cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection of adsorption of Ru(II) and Os(II) polypyridyl complexes on gold and silver nanoparticles by single-photon counting emission measurements.

The present study describes a new application of ruthenium(II) tris(bipyridine) (Ru(bpy)32+) and osmium(II) tris(bipyridine) (Os(bpy)32+) as phosphorescent labels for the quantification of surface binding of molecules to gold and silver nanoparticles. The fraction of Ru(bpy)32+ and Os(bpy)32+ that is in solution can be distinguished from the surface-bound fraction by the relative lifetimes and integrated emission yields as determined by time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) spectroscopy. Complementary steady-state measurements were carried out to confirm surface attachment of the phosphorescent label molecules. Although the emission of solutions of Ru(bpy)32+ and Os(bpy)32+ is quenched proportional to the concentration of 10 nm Au or 20 nm Ag nanoparticles, the quenching is static and not diffusional quenching observed in Stern−Volmer plots. The results demonstrate that time-resolved spectroscopy provides a rapid method for the measurement of surface binding of labeled molecules on metallic nanop...
What should the physician do when creatinine increases after starting an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker?

A commonclinical problem arises when these renin-angio-tensin system–blocking drugs are started and theserum creatinine becomes elevated above thepatient’s baseline level. This may cause concernand may lead to stopping the ACE inhibitor orARB. Here, we offer our clinical approach to thisproblem.ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of angio-tensin I to angiotensin II by inhibiting the ACEinhibitor enzyme complex, while ARBs inhibit thebinding of angiotensin to its AT1 receptor. Angio-tensin II constricts both the afferent and efferentarterioles, but it preferentially increases efferentarteriole resistance. When an ACE inhibitor orARB is used, there is a decrease in resistance at theefferent (postglomerular) arteriole; this lowers intra-glomerular pressure and reduces the glomerular ﬁl-tration rate (GFR).
Best Interest of the Child: Surrogate Decision Making and the Economics of Externalities

The case of Twin B involves the decision to send a newborn to a less intensive Level 2 special care nursery (SCN) than to the Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that is considered optimal by the physician. The physician’s acceptance of the transfer is against the child’s best interest and is due to parental convenience. In analyzing the case, we reject the best interest standard. Our rejection is partly supported by the views of Douglas Diekema, John Hardwig, and Lannie Ross. Instead of the best interest standard, we offer and defend an approach we base on a microeconomic analysis of externalities, such as those involved with automobile emissions. This extends our previously presented general microeconomic approach to patient decision-making. It provides a clearer way to evaluate situations, like those of Twin B, in which burdens faced by family members may be used to determine the appropriate level of treatment for a decisionally incapable patient.
Efficient and accurate gate sizing with piecewise convex delay models

We present an efficient and accurate gate sizing tool that employs a novel piecewise convex delay model, handling both rise and fall delays, for static CMOS gates. The delay model is used in a new version of a gate-sizing tool called Forge, which not only exhibits optimality, but also efficiently produces the area versus delay trade-off curve for a block in one step. Forge includes a realistic delay propagation scheme that combines arrival times and slew-rates. Forge is 6.4X faster than a commercial transistor sizing tool, while achieving better delay targets and uses 28% less transistor area for specific delay targets, on average.
An empirical validation of object-oriented metrics in two different iterative software processes

Object-oriented (OO) metrics are used mainly to predict software engineering activities/efforts such as maintenance effort, error proneness, and error rate. There have been discussions about the effectiveness of metrics in different contexts. In this paper, we present an empirical study of OO metrics in two iterative processes: the short-cycled agile process and the long-cycled framework evolution process. We find that OO metrics are effective in predicting design efforts and source lines of code added, changed, and deleted in the short-cycled agile process and ineffective in predicting the same aspects in the long-cycled framework process. This leads us to believe that OO metrics' predictive capability is limited to the design and implementation changes during the development iterations, not the long-term evolution of an established system in different releases.
Nonclassical hydrodynamic behavior of Sn plasma irradiated with a long duration CO2 laser pulse

It was found that the electron density scale length of Sn plasma irradiated with a long duration CO2 laser pulse is much shorter than that predicted by the classical isothermal model. The experimentally observed small dominant region of in-band (2% bandwidth) 13.5-nm extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emission coincides with this constrained hydrodynamic behavior. The lower hydrodynamic efficiency may come from the strongly inhibited ablation mass and makes a CO2-laser-produced Sn plasma suitable as an EUV radiation source.
Personality, Cognitive Style, Motivation, and Aptitude Predict Systematic Trends in Analytic Forecasting Behavior

