cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal coherence of mean and extreme aerosol particle events over eastern North America as observed from satellite

Abstract Quantifying spatiotemporal scales of coherence and variability of aerosol particle properties provides (i) metrics for evaluating observational data sets and model simulations, (ii) inferences regarding dominant causes of variability, and (iii) information that is necessary to determine their climate forcing and air quality impacts. Accordingly, analyses of columnar aerosol optical depth (AOD) and Angstrom exponent (AE) from the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the Aqua and Terra satellites, and AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) stations are used to evaluate the spatially averaged (Level-3) MODIS products, and to characterize the spatiotemporal scales of variability (and coherence) of aerosol particles over eastern North America (2000–2013). Results show a high degree of consistency in AOD retrievals from the different data sets but larger discrepancies in AE estimates, highest mean AOD and lowest day-to-day variability during the summer, and largest scales of spatial coherence in summer and fall. Consistent with the scales of spatial coherence from MODIS data, in both data sets power spectra indicate AOD variability is manifest primarily on synoptic and annual time scales. Conversely, AE variability in MODIS data is primarily focused on seasonal, semiannual, and annual time scales, and there is an additional mode of AE variability at ∼30 days in the AERONET measurements. The frequency of co-occurrence of extreme AOD values (>local 90th percentile) decreases to below 50% at ∼150 km from a central grid cell, but is above that expected by random chance over almost all of eastern North America, indicating supra-regional scale extreme events.
Phenotype and Genotype of Two Taiwanese Cystic Fibrosis Siblings and a Survey of Delta F508 in East Asians

Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is considered to be a rare disease in Asians. We report two cases of CF in a 5-year-old girl and her newborn brother. They are of mixed parentage: a Taiwanese mother and an Australian father. Methods A comprehensive mutational analysis of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene was completed. Literature was reviewed for delta F508 in East Asians. Results Two mutation sites were identified in the siblings. The carrier status of their parents and elder brother were also confirmed: heterozygous delta F508 mutation from the father; 13 TG repeats in the IVS8-5T from the mother. An update of delta F508 mutation reported in East Asian patients from various ethnicities is included; most of them were of mixed parentage. Conclusion These two cases are the first report of cystic fibrosis associated with a delta F508 mutation in a Taiwanese patient attributable to a mutation most commonly seen in Caucasians. We found that the delta F508 mutation is of western origin. Asian patients are seldom found with this mutation unless they are of mixed parentage. Our findings provide further evidence that different ethnicities have their own set of CFTR mutations.
Case study: applying scientific visualization to parallel-performance visualization

The complexity of parallel programs make them more difficult to analyze for correctness and efficiency, in part because of the interactions between multiple processors and the volume of data that can be generated. Visualization often helps the programmer in these tasks. This paper focuses on the development of a new technique for constructing, evaluating, and modifying sophisticated, application-specific visualizations for parallel programs and performance data. While most existing tools offer predetermined sets of simple, two-dimensional graphical displays, this environment gives users a high degree of control over visualization development and use, including access to three-dimensional graphics, which remain relatively unexplored in this context. We have developed an environment that uses the IBM Visualization Data Explorer system to allow new visualizations to be prototyped rapidly, often taking only a few hours to construct totally new views of parallel performance trace data. Yet, access to a robust library of sophisticated graphical techniques is preserved. The burdensome task of explicitly programming the visualizations is completely avoided, and the iterative design, evaluation, and modification of new displays is greatly facilitated.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Intravascular ultrasound imaging in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction is the result of acute thrombotic occlusion of a coronary artery secondary to rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. Intracoronary ultrasonic examinations (ICUS) were performed in patients with acute myocardial infarction in order to describe intraluminal ultrasonic findings at the site of an acute coronary occlusion. Coronary angiography and ICUS studies were performed consecutively within 6 h after the onset of chest pain in 50 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) prior to percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Following angiographic documentation of a proximal occlusion, a 3·5 mechanical ultrasound catheter (30 MHz) was advanced successfully through the lesion in 42 of 50 patients (84%). In 37 of the 42 patients (88·1%), ICUS differentiated between pulsatile, low echogenic, intraluminal material suggesting thrombus, and mural more highly echogenic atherosclerotic plaque. A negative imprint of the ICUS catheter was documeted within the low echogenic material in 25 of 42 (60%) patients with AMI. Low echogenic intraluminal material was found in 31 of 42 (73.4%) segments proximal to the highly echogenic plaque and in 28 of 42 (66·7%) segments distal to it, indicating pre- and post-stenotic thrombus in AMI. The plaque appeared eccentric in 32 of 42 patients (76·2%) with AMI. Cross-sectional area stenosis due to highly echogenic plaque averaged 48 ± 14%. Calcification of plaque was evident in 35 of 42 patients (83·3%) and the surface of the plaque was rough in 30 of 42 (42·4%). Fissures were found in 10 (23·8%) and a dissection was detected in four (9·5%) cases.
A new approach to link transport emissions and air quality: An intelligent transport system based on the control of traffic air pollution

