continuous dependence inequalities are obtained while in the latter similar results are established provided solutions satisfy the appropriate constraints.
TV standards — Why they're needed, how they evolve and how to evolve them gracefully

Presents a collection of slides covering the following topics: ad hoc interoperability; standard construction; versioning; parameterizing; and capability coding.
How does a parent respond when its mate emphasizes the wrong role? A test using a monogamous fish

The convict cichlid fish, Archocentrus nigrofasciatus, is biparental: the male spends the majority of his time defending the territory and the female spends much of her time close to the offspring. Under natural conditions, this separation into sex-typical roles is somewhat blurred as males do spend some time with the offspring and females do attack intruders. Here we tested whether an individual selects a parental role based on the location (i.e. parental role) of its mate. For example, do females emphasize offspring care because the male is away from the offspring? Will males be more likely to care for the offspring when the female is away from the offspring? We manipulated the location of one parent by placing it in a transparent plastic box, either near the offspring or at the far end of the tank near a clear plastic compartment that held a conspecific male intruder. We tested both male and female parent under the following four conditions: boxed mate near offspring with no intruder present, boxed mate near offspring with intruder present, boxed mate near intruder compartment with no intruder present, and boxed mate near intruder compartment with intruder present. We found that both parents spent more time with the offspring and less time attacking the intruder when the mate was positioned near the offspring and more time away from the offspring and more time attacking the intruder when the mate was near the intruder. Males were more affected by the location of their mates than were females and we concluded that males were attracted both to their mates' location and their offspring while females were mostly attracted to their offspring. Overall, the location of the mate had little effect on the types of aggressive activities used against the intruder. We did find that males increased their aggression towards boxed females when they were positioned far from the offspring, whereas the aggressive behaviour of females towards boxed males when they were positioned near the offspring was ambiguous. We suggest that males in particular enforce the separation of sex-specific parental roles via this aggression.
Synthesis of graphene films in a flame

The results of studying the synthesis of graphenes in a premixed propane-oxygen-argon flame at atmospheric conditions are reported. The temperature of 900–950°C and exposure time of 5 min are demonstrated to be suitable for the synthesis of graphene films on a nickel substrate, which is preferable to a copper substrate. It is demonstrated that the formation of graphene layers on the substrate occurs vertically along the flame height, with subsequent changeover to a soot structure. It is shown that the minimum number of graphene layers (two or three) is observed at angles of inclination of the substrate relative to the vertical axis of the flame within 0°–30°.
Single-scan scatter correction for cone-beam CT using a stationary beam blocker: a preliminary study

The performance of cone-beam CT (CBCT) is greatly limited by scatter artifacts. The existing measurement-based methods have promising advantages as a standard scatter correction solution, except that they currently require multiple scans or moving the beam blocker during data acquisition to compensate for the missing primary data. These approaches are therefore unpractical in clinical applications. In this work, we propose a new measurement-based scatter correction method to achieve accurate reconstruction with one single scan and a stationary beam blocker, two seemingly incompatible features which enable simple and effective scatter correction without increase of scan time or patient dose. Based on CT reconstruction theory, we distribute the blocked areas over one projection where primary signals are considered to be redundant in a full scan. The CT image quality is not degraded even with primary loss. Scatter is accurately estimated by interpolation and scatter-corrected CT images are obtained using an FDK-based reconstruction. In a Monte Carlo simulation study, we first optimize the beam blocker geometry using projections on the Shepp-Logan phantom and then carry out a complete simulation of a CBCT scan on a water phantom. With the scatter-to-primary ratio around 1.0, our method reduces the CT number error from 293 to 2.9 Hounsfield unit (HU) around the phantom center. The proposed approach is further evaluated on a CBCT tabletop system. On the Catphan©600 phantom, the reconstruction error is reduced from 202 to 10 HU in the selected region of interest after the proposed correction.
Physiology and Pathobiology of the Pericyte‐Containing Retinal Microvasculature: New Developments