The decision sciences are increasingly challenged to advance methods for modeling analysts, accounting for both analytic strengths and weaknesses, to improve inferences taken from increasingly large and complex sources of data. We examine whether psychometric measures—personality, cognitive style, motivated cognition—predict analytic performance and whether psychometric measures are competitive with aptitude measures (i.e., SAT scores) as analyst sample selection criteria. A heterogeneous, national sample of 927 participants completed an extensive battery of psychometric measures and aptitude tests and was asked 129 geopolitical forecasting questions over the course of 1 year. Factor analysis reveals four dimensions among psychometric measures; dimensions characterized by differently motivated “top-down” cognitive styles predicted distinctive patterns in aptitude and forecasting behavior. These dimensions were not better predictors of forecasting accuracy than aptitude measures. However, multiple regression and mediation analysis reveals that these dimensions influenced forecasting accuracy primarily through bias in forecasting confidence. We also found that these facets were competitive with aptitude tests as forecast sampling criteria designed to mitigate biases in forecasting confidence while maximizing accuracy. These findings inform the understanding of individual difference dimensions at the intersection of analytic aptitude and demonstrate that they wield predictive power in applied, analytic domains.
Advancements in the Treatment of Epilepsy

Diagnostic tools and treatment options for epilepsy have expanded in recent years. Imaging techniques once confined to research laboratories are now routinely used for clinical purposes. Medications that were unavailable a few years ago are now first-line agents. Patients with refractory seizures push for earlier surgical intervention, consider treatment with medical devices, and actively seek nonpharmacologic alternatives. We review some of these recent advances in the management of epilepsy.
RNA editing in trypanosomatid mitochondria.

INTRODUCTION 327 kDNA 328 Ma.ti circle s .... 329 Mi nicircle s . . ..... . . . . . . . ......... . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . ... . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . 329 kDNA Mutati o ns . . .. ... . .... . . .. . .. . .. . . .. . . . . .. . .. ... . . . . ... ..... . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . 331 RNA EDITING IS TRANSCRIPT AND TRANSCRIPT-REGION SPECIFIC 332 E diti ng of Re stricte d Reg i o ns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 332 Exte nsive E diti ng . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332 CONSEQUENCES OF EDITING 334 GUIDE RNA 335 g RNA Characteri stics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335 g RNA C o di ng Seque nce s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335 PA RTIALL Y EDITED mRNAs 337 Junctio ns. . . . . . . ..... .. . . . ... . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . ... 337 Mo dels of g RNA Usag e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339 The E diting Machine ry ........ 340 DEVELOPMENTAL REGULATION 340 PERSPECTIVE. . . . . ..... .... ... . . . . . . . .... ...... ..... 341
Serving Members' Needs While Building a Consensus: The Development of The Wildlife Society's Position Statement on Economic Growth

The editor of Wildlife Society Bulletin asked me to respond to the Gates et al. (2006) article on The Wildlife Society's (TWS) economic growth policy statement. This was done with the concurrence of the authors of that article. I prepared a draft of this response, then ran it by Council, along with the Gates manuscript, the original proposed policy statement, and the policy statement approved by Council. In our reading of the Gates manuscript, the issues raised by the authors seem to be twofold: 1) the process by which this policy statement was adopted, and, 2) the content of the adopted policy, which varies significantly from that proposed by the TWS Working Group on Local Governance. I will address both issues.
The relative importance of trait vs. genetic differentiation for the outcome of interactions among plant genotypes

Functional trait differences and genetic distance are increasingly used as metrics to predict the. outcome of species interactions and the maintenance of diversity. We apply these ideas to intraspecific diversity for the seagrass Zostera marina (eelgrass), by explicitly testing the influence of trait distance and genetic relatedness on the outcome of pairwise interactions among eelgrass genotypes. Increasing trait distance (but not relatedness) between eelgrass genotypes decreased the likelihood that both would persist over a year-long field experiment, contrary to our expectations based on niche partitioning. In plots in which one genotype excluded another, the biomass and growth of the remaining genotype increased with the trait distance and genetic relatedness of the initial pair, presumably due to a legacy of past interactions. Together these results suggest that sustained competition among functionally similar genotypes did not produce a clear winner, but rapid exclusion occurred among genotypes with distinct trait combinations. Borrowing from coexistence theory, we argue that fitness differences between genotypes with distinct traits overwhelmed any stabilizing effects of niche differentiation. Previously observed effects of eelgrass genetic diversity on performance may rely on nonadditive interactions among multiple genotypes or sufficient environmental heterogeneity to increase stabilizing forces and/or interactions.
Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase Activity A New Modification and an Analytical Assessment of Current Assay Technics

The spectrophotometric and colorimetric procedures for the assay of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) activity are assessed. Directions are given for the preparation of reagents and for a procedure that corrects the errors in the spectrophotometric method without altering its basic simplicity. The colorimetric procedure employing dinitrophenylhydrazine showed poor accuracy due, in part, to a large and variable blank. The proposed procedure eliminates the troublesome group of analytic results, "borderline" measurements, a source of diagnostic uncertainty.
The Morphology and Histology of the Hymenopterous Poison Apparatus. II. Pogonomyrmex badius (Formicidae)