Road transport has become by far the major source of environmental pollution and traffic congestion in urban areas. Though a lot of research has been done to investigate the functional relationship linking air quality and air pollution from transport, a further improvement in the knowing of this relationship is needed. The aim of this study was to analyze this relationship and to develop a more flexible framework to allow communication between transport emissions and air quality concentrations. This paper describes the development of this framework, suggests methodological tools to mitigate its problems and shows its application to the mega-city of Beijing, in P.R. China. The result of implementing this methodology would be a system providing high time/space resolution measurements of both air pollutant concentrations and traffic emissions data, as well as real-time transportation and dispersion modelling of those data. The key advantage of the system proposed would be the runtime integration of modelling, to interpret the data measured, with measurements, to validate the data modelled. The findings from the case-study of Beijing show that the integrated system can link traffic air pollution measurements through various modelling modules in order to automate transport-related air pollution assessment.
A Gröbner fan method for biochemical network modeling

Polynomial dynamical systems (PDSs) have been used successfully as a framework for the reconstruction, or reverse engineering of biochemical networks from experimental data. Within this modeling space, a particular PDS is chosen by way of a Grobner basis, and using different monomial orders may result in different polynomial models. In this paper, we present a systematic method for selecting most likely polynomial models for a given data set, using the Grobner fan of the ideal of the input data. We apply the method to reverse engineer two biochemical networks, a Boolean model of lactose metabolism in E. coli and a protein signal transduction network in S. cerevisiae and compare our results to those from two published network-reconstruction methods.
Reverse osmosis separation of hydrocarbons in aqueous solutions using porous cellulose acetate membranes

A physicochemical parameter, represented by the symbol Σs*, based on molar solubility in water and molar attraction constants of Small, has been developed to express quantitatively the relative hydrophobicity, or nonpolar character, of the hydrocarbon molecule. The value of Σs* can be calculated for a hydrocarbon from its chemical structure. The scale of Σs* is consistent within each group of aromatic, cyclic, and noncyclic hydrocarbons. Reverse osmosis data have been obtained at 250 psig for single-solute aqueous feed solution systems involving low concentrations of 39 different hydrocarbons (including 13 aromatics, 10 cyclic, and 16 noncyclic compounds) and several samples of cellulose acetate membranes of different surface porosities. The effect of operating pressure on membrane performance has also been studied for two aromatic hydrocarbon solutes. The values of Σs* for the solutes used were in the range of 425 to 924 for aromatic hydrocarbons, 521 to 931 for cyclic hydrocarbons, and 369 to 960 for noncyclic hydrocarbons. The reverse osmosis data have been correlated with Σs* for each group of hydrocarbons studied. In all cases, positive solute separations were obtained, and the ratio [PR]/[PWP] was less than 1. With respect to each film, solute separation increased with increase in Σs*, and decreased with increase in operating pressure. Also, solute separation decreased in the order aromatic hydrocarbon > cyclic hydrocarbon > noncyclic hydrocarbon at any given value of Σs*. At a given operating pressure, for low values of Σs* (∼500 or less) solute separation increased with progressive decrease in average pore size on the membrane surface. For high values of Σs* (∼800 or more), solute separation initially increased with decrease in average pore size, then passed through a maximum and minimum with further decrease in average pore size, and again increased with still further decrease in average pore size. The results are discussed on the basis of preferential sorption of solute at the membrane–solution interface under the experimental conditions studied.
Agonal respirations during cardiac arrest.

Purpose of review This review examines the physiologic understanding and clinical implications of agonal respirations during cardiac arrest. Recent findings Agonal respirations originate from lower brainstem neurons as higher centers become increasingly hypoxic during cardiac arrest. No single layperson descriptor consistently identifies agonal respirations; rather, laypersons use a collection of terms to describe the abnormal breathing of agonal respirations. Animal studies demonstrate that agonal respirations can produce clinically important ventilation, oxygenation, and circulation. In human studies, agonal respirations are apparent in 40% of persons suffering out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Agonal respirations are associated with witnessed events, ventricular fibrillation, and survival, suggesting that agonal respirations are a marker of an arrest's early phase and may potentially directly affect cardiopulmonary function. Although agonal respirations appear to exert favorable cardiopulmonary effects, they may paradoxically inhibit rescue efforts by preventing arrest recognition. A standardized dispatch approach can help dispatchers identify agonal respirations by distinguishing normal and abnormal breathing in the unconscious patient. Future study should consider how information about agonal respirations might be integrated into the resuscitation to optimize outcomes. Summary Agonal respirations have physiologic and care implications. Efforts to identify agonal respirations and integrate this information into resuscitation care may improve outcome from cardiac arrest.
Modeling of Multi-Species Transfer During Aluminum Nitride Vapor Growth