Evidence is accumulating that pericyte-containing microvessels, which constitute the largest component of the circulatory system, actively regulate capillary perfusion. Because the retinal vasculature is highly specialized for the local control of blood flow, experimental study of its microvessels is proving useful in the quest to elucidate the mechanisms by which local perfusion is regulated. The microcirculation of the retina is also a focus of considerable attention due to its vulnerability to diabetes, which is a leading cause of vision loss. Based on the premise that the transmembrane movement of ions plays a critical role in regulating the function of pericytes, investigators are using the patch-clamp technique to study these contractile mural cells. This review highlights recent progress made in understanding how ion channels and transporters mediate responses of the retinal microvasculature to vasoactive signals.
Deflated Krylov subspace methods for nearly singular linear systems

This paper concerns the use of Krylov subspace methods for the solution of nearly singular nonsymmetric linear systems. We show that the incomplete orthogonalization methods (IOM) in conjunction with certain deflation techniques of Stewart, Chan, and Saad can be used to solve large nonsymmetric linear systems which are nearly singular.
Multi-scale phase field approach to martensitic transformations

Abstract Because of its flexibility in treating complex geometries and topological changes, the phase field method has been used widely in modeling microstructural evolution during various phase transformations, grain growth and, most recently, plastic deformations. We review formulations and applications of the method in the context of martensitic transformations (MTs). Examples are chosen to illustrate the capabilities of the method at both mesoscopic and microscopic length scales. At the mesoscopic level we present simulation predictions on structural configurations of critical nuclei generated by homogeneous nucleation through Langevin thermal fluctuations under large undercooling, formation of herringbone structures by autocatalytic growth, and microstructural evolution and transformation hysteresis in a polycrystalline alloy under uniaxial stresses. At the microscopic level we discuss new developments in phase field model of dislocation dissociation and core structure and phase field model of mislocation—a new elementary defect introduced to describe the initiation and growth of martensite.
Assessment of colorectal cancer molecular features along bowel subsites challenges the conception of distinct dichotomy of proximal versus distal colorectum

Objective Colorectal cancer is typically classified into proximal colon, distal colon and rectal cancer. Tumour genetic and epigenetic features differ by tumour location. Considering a possible role of bowel contents (including microbiome) in carcinogenesis, this study hypothesised that tumour molecular features might gradually change along bowel subsites, rather than change abruptly at splenic flexure. Design Utilising 1443 colorectal cancers in two US nationwide prospective cohort studies, the frequencies of molecular features (CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP), microsatellite instability (MSI), LINE-1 methylation and BRAF , KRAS and PIK3CA mutations) were examined along bowel subsites (rectum, rectosigmoid junction, sigmoid, descending colon, splenic flexure, transverse colon, hepatic flexure, ascending colon and caecum). The linearity and non-linearity of molecular relations along subsites were statistically tested by multivariate logistic or linear regression analysis. Results The frequencies of CIMP-high, MSI-high and BRAF mutations gradually increased from the rectum ( 0.09). Caecal cancers exhibited the highest frequency of KRAS mutations (52% vs 27–35% in other sites; p Conclusions The frequencies of CIMP-high, MSI-high and BRAF mutations in cancer increased gradually along colorectum subsites from the rectum to ascending colon. These novel data challenge the common conception of discrete molecular features of proximal versus distal colorectal cancers, and have a substantial impact on clinical, translational and epidemiology research, which has typically been performed with the dichotomous classification of proximal versus distal tumours.
Efficient data transfer operations for a SIMD processor array system

The SIMD (single instruction, multiple data) control style achieves a very cost effective processor element (PE) control mechanism. In this paper, two efficient data transfer operations for a SIMD PE array processor are proposed to address the inefficiency of most SIMD processor arrays in performing irregular memory access per PE. First, the SIMD random access provides simultaneous data transfer of randomly, from each PE independently addressed elements. Second, the SIMD ROI (region of interest) access enables concurrent data transfer of ROI areas with optional different ROI parameters for each PE. Speed-up values for both new transfer operations show an at least six times faster execution and the synthesis output reports an area increase of merely 1% for a 32 PE SIMD array processor configuration.
The opossum genome: Insights and opportunities from an alternative mammal