Although there is a general similarity in the poison apparatus of various ant species, that of Pogonomyrmex badius (Latreille) differs in several respects from those of species previously reported. Glandular and reservoir regions, sclerites, and 11 associated muscle groups make up the apparatus, described here in detail. Chief differences occur in the sclerites. The glandular and reservoir structures are similar to those reported for the imported fire ant, Solenopsis saevissima richteri Forel, except that a poison filter is lacking in P. badius . A small, delicate furcula functions in a fashion identical to that of the much larger and stronger furculas found in other ants. There are some differences between the lancet barbs of P. badius and those of other Pogonomyrmex species. The severe effects of stings are described and discussed, as is the occasional inability of this ant to retract its lancets from the victim.
Our Singing Children: Developing Singing Accuracy

The purpose of this article is to help the music educator maximize the time allotted to singing with children in the classroom. It will address what teachers and children in the classroom may do to...
The Atomic-Scale Characterization of Defects on Cleaved Vanadium and Molybdenum Oxide Surfaces Using Stm

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) was used to determine the structure of cleaved, single crystal surfaces of V205, V6013, Mo18052, and Mo8023. Constant current images were recorded in ultrahigh vacuum and in air. By imaging well-defined surfaces that exhibit structural and chemical similarities, and comparing the observations to the known bulk structures, it is possible to establish a reliable interpretation for the contrast in the STM images. A comparison of images from the V6013(001) and the V205(001) surfaces clearly shows that the surface V coordination polyhedra that are capped by vanadyl 0 can be distinguished from those that are not. This allows vacancies in the vanadyl 0 position to be identified on cleaved V205(001) surfaces. Mo18052(100) and Mo8023(010) provide models for two different characteristic types of surface/crystallographic shear (CS) plane intersections. The shear in Mo8023 lies in the (010) surface plane and creates dark contrast along the [001]. The CS planes in Mo18052, on the other hand, have components of shear both in and normal to the (100) surface plane and create white contrast parallel to [010]. These standards for contrast identification can be used to identify defects on inhomogeneous surfaces.
Heart rate of fishers (Martes pennanti) during exercise

Heart rates for four fishers ( Martes pennanti ) were recorded while the animals were on a treadmill. Gaits used and the average speeds at which they occurred were: walk (3.4 km/ h); trot (5.2 km/h); trot and half-bound combination (8.3 km/h); half-bound with some bounding (9.4 km/h). Exercise heart rates increased linearly with speed and ranged from 120 beats/min at rest to 389 at the highest test speed. All regression models of heart rate and speed for individual animals and all animals combined were statistically significant.
Photographic Assessment of Optic Disc and Retinal Vasculature in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Patients (P07.262)

Objective: To evaluate optic nerve and retinal vasculature appearance prospectively in patients undergoing routine, diagnostic polysomnography (dPSG). Background OSA alters cerebral vascular reactivity, possibly mediated via hypercapnea. While OSA has been associated with anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, glaucoma, and raised intracranial pressure (ICP), the potentially detrimental effects upon optic nerve and retinal microvasculature health have not been comprehensively addressed. Design/Methods: Non-mydriatic fundus photography of patients undergoing overnight polysomnography was performed. Demographics and BMI were documented. A prospective questionnaire exploring medical/ocular history, increased ICP symptoms, headache, and sleepiness (including HIT6 & Berlin questionnaire) was administered. Fundus photographs were assessed for abnormalities. Fractal dimension and lacunarity (ImageJ/FracLac) of the retinal vasculature were determined. Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and hypoxic burden were the primary dPSG measures. OSA was defined as AHI>15. Results: Of 180 patients undergoing dPSG, fundus photographs were performed on 155 patients (exclusions: 20 refusals, 3 unable to give consent, 2 known hydrocephalus). Demographics: mean-age 58 years, 46% women, 59% Caucasian, 35% African-American. 23 patients had severe OSA (AHI>20,hypoxic burden>10%), and 63 moderate/mild OSA. The remaining 69 patients with other sleep diagnoses became the control population. 239 photographs were taken from the 155 patients before, during and after a night of sleep. There was no difference between OSA and non-OSA patients with respect to age, sex, ethnicity and headache phenotype (p Conclusions: There was no evidence of retinal vascular changes or optic disc edema to suggest subclinical increased ICP in our OSA population, even in those with severe OSA. Routine clinical fundoscopic screening of OSA patients appears unwarranted. Disclosure: Dr. Bruce has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fraser has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bliwise has received personal compensation for activities with Ferring Pharmaceuticals as a consultant. Dr. Trotti has nothing to disclose. Dr. Collop has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rye has received personal compensation for activities with GlaxoSmithKline, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, UCB Pharma, and Jazz Pharmaceuticals as a consultant, advisor, or speaker. Dr. Newman has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec. Dr. Biousse has nothing to disclose.
Tackling obesity among the medical profession

McCartney confuses the issue—being fat is not related to being a “good” or “bad” doctor.1 I have known excellent doctors who were fat, smoked, or whose judgment could be trusted even when tipsy. Equally, being obese does not make advice on weight reduction more effective, and the obese doctor who has lost weight can be unduly …
Quantitative studies in humans on the antagonism of lysergic acid diethylamide by chlorpromazine and phenoxybenzamine.