AlN has attracted much attention in the past few years as a highly promising material for electronic and opto-electronic device applications. A halide vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) system has been designed to grow high quality aluminum nitride layers at the growth rate up to 60 μm/h with the deposition temperature of 1000–1100°C and the pressure ranging of 5.5–760 Torr [1]. A 3-D numerical model that is capable of describing multi-component fluid flow, surface chemistry, conjugate heat transfer, and species transport has been developed to help in design and optimization of the epitaxy growth system. The effects of reactor pressure on heat transfer and reactive mixing process are studied. The effects of carrier gas (N2 +H2 ) and reacting gas (AlCl3 +NH3 ) flow rates on species mixing process and deposition uniformity have also been investigated. To achieve a uniform reactive species distribution above the substrate under a high carrier and reacting gases flow rate, a baffle is added in between the adduct boat and the substrate. Different baffle sizes, shapes and locations are tested to examine the optional conditions for the best uniformity.© 2004 ASME
Planar surface-micromachined pressure sensor with a subsurface, embedded reference pressure cavity

Planar, surface micromachined pressure sensors have been fabricated by an extension of the chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) process. CMP eliminates many of the fabrication problems associated with the photolithography, dry etch, and metallization of non-planar devices. Furthermore, CMP adds additional design flexibility. The sensors are based upon deformable, silicon nitride diaphragms with polysilicon piezoresistors. Absolute pressure is detected by virtue of reference pressure cavities underneath the diaphragms. Process details are discussed and characteristics from many devices are presented.
Nonlinear Regime-Switching State-Space (RSSS) Models

Nonlinear dynamic factor analysis models extend standard linear dynamic factor analysis models by allowing time series processes to be nonlinear at the latent level (e.g., involving interaction between two latent processes). In practice, it is often of interest to identify the phases—namely, latent “regimes” or classes—during which a system is characterized by distinctly different dynamics. We propose a new class of models, termed nonlinear regime-switching state-space (RSSS) models, which subsumes regime-switching nonlinear dynamic factor analysis models as a special case. In nonlinear RSSS models, the change processes within regimes, represented using a state-space model, are allowed to be nonlinear. An estimation procedure obtained by combining the extended Kalman filter and the Kim filter is proposed as a way to estimate nonlinear RSSS models. We illustrate the utility of nonlinear RSSS models by fitting a nonlinear dynamic factor analysis model with regime-specific cross-regression parameters to a set of experience sampling affect data. The parallels between nonlinear RSSS models and other well-known discrete change models in the literature are discussed briefly.
Synthetic, Structural, and Biosynthetic Studies of an Unusual Phospho-Glycopeptide Derived from α-Dystroglycan

Aberrant glycosylation of α-dystroglycan (α-DG) results in loss of interactions with the extracellular matrix and is central to the pathogenesis of several disorders. To examine protein glycosylation of α-DG, a facile synthetic approach has been developed for the preparation of unusual phosphorylated O-mannosyl glycopeptides derived from α-DG by a strategy in which properly protected phospho-mannosides are coupled with a Fmoc protected threonine derivative, followed by the use of the resulting derivatives in automated solid-phase glycopeptide synthesis using hyper-acid-sensitive Sieber amide resin. Synthetic efforts also provided a reduced phospho-trisaccharide, and the NMR data of this derivative confirmed the proper structural assignment of the unusual phospho-glycan structure. The glycopeptides made it possible to explore factors that regulate the elaboration of critical glycans. It was established that a glycopeptide having a 6-phospho-O-mannosyl residue is not an acceptor for action by the enzyme POM...
Population Response to Habitat Fragmentation in a Stream-Dwelling Brook Trout Population

Fragmentation can strongly influence population persistence and expression of life-history strategies in spatially-structured populations. In this study, we directly estimated size-specific dispersal, growth, and survival of stream-dwelling brook trout in a stream network with connected and naturally-isolated tributaries. We used multiple-generation, individual-based data to develop and parameterize a size-class and location-based population projection model, allowing us to test effects of fragmentation on population dynamics at local (i.e., subpopulation) and system-wide (i.e., metapopulation) scales, and to identify demographic rates which influence the persistence of isolated and fragmented populations. In the naturally-isolated tributary, persistence was associated with higher early juvenile survival (∼45% greater), shorter generation time (one-half) and strong selection against large body size compared to the open system, resulting in a stage-distribution skewed towards younger, smaller fish. Simulating barriers to upstream migration into two currently-connected tributary populations caused rapid (2–6 generations) local extinction. These local extinctions in turn increased the likelihood of system-wide extinction, as tributaries could no longer function as population sources. Extinction could be prevented in the open system if sufficient immigrants from downstream areas were available, but the influx of individuals necessary to counteract fragmentation effects was high (7–46% of the total population annually). In the absence of sufficient immigration, a demographic change (higher early survival characteristic of the isolated tributary) was also sufficient to rescue the population from fragmentation, suggesting that the observed differences in size distributions between the naturally-isolated and open system may reflect an evolutionary response to isolation. Combined with strong genetic divergence between the isolated tributary and open system, these results suggest that local adaptation can ‘rescue’ isolated populations, particularly in one-dimensional stream networks where both natural and anthropogenically-mediated isolation is common. However, whether rescue will occur before extinction depends critically on the race between adaptation and reduced survival in response to fragmentation.
Thrombocytopenic purpura and cardiomyopathy in pregnancy reversed by combined plasma exchange and infusion

Thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia have been seen with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets), and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Differentiating between TTP, HUS, and HELLP syndrome is often difficult. Coexistence of TTP and HELLP is possible. Cardiomyopathy occurring in pregnancy can be idiopathic or associated with TTP. We describe a previously healthy woman who developed thrombocytopenia and hemolysis at 34 wk gestation. The patient underwent delivery after transfusion with platelets and RBCs. The suspicion of TTP was raised, and plasma exchange was begun by the third hospital day. On the seventh day of treatment, the patient developed shortness of breath, and an echocardiogram showed global hypokinesis with an ejection fraction of 25%. Plasma infusion, one unit q 4 h, was initiated in addition to the daily plasma exchange. The patient improved and her ejection fraction normalized. Plasma exchange and infusion and corticosteroids were gradually tapered off. von Willebrand factor (vWF) protease activity in the plasma upon transfer was completely deficient with the presence of inhibitor. This case illustrates that vWF protease assay and detection of inhibitor can be used for the diagnosis of TTP during pregnancy; and a severe cardiomyopathy in TTP can be reversed rapidly with combined plasma exchange and infusion.
Intimate partner violence affects skilled attendance at most recent delivery among women in Kenya.

Delivery assistance by skilled health personnel is a key progress indicator for Millennium Development Goal 5, which aims to reduce the worldwide maternal mortality ratio by 75% between 1990 and 2015. The role of socio-demographic factors in determining skilled attendance at delivery has been widely explored, but relatively little attention has been paid to the effect of gender power relations on delivery care. This analysis investigated whether women’s status in the household, as measured by their experience of intimate partner violence (IPV), affected skilled attendance at most recent delivery among women in Kenya. Cross-sectional data were obtained from the 2003 Kenya Demographic and Health Surveys (KDHS). 975 ever-married women who had given birth in the past year and completed the KDHS domestic violence module were included in the analysis. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between skilled attendance and IPV. In this sample, 46% reported having experienced any type of IPV, with 39% reporting physical violence, 21% emotional violence, and 13% sexual violence. After adjusting for demographic characteristics and number of antenatal visits, lifetime experience of emotional violence was found to decrease the odds of skilled attendance at most recent delivery by 40%, while lifetime experience of physical violence reduced the odds by 29%. Women’s experience of IPV may influence receipt of skilled attendance during parturition, and should be addressed as national programs and their international partners align efforts to contribute to the achievement of Millennium Development Goal 5.
Inhibition of Estrogen-Induced Sexual Receptivity by Androgens: Role of the Androgen Receptor☆

Both naturally occurring and synthetic androgens have been shown to inhibit estrogen-induced sexual receptivity when administered to ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The mechanisms by which androgens exert these effects, however, remain unclear. Experiments were conducted to determine the role of the androgen receptor in the inhibition of estrogen-induced sexual receptivity in OVX rats by using flutamide, an androgen receptor antagonist. In each experiment, OVX Long-Evans rats received 6 consecutive days of estradiol benzoate (EB; 2.0 microg/day) followed by 15 days of EB concurrent with flutamide (10. 0 mg/kg; twice daily) or the vehicle and one of the following androgens or the vehicle: dihydrotestosterone propionate (7.5 mg/kg), 3alpha-androstanediol (3.75 mg/kg), 17alpha-methyltestosterone (7.5 mg/kg), stanozolol (7.5 mg/kg), or nandrolone decanoate (7.5 mg/kg). On Day 15, all female rats received progesterone (P; 1.0 mg/rat) 4 h before testing. Tests for sexual receptivity were conducted on Days 3, 6, 14, and 15 of androgen/flutamide treatment. Each androgen inhibited sexual receptivity as expected, and concurrent treatment with flutamide reversed the inhibitory effects of all androgens on sexual receptivity on all test days. High levels of sexual receptivity were displayed in response to P on Day 15, regardless of experimental treatment. These results suggest that naturally occurring and synthetic androgens act at the androgen receptor to inhibit estrogen-induced sexual receptivity in OVX rats.
Smoking and reverse cholesterol transport: evidence for gene-environment interaction.