The strategic importance of the genome sequence of the gray, short-tailed opossum, Monodelphis domestica, accrues from both the unique phylogenetic position of metatherian (marsupial) mammals and the fundamental biologic characteristics of metatherians that distinguish them from other mammalian species. Metatherian and eutherian (placental) mammals are more closely related to one another than to other vertebrate groups, and owing to this close relationship they share fundamentally similar genetic structures and molecular processes. However, during their long evolutionary separation these alternative mammals have developed distinctive anatomical, physiologic, and genetic features that hold tremendous potential for examining relationships between the molecular structures of mammalian genomes and the functional attributes of their components. Comparative analyses using the opossum genome have already provided a wealth of new evidence regarding the importance of noncoding elements in the evolution of mammalian genomes, the role of transposable elements in driving genomic innovation, and the relationships between recombination rate, nucleotide composition, and the genomic distributions of repetitive elements. The genome sequence is also beginning to enlarge our understanding of the evolution and function of the vertebrate immune system, and it provides an alternative model for investigating mechanisms of genomic imprinting. Equally important, availability of the genome sequence is fostering the development of new research tools for physical and functional genomic analyses of M. domestica that are expanding its versatility as an experimental system for a broad range of research applications in basic biology and biomedically oriented research.
Stochastic distributed protocol for electric vehicle charging with discrete charging rate

To address the grid-side challenges associated with the anticipated high electric vehicle (EV) penetration level, various charging protocols have been proposed in the literature. Most if not all of these protocols assume continuous charging rates and allow intermittent charging. However, due to charging technology limitations, EVs can only be charged at a fixed rate, and the intermittency in charging shortens the battery lifespan. We consider these charging requirements, and formulate EV charging scheduling as a discrete optimization problem. We propose a stochastic distributed algorithm to approximately solve the optimal EV charging scheduling problem in an iterative procedure. In each iteration, the transformer receives charging profiles computed by the EVs in the previous iteration, and broadcasts the corresponding normalized total demand to the EVs; each EV generates a probability distribution over its potential charging profiles accordingly, and samples from the distribution to obtain a new charging profile. We prove that this stochastic algorithm almost surely converges to one of its equilibrium charging profiles, and each of its equilibrium charging profiles has a negligible sub-optimality ratio. Case studies corroborate our theoretical results.
Transitioning To Medicare Before Age Sixty-Five

Disabled workers who start receiving Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) must wait twenty-four months to qualify for Medicare. Legislation introduced in Congress would eliminate this waiting period, to guarantee that people with disabilities severe enough to qualify for SSDI will not be uninsured. We provide a longitudinal view of Medicare enrollment before age sixty-five by following a national sample of people ages 55–64. One person in six was covered by Medicare before turning sixty-five. A quarter of new enrollees were uninsured during the waiting period. There were great disparities in reliance on Medicare and coverage in the waiting period.
Behavioral Implications of Information Systems on Disclosure Fraud

This paper uses a laboratory setting to investigate behavioral issues related to disclosure fraud. Subjects issued disclosures under one of two settings. They either knowingly issued fraudulent reports or they allowed an information system to issue fraudulent reports at a chosen rate. The settings were economically equivalent and each mechanism allowed for an implementation of the profit‐maximizing strategy. The central question is one of the relative effect of the available method of lying on the frequency of lying. The results show that when subjects were distanced from the fraud through use of an information system, they made choices that would maximize their earnings. However, making subjects more closely involved with the disclosure reduced the rate of fraudulent disclosures by 30 percent. Differences in female and male rates of fraudulent reporting waned over time.
Examining cognitive processes of unstructured decision making