In human volunteers, 198 trials were made to determine the threshold dose for recognition of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25) and the effect upon this of chlorpromazine and phenoxybenzamine. The threshold dose of LSD was determined to be 20 P-g or 0.260 to 0.295 P-g per kilogram. Chlorpromazine, in a dose of 25 mg., given 30 minutes beforehand or phenoxybenzamine, in a 10 mg. dose, given at the same time blocked recognition of this dose of LSD, i.e., raised the threshold. The same dose of chlorpromazine when given at the same time as or 30 minutes after LSD did not block this recognition. Neither chlorpromazine in this dosage nor phenoxybenzamine in doses up to 30 mg. had any significant physiologic or subjective effect. The results suggest that the mechanisms through which these compounds block the recognition of LSD are different from those producing their peripheral autonomic effects. Henry
Zinc status of asthmatic, prednisone-treated asthmatic, and non-asthmatic children.

To assess interrelationships between asthma, corticosteroid therapy, growth, and zinc status in children, measurements of height, zinc and copper in serum and hair, taste acuity, and dietary intakes of energy, protein, zinc, and copper were analyzed for 29 asthmatic, 11 prednisone-treated asthmatic, and 21 non-asthmatic subjects, 6 to 20 years old. Reduced height attainment was significant only for the prednisone-treated asthmatic group and was not correlated with clinical or dietary indexes of zinc status. Dietary intake data were similar for all three groups; in comparison with the RDAs, daily intakes were adequate for both energy and zinc (80% to 90%), high for protein (185% to 225%), and low for copper (35% to 60%). Results confirmed earlier reports of growth retardation in corticosteroid-treated asthmatics; significant indications that reduced food intake or impaired zinc status played a major part were not evident.
The Diagnosis of UTI: Concentrating on Pyuria.

* Abbreviations: AB — : asymptomatic bacteriuria LE — : leukocyte esterase UTI — : urinary tract infection WBC — : white blood cell The term “pyuria” literally means “pus in the urine” but, in common usage, the focus is not on the presence of pus but on the number of white blood cells (WBCs) or amount of leukocyte esterase (LE) that exceeds a threshold and suggests a urinary tract infection (UTI). In this issue of Pediatrics , Chaudhari et al1 share the results of a study of the impact of urine concentration on the optimal threshold in the new era of automated urinalysis. Centrifugation of urine specimens has long been standard laboratory practice, presumably performed to concentrate sediment and facilitate the detection of cellular elements and bacteria. The implied (but questionable) assumption is that the process renders 1 spun specimen comparable to another in concentration. The “enhanced urinalysis”2 and automated urinalysis methods use analysis of unspun urine for cellular elements but have not attempted to control for concentration. The authors recognized concentration as a potential concern and demonstrated, with automated urinalysis, different thresholds for dilute and … Address correspondence to Kenneth B. Roberts, MD, 3500 Bramblewood Dr, Mebane, NC 27302. E-mail: kenrobertsmd{at}gmail.com
Working side by side: Creating alternative breaks as catalysts for global learning, student leadership, and social change

Alternative Breaks on college campuses have moved from a “feel good” week of service to a movement for social change. Working Side by Side is a comprehensive look at these short-term and immersive service experiences led by students during weekends or academic breaks. The authors provide an effective introduction to those unfamiliar with co-curricular service experiences, explaining the history, structure, and critical components of Alternative Breaks. In addition to its practicality as a “how-to” manual, Working Side by Side offers a more theoretical argument for understanding Alternative Breaks as a social justice movement in which students develop as active citizens and communities are made stronger through their efforts together.
An architecture for pre-warping general parametric frequency-modulated radar waveforms

It is often advantageous to modify, or warp, radar waveforms, particularly with respect to group-delay and spectral dilation. These warping adjustments may facilitate real-time motion compensation of waveforms in radar systems, especially when those waveforms are generated by a digital parametric waveform generator. Relevant waveforms to this paper include Frequency Modulated (FM) waveforms, such as the Linear-FM (LFM) chirp, Non-Linear FM (NLFM) chirp, and other general FM waveforms. We present techniques for making fine adjustments to dynamically warp general FM waveforms.
Quantifying the impact of community-scale flood mitigation