We report here another example of the role of gene-environment interaction in determining the components of lipid metabolism. We have examined to impact of a polymorphic structural variation of a candidate gene. Apolipoprotein (apo) H, on nine lipid and apolipoprotein phenotypes
Nonmedical Vaccine Exemptions and Pertussis in California, 2010

BACKGROUND: In 2010, 9120 cases of pertussis were reported in California, more than any year since 1947. Although this resurgence has been widely attributed to waning immunity of the acellular vaccine, the role of vaccine refusal has not been explored in the published literature. Many factors likely contributed to the outbreak, including the cyclical nature of pertussis, improved diagnosis, and waning immunity; however, it is important to understand if clustering of unvaccinated individuals also played a role. METHODS: We analyzed nonmedical exemptions (NMEs) for children entering kindergarten from 2005 through 2010 and pertussis cases with onset in 2010 in California to determine if NMEs increased in that period, if children obtaining NMEs clustered spatially, if pertussis cases clustered spatially and temporally, and if there was statistically significant overlap between clusters of NMEs and cases. RESULTS: Kulldorff’s scan statistics identified 39 statistically significant clusters of high NME rates and 2 statistically significant clusters of pertussis cases in this time period. Census tracts within an exemptions cluster were 2.5 times more likely to be in a pertussis cluster (odds ratio = 2.47, 95% confidence interval: 2.22–2.75). More cases occurred within as compared with outside exemptions clusters (incident rate ratios = 1.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.10–1.30). The association remained significant after adjustment for demographic factors. NMEs clustered spatially and were associated with clusters of pertussis cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest clustering of NMEs may have been 1 of several factors in the 2010 California pertussis resurgence.
Quadratic forms on complex random matrices and channel capacity

Quadratic forms on complex random matrices and their joint eigenvalue densities are derived with the goal of studying the ergodic channel capacity of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) Rayleigh distributed wireless communication channels. We consider MIMO channels which are correlated at the transmitter and/or the receiver ends and evaluate the corresponding ergodic capacity formulas. These formulas are expressed in terms of complex zonal polynomials. This study shows how channel correlation degrades the capacity of the communication systems.
New coding schemes for increased number of users or messages in frequency-hopped multilevel FSK

The properties of four new frequency hop coding schemes are investigated. These schemes allow the maximum number of users (or messages) to be proportional to the square of the length of the code used in the system. They are based on n-th order congruences except that an additional term is introduced in the polynomial that defines the placement operator. The frequency difference function for each of these schemes is derived and analyzed, and the maximum number of hits in the auto- and cross-hit arrays is calculated. It is shown that there is only a slight increase in the number of hits as compared to the previous schemes.
Non-Newtonian Fluid Mixing in a Twin-Screw Mixer Geometry: Three-Dimensional Mesh Development, Effect of Fluid Model and Operating Conditions

Mixing was examined in a Readco continuous mixer (Readco Kurimoto, LLC, York, PA); a mesh was developed for three-dimensional (3D) finite element method simulation and validated against experimental Newtonian fluid results. The mesh was designed to ensure accuracy in areas with a high velocity gradient while minimizing computational cost. It was utilized for investigation of non-Newtonian fluids, including power-law and Bird-Carreau models. Simple shear flow is seen at high gamma in the center of the mixer; efficient dispersive mixing appears near the barrel wall at all flow rates. Both configurations experience increasing velocity and gamma with mixer speed. Efficient dispersive mixing is observed near the barrel center with parallel paddles. Staggered paddles cause areas of backflow, improving fluid retention time. Under the same operating conditions, the Bird-Carreau fluid shows the greater influence of paddle motion, including less flow-through and significant backflow. Maximum gamma is higher than that seen for the power-law fluid, while mixing index maxima are similar for both fluids. Practical Applications This work evaluates mixing using complex fluids in a realistic geometry and explores the effect of different operating conditions. Previous work has been confined to mainly Newtonian fluids or simplified geometries. A major benefit of 3D numerical simulation is that it enables comprehensive, noninvasive fluid analysis and determination of mixing quality. The most valuable simulations are those that closely mimic existing equipment scenarios. This information will allow industry users to design more efficient mixers and develop better mixer configurations with lower capital cost. This is particularly important to the dough industry which needs a well-defined mixing profile for both product rheology and machinability.
Allosteric Interactions Required for High-Affinity Binding of Dihydropyridine Antagonists to CaV1.1 Channels Are Modulated by Calcium in the Pore