Unstructured decision making is a dynamic process where an individual must create an alternative because one is not available or provided. In this type of a decision, an individual may not have formed preferences or may not know the path to arrive at a solution. As opposed to selecting from existing alternatives, little research examines when decision makers create an alternative. Electronic commerce websites allow individuals to create a product by customizing it. A web-based simulation called Interactive Choice was developed for the investigation. It is an interactive naturalistic decision space permitting experimental controls such as random placement of participants into conditions and random display of stimuli. Participants customized three products (pizza, cell phones, shoes). Building on theoretical foundations of unfolding model and Image Theory, a model asserts the presentation of the information and preparation of the decision maker influences a decision maker. A phased examination explores decision makers' cognitive processes by measuring participants' evaluations of the product created and the process to create it. In the first phase, three experiments find, contrary to previous independent investigations, participants rarely retain a pre-selected default value. Logistic regression reveals that the odds ratio of predicting default retention is dependent on product type. In the second phase, results identify that problem solving instructions influence decision making. Analyses of multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis reveal patterns for default retention and problem solving instructions that define an electronic decision aid called Choice Builder. The dissertation suggests that when an individual creates a product, he or she has more control over the process that subsequently reduces the influence of the default. A new theoretical foundation is proposed identifying that for unstructured decisions individuals construct both decision strategies and preferences while creating an alternative. With an active process of acquiring and evaluating information, an individual forms a decision strategy and updates preferences to achieve an ideal outcome. This dissertation makes four contributions that include (1) a research tool, Interactive Choice, for exploration, (2) the identification of cognitive processes involved, (3) a proposal of a new theoretical approach, and (4) an electronic decision aid, Choice Builder.
Partial truths in the pursuit of patient safety

The paper explores several issues in the form of partial truths that dominate current thinking as investigators continue their pursuit of patient safety. Among the partial truths examineddcast as bipolar orientationsdare evidence-based medicine versus quality improvement, ‘knowledge in the head’ versus ‘knowledge in the world’, sharp end versus blunt end, reporting systems versus local knowledge, changing beliefs versus changing behaviour and system components versus system interdependencies. The paper provides a cautionary note regarding the downside of creating dichotomies that tend to assert too much. An enhanced understanding of patient safety will likely result from rising above bipolar orientations and valuing them as partial approaches to a complex and dynamic problem space.
MFSMTools: Software for the Development, Verification, and Execution of Modular Finite State Machines

This paper describes a set of software tools that have been developed to create, manipulate, verify, and execute logic control systems written using modular finite state machines (MFSMs). The MFSMs are specified using text files, and the software is written in Java for portability. Interaction with the environment is supported via digital I0, simulated I0, DeviceNet, Ethernet (sockets), and OPC tags. Logic controllers written using MFSMs have been implemented on several manufacturing testbeds at the University of Michigan
Roles of leaf in regulation of root and shoot growth from single node softwood cuttings of grape (Vitis vinifera)

Summary The role of leaf in regulation of root and shoot growths in single node softwood cuttings of grape (Vitis vinifera) was characterised. Leafy cuttings showed early rooting, vigorous root growth and subsequent shoot development. Defoliation at planting induced early sprouting, but adversely affected rooting and decreased the survival of cuttings irrespective of pre-planting treatment with 100 µM indole 3-acetic acid (IAA). Treatment with IAA did not affect the percent rooting of leafy cuttings but increased root and shoot growth. Leaf weight (wt) and leaf area of the cuttings showed a highly significant correlation to root wt of the new plant at 4 wk after planting, while cutting stem + petiole wt was either not or less significantly correlated to root and shoot weights of the subsequent plant. The greater the area or wt of leaf, the better the root and shoot growths, implying that leaf contributed to adventitious root growth. However, retaining the leaf for just 2 days was enough to stimulate rooting in more than 80% of the cuttings, suggesting that leaf tissue could also induce root formation. Root growth increased with the period of leaf retention but leaf removal before 3 wk triggered sprouting leading to high mortality in rooted cuttings. Bringing the leaf closer to the rooting zone by preparing leaf at base (LAB) cuttings delayed rooting and sprouting compared with the standard leaf at top (LAT) cuttings. An inhibitory effect on rooting and sprouting by the exposed upper internode region in LAB cuttings is suggested.
Solution NMR structure of the N-terminal domain of the human DEK protein