Abstract Federal, State, and local governments, non-governmental organizations, and independent local community organizations spend billions of dollars on watershed management activities. The goals of watershed management projects may span a wide spectrum including, but limited to flood reduction, soil erosion reduction, water quality improvement or protection, and/or increase source of wood fiber for fuel or construction material. Accomplishing these goals is commonly done through revegetation campaigns, construction of small-scale hydraulic works, contour terracing, and urban development planning, among others. An ongoing challenge for these agencies, along with local stakeholders is to understand the various individual and combined impacts of different mitigation measures. The methodology and models developed and applied herein provide important tools for examining the feasibility of construction and the likely impacts of gabion dams and vegetation coverage applications (e.g., hillside and channel revegetation campaigns) in steep mountainous areas upstream of populated areas. The purpose of this investigation is to quantify the impact of changes in the size and location of the gabion dams and of changes in vegetation coverage in the Ravine Millet watershed near Port-au-Price, Haiti. This environment frequently experiences strong convective precipitation events, often the result of hurricane passage over the region. Intensity-Duration-Frequency curves were developed with available data, which were then used to develop design storms associated with different return period frequencies. Hourly satellite-derived precipitation was used to identify the shape and duration of various return period storm events. This investigation then applies some commonly available hydrologic and hydraulic models and various concomitant tools used to construct those models, along with a Kinematic Routing Model to assess the impact of various mitigation strategies. Storm events with multiple peaks of similar magnitude interact with channel geometry and other hydraulic characteristics and may result in peak delay or reduce the time of arrival and may increase or decrease the magnitude of flood peaks. Results indicate that hillslope revegetation impacts to flood peak and the time or arrival of flood peaks at the watershed outlet are limited to relatively low return period storms. Results also indicate that channel vegetation can reduce the peak discharge and significantly delay the arrival of flood peaks. The combined impacts of gabion dams and channel vegetation are highly non-linear, and depend on the shape and duration of storm peaks.
Six-Year Visit

Jamar comes to the pediatric clinic with his mother, Mrs. Campbell, who was born in Jamaica and is in her mid-30s. Mrs. Campbell completed her bachelor’s degree in accounting and works for a small local accounting firm. Jamar’s paternal grandmother helps out with picking Jamar up after school and lives nearby. Jamar’s father was killed by a stray bullet during a shooting in their neighborhood. The mother says Jamar is worried about who his teacher will be in school, and if she will be nice. The grandmother is concerned about Jamar playing in sports activities because he might get hurt. Jamar is friendly and enjoys playing with other kids and playing sports. Jamar weighs 26.34 kg (58 in.) and stands 123.5 cm (48.5 in.), putting him in the 95th percentile for weight and height. His blood pressure is 96/55. His BMI is 17.3, which is in the 90th percentile. Mrs. Campbell signed Jamar up for T-ball in the local community afterschool program but the grandmother disapproved. The mother is more concerned that her son should have social experiences after school. Jamar asks if he could go to school by himself, like some of his friends, and his mother is worried that she might be overprotective but told him he may not go to school by himself until he is 9 years old. Jamar has had regular visits to the dentist and likes brushing his teeth.
Irreversible particle motion in surfactant-laden interfaces due to pressure-dependent surface viscosity

The surface shear viscosity of an insoluble surfactant monolayer often depends strongly on its surface pressure. Here, we show that a particle moving within a bounded monolayer breaks the kinematic reversibility of low-Reynolds-number flows. The Lorentz reciprocal theorem allows such irreversibilities to be computed without solving the full nonlinear equations, giving the leading-order contribution of surface pressure-dependent surface viscosity. In particular, we show that a disc translating or rotating near an interfacial boundary experiences a force in the direction perpendicular to that boundary. In unbounded monolayers, coupled modes of motion can also lead to non-intuitive trajectories, which we illustrate using an interfacial analogue of the Magnus effect. This perturbative approach can be extended to more complex geometries, and to two-dimensional suspensions more generally.
The Realization of Focus in Asturian Spanish

Spanish was classified as a language that only exploits syntactic mechanisms to mark focus. Recent experimental studies, nonetheless, have shown that speakers of different dialects are also able to use prosody to different degrees. This study aims to provide further understanding on the role played by prosody in the realization of focus in Spanish by looking at Asturian Spanish, a dialect in contact with another Romance language, Asturian. The data from a contextualized sentence completion task revealed that a phonological distinction between specific pitch categories (L+<H* vs. L+H*) cannot be established in this dialect, at least for the types of focus being elicited (i.e., informational/non-corrective vs. contrastive/corrective). Nonetheless, it also showed that speakers exploit different prosodic features (i.e., pitch range, alignment, and duration) to mark focus constituents, although their use differs as a result of that constituents’ function. These findings provide further support for the consideration of languages and specific dialects in a continuum based on the degree to which they use prosody to mark focus and to explore more in detail the phonetic implementation of focal accents.
Vector Bundles, Line Bundles and Divisors