Dihydropyridines (DHPs) are an important class of drugs, used extensively in the treatment of angina pectoris, hypertension, and arrhythmia. The molecular mechanism by which DHPs modulate Ca2+ channel function is not known in detail. We have found that DHP binding is allosterically coupled to Ca2+ binding to the selectivity filter of the skeletal muscle Ca2+ channel CaV1.1, which initiates excitation-contraction coupling and conducts L-type Ca2+ currents. Increasing Ca2+ concentrations from approximately 10 nM to 1 mM causes the DHP receptor site to shift from a low-affinity state to a high-affinity state with an EC50 for Ca2+ of 300 nM. Substituting each of the four negatively charged glutamate residues that form the ion selectivity filter with neutral glutamine or positively charged lysine residues results in mutant channels whose DHP binding affinities are decreased up to 10-fold and are up to 150-fold less sensitive to Ca2+ than wild-type channels. Analysis of mutations of amino acid residues adjacent to the selectivity filter led to identification of Phe-1013 and Tyr-1021, whose mutation causes substantial changes in DHP binding. Thermo-dynamic mutant cycle analysis of these mutants demonstrates that Phe-1013 and Tyr-1021 are energetically coupled when a single Ca2+ ion is bound to the channel pore. We propose that DHP binding stabilizes a nonconducting state containing a single Ca2+ ion in the pore through which Phe-1013 and Tyr-1021 are energetically coupled. The selectivity filter in this energetically coupled high-affinity state is blocked by bound Ca2+, which is responsible for the high-affinity inhibition of Ca2+ channels by DHP antagonists.
Tumor-Primed, In Vitro-Activated CD4+ Effector T Cells Establish Long-Term Memory without Exogenous Cytokine Support or Ongoing Antigen Exposure

Tumor-reactive T cells can be primed in vivo, then activated in vitro to provide numerical expansion and uniform acquisiton of effector phenotype and function. Adoptive transfer of effector T cells mediates complete regression of established tumors in animal models. Some experimental models indicate that extensive in vitro proliferation of T cells inhibits efficacy and that central memory T cells (T(CM)) provide greater activity than effector memory T cells (T(EM)). Clinical studies also demonstrate that persistence of adoptively transferred T cells is associated with therapeutic response, thus identifying that conditions to maximize effector cell numbers yet retain memory function are important. In this article, we demonstrate that adoptive transfer of in vitro activated effector CD4(+) T cells into tumor-free congenic mice mediates rejection of tumor challenge 9 mo later, at which time T cells re-express activation markers and undergo rapid proliferation at tumor sites. Analysis of the phenotype of memory cells in lymphoid tissues following adoptive transfer shows high CD44 expression with heterogeneous expression of CD62L, indicating a mixture of T(EM) and T(CM) phenotypes. Memory cells were sorted into two subsets based on CD62L expression levels and then activated in vitro. Although T(EM) cells proliferated more rapidly, T(EM) and T(CM) cells acquired effector phenotype and function. These data indicate that controlled in vitro expansion of tumor-reactive T cells for adoptive immunotherapy also provides a competent memory response.
Denture stomatitis: a role for Candida biofilms.

Abstract Objective To assess the contribution of Candida biofilms to the etiology of denture stomatitis. Study design Samples of denture acrylic were retrieved from patients with denture stomatitis and subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Oral swab and swish samples were taken from the same group of patients and representative C albicans isolates recovered were used to investigate the kinetics of biofilm development in vitro. Results Candida biofilms could be visualized by SEM directly from denture samples from patients with denture stomatitis. These biofilms showed a propensity to adhere along cracks and imperfections of the denture acrylic. C albicans clinical isolates were able to form biofilms in vitro, although differences in the extent of biofilm formation were observed for different isolates recovered from the same patient. Susceptibility testing indicated that the resulting biofilms showed increased resistance to antifungal treatment. Presence of serum and saliva conditioning films increased the initial adherence of selected isolates but had little effect in overall biofilm formation. Conclusions Candida biofilms play a role in denture stomatitis.
A herpes simplex virus vector system for expression of complex cellular cDNA libraries.

Viral vector-based gene expression libraries from normal or diseased tissues offer opportunities to interrogate cellular functions that influence or participate directly in specific biological processes. Here we report the creation and characterization of a herpes simplex virus (HSV)-based expression library consisting of cDNAs derived from PC12 pheochromocytoma cells. A replication-defective HSV vector backbone was engineered to contain both a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) and the Invitrogen in vitro Gateway recombination system, creating DBAC-GW. A cDNA library was produced and transferred into the DBAC-GW genome by in vitro recombination and selection in bacteria to produce DBAC-L. DBAC-L contained at least 15,000 unique cDNAs, as shown by DNA array analysis of PCR-amplified cDNA inserts, representing a wide range of cancerand neuron-related cellular functions. Transfection of the recombinant DBAC-L DNA into complementing animal cells produced more than 1 million DBAC-L virus particles representing the library genes. By microarray analysis of vector-infected cells, we observed that individual members of this vector population expressed unique PC12 cDNA-derived mRNA, demonstrating the power of this system to transfer and express a variety of gene activities. We discuss the potential utility of this and similarly derived expression libraries for genome-wide approaches to identify cellular functions that participate in complex host-pathogen interactions or processes related to disease and to cell growth and development. It is well recognized that genome-wide analysis of functions that influence cellular processes is needed to fully appreciate the complexity of tissue development, the establishment and progression of malignancy, and the transcriptional and translational control of cell-cell interactions, cell signaling, and cell growth. The development of unbiased probes coupled to genetic screening methods is essential for the interrogation of cellular environments where multiple biological events are occurring simultaneously. For example, we previously reported the use of replication-defective herpes simplex virus type 1
Efficiency-Based Auto-Tuning of Current Sensing and Sharing Loops in Multiphase Converters