The human DEK protein has a long-standing association with carcinogenesis since the DEK gene was originally identified in the t(6:9) chromosomal translocation in a subtype of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Recent studies have partly unveiled DEK's cellular functions including apoptosis inhibition in primary cells as well as cancer cells, determination of 3' splice site of transcribed RNA, and suppression of transcription initiation by polymerase II. It has been previously shown that the N-terminal region of DEK, spanning residues 68-226, confers important in vitro and in vivo functions of DEK, which include double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA) binding, introduction of constrained positive supercoils into closed dsDNA, and apoptosis inhibition. In this paper, we describe the three-dimensional structure of the N-terminal domain of DEK (DEKntd) as determined using solution NMR. The C-terminal part of DEKntd, which contains a putative DNA-binding motif (SAF/SAP motif), folds into a helix-loop-helix structure. Interestingly, the N-terminal part of DEKntd shows a very similar structure to the C-terminal part, although the N-terminal and the C-terminal part differ distinctively in their amino acid sequences. As a consequence, the structure of DEKntd has a pseudo twofold plane symmetry. In addition, we tested dsDNA binding of DEKntd by monitoring changes of NMR chemical shifts upon addition of dsDNAs. We found that not only the C-terminal part containing the SAF/SAP motif but the N-terminal part is also involved in DEKntd's dsDNA binding. Our study illustrates a new structural variant and reveals novel dsDNA-binding properties for proteins containing the SAP/SAF motif.
An Embarrassment for Double-Halfers

“Double-halfers” think that throughout the Sleeping Beauty Problem, Beauty should keep her credence that a fair coin flip came up heads equal to 1/2. I introduce a new wrinkle to the problem that shows even double-halfers can't keep Beauty's credences equal to the objective chances for all coin-flip propositions. This leaves no way to deny that self-locating information generates an unexpected kind of inadmissible evidence.
What is a clinically significant antibody

Blood transfusion scientists have different definitions of ‘clinical significance’. For instance, is clinical significance judged by shortened RBC survival, laboratory evidence of haemolysis (e.g. increased bilirubin, LDH, etc.), and/or clinical signs (e.g. jaundice) of a haemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR)? Are one, two, or all three of these criteria needed to make an antibody significant? For instance, is a shortened RBC survival with no obvious laboratory abnormalities and/or or clinical signs really clinically significant? The answer may be different for a haematology patient requiring regular transfusions and a surgical patient with normal erythropoiesis. It is important to answer these questions in one’s own institution as they are the basis for our choice of compatibility tests and needed for interpretation of assays predicting clinical significance. Several approaches are valuable in predicting clinical significance: (1) specificity and thermal amplitude of the antibody; (2) 1 h survival of 51Cr-labelled incompatible RBCs; (3) functional cellular assays. Only antibodies reactive at 37°C in vitro are of potential significance. The 51Cr survival and cellular assays [e.g. monocyte monolayer assay (MMA)] are usually used to help decide if incompatible RBCs can be transfused to patients with antibodies to high-incidence antigens that are sometimes significant but often are not. When the MMA = 5·1–20%, 33% of patients showed no clinical reactions, but 67%, with no clinical signs showed laboratory signs of a reaction. If the MMA is >20%, most patients show clinical (64%) or laboratory (75%) reactions. It is of interest to note that regardless of MMA or 1 h 51Cr results, most patients with antibodies to high-incidence antigens have abnormal full RBC survival studies (T50Cr), but only one-third show any clinical signs of a reaction. Thus, when interpreting results for clinicians, it is important to clearly define what you mean by ‘clinical significance’ so that they can balance decisions of transfusing incompatible blood versus time and expense of obtaining rare units lacking the cognate antigen. Cellular assays are not available for many people, so historical data on whether certain specificities have caused HTRs are the only practical approach for many.
Summary of Worldwide Clinical Trials of Aztreonam in Patients with Urinary Tract Infections

achieved in 84% of patients in the single-dose study and in 85%o of patients in the multipledose studies. In the latter studies the microbiologic cure rates for infections with Escherichia coli, the Klebsiella-Enterobacter-Serratia group, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were 87%, 90%, and 76%, respectively. In a comparative study of aztreonam and cefamandole, the overall microbiologic cure rates were 89%o and 80%, respectively. Of the 625 patients receiving multiple-dose therapy, 149 had urinary tract infections due to multiply drug-resistant bacteria; among these patients the microbiologic cure rate was 93%. Aztreonam constitutes effective therapy for urinary tract infections due to susceptible gramnegative bacilli.
Audience Perceptions of Fonts in Projected PowerPoint Text Slides