Let X be a topological space. Suppose given another topological space E and a continuous map π: E → X, and that each fibre π−1(a) = E a, a ∈ X, is provided with the structure of a ℂ-vector space of dimension n.
Management and diagnosis of tuberculosis in solid organ transplant candidates and recipients: Expert survey and updated review

Abstract Background: Optimal screening and management of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active tuberculosis (TB) in solid organ transplant (SOT) candidates and recipients is necessary to prevent morbidity and mortality. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of TB and transplant experts across the United States reviewing the clinical practice preferences on key management issues related to LTBI and TB in SOT candidates and recipients. Results: Thirty TB and 13 SOT experts were surveyed (response rate = 53.8%). Both groups agreed that tuberculin skin test (TST) and chest x-ray screening in SOT candidates was useful (78.6% and 84.6%, respectively). TST after SOT was not useful for most transplant experts and TB experts (0% vs. 32.1%, respectively), but both groups were split on usefulness of interferon gamma release assays (IGRA) in SOT recipients (42.9% TB experts vs. 46.2% SOT experts). Most experts recommend LTBI treatment prior to SOT if close monitoring is assured (82.1% TB experts vs. 76.9% transplant experts). LTBI treatment with isoniazid was preferred for patients on calcineurin inhibitors. Evaluation for suspected TB in SOT recipients varied, but most TB experts favored sputum testing (88.9%) whereas most transplant experts favored bronchoscopic testing (69.2%). Preferred TB treatment regimens in SOT recipients were similar to regimens recommended for immunocompetent patients. Conclusions: Most TB and transplant experts recommend evaluation and treatment for LTBI in SOT candidates. Liver transplant candidates, however, should only be treated if close monitoring can be assured and after consulting with a hepatologist. Practice preferences varied regarding the initial diagnostic approach for suspected TB in SOT recipients; however, most experts agreed that SOT recipients should receive similar treatments as immunocompetent patients.
Comparison of Hydrotreating Catalyst Deactivation by Coking with Vacuum Gas Oil Vs. Anthracene

Summary Properties and catalytic activites of a hydrotreating catalyst coked to different levels with a vacuum gas oil (VGO) resulted in losses in surface area, pore volume, and catalytic activities. Comparison with previous data on anthracene-coked catalysts showed that the coke in the VGO-coked catalysts resulted in lower pore volumes and appreciable pore plugging. Deactivation of catalytic activities was generally similar, except hydrodenitrogenation was substantially lower for the-VGO coked catalysts, which was partly attributed to nitrogen on the catalyst.
Political memory, ontological security, and Holocaust remembrance in post-communist Europe

Post-communist states today are dealing with conflicting sources of ontological insecurity. They are anxious to be perceived as fully European by “core” European states, a status that remains fleet...
Antithymocyte Globulin Use for Corticosteroid Nonresponsive Rejection After Liver Transplantation.

Abstract Background and Aims Acute cellular rejection after liver transplantation usually responds to intravenous corticosteroids, yet some episodes are corticosteroid-nonresponsive. We report our experience using antithymocyte globulin therapy for corticosteroid-nonresponsive acute cellular rejection in liver transplant recipients. Methods From January 1, 2002 to January 1, 2010, 1436 patients underwent 1548 liver or liver with other organ transplantations at our institution. We identified all patients treated with antithymocyte globulin during this timeframe for corticosteroid-nonresponsive rejection. Results Twenty patients required antithymocyte globulin for 21 episodes of corticosteroid-nonresponsive rejection. Antithymocyte globulin was started a median (range) of 27 (7–2434) days post-transplantation, and median total antithymocyte globulin dose and duration was 10.5 (7.5–26.25) mg/kg and 7 (5–13) days, respectively. Resolution or marked histological improvement of rejection on Day 7 liver allograft biopsies occurred in 90% of rejection episodes treated with antithymocyte globulin. Three-year graft and patient survival rates were 60% and 65%, respectively, compared with 79% and 84% in patients not requiring antithymocyte globulin. Conclusions Antithymocyte globulin was an effective therapy for corticosteroid-nonresponsive rejection, with excellent short-term outcomes. Some liver transplant recipients failed to respond, and long-term survival was reduced, even in those who responded to antithymocyte globulin.
Atypical Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Presenting as Stroke

Here we report a case of atypical thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura that presented as an ischemic cerebrovascular accident. A 56-year-old man with multiple cardiovascular risk factors presented with sudden left-sided weakness, slurred speech, and left facial droop. He showed mild improvement when he was treated with thrombolytic therapy according to the hospital stroke protocol. Later in the course, he developed thrombocytopenia followed by schistocytes revealed by peripheral blood smear and other lab abnormalities. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) was suspected, and he was treated with total plasma exchange that improved his condition significantly. This case shows that TTP can have unusual and atypical presentations either with the first episode or upon relapse, making diagnosis extremely difficult. Because patients may not present the expected clinical findings, it is important to be aware of variant presentations. In the early stages of the disease, platelet aggregation and thrombus formation may not be widespread, and thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia may not be clinically evident. Patients can present soon after the onset of symptoms when the typical laboratory abnormalities may not have had ample time to manifest. Although most other similar cases in the literature had a previous typical presentation of the disease before an atypical presentation, our patient's first presentation was atypical. An atypical presentation of disease in a patient with cardiovascular risk factors may therefore be extremely difficult to diagnose. We believe that TTP should be considered for any patient presenting with stroke and thrombocytopenia.
Predicting protein residue-residue contacts using random forests and deep networks