Multiphase converters require a current-sharing loop to maintain equal or desired current sharing between phases or paralleled modules. The current-sharing loop is highly sensitive to current-sensing accuracy. In this letter, a method is presented to achieve auto-tuning of the current-sharing loop in multiphase converters while adaptively calibrating the current sensing based on power conversion efficiency. This is achieved without the need for a precise calibration reference or resistor and with no dependency on sensing accuracy. A digital controller implementation of the method is described and experimental results are obtained for a 0.84 V/30 A two-phase buck voltage regulator.
Cognitive biases in the use of computer-based decision support systems

Abstract When cognitive biases interfere with the decision-making process, they can seriously influence the quality of the final decision. Such biases may also, therefore, be limiting the effective use of computer-based decision support systems. Thus, it is important to determine whether or not biases can be ameliorated during decision-making when the process is supported by a computerized system and, if so, how this debiasing can be achieved. This paper suggests several ways of debiasing individuals in a computer-supported decision process and presents the results of a study which tests one debiasing method. Results indicate that biases do hamper computer-supported decision-making and that debiasing may be very difficult to achieve.
Imaging of myeloma: beyond lytic lesions

SUMMARY This review will focus on the imaging findings present in patients with typical symptomatic multiple myeloma. The emphasis will be on recent developments related to advanced imaging techniques. There are several different ways to stage or risk-stratify patients with symptomatic multiple myeloma after the diagnosis has been established. The International Myeloma Working Group issued a consensus statement regarding imaging of myeloma patients in 2009. The consensus was that the conventional radiographic survey should still be carried out as the baseline imaging study and that MRI should be added whenever possible. Many other imaging exams are available including: CT, PET/CT, MRI and sestamibi. The strengths and weaknesses of all of the available imaging techniques will be summarized.
Antibiotic Management of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus–Associated Acute Pulmonary Exacerbations in Cystic Fibrosis

Objective: To review the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)–associated acute pulmonary exacerbations (APEs) in cystic fibrosis (CF). Data Sources: A search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Clinicaltrials.gov databases through November 2014 was conducted using the search terms Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, pulmonary exacerbations, and cystic fibrosis. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language research articles, case reports, and case series were evaluated. A total of 185 articles were identified related to MRSA and CF; 30 articles that studied treatments of MRSA APE in CF were included. Data Synthesis: The persistent presence of MRSA in the respiratory tract of patients with CF has been associated with higher morbidity and an increased risk of death. Limited clinical data exist supporting the efficacy of any specific antimicrobial currently available for the treatment of APE secondary to MRSA. Conclusions: Data extra...
Influence of prior knowledge on automatic and voluntary postural adjustments in healthy and hemiplegic subjects.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of prior instruction on automatic postural responses and voluntary postural sways measured about the ankle joint. Ten subjects with right hemiplegia resulting from a cerebrovascula r accident (mean age = 56 ± 14 years) and 5 healthy subjects (mean age = 47 ± 6 years) stood symmetrically on a movable force platform. During platforminduced sway, the support surface was translated horizontally to induce antero­ posterior body sway about the ankle joints. Surface electromyographs were obtained from the tibialis anterior, quadriceps femoris, gastrocnemius, and ham­ string muscles bilaterally. Prior knowledge appeared to have no significant influence on healthy subjects' ability to execute postural adjustments more rapidly during AP displacements. Hemiplegic subjects exhibited longer and more variable latencies in the paretic limb than in the nonparetic limb during voluntary AP weight shifts. When hemiplegic subjects had prior knowledge of the platform's movement (time and direction), latencies were significantly shorter in the paretic limb and could be as brief as those seen in the nonparetic limb. The results showed that prior knowledge may be an important treatment consideration for patients with muscle timing disorders.
Editor's comments: big data and IS research

For the last two or three years, the field of “big data” has emerged as the new frontier in the wide spectrum of IT-enabled innovations and opportunities allowed by the information revolution. The ever-increasing creation of massive amounts of data through an extensive array of several new data generating sources has prompted organizations, consultants, scientists, and academics to direct their attention to how to harness and analyze big data. Businesses are looking for a technology-based competitive advantage, while the public, academic, and scientific sectors look for opportunities to understand the world in unprecedented ways. The expectations are high that big data will propel our society into an exciting era of across the board innovations.
Naltrexone improves quit rates, attenuates smoking urge, and reduces alcohol use in heavy drinking smokers attempting to quit smoking.