This study examined 10 common and popular fonts displayed in projected PowerPoint text slides. It investigated 37 participants' ratings of the fonts - 5 serif and 5 sans serif - on four variables: 1) comfortable-to-read, 2) professional, 3) interesting, and 4) attractive. It also surveyed participants' opinions about the font displayed in the PP slides. A significant difference was found between sans serif and serif fonts on the professional variable, but not on the other three variables. Gill Sans, a popular sans serif font, was rated highly on each of the four variables, making it a safe choice for PowerPoint slides
Turing structures: progress toward a room temperature, closed system

There are many parallels between the study of temporal oscillation in homogeneous chemical systems and of Turing patterns in reaction-diffusion systems. We discuss recent progress toward constructing a system that displays Turing structures under conditions suitable for a lecture demonstration. Such a system would play a role similar to that of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky oscillating reaction. We examine the prototype chlorite-iodide-malonic acid and related reactions, mathematical models, methods for designing new reactions that exhibit Turing structures and an approach to generating Turing structures in a closed system.
Phenotypic correction of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency using low dose helper-dependent adenoviral vectors.

Background Helper-dependent adenoviral vectors (HDAd) can mediate long-term phenotypic correction in the ornithine transacarbamylase (OTC)-deficient mice model with negligible chronic toxicity. However, the high doses required for metabolic correction will result in systemic inflammatory response syndrome in humans. This acute toxicity represents the major obstacle for clinical applications of HDAd vectors for the treatment of OTC deficiency. Strategies for reducing the dose necessary for disease correction are highly desirable because HDAd acute toxicity is clearly dose-dependent. Methods We analysed a potent expression cassette and the hydrodynamic injection for the ability to reduce the HDAd dose necessary for phenotypic correction in OTC-deficient spf-ash mice. Results We have developed a vector containing a potent expression cassette expressing the OTC transgene, which allowed phenotypic correction at lower doses. Our results suggest that vector expressing greater OTC levels allows correction of orotic acid overproduction at lower doses that make clinical translation more relevant. We were able to further reduce the minimal effective dose by delivering the vector through the hydrodynamic injection technique. Conclusions Vectors containing the expression cassette used in the present study, combined with other strategies for improving HDAd therapeutic index, will likely permit application of these vectors for the treatment of OTC deficiency as well as other urea cycle disorders. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction

Postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction (POCD) are topics of special importance in the geriatric surgical population. They are separate entities, whose relationship has yet to be fully elucidated. Although not limited to geriatric patients, the incidence and impact of both are more profound in geriatric patients. Delirium has been shown to be associated with longer and more costly hospital course and higher likelihood of death within 6 months or postoperative institutionalization. POCD has been associated with increased mortality, risk of leaving the labour market prematurely, and dependency on social transfer payments. Here, we review their definitions and aetiology, and discuss treatment and prevention in elderly patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery. Good basic care demands identification of at-risk patients, awareness of common perioperative aggravating factors, simple prevention interventions, recognition of the disease states, and basic treatments for patients with severe hyperactive manifestations.
Systemic sclerosis: bilateral improvement of Raynaud's phenomenon with unilateral digital sympathectomy.