The ability to predict which pairs of amino acid residues in a protein are in contact with each other offers many advantages for various areas of research that focus on proteins. For example, contact prediction can be used to reduce the computational complexity of predicting the structure of proteins and even to help identify functionally important regions of proteins. These predictions are becoming especially important given the relatively low number of experimentally determined protein structures compared to the amount of available protein sequence data. Here we have developed and benchmarked a set of machine learning methods for performing residue-residue contact prediction, including random forests, direct-coupling analysis, support vector machines, and deep networks (stacked denoising autoencoders). These methods are able to predict contacting residue pairs given only the amino acid sequence of a protein. According to our own evaluations performed at a resolution of +/− two residues, the predictors we trained with the random forest algorithm were our top performing methods with average top 10 prediction accuracy scores of 85.13% (short range), 74.49% (medium range), and 54.49% (long range). Our ensemble models (stacked denoising autoencoders combined with support vector machines) were our best performing deep network predictors and achieved top 10 prediction accuracy scores of 75.51% (short range), 60.26% (medium range), and 43.85% (long range) using the same evaluation. These tests were blindly performed on targets from the CASP11 dataset; and the results suggested that our models achieved comparable performance to contact predictors developed by groups that participated in CASP11. Due to the challenging nature of contact prediction, it is beneficial to develop and benchmark a variety of different prediction methods. Our work has produced useful tools with a simple interface that can provide contact predictions to users without requiring a lengthy installation process. In addition to this, we have released our C++ implementation of the direct-coupling analysis method as a standalone software package. Both this tool and our RFcon web server are freely available to the public at http://dna.cs.miami.edu/RFcon /.
Job Satisfaction of Information Technology Artisans in Nigeria

The support for information technology (IT) artisanship is growing in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria despite evidence that the income and the achievement opportunities are very low. The objective of this study was to examine the job satisfaction among IT artisans in Lagos, Nigeria. Data were collected from 300 respondents using a researcher-administered questionnaire. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory was deployed. However, the hierarchies were considered independent variable groups and not a linear fashion as suggested by Maslow. The respondents reported that they are not satisfied with their jobs. They, however, reported the trendiness of IT and the expectation of a breakthrough in their jobs as the basis for choosing to remain in their jobs.
9Cr steel visualization and predictive modeling

Abstract The goals of this work were to develop tools to visualize and characterize materials information, to explore new alloy compositions and/or processing, to better predict tensile strength and other mechanical properties. The 9–12 wt% Cr (9Cr) steel test data were compiled from several sources. About 3000 records with 30 predictor variables represent 82 unique steel alloy compositions, variations of thermo-mechanical processing steps and temperatures (homogenization, normalization and tempering cycles), test conditions and outcomes. Detailed data processing steps such as visualization and exploratory analysis, including univariate and bivariate analysis, different clustering techniques used to segment the data, statistical post-hoc analysis to verify significance of the findings, feature engineering to identify predictors of importance, and predictive modeling with cross-validation were performed. The outcome of analysis at each step was reviewed in the context of the domain knowledge of this class of steel, to see if there were underlying physical mechanisms that explain statistical relationships. Data analytics techniques and their parameters were fine-tuned to facilitate interpretation of the results as aligned with the insights from domain experts. The ensemble predictive modeling using Random Forest regressor and post-hoc means comparison corroborated domain knowledge on the role of Co which is known to increase strength of steel alloys through solid-solution strengthening and to affect diffusion of alloying elements and precipitates. Alloys with Co content of 0.7–8 wt% had significantly higher mean strength than the ones without (while having Cr locked within 10–11 wt% range in either group and keeping other compositional element ratios fixed). End products of the computational techniques exploration are presented as the tools that can be used in iterative workflow of materials development and testing.
In situ TEM study of the transitions between crystalline Si and nonstoichiometric amorphous oxide under bipolar voltage bias

The electrical responses, either structurally or chemically, at the interface between a SiO2 thin film and a single crystalline Si substrate are an important research subject in Si-based devices. Dielectric breakdown-induced epitaxial migration of Si into SiO2 has been reported as a degradation mechanism in field effect transistors. Here, we show a direct observation of electric field induced conversion of single crystalline Si to nonstoichiometric amorphous oxide starting from the Si/native oxide interface using in situ transmission electron microscopy. We further show that nanocrystalline Si can form in the amorphous oxide under a voltage bias of reversed polarity. Electron energy loss spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses indicate that the observed amorphization process was caused by the oxidation of Si and the recrystallization process was caused by the reduction of nonstoichiometric amorphous silicon oxide. Both transitions are a result of field-driven directional migration of oxygen which originally comes from its native oxide layer.
Effect of Plastic Deformation on Pitting Mechanism of SS304