Background: Heavy drinking smokers (HDS) have more difficulty quitting smoking than lighter drinkers or abstainers. The opioid antagonist naltrexone may improve smoking quit rates and reduce alcohol use in drinker–smokers, but its relative efficacy in smokers with a range of drinking patterns is unknown. The current study tested the hypothesis that HDS would show differential benefit of naltrexone versus placebo relative to moderate-to-light or nondrinking smokers in terms of improving smoking outcomes and reducing alcohol consumption. Methods: Adult smokers (N = 315) enrolled in a 12-week, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of 50 mg naltrexone for smoking cessation were categorized into subgroups based upon past 6-month drinking patterns: HDS (n = 69; i.e., averaged ≥2 heavy drinking episodes per month), moderate-tolight drinking smokers (n = 204, i.e., consumed 1 drink up to a maximum of <2 heavy drinking episodes per month on average), or nondrinking smokers (n = 42, no alcohol consumed in the past 6 months). The groups were compared on the main study outcomes of biochemically verified prolonged abstinence quit rates (i.e., no smoking weeks 2 to 12), and smoking urge and alcohol use (drinks/wk) during treatment. Results: Naltrexone significantly increased 12-week smoking abstinence rates and decreased smoking urge and alcohol use among HDS, but not moderate-to-light or nondrinking smokers. Mediation analyses in HDS revealed that naltrexone’s effect on smoking urge during the first 4 weeks of treatment mediated its effect on quit rates. Conclusions: HDS appear to be particularly sensitive to naltrexone effects on smoking and drinking outcomes. This group may represent an important target for adjunctive treatment with naltrexone to optimize smoking cessation outcomes.
Developing effective continuous on-line monitoring technologies to manage service degradation of nuclear power plants

Recently, there has been increased interest in using prognostics (i.e, remaining useful life (RUL) prediction) for managing and mitigating aging effects in service-degraded passive nuclear power reactor components. A vital part of this philosophy is the development of tools for detecting and monitoring service-induced degradation. Experience with in-service degradation has shown that rapidly-growing cracks, including several varieties of stress corrosion cracks (SCCs), can grow through a pipe in less than one fuel outage cycle after they initiate. Periodic inspection has limited effectiveness at detecting and managing such degradation requiring a more versatile monitoring philosophy. Acoustic emission testing (AET) and guided wave ultrasonic testing (GUT) are related technologies with potential for on-line monitoring applications. However, harsh operating conditions within NPPs inhibit the widespread implementation of both technologies. For AET, another hurdle is the attenuation of passive degradation signals as they travel though large components, relegating AET to targeted applications. GUT is further hindered by the complexity of GUT signatures limiting its application to the inspection of simple components. The development of sensors that are robust and inexpensive is key to expanding the use of AET and GUT for degradation monitoring in NPPs and improving overall effectiveness. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of AET and GUT in NPPs can be enhanced through thoughtful application of tandem AET-GUT techniques.
Issues in the Design and Implementation of Expert Systems

This article discusses the issues that arise in the design and implementation of expert systems. These issues include: task selection; the stages of development of expert system projects; knowledge acquisition; languages and tools; development and run-time environments; and organizational and institutional issues. The article closes with some speculation about the future development of expert systems.
The dilution effect: Nondiagnostic information weakens the implications of diagnostic information☆

In a series of studies, subjects were asked to make predictions about target individuals. Some subjects were given information about the target which pretest subjects had judged to be “diagnostic’‘-that is, had judged to be usefully predictive of the outcome. Other subjects were given a mix of information judged to be diagnostic and information judged to be “nondiagnostic” by pretest subjectsthat is, judged to be of little value for predicting the outcome. Subjects given mixed information made much less extreme predictions than did subjects given only diagnostic information. It was argued that this “dilution effect” occurs because people make predictions by making simple similarity judgments. That is, they compare the information they have about the target with their conception of outcome categories. The presence of individuating but nondiagnostic information about the target reduces the similarity between the target and those outcomes that are suggested by the diagnostic information. One of the major implications is that stereotypes and other “social knowledge structures” may be applied primarily to
The Market Reaction To Voluntary Stock Option Expense Recognition Announcements

Recently, numerous firms announced that they would voluntarily begin recognizing the SFAS 123 expense. We use standard event-study methodology and regression analysis to analyze the equity valuation effects of these announcements. SFAS 123 requires firms to calculate the fair value of stock options granted but allows firms to either recognize the expense in their income statements or simply disclose the impact on net income in financial statement footnotes. Our results reveal statistically significant positive abnormal announcement period returns for the full sample of firms analyzed, with results mainly driven by firms that are early (July or August 2002 announcements) announcers. In addition, regressions confirm a significant negative relationship between the size of the stock option expense and the abnormal announcement returns.