Objectives To demonstrate that unilateral digital sympathectomy, in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and systemic sclerosis (SSc), may result in bilateral resolution of RP and digital ulcerations. Methods We report a case of SSc and RP that had bilateral benefits from unilateral digital sympathectomy. A computer-assisted Medline/PubMed search of the medical literature was performed for 1960 through June 2009 using the keywords sympathectomy, Raynaud's phenomenon, systemic sclerosis, CREST, and digital ulcers. These searches were also combined with text words unilateral, ipsilateral, bilateral, digital sympathectomy, selective sympathectomy, autonomic nervous system, hyperhidrosis, etiology, pathogenesis, hypothesis, and treatment. Only pertinent literature, primarily in the English language, was included. Results The majority of patients with SSc have RP and many suffer from digital ulcerations. Medical and behavioral management may have limited benefit and surgical intervention can be considered in recalcitrant cases, although efficacy data are sparse. We describe a man with limited SSc who underwent unilateral digital sympathectomy but manifested bilateral benefit. To our knowledge, this is the first published report of contralateral response with this procedure. The patient ultimately demonstrated these digital benefits when stressed with extreme cold and hypoxia while mountaineering. Despite the onset of high-altitude sickness and cerebral edema, his fingers remained unaffected while other mountaineers sustained severe frostbite or died of hypothermia. Conclusions Selective unilateral sympathectomy in SSc, for RP with digital ulcerations, can result in bilateral benefits despite intense challenge with cold and hypoxia.
Influence of Mammary Tumor Virus Infection on the Acceptance or Rejection of Transplanted ML+ Leukemias

SummaryML (Mammary Leukemia) cellular antigen, defined by specific cytotoxic antisera, is present on the cells of mammary tumors of MTV-infected mice and on the cells of some DBA/2 leukemias (ML+ leukemias). Transplants of ML+ leukemias are rejected by genotypically histocompatible mice not infected with MTV, but not by MTV-infected mice of the same genotype. Heightened resistance to transplants of mammary tumors can be transferred to recipient mice by immunologically competent cells from donors that have rejected ML+ transplanted leukemias.
On the Integration and Separation of Industrial Chain of Coal Enterprises During Transition Period

The development of Coal enterprises depend on not only their resources and ability but also the cooperation of enterprises in the industrial chain.The coal enterprises should take the strategic reforming opportunity to plan the integration and separation of industrial chains and obtain the competitive advantages based on the industrial chain efficiency.
Evaluating student performance in clinical dietetics.

The focus of this study was on the development and fieldtesting of a set of behaviorally anchored rating scales for evaluating the clinical performance of dietetic students. The scales emphasized the application of skills and knowledge. A variation of the Smith-Kendall technique was used to develop the scales. The 42 participants involved in instrument development included dietetic students, didactic and clinical instructors, and dietetic practitioners. The completed instrument contained 8 dimension statements and 70 behavioral anchors. The instrument was field-tested in 16 clinical rotations within 8 dietetic education programs. Evaluators not only rated student performance but also critiqued the format and content of the scales. The mid-to-upper portions of each scale were used most frequently, and little score variation within or across programs was noted. The scales were deemed appropriate for formative evaluation; however, some evaluators who had to grade students' performance expressed a desire for performance standards defined in terms of grades. Because the process used to develop the instrument facilitated the articulation of performance criteria, it is recommended as a practical approach to setting performance standards.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Coronary Heart Disease in Women

Despite the decrease in coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality in the US in the past 30 years, CHD is the leading cause of death in men and women. Cardiovascular disease, including CHD, kills nearly 500,000 American women each year. In women, the development of CHD can be delayed by an average of 10 years compared with men, and, on average, women can experience a first myocardial infarction 20 years later than men. While CHD prevalence rates are similar in black men and white men, heart disease is not color-blind in women. Black women generally have a higher prevalence of CHD risk factors and a higher death rate at a younger age than white women. A strong family history of early onset of heart disease, increasing age, and race are unalterable factors that raise the risk of CHD. The major factors that can be modified include cigarette smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, physical inactivity, obesity, dyslipidemia, estrogen level changes after menopause, and psychosocial stressors. CHD is a multifactorial process; the hazard posed by one particular risk factor is significantly influenced by other risk factors that are present, and no individual risk factor is essential or sufficient to cause CHD.
Family-specific Kinesin Structures Reveal Neck-linker Length Based on Initiation of the Coiled-coil