Localized corrosion induced by plastic deformation has been reported for many alloys used in structural and functional applications. To understand the interplay of plastic deformation and pitting corrosion, samples of stainless steel 304 were subjected to different levels of plastic tensile strain and their corrosion behavior was studied. Plastic deformation is believed to alter materials’ surface condition, hence deteriorating the pitting resistance of materials. Results from this study suggest that in situ plastic deformation from 0.1 to 9 pct decreases the pitting potential of SS 304 to a similar level. Upon releasing the stress, slip steps formed at the metal surface due to plastic deformation contribute to the decrease in the pitting resistance of SS 304. Residual strain hinders pit repassivation to a minor extent. Results from electrochemical tests on samples with different levels of plastic strain are discussed in this paper.
A Preliminary, Open-Label Study of Naltrexone and Bupropion Combination Therapy for Treating Binge Drinking in Human Subjects.

Aims The combination of bupropion and naltrexone has shown efficacy in reducing binge drinking in animal models. This study assessed the tolerability and potential utility of combined naltrexone and bupropion in reducing binge drinking in human subjects. Methods This preliminary study employed an open-label, single-arm, 12-week, prospective design. Twelve men and women who exhibited a minimum of five (men) or three (women) binge drinking episodes per month over the past 3 months were recruited. All subjects received both bupropion-extended release 300 mg/day and naltrexone 50 mg/day and were monitored throughout the 3-month treatment period. Binge drinking was assessed using the timeline follow-back method. Results Treatment with combined naltrexone and bupropion reduced the average number of drinks per binge drinking day from 7.8 drinks to 6.4 drinks and reduced the average percentage of binge drinking days per month from 19% (5.7 days/month) to 5% (1.5 days/month). Naltrexone and bupropion were generally well tolerated, with insomnia, headache and nausea/diarrhea being the most common side effects. Six subjects elected to stay on medication after the trial. Conclusions This study suggests that combined naltrexone and bupropion therapy should be further investigated for tolerability and efficacy in reducing binge drinking in humans.
Identification of Alternative Splicing Changes in Erythroid Differentiation Using Human Exon Arrays.

Terminal erythroid differentiation is accompanied by extensive structural remodeling as the cell enucleates and eventually assumes the biconcave disk morphology of the mature cell. Previous studies have documented many changes at the transcriptional level essential for erythroid differentiation. Changes in erythroid gene expression also occur at the level of pre-mRNA alternative splicing: the activation of 4.1R (EPB41) exon 16 splicing in late erythroblasts increases 4.1R affinity for spectrin-actin and mechanically strengthens the plasma membrane. We hypothesize that analogous changes in alternative splicing affect the structure and function of other erythroid proteins. To identify additional alternative splicing switches in erythroid genes, a genome-wide exon expression analysis was carried out using the new Affymetrix Human Exon 1.0 ST Array. Unlike traditional gene expression microarrays, this array has single exon resolution and can detect changes in expression due to alternative splicing. Samples for array analyses were prepared from RNA of human erythroid progenitor cells grown in culture for 7, 10, and 14 days, corresponding to basophilic, polychromatic, and orthochromatic stages. Analysis of this exon array data confirmed that 4.1R exon 16 splicing was activated in day 14 cells, and that a known inhibitor of exon 16 splicing, hnRNP A1, was down-regulated in coordination with the 4.1R splicing switch. As another positive control, we confirmed in array data the expression of a known erythroid-specific 3′ end in beta-spectrin mRNA in all three time points of erythroblasts, while array data from muscle tissue showed expression of only the non-erythroid 3′ end of beta-spectrin. Array data is now being analyzed to identify new cases of alternative splicing during erythropoiesis, and confirmation of several candidate splicing switches by RT-PCR and quantitative PCR is under way. A number of genes, including PIK3R1 , SLC12A6 , and TNPO2 , show changes in alternative 5′ first exon usage during late erythropoiesis. A splicing change involving an internal cassette exon in MBNL2 , which encodes a splicing regulator, was identified by array data and confirmed by RT-PCR. In addition, overall gene expression analyses confirm up-regulation of known genes expressed during erythroid differentiation, including Band 3, GLUT1, ALAS2 , and BCL2L1 . This preliminary analysis demonstrates the application of exon arrays toward the identification of splicing switches that occur during differentiation of human erythroblasts. Further validation of putative alternative splicing events is in progress, and investigation of the regulation of the validated events and the physiological implications of the predicted changes in the proteins will be pursued in the future.