Kinesin-1, -2, -5, and -7 generate processive hand-over-hand 8-nm steps to transport intracellular cargoes toward the microtubule plus end. This processive motility requires gating mechanisms to coordinate the mechanochemical cycles of the two motor heads to sustain the processive run. A key structural element believed to regulate the degree of processivity is the neck-linker, a short peptide of 12–18 residues, which connects the motor domain to its coiled-coil stalk. Although a shorter neck-linker has been correlated with longer run lengths, the structural data to support this hypothesis have been lacking. To test this hypothesis, seven kinesin structures were determined by x-ray crystallography. Each included the neck-linker motif, followed by helix α7 that constitutes the start of the coiled-coil stalk. In the majority of the structures, the neck-linker length differed from predictions because helix α7, which initiates the coiled-coil, started earlier in the sequence than predicted. A further examination of structures in the Protein Data Bank reveals that there is a great disparity between the predicted and observed starting residues. This suggests that an accurate prediction of the start of a coiled-coil is currently difficult to achieve. These results are significant because they now exclude simple comparisons between members of the kinesin superfamily and add a further layer of complexity when interpreting the results of mutagenesis or protein fusion. They also re-emphasize the need to consider factors beyond the kinesin neck-linker motif when attempting to understand how inter-head communication is tuned to achieve the degree of processivity required for cellular function.
Efficient Virtual Network Embedding for Variable Size Virtual Machines in Fat-Tree Data Centers

Network virtualization is the enabling technology for sharing resources on cloud. The efficiency of virtual network embedding determines the expense and revenue ratio of a data center. In this paper, we consider the virtual network embedding problem in fat-tree data centers. We design various schemes to embed Nonblocking Multicast Virtual Networks (NMVNs) which are dedicated to deliver premium experience to cloud users. In each NMVN, there is a free combination of virtual machines selected from variable sizes. The bottleneck of communications between these virtual machines is removed so that they can always send data at full bandwidth of their network interface, even if data is simultaneously sent to multiple destinations. In addition, the high performance of NMVNs is guaranteed at the wellcontrolled low network hardware cost. We design two embedding schemes for NMVNs, named Static NMVN Embedding (SNE) and Dynamic NMVN Embedding (DNE). Both schemes support the nonblocking properties for multicast. Besides, each of the two schemes has its unique features. The SNE scheme provides an interference-free solution, in the sense that a virtual network is not aware of the existence of other virtual networks during its lifetime. The DNE scheme has lower hardware cost than SNE and provides higher flexibility to cloud users by possible reconfigurations when necessary. Additionally, we show through theoretical analysis and simulations to validate that the overhead of DNE is minimal thus acceptable to most cloud applications.
Segregation and Neighborhood Change in Northern Cities: New Historical GIS Data from 1900–1930

Most quantitative research on segregation and neighborhood change in American cities prior to 1940 has utilized data published by the Census Bureau at the ward level. The transcription of census manuscripts has made it possible to aggregate individual records to a finer level, the enumeration district (ED). Advances in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have facilitated mapping these data, opening new possibilities for historical GIS research. We report here the creation of a mapped public use data set for EDs in ten northern cities for each decade from 1900 to 1930. We illustrate a range of research topics that can now be pursued: recruitment into ethnic neighborhoods, the effects of comprehensive zoning on neighborhood change, and white flight from black neighbors.
Telling the Facts

In the article ‘Other Minds’ we find the first allusions to the doctrine of speech-acts in J. L. Austin’s published writing.1 There he clearly recognizes some of the performative features of the verb to promise, but only to claim that the same characteristics apply to another verb, of far greater philosophical importance, namely to know. In the light of his later and more developed theory it appears, however, that this latter verb is by no means a performative in the technical sense of the word.2 Nevertheless, since even mistakes are often instructive in philosophy, and Austin’ mistakes are likely to be more so than most, it might be interesting to look into the reason for his original erroneous belief. Yet this study is not intended to be a mere piece of exegesis. I am going to show that some of the features of know that Austin picks out indeed hold true, but require another explanation, which also casts light on the behavior of many related verbs, including a major group of the real performatives.